Gaming at Ryokoma

Rika frowned as she stared at the controller in her hands. "We have to game?"

"More like assist. The ones playing are already in the other world."

"So it's a game world?"

"No, just a parallel world pet project of mine. Though it seems a certain foe of mine is seeking to hijack it. Thus, we step in to stop it."

"And what can we do with these controllers?" Okisato asked.

I snapped my fingers as avatars appeared on screen. "Create your character, and help save the day."

"So we can create avatars of ourselves? But why do they look so different from us?" Daria asked.

"Incognito. We don't want enemies, or allies to recognize you. That's the key to winning the casino cruise. Besides, it makes things more interesting. You get 5 minutes to customize, then we roll out."

"Hold on, what do I tell the others? Masaru was getting swamped by reporters demanding-"

"0mni-101."

Rika went quiet and sighed. She understood that meant things would be taken care of, allowing her to stay here.

"Just hope Masaru doesn't yell at me for gaming on the clock."

Of the four seeking to create avatars, Okisato ended up finishing first, opting for simplistic default attire and looks. Rika also didn't spend too much time customizing her avatar, though she did take a bit of time to find an outfit she thought would help her appear less conspicuous.

Daria and Sven meanwhile were busy playing around with the customization options.

"Look at this fur coat kimono! I want the hair to be wild too, how do I spike it up like fire?" Daria asked.

"Should be somewhere in the hair options," Sven replied as he continued to create his beefy Viking caricature.

When the 5 minutes were up, everyone's avatars spawned in the cruise ship.

"Wow, really is first person. So now what?" Rika asked.

"Poker," I told them in the main world.

"Whelp, they say chess and poker have crossover. Wonder how good I'll be," Daria giggled.

"There is lots more luck involved. Not to mention a place like this will likely be rigged to the gills," Okisato grumbled.

"Then we game the system," Sven declared.

"Exactly. And as for how to do that..."

...

Madoka let loose a frustrated scream as she pounded her hands down on the slot machine.

"Why're you getting so upset?" Leona asked.

"Thing won't give me any money! How rigged are these things!?"

"Mmph ngh mmph [Probably very rigged]," Nika grumbled.

"Mmph [Yeah]," Iori scowled.

"I'm more surprised they're letting us stay here. None of you are old enough to be here either, right?" JZ nervously asked.

As the group began to banter, an average looking man strolled up to one of the slot machines. "It says it has a key in it. I guess I'll try it out."

The man pulled the lever and the slots began to spin. "I remember my dad bragging about how he rigged some of the machines in our family-owned gambling hall. If these follow the same principal, then the key to winning is..."

Ding! Ding! Ding!

Everyone looked over as swaths of coins began pouring out of the slot machine.

"Well talk about beginner's luck. That guy- WAIT! THAT'S THE ONE THAT HAS A KEY!" Iori thought as she desperately tried to convey her thoughts to no avail.

Madoka was quick on the uptake though and managed to swipe the key as it fell out, with the man appearing to be none the wiser. She then tried out the key on everyone, and much to her delight, it worked on everyone, however...

"Huh? I can talk and see again. I can even move around too, but why the fuck are these bandages still wrapped around me!?" Kumi fumed.

"Probably to restrain our power," Nika grumbled.

"Well why am I included!? I want out of this bondage hell!" Iori fumed.

"Me too! I'm wholesome! Not a dominatrix monster!" Sherbert fumed.

"Maybe it was a bad idea to use the key now," Nika grumbled.

"Can't fault Madoka for being resourceful though," Leona grinned.

...

Back at Ryokoma, Masaru, Rika's husband, sighed as he looked out at the crowds of reporters and orders pilling up.

"At least we have tables for everyone. I do hope Rika comes back soon though. I'm not great with crowd control."

"It looks like she's helping out at the dome. Nero's there," Mimi stated as she flashed her phone before Masaru.

"Ugh, she's gaming on the clock... But it looks like this is all for the sake of those that vanished, so I'll give it a pass. Now assist me with serving all these reporters. They can't ask questions if they're stuffing their faces full of good food."