"Oh, before I go, let's play a little game," Aventurine said, his voice smooth as silk. "It's simple, really. Guess which hand holds the chip—just a friendly get-to-know-you, to help you understand my... character and methods."
A clear, crisp sound rang out. A gleaming chip, like a miniature shooting star, arced through the air before vanishing in an instant. Then, two tightly clenched fists appeared, held horizontally before the Trailblazer.
"Left or right?" Aventurine's deep, magnetic voice resonated, carrying an almost irresistible allure. "Ready... I'm about to reveal the answer!"
He paused, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Oh, I forgot to ask which side you'd choose. But no matter, because—"
Aventurine began to approach the Trailblazer, each step deliberate and powerful. He moved with unhurried grace, savoring the tension building in the air.
The Trailblazer's eyes were fixed on those hands, her heart racing with anticipation. She didn't know what awaited her, but a potent mix of curiosity and excitement surged within her.
Slowly, teasingly, Aventurine opened his left hand—empty. Then the right—also devoid of the chip.
"My friend," Aventurine's gaze locked onto the Trailblazer, exuding an invisible pressure. His voice, though soft, struck like a hammer against her heart. "Let's make a deal."
The Trailblazer suddenly felt an odd sensation in her palm. She quickly opened her hand to find the exquisite chip resting there, as if by magic.
[March 7th: How did he do that?!]
[Bronya: I couldn't see a thing... Is this some kind of illusion?]
[Fu Xuan: It's his Trace ability... He moved with extreme speed to place it in her hand.]
"You can't refuse," he said, his voice as cold and unyielding as steel. "There's no reason to." These words pierced the Trailblazer's heart like a sharp blade.
As he spoke, Aventurine continued his approach, each step radiating an unspoken pressure. His eyes were as cold as ice, betraying a sense of ruthless determination.
"And no room for negotiation..." The final words were barely a whisper, yet they landed like a sledgehammer. The Trailblazer felt paralyzed, overwhelmed by his imposing presence.
"Hey."
A cool voice cut through the tension, freeing the Trailblazer from the strange spell. Aventurine turned to see a tall, purple-haired woman standing in the doorway, her expression icy.
"What are you doing... in my room?" she demanded.
[Sushang: One room, three people claiming it's theirs. This is getting more complicated by the minute. Whose room is it really?]
[Dr. Ratio: How absurd.]
"Your room?" Aventurine seemed genuinely surprised. "Well, well, my friend. You've certainly learned to make yourself at home in the Penacony, haven't you? And in such a short time, too."
He recovered quickly, his tone shifting to one of mock concern. "Don't misunderstand. I merely wanted to remind you—this place is full of unsavory characters with less-than-noble intentions. Best to keep your wits about you. For instance... remember to close your door."
[Pom-Pom: You're the one with bad intentions, pom!]
[March 7th: That's the Express Crew! You're right! You're the most suspicious one here!]
[March 7th glanced at Pom-Pom, who was typing furiously. That's right! At this moment, the Express Crew was united against outsiders, their hearts beating as one.]
[Aventurine: Alright, alright, I yield. No need for such hostility.]
A glimmer of something—perhaps amusement, perhaps calculation—flashed in Aventurine's eyes. It seemed the time had come for a change in tactics.
"I'll take my leave then. I wish you all... a pleasant stay."
Aventurine left the room, traversing the corridor before entering another chamber. There, a man who could have been carved from ancient Greek marble stood, one hand thoughtfully placed on his chin.
[Sushang: Wow, this Mr. Aventurine certainly gets around, doesn't he? Now he's in someone else's room again.]
"What's troubling you, Ratio? Don't look so glum... Hey, I just noticed, where's that handsome plaster head of yours?" Aventurine's tone was light, almost teasing.
Dr. Ratio's voice was stern as he replied, "You're late. 4 minutes and 16 seconds, to be precise. I hope you used that time to unravel the mystery of Akivili's downfall—if not, I'd advise against antagonizing the Nameless."
"Antagonize? Even you think that? Does no one believe I genuinely want to make friends?" Aventurine's voice carried a hint of feigned hurt.
"Noisy individuals rarely make friends. Here's a tidbit: The Atinian Peacock is renowned as one of the most unpleasant-sounding birds in the universe. Your current attire reminds me of such a gaudy, attention-seeking peacock..."
Dr. Ratio's brow furrowed as he continued, "Though it seems this peacock has been plucked. Your family confiscated your luggage?"
Aventurine nodded resignedly, sighing as he answered, "Yes, that man in the gray suit took everything. All the gift money, and the box containing the Curios..."
At this, Dr. Ratio abruptly stood and headed for the door without hesitation. Confused, Aventurine called out, "...Hm? Where are you going?" He turned, perplexed, watching Dr. Ratio's retreating form.
Dr. Ratio didn't slow his pace or even turn his head as he replied coolly, "Back to headquarters. To inform the company that you've utterly failed."
"They're just a few stones. Why so pessimistic? What's the big deal if they're gone?" Aventurine muttered, seemingly unconcerned about the loss of these supposedly crucial items.
Dr. Ratio halted, responding, "Without that Aventurine stone, you're nothing more than a Tzigane slave sentenced to death by the company—or perhaps that barcode on your neck is also a gift from the Amber Lord?"
[Trailblazer: Slave?]
[Asta: I believe I've heard similar rumors... No offense intended, it just came to mind.]
[Aventurine: It's fine. I was indeed once a slave. So what? I've fought my way to where I am now.]
[Sushang: Wow! From slave to company executive, that's quite the inspirational story.]
[Talent Motivation Department Personnel: We welcome all talented individuals to join our company. Talent is our most valuable asset!]
Aventurine's expression remained unchanged, though his eyelid twitched slightly. "Oh, very amusing! I see our erudite friend has done his homework."
"It's my job. Otherwise, how could a gambler like you hope to reclaim the Penacony for the company?"
"Don't worry, Professor. I have my ways. The family fears the company's interference, which is why they're so confrontational. For all we know, the Penacony might have been Xipe's scheme from the very beginning."
"If you ask me, that invitation was nothing but a ruse, a self-orchestrated deception. Or perhaps they're planning something outrageous for the Harmony Festival."
"Then again, the true inviter might be someone else entirely, but they've allowed it, intending to use it for an even grander plan. It doesn't matter—be it the family or the Clockmaker's legacy—as long as I can use it to my advantage."