The teacher led them into a large, circular, entirely black room. Polished obsidian walls and ceiling absorbed the light. A single white magical lamp cast a cone over the poker table and teacher, leaving the rest in deep shadow. It felt like an exclusive underground casino, with focus only on what happened under the spotlight.
A polished poker table stood at the center, surrounded by dark red velvet chairs. The air was thick with scents of wood, leather, and anticipation.
The teacher, acting as dealer, stepped into the spotlight. Her figure was highlighted while the rest remained in shadow.
—Welcome… to the final test —she said in a grave voice, making a dramatic pause as she looked at each child.
Master Veyron, in the shadows, dealt 50 chips to each student.
—You'll play one long hand of Texas Hold'em —the teacher said. —Each gets two private cards and five community cards. Play continues until one person has all the chips and takes first place. As players are eliminated, they're ranked for the special class.
Dolo leaned back in his chair, tapping the table with bored fingers and glancing at the ceiling.
"50 chips… how cute. This is going to be quick."
Preflop – The Probing Phase
Everyone played conservatively at first. No one wanted to show their true talent too soon.
The elf Elric tossed 8 chips into the pot with an arrogant flick of his wrist, then snapped his fingers for attention.
—Bring me chilled golden berry juice —he ordered with a superior tone.
Lira quietly slid her chips forward, tucking her hair behind her ear. She looked up and asked in a small voice:
The black dragon Kael called without a word, then requested:
—Pure fire wine, and some lightly smoked meat.
The other three ordered: the werebeast, dark beer and ribs; the siren, sweet fruit cocktail; and the Flügel, honey water and pastries.
Dolo, eyes fixed on the cards, slid chips in and stated calmly:
The teacher waited until everyone had their food and drinks, then paused again under the spotlight before continuing.
Flop (10♠ - J♥ - Q♦)
The tension began to rise.
Elric, confident with his straight draw, raised 15 chips and bit into crystallized fruit.
Lira called quietly, holding her milk with both hands.
Kael called, cutting smoked meat with precise movements.
Dolo looked at the community cards and thought:
"Enough probing."
He calmly pushed 25 chips into the center.
—Raise.
The table froze.
Elric scowled and slowly sipped his juice, jaw tensed, and eyes narrowed at Dolo.
—Already so aggressive, raccoon? —he said mockingly.
Dolo met Elric's gaze, his lips curling in a silent, taunting smile.
Lira pressed her lips together, lowered her eyes, and quietly folded her cards.
Rylan, Mira, and Seraph folded, feeling the pressure.
Only Dolo, Elric, and Kael remained.
Turn (K♣)
Dolo now held a pair of kings.
Elric, sweat beading on his forehead, shoved 30 chips into the pot and bit into another fruit with forced bravado.
Kael called, sipping his fire wine.
Dolo calmly looked at the elf and pushed 40 chips forward.
—Raise.
Elric hesitated, hands trembling. After a sip of wine, he called.
Kael folded silently.
River (A♥)
Dolo now had a full house: kings over aces.
Elric pushed all his remaining chips: 47 chips.
—All-in —he said with a trembling voice.
The teacher made a dramatic pause, letting the silence stretch under the bright spotlight.
Dolo leaned across the table, fixing Elric with a cold, knowing smile like a practiced gambler sizing up prey.
—All-in.
Elric flipped his cards with shaking hands: straight (9-10-J-Q-K).
Dolo stacked his cards, then turned them one by one, slowly and deliberately.
—Full house, kings.
Dead silence.
Kael let out a deep laugh. Lira covered her mouth, stifling a giggle. The others chuckled, surprised at how easily Dolo tricked the elf.
Elric's face drained of color. His mouth fell open, and he gripped the edge of the table with numb fingers.
Dolo leaned back with a bored expression and sipped his warm milk.
Inside, Dolo thought with a dark, macabre laugh: "He was so cocky—sure he was unbeatable. But all it took was a little pressure, and now look at him: panicking, making reckless moves. He never saw it coming."
So arrogant, so sure of himself… and now he's shaking all over. Dolo smirked at how easily Elric had lost his nerve when truly challenged.
Hahaha… this is just the beginning."
Master Veyron nodded slowly from the shadows.
—Dolo Tanuki… you broke the probing phase and took control of the table. Provisional first place.
The teacher made another dramatic pause before announcing:
—We will continue the hand. The test is not over yet.
Dolo stacked his winnings with nimble fingers, a subtle smile flickering as he counted each chip.
Now the real game can begin, Dolo thought, feeling the anticipation of a worthy challenge.
Now we can really start playing."