Chapter 193

On one side, there was a completely bulletproof, flexible material, a high-performance combat suit that had never disappointed its user.

In contrast, on the other side was a party dress that seemed to serve no purpose other than looking stylish, with its ends fluttering and parts sticking tightly to the body, restricting movement.

In such a difficult situation where there is no clear answer to which of the two outfits to choose, what decision did Ms. Anastasia, who always prioritizes safety, make?

Well… the answer was “wear both!”

…You got the answer right, but where’s the prize? Do you think someone like me, who committed such a common-sense mistake, would have prepared anything special? Just let it slide as a rough guess.

Rather than wasting time worrying, it seemed better to just put everything on, since there might be a combat situation or at least a need to adhere to a dress code… This thought led to a ridiculous fashion choice.

In the end, I just laid the originally roomy jacket over my shoulders or tucked it under my side to cover some unnecessary exposure.

The highly elastic pants were rolled up a bit to keep them out of sight, and now, after putting on the formal attire I received as a gift, it felt like I had gone through all that effort for nothing.

Given the atmosphere and the outfits of the other guests, it seemed like it would have been perfectly fine to have just come as I was… Why did that Aaron guy have to make things confusing by adding a separate outfit?

“…Ugh, this is uncomfortable.”

Click.

As I tugged at the formal attire made of a material that clung annoyingly yet didn’t stretch properly, I lost my grip. Thank goodness the inside of the establishment was cool, or with a slightly higher temperature, I would have ended up drenched in sweat from lack of ventilation.

There were quite a few people, and if I had expected a scene where guests leisurely chose their seats in a somewhat private room separated before we arrived, the scenery beyond that curtain resembled the slot machine area of a Las Vegas casino I had only seen in movies. The machines were packed in tightly, and the crowd beyond them made my head spin.

“Hey? Staff!! The machine ate my chips! The lever won’t pull!”

“…Sir, the casino machines only go into emergency standby mode if they detect an external voltage. Let me check your wristband for a moment.”

“Ah.”

“Your daily brew of mint beer! The mint beer has arrived~~ What? You didn’t order it? The person over there has paid for you…” “Damn it.” Ah…! Sir, please, no brawling inside the establishment… Hey, guard! Come over here and restrain him!!”

“Player 9! And Banker 7 for a natural. The round ends with the player’s win.”

“Hey, you little punk! Stop leaving chips on the boundary to cheat…!”

“The table manages the surface area detection itself, so it’s super sensitive… You’re lucky it’s not an old man.”

My head was buzzing. Still, I couldn’t just say that their place was a complete mess in front of the staff without any filter, so the best I could do was gossip with Zero.

“Ugh… what a chaotic scene.”

– I was quite cautious about the term ‘gambling house’ but it seems that they are judging more rationally than the lab staff back then. –

“…Is it really correct that super elite scientists are undervalued as individuals compared to casino guests?”

– Ah, given that Ahsa’s mere existence raised the academic zeal of the researchers to dangerous levels, it’s at a similar level. –

Even as we talked, the loud voices and the heated atmosphere from the gambling added to the excitement, causing my nose to tingle.

Since Aaron chose a casino, I had presumptively assumed it would be a more sophisticated and tidy establishment, but I must have been overly biased.

Honestly, if someone asked me to add credits, which are practically crystallized from my blood, sweat, and tears, to this crowd of insanity, I would freak out and try to escape.

Oh? Fortunately, it turns out I don’t have to spend any money today?

Haha! Really, how lucky…!

“Greetings! To the customer who reserved table 7! …Ah, our Rendezvous Casino does not require a trivial identity check from those who have proven their wealth, so you don’t need to extend your wrist!”

“Oh, really?”

I awkwardly withdrew the arm I had extended, after the cheerful welcome from the casino manager.

As I entered the gaming area, slightly hidden by curtains, I had expected a basic check in a space similar to a reception hall where staff were lined up. However, I was only guided to my seat number based on the entrance ticket, with no further interference.

But then again, was there a need for such an elaborate group greeting…?

“However, to prevent cheating, we just need to check for a simple implant check and see if any of the components of your accompanying security droid have special devices that might negatively affect the game’s enjoyment. Do you have a product specification sheet or catalog for our staff to reference…?”

“…I do have an electronic receipt from my last maintenance.”

“Oh, that will be more than enough!”

I wasn’t really comfortable revealing Zero’s equipment details, which were significantly more shocking, but seeing the manager rub his hands eagerly, I handed over the data obediently.

At the moment of confirming the reservation, it seemed, some conditions had already been met, so perhaps it meant I could play as an unidentified individual or even under a pseudonym, as long as I followed the casino’s rules.

Well, they weren’t confiscating weapons outright, and considering the solid reason of preventing cheating, complying for now…

‘…Wait, why am I tensing up unnecessarily over the assumption that there will be a fight?’

A sigh escaped me.

Maybe my brain, after experiencing harsh situations everywhere, got tainted, and forgot to respect freedom and peace? Who said games promote violence? The reality is far harsher.

Zing…

With extreme caution. In case any awkward or problematic physical contact occurs, a staff member holding a stick-like portable detector swept near my body.

‘Cyberware implant for transmission and reception, as well as circuit films for transactions and authentication confirmed.’ He stepped back with that restrained notification.

Considering that those two on my shoulders and wrists are basically the same as a cellphone and wallet in this era…

The sight of a pure individual who had not received any modifications brought a mix of subtle emotions.

Admiration, understanding, with a tinge of mild envy.

…Recently, having spent more time among overly sophisticated individuals than I should have, I’ve felt it more vividly.

In this world, those who approached it as a game or were truly desperate to secure their futures solely with their own power, are not the affluent ones. When they have extra money, they don’t suddenly embed metal plates under their skin… and they don’t get a dozen combat implants that are far from convenient.

Of course, there is a huge difference between not getting them and being unable to, and as someone who has experienced despair from lacking implant compatibility while suffering from mental illness, I found it incredibly distressing.

Rich people would generally prefer to have security personnel or invest in insurance to safely guard both their money and lives rather than undergo a large-scale alteration process that they have to manage for a lifetime.

Maybe they mistakenly think I am as affluent as that. …It’s infuriating!

Hey! Then what is my handgun, a fashion item!? Ugh, I might even have more real-world experience than them, yet receiving envious glances like “I wish life was that easy~” just makes my heart sink.

“Um… Sir?”

“…Yes? Huh??”

As I chewed on the staff’s rude assumptions in my mind, I wondered why they weren’t guiding me to my seat, just then, the manager who had veered off returned.

My curiosity was soon resolved.

The reason for the delay, which seemed like they were ready to let me in at any moment, was none other than:

– My official classification is not a security or combat droid, but rather a model of a budget carebot specialized in home management and household assistance. –

“Er… um… okay, then what about this huge, sharp blade?”

– …It’s a special kitchen knife designed to slice thick meats and vegetables smoothly. And my independent designation is not as an AI but as a Tin Can. –

“What do you mean by Tin Can… wait. Then, what about this autonomous multi-joint?”

– …I will answer that it is part of a mixing tool designed to prepare fresh juice on the spot for someone who prefers orange juice. –

“What the hell, no. That could be possible. Finally… what about the automated mechanisms embedded near the shoulders?”

– …It can be used for various purposes but excels in performance as a projectile launcher for long-range fire support. –

“Then it does serve combat purposes!!”

– I’ve never specifically said I didn’t. –

“Ugh! Kkh, kyaaaaaaaah—!!!!”

“Could you cooperate a bit more with the logic circuit of the droid you brought…? All parts have been checked, but as they are, they won’t pass a safety inspection, so it’s difficult to grant entry…”

“Um….”

I could only offer sincere apologies to the store’s inspection attendant, who was tearing his hair out, and our foolishly suspicious little trickster’s fantastical collaboration.

He… does that sometimes. Don’t worry, he’s not really broken! Yes.

…Zero! Hey, you can be honest! This isn’t a place asking about confiscated weapons!!

“Haaah….”

Thud! …Whoosh!

Having ascended to the upstairs past the large guards of the casino, I collapsed into a seat included in table 7.

Moreover, I’m not sure why strange casinos give out “basic chips” to first-time visitors, but anyway, Zero started neatly organizing the chips worth about 2 million on the table.

“…Want to pile them in a corner? The front might need space for plates.”

– Understood. –

I felt drained even though we had just entered.

I casually turned the chair to look around the surroundings and down below, and the view itself was quite nice.

The excitement coming from various sections such as card games, slot machines, and robot fighting felt vivid.

However, here, the leisurely atmosphere mixed with the extravagant outfits of the participants and the fragrances of various dishes ordered by other guests created an enjoyable environment for browsing.

…Perhaps because of that, there seemed to be quite a few arrogant fools busy flaunting themselves, which was equally bothersome. Nonetheless.

So here I am… we are!

Successfully having ventured out to the designated place, within the set time, and even conforming to the troublesome dress code.

Now, the only remaining problem is a very trivial decision-making task.

But how do I best express this to convey my complex dilemma without reservation… um…

“…So what do we do now??”