A straight of 7-8-9-10-J statistically, that was already a strong hand in poker.
Naoki Utsugi stared nervously at her cards. This was it. The outcome would be decided here.
In truth, before transferring to this academy, she'd barely ever gambled.
But at Hyakkaou Private Academy, gambling wasn't just a hobby it was the defining measure of a student's worth.
The better you gambled, the richer you were, the more respect you earned.
To fuel every student's hunger for risk, the Student Council had implemented a mandatory contribution system: every student had to pay at least 100,000 yen per month.
Those who couldn't keep up the lowest 100 ranked students were labeled "non-cooperative types." Or more bluntly: livestock.
And once you became livestock, you became fair game. Anyone could bully you.
Naoki Utsugi was just an ordinary scholarship student. Unlike the heirs of powerful families, she didn't have money to spare her monthly allowance barely reached 1,000 yen. So if she wanted to survive, she had to gamble to earn that 100,000.
Unfortunately, just two days into her transfer, she'd already lost 50,000 yen to her classmate, Kokoro Aikabu.
Now she was in too deep to stop. She had to win that money back.
Across the desk, Kokoro, with her hair tied in two buns, giggled and stuck out her tongue. "Hey, Naoki. You owe me 50,000 yen now. Even if you win this round, that's just 10,000. Doesn't really change anything, does it?"
Ugh. True enough. And she wouldn't get lucky like this every time.
Her gambling skills were trash. All she could rely on was luck.
"So how about this let's end it here with one final round. Bet 50,000. If you win, I'll wipe your debt clean. But if you lose, well, that's just how it goes. Once you're 100,000 in the hole, you won't be able to climb out anyway."
Naoki gulped. A 100,000-yen gamble this was dangerous.
But she already owed 50,000. If she didn't seize this chance, there might not be another one.
A crowd of classmates had gathered around to watch. The stakes weren't especially high, but this was a match between Kokoro Aikabu and the new transfer student. Worth watching.
And if Naoki had been more observant, she would've noticed the smiles on everyone's faces weren't ordinary. They weren't intrigued. They were entertained like visitors at a zoo watching a monkey perform tricks.
"Alright. I'll do it. Let's bet 100,000."
There was no turning back now. If she could clear her debt here, it would be worth it.
Kokoro must have had a strong hand too, or she wouldn't suggest this.
Naoki could only hope hers was better.
Kokoro grinned. "You've got guts, Naoki. Let's reveal."
Both laid down their hands.
Naoki, full of hope, flipped hers: "7-8-9-10-J. A straight!"
But Kokoro's smug smile didn't fade.
Naoki looked again and froze.
Spades flush.
Kokoro had a flush. Just slightly stronger.
She'd lost.
Naoki collapsed into her chair. Another 50,000 yen gone. With her existing debt, that made 100,000.
No way she could repay that. Not to mention the monthly contribution deadline.
Everything she'd heard about the fate of livestock students came crashing back.
The class erupted in laughter.
"Kokoro's so good at this!"
"She really knows how to gamble!"
Basking in praise, Kokoro soaked it up.
Poker was a game of psychology and judgment. You fold when weak. You go all in when strong.
And Kokoro hadn't won by luck. No she cheated.
The deck was custom. She wore contact lenses that let her see the card faces.
She knew exactly what Naoki was holding.
And she wasn't the only one. Every student watching wore the same lenses.
This whole match had been staged to turn the clueless new girl into livestock.
Naoki Utsugi was painfully naïve. A perfect victim.
And in this academy, no one pitied the weak.
Crushing those beneath you was the norm. And if you couldn't spot a cheat, it just meant you deserved to lose.
Everyone was entertained. Kokoro was on top of the world. She had a talent for crafting deadly gambles that drew crowds.
Naoki had never stood a chance.
Kokoro stood, glancing at her with feigned sympathy. "That's tough, but rules are rules. Debts have to be paid. Unless you'd rather become livestock at the end of the month."
Naoki's heart sank.
Before this, Kokoro had eagerly lent her money to keep her betting.
Now she wanted it back.
Even Naoki, naive as she was, realized she'd been played.
And just as her world was about to crumble
Ding! The Gambling System has unlocked. Girl, walk the road of high-stakes gambling with no regrets!
A sudden flood of memories burst into her mind like fireworks.
She remembered everything.
Before she became Naoki Utsugi, she hadn't belonged to this world.
She had transmigrated into the world of Kakegurui.
And now, after over a decade of dormancy, the system had finally activated.
The past was past.
"System, what do you do? What do I need to do?"
The voice answered: "I am the Gambling System. All you need to do is keep gambling. Win or lose, you earn EXP."
"EXP can be exchanged for temporary abilities usually lasting one gamble. Things like mind reading, X-ray vision, or insane luck."
"And your true mission? Seduce and win over female characters."
Naoki: …
Wait. That escalated quickly. From powers to romance?
"Why female characters?"
"You didn't think you were summoned here just to gamble, did you? Gambling's just the vehicle. What matters is affection."
"What do I get for completing the mission?"
"A way back home and enough money to last a lifetime."
Honestly, this world was terrifying. Everything revolved around gambling. But if flirting was her way out, she'd have to do it.
Naoki sighed, glancing at Kokoro Aikabu who now had the words [Seducible] floating above her.
"System, why her? She's clearly a small-time villain. She just cheated me."
"She's a named character in the original story. All named girls are valid targets. But don't worry only major ones are required."
"Okay, then I'll pass on her."
"But increasing any target's affection by 10 points grants a loot box. Could contain money, items, or rare abilities. All of which carry over when you return home."
So only system rewards could be taken back. Not the money in this world.
Naoki checked Kokoro's affection level: 9.
Was it pity? Was she amused by Naoki's stupidity? Either way, it was one point from a loot box.
"Kokoro, you're amazing. I can't win against you."
Kokoro gave a pleased smile. "Flattery won't erase your debt."
System: Kokoro is happy with your compliment. Affection +1.
Affection reached 10. You've earned a Red Loot Box!
Loot boxes came in rainbow tiers red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet. The more important the character, the higher the box tier.
Open!
Congratulations! You received 1,000,000 yen!
That's nearly $50,000.
Naoki could repay her debt immediately. But why should she?
That money had been stolen by cheating. It'd be way more satisfying to win it back. And besides, that money could be stored in the system usable even after returning home.
She glanced at her EXP: 2 points. Only system-recognized gambles earned EXP. Two points from two days.
She opened the shop. One random ability card cost 1 EXP.
Naoki bought a card and prayed for something useful.
Congratulations! You received: CHARM Gain S-Rank allure toward nearby women for 5 minutes.
Naoki: …
How was that supposed to help in gambling?
She bought another card.
Congratulations! You received: KOI BLESSING Next match grants supernaturally good luck!
Finally! A useful one.
Super luck was one of the few ways to beat a cheater.
Naoki turned to Kokoro. "One more round. I'll bet 100,000."
Kokoro scoffed. "Yeah right. You don't even have that kind of money. I'm just being kind by turning you down."
Of course she wouldn't accept unless it benefitted her.
Naoki considered withdrawing her winnings, then spotted the CHARM card.
What would happen if she used it?
Let's find out.
Activate CHARM. For 5 minutes, all nearby girls will find you irresistibly attractive.
The stares came instantly hungry, intrigued, intense.
Not the reaction she expected.
Naoki: "Kokoro, what'll it take for you to accept my bet?"
Same words as before. But now, her voice felt softer, her aura gentler. Kokoro suddenly saw her as fragile. Easy prey.
If someone else won and took her as a pet...
Kokoro couldn't bear it.
Only one solution.
"Fine. You have no money. Then bet yourself. If you lose, you become my personal livestock."
Personal livestock. Different from ordinary ones they belonged to someone. Only their owner could abuse or command them. Others had no right.
And since the owner paid their contribution fee, few students even bothered.
Naoki stared at the charm card in disbelief.
It really worked. Kokoro wanted to own her.
Well, it got the job done.
"Alright," Naoki said reluctantly. "I agree."
Kokoro beamed. She found Naoki increasingly adorable. Not pitiful protectable.
And if someone else laid hands on her, that would be a tragedy.
Better to keep her close.