American Comics: Something's Wrong with This Superhero World

Chapter 172 Where's Batman? Isn't he going to do anything about it?

Xiao Xian swept his cold gaze over the thug who was still trembling on the ground, and curled his lips contemptuously. He would never let someone who wanted to kill him go just because they begged for mercy.

Looking at the thug, Xiao Xian snapped his fingers lightly. Suddenly, the thug felt a sharp pain in his chest. His face turned pale instantly, and he clutched his heart with both hands, collapsing to the ground in agony, his face contorted, his breathing rapid, before he quickly stopped breathing.

Then, as if drawn by an invisible force, the thug's pistol and wallet slowly flew into the air and landed directly in Xiao Xian's outstretched hand.

Opening his wallet, Xiao Xian looked at it, which was even cleaner than his face, and was somewhat speechless.

"This is too abstract. Oh well, at least the gun can still fetch a few coins."

Holding the money he'd earned from selling the thug's gun, Xiao Xian entered the casino. Dim lighting and swirling smoke greeted him, and the space was filled with the sounds of chaotic conversation, the hum of machines, and classic jazz music. The casino's interior was luxuriously decorated; gold ornaments and heavy carpets showcased its opulence. Waiters moved about, serving drinks and services to the guests.

Xiao Xian, dressed rather shabbily, did not attract much attention. A female staff member glanced at Xiao Xian and then looked away, confirming with her eyes that he was a person with little money.

Xiao Xian walked straight to the gambling area, his eyes scanning over the various games: poker, roulette, and dice.

Arriving at a dice gambling table, Xiao Xian glanced at the other gamblers around him. Most of them were dressed quite smartly, and those who won money would stuff their tip chips into the bobby girl's blouse.

"I bet on five." Xiao Xian casually placed his only chip without hesitation. Back then, Chen Xiaodao won 25 million with 20 yuan. It wouldn't be difficult for Xiao Xian to become a billionaire.

As for whether it would attract the casino owner and the gang behind him to send some money, that would be fine. Sending a soul would be too much to ask. But if the other party insisted on sending it, Xiao Xian would not refuse, after all, it was their good intention.

These gang leaders and similar figures are usually more valuable than ordinary people, and they are also skilled in management and torment, so they seem like good working people.

As the game progressed, Xiao Xian's chips piled up like a mountain. The surrounding spectators began to whisper, curious and incredulous at his astonishing performance. However, everyone was certain that Xiao Xian had cheated; otherwise, even the most skilled player couldn't win every hand.

Casino surveillance personnel began to notice Xiao Xian's unusual behavior. They carefully examined the surveillance video, looking for any possible cheating, but found nothing.

Just as Xiao Xianzheng was about to start the next round, a waitress dressed as a bunny girl gracefully walked up to him. Her outfit was very eye-catching; her ears were upturned, and her attire was sexy and alluring. She smiled, yet maintained a professional distance.

"Sir, the casino owner has specially invited you to our VIP area to play a couple of rounds yourself." The bunny girl's voice was gentle, yet it concealed an unspoken meaning.

Upon hearing this, the surrounding crowd immediately began to discuss it amongst themselves.

"That's Maroni's place. He's asking for trouble by winning so much money here!" an onlooker whispered to his friend.

"That's right, once you're in the VIP section, it's uncertain whether you can even leave." Another person chimed in, "This is Gotham, the police don't concern themselves with things in casinos."

Hearing the murmurs of the onlookers, Xiao Xian remained completely calm. Instead, he stood up composedly, smiled slightly, and said to a staff member:

"Please exchange these for larger denomination chips and send them over. The change will be your tip."

After saying that, Xiao Xian followed the bunny girl toward the VIP area.

As they arrived at the VIP area, a more private and luxurious atmosphere greeted them. The decor was more refined, the lighting was soft and warm, and the space felt quieter and more prestigious. It was no longer the open-air casino, but rather a series of private rooms.

Xiao Xian followed the bunny girl through a series of ornate corridors, eventually being led into the innermost, most luxuriously decorated room. The room was dimly lit, with expensive artworks hanging on the walls. In the center was a large gambling table covered with a deep red velvet tablecloth, surrounded by comfortable leather chairs.

Maroni, the casino owner, was already waiting in the room. Several stern-faced subordinates stood beside him, creating a tense and serious atmosphere. Maroni himself was a middle-aged man, dressed in an expensive suit, holding a lit cigar, looking quite imposing.

As Xiao Xian entered the room, Maroni immediately spoke, his voice deep and powerful: "It's been a long time since anyone dared to cause trouble in my territory."

Xiao Xian smiled slightly at Maroni.

"I'm a normal gambler, I didn't cause any trouble, I just had a slightly higher winning rate. You don't have a rule that forbids gamblers from winning against the house, do you?"

Maroni's eyes narrowed slightly. He glanced around before fixing his gaze on Xiao Xian. He slowed his speech, making each word exceptionally clear: "In my establishment, we welcome any normal gambler. But you know, winning too much always makes people uncomfortable. I just wanted to see if there were any special techniques, perhaps we could both learn something from them."

Maroni sat across the gambling table, his eyes fixed on Xiao Xian, and in a low, threatening voice, he presented his terms.

"Let's play a game of dice, the rules are simple. If you win, it proves you're truly skilled, and you can leave with your money. If you lose, I'll let everyone know the price of causing trouble in my casino." Maronny paused, a cold glint in his eyes, "I'll personally chop off your limbs and eyeballs, then throw you into the street."

"That sounds terrifying. But I love thrilling bets." Xiao Xian pointed to a gun belonging to one of Maroni's men and said, "I have an even more exciting suggestion. If you win, I'll go out, grab that gun, and blow my own head off in front of everyone. If I win, your soul belongs to me after you die."

"Your soul will belong to you after you die? Hahahaha!!!" Maronny immediately lost his composure upon hearing this, his cold, ruthless demeanor vanishing completely. He clutched his stomach and burst into laughter. "You're from Arkham, aren't you?!"

"If you don't object within three seconds, I'll take that as a yes." Xiao Xian didn't react to Maroni's mockery, but instead suggested that this was a little trick of the devil to deceive people. Although such an agreement was not as useful as a direct signing, it could reduce the cost of recruiting people.

More importantly, once a preliminary agreement is signed, it's only a matter of time before the other party completely succumbs to it. It's like having an affair; once it happens the first time, the subsequent self-destructive behavior will only intensify.

"Hahaha~ Did you hear that?" Maroni pointed at Xiao Xian and looked at his underling, saying, "He said he'd give me three."

Halfway through his sentence, Maroni's laughter abruptly stopped. Suddenly, a contract of light composed of magical characters appeared out of thin air and quickly entered Maroni's mind. Maroni instantly understood the meaning of the contract.

"ah?!!!"

"Are you serious?" Maroni was completely stunned, staring at Xiao Xian, who had a nonchalant smile on his face and was looking at him as if he were an idiot. Xiao Xian's attitude really made him look incredibly stupid.

Is this world really this crazy? Where are the superheroes? Where is Batman? Gotham is in chaos, isn't anyone going to do anything about it?

(End of this chapter)