After the lizard stopped, Sage climbed down from its head, and his men eagerly disembarked from its massive back, hurriedly grabbing their water bags and taking big gulps.
The desert is unlike the sea; going two hours without water on the sea is fine, but under this blistering sun, two hours without water...
You'll get thirsty.
"So this is Rain Land."
Renedia, staring across the desert, shielded her eyes with her hand while gazing at the buildings of Rain Land, her eyes lighting up, "It indeed looks worth raiding, much better than Nalohara."
"A gambling city, naturally it's filled with extravagance."
Sage said, "Every day, large amounts of money flow here, whether gold, silver, gemstones, or piles of Belly, it's all here. With gamblers, poverty isn't a consideration. When the order comes through, just loot. Leave the regular shops alone—they're not worth the time or money."
A gambler's money, whether it goes to the casino or to Sage, makes no difference, as it disappears from their hands anyway.
Giving it to the casino does nothing, but giving it to Sage helps in achieving every dream!
As for whether they'll think like that...
Who cares about that.
"Let's go, boys, time to check out the casinos!"
Sage laughed heartily, leading his men towards Rain Land.
With the lack of Supreme King's intimidation, the two Saint Dorra Giant Lizards immediately dove into the desert, forming a raised trail in the sand as they quickly escaped, reaching far off on the desert horizon in the blink of an eye.
In terms of speed, these creatures are much faster than camels.
It also saved Sage's time. He didn't want to wander in the desert for two days if not for the near-free money in Rain Land. Being a Pirate, he should be active around ports.
Unless necessary, he wouldn't venture inland, let alone into a desert, nature and Sage don't mix well.
The place where the lizard stopped wasn't far from Rain Land. After a ten-minute walk, they entered Rain Land. Compared to Nalohara, if you ignore the surrounding desert, this city seems like an ordinary city not lacking in water.
The entire city's visitors surpassed Nalohara's; all of them bore dreams on their faces, carrying suitcases or bags, entering various casinos large and small, with the largest 'Rain Banquet' being everyone's Land of Dreams.
"They seem very excited. Is there something good here?"
Seeing people filled with anticipation, Renedia asked puzzledly.
"Of course they're excited, there's their 'dream' here." Sage sneered.
"Dream?" Renedia blinked, "What dream brings so many people together, wanting to become the king of gambling?"
"Something like that, or rather..."
Sage shook his head, smiling, "A quick fortune overnight. Some strike it rich here, amassing wealth, while some leave empty-handed, having everything swallowed up by the casinos. But regardless, if they stay here, they'll end up penniless eventually."
Casinos aren't charities, right?
Wouldn't that overturn the heavens?
"Go experience the Rain Banquet; play a bit yourselves. Remember how much you lose so when it comes to looting, you can reclaim your principal. If you win, that's yours!"
Sage led his men to Rain Banquet, situated by the only lake in the oasis, occupying the entire lake.
With about sixty people, including Sage and his men, no one stopped them, and entering the gates revealed a bustling hall.
Everyone in there held money, gathering around each gaming table, betting wildly, completely ignoring Sage's group arrival.
Dice games, slots, blackjack, poker, everything was there.
"It's still here..."
Sage's eyes revealed a red glint as he looked up and shook his head, letting his men disperse to freely roam while signaling to a nearby attendant who promptly approached.
"Exchange some chips for me."
He tossed a bag of Gold Coins which the attendant eagerly carried off.
"You play too?" Lily was clearly surprised.
"Why? Can't I play?"
Sage looked at her, irked, "You know the feeling of involvement? Involvement! Just because I have bad luck doesn't mean I shouldn't participate, right? Besides, it'll all come back anyway."
How much is lost, doesn't matter.
It's just temporarily placed here, it won't take long to come back, multiplied.
While waiting, might as well pass the time.
After the attendant returned with a face full of flattery, passing him the chips, Sage showed Lily what bad luck really means.
At blackjack, Sage paused after two face cards totaling twenty; the dealer flipped a twenty-one, cleaning out the table.
Unconvinced, he bet again, and after drawing an additional card for two face cards, he busted with three face cards.
Third bet, face cards...
Fourth bet, face...
"Goodbye!"
Sage immediately withdrew and turned to the slots, where while rigged, there was still a chance to win, but for Sage, it constantly displayed different symbols. Not just three, not even two matching ones appeared.
Even on roulette, which requires observation and skill, the ball veered unexpectedly, causing shifts.
Poker...
"You never imagined this card's the ace of hearts! Qiu Xiaochi, you lost!"
Sage dramatically unveiled his hole card, slamming it triumphantly on the table, shocking the other players.
Big ace!
All of them!
Lily stood trembling, her eye twitching; she couldn't believe it, the hole card was just an ace of hearts, yet he went all in.
Doesn't he even check?
And...
Who's Qiu Xiaochi?
The look Sage gave seemed like he intended to gut the dealer...
If Sage hadn't immediately excused himself, Lily would've thought it was a signal to draw her sword and start trouble.
Though chips dwindled, Sage appeared to revel as he moved from one table to the next, seemingly enjoying himself.
Then as he played another slot machine, a gentle voice sounded from behind.
"You're here..."
Upon hearing the voice, Lily turned first to see a smiling woman, reminiscent of Marika, exuding a gentle aura.
But...
Lily glanced at the woman, then at Sage on the slots, her eyes showing surprise.
Alike!
So alike!
This face, resembling the one on the Wanted Order...
"Ni..."
"Don't disturb me."
Before Lily could finish, Sage turned towards the woman with the warm smile, "I'm having a good game here."
"Our boss recognized a familiar face your men reported. Since you're here to play, why not enjoy to the fullest? Our boss invites you over." The woman smiled.