“Wonderful…” Yumeko’s voice trembled with sweet excitement, “To bet something more important than life itself… and three Cornerstones at that. It’s amazing, he’s amazing… I really want to gamble with him, right now…”

“No matter what, whether I lose or win, even if I fall into hell the next second, it would be worth it to gamble with such an opponent…”

Mary Saotome’s eye twitched as she watched: “Hey, Yumeko, class is about to start. Can you please rein it in?”

“Ah…!” Yumeko let out a short gasp, then quickly lowered her head apologetically, “My apologies, I’ve just never met such a perfect opponent as Gold Dust. I got a little carried away. Ah, I really want to invite him to visit the academy…”

—

“I said it before, three Chips are enough—all or nothing. Which will it be? Ha, we’ll find out soon enough.”

The shadow spread his hands: “So, where’s the real Gold Dust Stone? Show it to me.”

Gold Dust sneered: “Heh, you don’t know where it is?”

“I just want you to say it yourself… After all, its current appearance truly suits its owner.”

“…Then I’ll grant your wish. ‘They’ have always stayed in the most suitable place, never leaving…” Gold Dust looked down at the gift bag in his hand, “Right here, among these cheap jewels.”

“You smashed the Gold Dust Stone before you even set off…” The shadow sighed softly, “…Look at it, tsk tsk, how much it resembles your shattered life. No matter how much it’s covered in a glamorous exterior, inside it’s still a humble little pebble… This thing is far more important than your life.”

“You know the consequences of doing this better than anyone. Do you think the Company will let someone who desecrates Qlipoth’s holy body go?”

—

DC Universe.

“Huh?? He smashed the Cornerstone?! Oh my god! This guy’s crazy, completely insane! Hahahahaha!”

Inside Arkham Asylum, rusty iron bars began to be frantically shaken, and the entire corridor was filled with various shouts rising and falling. In this ghastly place, mixed with the sour smell of vomit and mildew, Gold Dust’s actions undoubtedly injected a powerful stimulant into the patients here, making the already noisy asylum even more boisterous.

“Damn it! I think I’m starting to like this kid. Compared to me, he seems more suited to be in this hellhole! Smashing the Cornerstone? That’s so f*cking cool! Sunday should get a taste of the Preservation’s shock!”

“I declare that Gold Dust is my most outstanding student! I’m going to recommend him for the Genius Society!”

“Haha, who the f*ck are you? You think you’re worthy? This kid dared to smash the Cornerstone, which means he doesn’t even put the Emanator in his eyes! Isn’t such a promising kid too good for the Genius Society?”

“…You’re right! This kid even dares to smash the Cornerstone, what else wouldn’t he dare to do? If this kid can lead me out of this hellhole, forget about gambling, I’d even join him in destroying the world!”

“…”

Harley Quinn gripped the bars, staring intently at Celestial Screen. More than Gold Dust’s act of smashing the Cornerstone, she was looking forward to what would happen next.

The Cornerstone is gone, what now? Those hypocritical ants in the Company must be in a complete mess! But this is also the most interesting part! When the so-called ‘holy stone’ shatters, these guys will reveal their true selves! Fear, terror, excitement… a medley of emotions!

It’s like throwing a can of poison gas at the Company’s higher-ups; the colorful reactions are more spectacular than Gotham’s neon lights!

—

Dragon Raja.

“Holy crap, holy crap, holy crap, holy crap, holy crap—!!”

“This kid really dares! Isn’t he afraid of the Company settling scores later, like killing the donkey after it’s done its work?”

Lu Mingfei, who had just been trying to roll over on the sofa, was so startled he almost fell off. Luckily, the sofa in the love hotel was wide enough for two people to roll around.

He reached out, trying to wake Erii, who was still sleeping in, to share this explosive scene from Gold Dust in Celestial Screen. But when his hand reached her, the sensation felt off.

He clearly remembered Erii’s waterfall-like long hair being just within his reach, but now his fingertips touched the fabric of a shirt.

“Brother, getting handsy so early in the morning isn’t very good, is it?” Lu Mingze curled up beside him, blinking his deer-like eyes. This child always dressed impeccably, as if going to a funeral; even in bed, his tie was perfectly neat.

Lu Mingfei recoiled as if shocked: “Holy crap, why are you here? Where’s Erii?”

“You mean sister-in-law? Sister-in-law went to take a shower!” Lu Mingze rolled over, seemingly pouting in annoyance, “Brother really forgets loyalty for beauty; with a beautiful girl, he forgets his dear younger brother.”

“Go, go, go! I can hear your scheming from across the Pacific.” Lu Mingfei grumbled. He turned his head to look at the bathroom; it was empty.

“Enough with the nonsense, why are you looking for me?” Lu Mingfei squinted at Lu Mingze.

“Nothing much, just here to watch Celestial Screen with brother. After all, sister-in-law usually accompanies you, so I was afraid you’d miss me.” Lu Mingze chuckled softly, “Brother, do you envy Gold Dust?”

“Envy him?” Lu Mingfei was stunned for a moment. If it referred to his “money” abilities and his status in the Company, even a dog wouldn't believe him if he said he didn't envy it. Topaz, who was previously at the same rank as him, had long since achieved financial freedom. Gold Dust must be more or less the same, or even richer. If he had that much money…

He would definitely have traded a quarter of his life with the little devil in front of him.

On second thought, forget it.

“Hmm, I envy his… courage to smash the Cornerstone.” Lu Mingze said.

“No! Forget that!” Lu Mingfei quickly waved his hand, “No wonder they say some people deserve to earn money? Smashing the Cornerstone will inevitably lead to liquidation by the Company, and he might not even keep his life! How could I dare to envy something like that? With that one hammer blow, forget a quarter of my life, I’m afraid all of my life wouldn’t be enough to save me!”

“Also, I need to correct you. He has good luck, but I don’t! Courage also requires confidence!” Lu Mingfei added loudly.

“I am your confidence—your greatest confidence. So, can you summon me for something important?” He jumped off the bed and tiptoed towards the door, turning back at the door, “But I guess it will be soon. Danger is not far from you. Stay vigilant, keep your phone with you at all times. Text me if anything happens.”

He closed the door behind him.

With the click of the door lock, Lu Mingfei shivered, and everything returned to normal.

The sound of trickling water came from the bathroom. Through the blurred glass, one could see the graceful figure of a young girl. Sunlight filtered through the curtains, bringing the scent of morning dew after the rain.

—

“Diamond has always valued results. As long as the value I create far exceeds the cost… the process and methods are not an issue.”

Gold Dust looked at his shadow: “How can you deceive the Family without paying a price? It’s fine, the Cornerstone of the Preservation can still function even if it shatters into pieces. Although its effectiveness will be greatly reduced, for me… it’s enough.”