Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1464: Casino

Adam was well aware of what a casino represented, just like anyone else. His mind flickered through memories of films and television dramas where protagonists would walk into a gambling hall and instantly strike it rich.

However, he had reached an age where he recognized such scenarios as mere fairy tales. The statistical probability of hitting a jackpot was hundreds of times lower than the odds of a person awakening as a Phantom—an achievement that could potentially generate significantly more wealth.

Nevertheless, there were always those rare individuals who defied the odds, the one-in-a-million lucky souls. Was their fortune truly that immense, or did the logic simply fail to hold up?

’Heh, if you look at the numbers, hitting the big one is rarer than becoming a Phantom, yet even that won’t save you when the World Wipe arrives. Still... which is more plausible: reaching my current level of power, or successfully walking out of here with every credit this casino owns?’

While Adam was lost in his contemplations, Silvana paced by his side, her gaze fixed on the yellow chips. Each small disc represented 100 credits. Since their entry fee had cost them 10,000 credits, they currently held a stack of one hundred chips.

Naturally, as this was a gambling establishment, guests were encouraged to top up their balances whenever they pleased. The payment methods available here were more diverse than those of a major bank. It was only logical; where else would such efficiency exist?

The staff only intervened if a patron completely emptied their coffers or started a physical altercation.

"Well, I can't exactly hold it against the casinos," Adam remarked with a shrug, scanning the rows of slot machines stretching out before them. "If they can maintain this level of opulence and capital while providing premium service, it just proves that the patrons are happy to hand over their money."

Of course, every establishment had its 'whales'—individuals with such excessive wealth that they lacked any meaningful way to spend it. These high rollers would enter, lose hundreds of thousands or even millions in a single sitting, puff on an expensive cigar in frustration, and depart. A few days later, they would inevitably return to do it all over again.

But such wealthy elites were few and far between, and for them, losing a few million credits was a negligible expense.

In reality, the casino’s profit margins were built on the backs of thousands of common people. They arrived hoping to win a few hundred credits but usually left having lost several thousand. This fundamental law applied to every gambling den, whether it was an elite establishment like this or a bottom-tier dive.

"So, where do we begin? Should we try poker? Blackjack? Maybe the standard roulette or even craps?" Silvana questioned. Her eyes were bright with curiosity, though she was paralyzed by the choices.

Adam found himself in the same predicament.

"Hah, it feels like we need a professional guide just to navigate this place. Why don't we start with the slot machines? That was the first image that popped into my head when you brought up the idea of a casino."

Silvana gave a satisfied nod. "Hah, see? You're starting to get into the spirit of it. That's exactly what I meant."

Adam simply waved her off as they approached a vacant slot machine.

"Aren't you being a bit too cheerful? Look, I'm glad my status as a Phantom provides us with plenty of funds, but the sting of a loss is going to linger for a long time."

Silvana rolled her eyes and practically forced him into the seat in front of the console.

"I'm done listening to your complaining." She crossed her arms defiantly over her chest. "Maybe you're just being way too pessimistic? I'm a realist. I understand that losing is a possibility at a casino, but so is winning!"

With a stern look, she pressed a chip into his hand.

"Go on. We definitely won't win if we never start."

To their right sat a man of middle age who had been laboring over his own machine for quite some time. Overhearing their bickering, he couldn't suppress a burst of laughter.

"Hahahahaha! Pardon me, but it is painfully obvious that you two are newcomers to the casino floor."

Adam shifted his attention toward the stranger.

"Yeah, and for the record, this was her grand idea." He jerked a thumb toward Silvana. "I'm fully aware that by stepping foot in here, we're destined to lose a fortune."

Silvana scowled, which only caused the man to laugh even harder.

"Hahaha! Young man, while your caution is wise, your girlfriend has the right idea—you need to have a little faith. I've been a regular at this casino for eighteen months, and I once walked away with a massive haul!"

Adam arched an eyebrow.

"Was it the jackpot?"

The man shook his head.

"Nah, my luck hasn't reached those heights yet. But I did land a rare combination right on this very machine! That's why I only play here now. This is my lucky chair! Just think, I put in 1,000 credits and walked away with 155,000!"

Adam remained unimpressed; he had anticipated a story like that.

A question occurred to him:

"Wait, if this machine has already paid out a significant sum, wouldn't it be more logical to try a different one? I mean, since you've already drained the winnings from this unit, isn't the only thing left to hope for the jackpot?"

The man started to reply, his eyes gleaming as he prepared to boast about his other minor wins, but then...

"Argh?"

Adam's logic hit him like a physical blow. For several seconds, the man sat frozen, his words failing him.

"Hmm..." The man stroked his chin in deep thought. "That's strange, I never looked at it that way. It’s like finding a gold vein in a mine. Once you've dug out the gold, there's no reason to keep digging through the dirt and stone!"

Rather than being upset, the man remained upbeat. He swung his bag over his shoulder, stood up, and gave a friendly wave.

"Thanks for the tip! I'm off to find a truly fresh machine! You'll see, I'll be the one hitting the jackpot soon!"

Adam watched him go, letting out a heavy sigh with a faint smile.

"He's probably lost way more than he ever won, hasn't he?"

Silvana nodded, watching the man's retreating back with an analytical gaze.

"Yeah, he has the look of a lawyer. I've seen plenty of his type. But let's stop worrying about others; we're here to win!"

"Fine, fine, I hear you," Adam replied, finally slotting a chip into the machine.

He reached out and gripped the lever.

"If we walk away with more than half our money left, I'm calling it a victory!"