Second Casino "Pharaoh Casino"

And why not? Humans are inherently greedy creatures. Why should I be any different?

All the more so now that I've become a phantom thief.

So take care that I don't end up taking what is most precious to you, children.

For there's one thingyes, just one thingI'm willing to steal without sending a calling card.

Do you know what that is? Hehehe...

Kotarou should be back from his investigation any moment now... There he is!

My apologies for the delay, Master.

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Well, I now know the location of the casino we should tackle next.

But I'm afraid that... Well...

What is it? Is there some kind of problem?

Actually...yes, there is.

This casino will also be tricky to get through, albeit in a very different way than Himeji Casino was.

Ahaha, so what, there's a real strong swordmaster waitin' for us at the top or somethin'? Sounds perfect!

What're we waitin' for? C'mon, let's go before it gets dark!

No, it's not only the swordmaster, exactly...

Is the problem the casino itself then?

Yes... You could say that. Maybe it would be faster for you to see for yourselves.

Here, I'll show you the way.

Sounds good! I always say it's better to dive in before the udon gets soggy instead of worrying over how hot the broth is!

So let's go get ourselves a piping hot bowl right now! And by that, I mean check this place out!

This is it...

The Pharaoh Casino!

Efooourtless!

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Well I'll be damned... That's another doozy of a place, ain't it?

I'd be rarin' ta paint it if I had my brush on me... But, hehe, right now, my swords come first! Let's go!

Ah! Hokusai ran off on her own!

Still, there's nothing to be gained by standing around idly now that we've come this far.

Why don't we follow her lead and see what this casino is like for ourselves?

Yes... Good idea. I think that would be better than me futilely trying to explain it.

Welcome.

Right, Master! If you look closely, you can see its head is shaped differently! Also it doesn't have the ears...

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That's one of the casino's employees. As far as I can tell, that outfit is their uniform.

Almost everyone that works here, from the dealers to the waitstaff, is dressed like that.

At any rate, the problem with this casino is

I beg your pardon, but may I ask if you are all...qualified to enter our illustrious establishment?

Huh? Whatcha mean, qualified?

This casino is designed by pharaohs, for pharaohs.

But of course, there aren't enough pharaohs out there to serve them exclusively...

...so our manager has been generous enough to open its doors to anyone with enough wealth and nobility to be considered something of an...honorary pharaoh.

To put it another way...this is not a place for the general public to enjoy themselves.

I see. So regular people aren't allowed in... But how do you determine who's regular and who's, um, pharaohlike?

We ask that any wishing to enter the Pharaoh Casino pay a cover charge to be held as collateral.

Of course, we always return this fee once they are ready to leave.

Man, talk about being too rich for our blood.

So you can't even gamble here unless you've got a boatload of money to leave behind at the entrance.

Indeed. And as befitting a casino designed for the upper crust, our entertainment rates are priced accordingly.

This ensures that anyone coming to enjoy the Pharaoh Casino must be quite well-off, financially speaking.

How much is the cover charge, anyway?

Ah yes, let me see... Your basic currency is QP? If we convert it to that, it comes to...

...one billion QP.

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I see. I'm sorry to hear that.

Well, if you ever become rich enough to join the ranks of honorary pharaoh, we will be glad to have you.

Hey! Where do you get off talkin' to us like that, ya blockhead?

Havin' fun at the casino ain't why I'm here! Only reason I'm here's to see the Swimsuit Swordmaster runnin' the place!

A casino is first and foremost a place of entertainment. If you have no interest in being entertained, then you are not even a customer to begin with.

Do you ever shut up!?

I like takin' my time with painting, but I can't stand bein' given the runaround! Outta my way!

...This is the front gate. We have a problem. I repeat, we have a problem. Tresspassers are attempting to break in.

Requesting full security system mobilization. Summon Code: Come forth...

It looks like the casino now considers us threats.

This isn't good. If we lose, we'll probably be taken into custody.

I know you're not supposed to resort to violence in gambling halls, but I guess we don't have a choice now.

If we're going to do this, we may as well see what we're up against!

Gnnn...

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Aw c'mon, how's that gonna help? It ain't like we're gonna be able to scrounge up a billion QP anytime soon, right?

I could conceivably sneak in from a different way...but even that would be difficult.

And even if I succeeded, it wouldn't help any of you get inside.

So the only way in is money... If only I had the Rheingold here with me...

Then again, that would probably just cause its own set of problems...

What's up? There a problem here?

Thank you for your patronage, miss. Will that be all for today then?

Yup, I had enough for today. Gotta say, I'm liking this pharaoh hospitality stuff.

Though I guess pharaohs are like gods in their own right, so they damn well better be able to please a goddess.

Anyhoo...

Hmm, I haven't seen a bunch of commoners looking so down in a while.

You know, I think I can tell what's going on here.

Well, I suppose one of the marks of a first-class goddess is letting the plebs experience bliss now and again.

Hey, you there. Go ahead and let these guys in on my collateral, 'kay?

Are you sure, miss?

Sure I'm sure. I'll just be getting the money back a little later is all.

Very good then.

Welcome, welcome. Right this way, distinguished guests...

You're paying our entry fee for us...?

Th-thank you so much!

Eh, think nothing of it. Besidesso no worries.

Well, later then. Try not to lose your shirts in there while you're experiencing the joys of wealthy living.

Oh, and when you're done, you can return the money to me at the Gildalay Hotel. I'm staying in the royal suite.

I only reserved a room there so I could nitpick the place to pieces, but damn if it doesn't have excellent service.

Who knew he'd be more cut out for business than he was running a kingdom...

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So...this mean we can go in now?

Ha, and all thanks to the unexpected help of that kind woman! Guess all that clean livin' I did really paid off!

Well, what're we waitin' for? Let's get while the gettin's good!

I don't know. There's no such thing as a free lunch, so there definitely can't be free entry to a fancy casino...

That goddess lady might have had a nice smile, but something tells me we shouldn't trust her too much...

Regardless, this could be our only chance to get in. Let's go, Master.

Fou, fou.

I have to say, I was expecting something much more...ostentatious.

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True. Between the, um, employee uniforms, and the choice of decor, they really do seem to be everywhere... Huh?

Aah! A bunch of flower petals came out of nowhere and buried Fou alive! Fou! Speak to me!

Fou, fooou! (Special Translation: You are such a pain in the ass!)

Ahh, it's so nice and exotic here, isn't it? You don't get this kind of passion and vitality in Western Europe.

Anyway, this seems like a good time to let you in on a little secret about this casino.

I already know what's on your mind. It's the Medjeds you were just talking about, no?

Some of them are ordinary people who just threw on a sheet to do their job...

...but some of them are also bona fide familiars with sheets over their heads. Fun, huh?

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Yes, their similarities are only sheet-deep. Though there are some normal Medjeds wandering around too.

Anyway, you see all those decorative ornaments around here?

They seem to serve as something like security cameras for the casino.

Watch out for them if you plan on trying anything a little...sneaky.

I swear, a few little cards swapped out under the table, and suddenly you're getting peppered with laser beams...

Hahaha. Anyway, that's all for now! Enjoy your hot desert gambling!

Fou. Fooou...

Putting the trivia MerI mean, that mysterious man taught us aside...

It looks like all the guests here are quite wealthy. I hope we don't stand out too much.

Ahh, don't sweat it.

We ain't here for gambling like they are. We're just here for the Swimsuit Swordmaster, wherever they might be.

Of course, we'll also need a letter of challenge before we can fight them. I wonder where we can get that?

Master, do you see that counter over there?

It looks like you can exchange the chips you earn through gambling here for prizes.

And one of those prizes is

Um, yes, that's true, Master, but I was talking about the letter of challenge next to it!

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Hmm, so that's how many chips you need for it, huh? If we convert that to QP...

That much!?

There's no way we can afford that with the QP we have on us. I guess we'll just have to try and make more by gambling...

I'm afraid it's not that simple. Look.

Even at the lowest rollers' poker table, there's more money changing hands than most people see in a lifetime.

I can't even imagine what kind of sums are being bet at the highest rollers' table...

Honestly, I'm not even sure we can afford the ante for the low rollers' table, never mind actually betting.

Of course, if you need me to obtain more money, Master, I would be happy to offer myself up as collateral for a loan!

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Hohoho! It seems we have some adorable commoners here too ignorant to realize they don't belong.

But seriously, are you all right? Are you sure you didn't wind up here by mistake?

There's no shame in partaking in the courtesy ultra first-class welcome drinks, enjoying the sights and sounds, and going on your merry way, you know.

Oh yes, I haven't introduced myself, have I? I'm Cleopatra VII Philopator, assistant manager of this casino!

Please don't hesitate to let me know if you need any help!

And I'm Scheherazade, this casino's head of security...

I usually stay away from positions like this, but there were, um, extenuating circumstances that forced my hand...

So, um, I would so very grateful if you didn't cause any trouble or make unreasonable complaints...

...as I'd very much like not to die from exhaustion...

So these are the people in charge of this casino. I'm glad they aren't one of the more, um, volatile personalities.

Right. The identity of this casino's manager. Though I think I've also started to figure it out...

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Good timin'! Maybe now you can tell us what kinda bull you're tryin' to pull here!

You're a couple of vultures, that's what ya are! This whole place is a scam!

Huh? ...Oh, is this about the letter of challenge?

What do you expect? This is an ultra high-class casino. Originally, it was only supposed to serve other pharaohs.

Setting the price any lower would be an affront to this institution's dignity!

Don't gimme that! There's no way anyone could actually trade for that thing, and you know it!

You're just usin' it as a way to squeeze every last cent outta us, right!?

Speaking on her behalf...that is a ridiculous, insolent notion. You have the wrong idea entirely.

The letter's asking price has been carefully chosen to be well within the means of anyone who's spent an evening winning big at the high rollers' table.

In fact, I just remembered. If I'm not mistaken, I believe someone has already traded for it.

Yes, that's right. May I suggest you take a closer look at the prize case?

I see. I didn't notice that little sign before...

It says "(Sample) Sold Out. Next shipment TBD"!

So, does this mean someone else has the real letter of challenge?

I don't remember who it was that traded for it, but as far as I know, they have yet to challenge the manager.

Yes, I don't believe they have. Perhaps they mean to take it with them to their grave...

Maybe. They certainly wouldn't be the first wealthy person to buy something they don't need and keep it in storage.

I know I've done that plenty of times myself.

Sold out? Now what're you on about?

I need that letter if I'm ever gonna be the best swordmaster in all of Japan.

If I don't get it, I'm just gonna challenge this casino's Swimsuit Swordmaster right here and now.

Maybe instead of a letter, I'll just let my swords here do all the talkin'!

...What's going on here?

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Ahh, that divine heavenly form! Every time I see it, I feel as though my eyes are going to pop out of their sockets!

Hehe, but then, if I, a pharaoh, were ever to serve another, what else could you expect?

Yes, this is none other than our fine casino's manager... No, our godager!

Behold their glorious, crystal clear eyes; how they shine with love, mercy, and fury towards insolent fools!

Yes, this is our great and fabulous godager... Swimsuit Swordmaster MEDJED!

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Are you all right, Senpai!? Please, get ahold of yourself! Your eyes are starting to resemble theirs!

My casino is meant for pharaohs. Every aspect of it must reflect that purpose.

Noisemaking and uncouth behavior are out of the question. Customers must demonstrate composure at all times.

If they do not...

Um... I don't think I can keep up this pretense anymore, so I'm just going to use her real name...

...but it seems to me like Nitocris isn't quite her usual self somehow?

And I don't just mean because she has that sheet draped over herself again.

It feels like she's using that version of herself as a base for something more.

I've only seen Nitocris around ChalI mean, here and there, so I've never talked to her in person before, but yeah, I'd agree with that.

This might be kind of blasphemous, but it kind of seems like she's more godlike than usual, don't you think?

This is Nitocris's third summer here. In other words, her third time being Medjed.

Her excitement at discovering a pyramid-shaped casino... Her confusion at being appointed a Swimsuit Swordmaster, something she had previously never heard of...

All these emotions swirled together, pushing her already earnest nature into overdrive.

This caused her Divinity to overflow...

...and now, the Medjed side of her has become a bit stronger than usual.

I suspect her personality has become more, um, divine, as a result...and the original Nitocris is probably asleep, most likely in a dream state.

My guess is she won't recover until the summer ends, or until she suffers a powerful shock to her system.

Since there's no telling what could happen to her like this, and I'd hate for her to die in an unfortunate accident...

The least I can do is help her while working by her side.

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So...basically, you're sayin' this teru teru baldy here's the Swimsuit Swordmaster in charge of this casino?

Hehe, well that's perfect! Saves me the trouble of trackin' her down!

If I don't get a letter of challenge, I'll just hafta challenge her to a match here an' now!

And I'm telling you, you can't just go around challenging the great MEDJED like this!

There, you see? She's furious!

Violence! Entitlement! Unacceptable!

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Speaking in terms of stats, she has gone from B-rank Divinity to EX-rank Medjed.

She may differ from the real Medjed in numerous ways, but the key takeaway...

...is that she has become this casino's guardian god, devoting all of her power to keeping it safe.

And so, her eyes glow now. Though I'll admit, I'm not quite sure how that follows either.

I don't know what's going to happen to us without a letter of challenge...but I can see that Hokusai's already on the move.

We'll just have to back her up as best we can, Master!

The hell's goin' on! I can't even touch her!

It must be that Ruler's power at work. So this is why we need a letter of challenge to duel a Swimsuit Swordmaster.

Another anvil!? Why're there so many damn traps here? I thought this was s'posed ta be a casino!

Yeehaw! All these traps 'round every corner takes me back to good ol' Thunder Mountain!

Whoa, here comes a line of spears. Hup!

You're right... This casino reminds me of nothing so much as a booby-trapped ninja mansion! Please remain where you are, Master! It's not safe to move around!

Why are you so shocked? We pharaohs are skilled at many things, but if there is one thing we do especially well...

...it is planting traps and curses in our sacred tombs to thwart any would-be looters in the most painful manner.

And since this casino is the Great MEDJED's home, it's only natural that it would have a trap or two...hundred!

So, you have yet to concede? How foolish. Give yourselves up while you still can.

To resist further is to disrespect... Disrespect... Respect respect respecccccc

?

I was afraid of this!

Nitocris is taking her duties so seriously that she's showing symptoms of acute Medjednitis! I have to help her calm down!

Now's our chance.

Since we still can't hurt her, and we definitely don't have the home field advantage, I vote we fall back.

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Tch, all right, fine! But the next time we come here, I'll be ready!

Get back here!

Security sphinxes, move out! We can't let anyone profane the Great MEDJED and get away with it!

We're surrounded! I don't know if we'll be able to break through!

Hohohoho! It's hopeless!

But don't worry, I won't kill you.

I'm just going to lock you in the discipline room for the rest of summer and educate you on the Great MEDJED's sheer splendor and beauty until you can recite the finer points in your sleep!

No way. I'm...gonna be the greatest swordmaster ever... I can't let my summer end like this!

...

We're all tired after fighting so many battles. I wonder if there's a way out of this I'm not seeing...

I think a tactician I might have seen around the Wandering Sea lately said something about situations like this.

I think a tactician I might have seen around Chaldea lately said something about situations like this.

I remember now. He said there's no need to panic, even when things look hopeless. There's always something you can do.

He's right. There's one thing I can do that's sure to clear a path for the rest of

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I-is that...!?

You look like you could use some help, little boy. Want a ride?

Master!

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(Whoa, an exotic car! I never even stopped to think you could get one of those in Vegas!)

Anyway, I can be jealous later! Fujimaru's right. There's no way we can all fit in that...

Don't worry about me. I'll find a way out of here and meet you back at the hotel!

I'll do the same. I'm too big for this car anyway.

Besides, on my own, I can think of several ways out of here that don't involve self-destruction.

That just leaves Master, Lady Mash, and Lady Hokusai...they should all be able to squeeze into the passenger seat.

Oh, don't worry about me. I can ride on top of the car just fine. No need to slow down on my behalf.

That said, I have to ask: Why does this car only have two seats!? Were you just trying to save money?

Are you an idiot!? A proper sports car only has two seats!

...And so, the great pharaoh protected her country happily ever after.

The end.

(Zzz)... (Zzz)...

Huh? What was I doing?

Nothing, Great MEDJED. Now come on, it's time you got back to work.

I see. Then I will return to the VIP room and shower the winners with celebration beams.

Long live the Pharaoh Casino...

I'm glad you're here to soothe Great MEDJED. No one else is up to the task.

Thank you... What happened to Master's group?

They got away, I'm afraid. A strange red car showed up out of nowhere and gave them a ride.

Master or not, I cannot allow anyone to cloud Great MEDJED's beautiful eyes.

I'll have to make sure he gets the full educational treatment the next time he shows up.

(...All I want is for those two to get through this summer healthy, happy, and most importantly, without dying...)

Hehe, no need to worry.

The Pharaoh Casino is so luxurious that it holds numerous treasures within its vault.

As such, we already have the highest class state-of-the-art security, including the Pharaoh Traps. Besides...

No, never mind. I don't think Master is concerned with the vault at all.

The point is, you can relax, secure in the knowledge that there is nothing to worry about.

All you need concern yourself with is attending to Great MEDJED's mental health.