Chapter 3: Hell's Casino (Jul. 14)

In this bittersweet world, why is the human suicide rate so low at only 0.02%?

English dialogue, J — Japanese, I - Interpretation.

Life is like gambling.

Gambling can roughly be divided into three levels.

The first level, the lowest level, includes the most primitive gambling games such as roulette, poker, horse racing, and sports betting.

The second level is the financial investment market, including stocks, gold, foreign exchange, real estate, futures, and other financial investment products.

The third level, the highest level, is the choices we make in life.

Every choice in life is like placing a bet, and the outcome of that choice is the payout.

Whether you like gambling or not, even if you can avoid the first and second levels of gambling and financial investment games, it is absolutely impossible to avoid participating in the third level—the game of life choices.

Unless, of course, you choose not to live.

Early June 1999, Tokyo, Japan.

At the end of May, after completing his business in Hong Kong, Tianwu Yingyang, now with a new black-haired appearance, arrived here solemnly, holding a bouquet.

Tianwu walked to the grave of his late wife, Hanako, and respectfully placed the flowers in front of it.

"Hanako, I am fortunate to see you again, which means the plan is progressing smoothly. (J)" Tianwu bowed to the grave.

"Hanako, the upcoming events will be crucial. Once everything is completed, I will reunite with you. (J)" Tianwu bowed to the grave once more before leaving.

May 9, 2004, Las Vegas.

This city is thriving with entertainment, indulgence, and numerous large casinos.

Today, a 19-story hotel with a large casino is about to open.

The casino's name is extremely imposing—Hell's Casino!

Externally, the entrance to the casino hotel features an image of Enma, the King of Hell from Japanese folklore, with its fanged mouth wide open, as if devouring those who enter.

The 18th floor has a unique design, featuring a large observation terrace, setting it differ from other casino hotels.

The opening ceremony of Hell's Casino is also grand, with many media outlets sending reporters to cover the event.

In addition to a series of song and dance performances, there will also be performances by well-known entertainers, indicating that the opening event is quite costly.

During the casino's opening period, a large number of free chips are being distributed to attract more people to enter.

Indeed, a large number of gamblers are drawn in, lining up here to receive their chips.

First, the casino owner delivers the opening speech.

The casino owner walks out onto the 18th floor and steps up to the large observation terrace railing, addressing the crowd from above.

The owner of Hell's Casino is none other than Dr. Tianwu Yingyang, the founder of the former Dalian Hospital and a Japanese national.

Despite his four partners being wanted by the FBI since December last year for the church mass death case, Tianwu boldly appears here in a high-profile manner, clearly with another agenda.

Tianwu Yingyang, speaking in Japanese, would normally have his capable assistant, Ryumoto Taro, who is fluent in various languages, handle the translation.

However, Ryumoto Taro, currently wanted by the FBI, is not present here, so the translation duties are handed over to someone else.

In his speech, Tianwu Yingyang not only welcomes the public to enjoy the casino but also guarantees that everyone who enters will have a great time and will not want to leave.

After the speech, a large song and dance performance begins, featuring famous American singers, artists, and bands emerging from the mouth of Enma at the casino's entrance, performing energetic songs and dances, providing a feast for the eyes and ears.

With the singing and dancing performance, Tianwu Hero announced the official opening of the casino hotel, and the long-awaited guests flocked to the Hell Casino.

Seeing so many people entering, Tianwu Yingyang shows a satisfied smile.

The interior design of Hell's Casino is also quite unique. The central lobby features a giant Buddha statue, reminiscent of the one that once stood in Dalian Hospital.

The casino is adorned with numerous murals depicting scenes inspired by the 18 levels of hell from Japanese folklore, creating an eerie atmosphere.

Additionally, the casino is filled with various statues of Asuras, Enma, and other Japanese mythical creatures that observe the gamblers.

These demonic statues starkly contrast with the righteous giant Buddha in the lobby.

The people entering the casino pay little attention to the murals and statues, focusing solely on gambling and entertainment.

In addition to the usual casino games, Japanese elements such as pachinko machines and dice games have been incorporated.

The top floor of Hell's Casino Hotel, the 19th floor, is where the management offices and meeting rooms are located.

After finishing his speech, Tianwu Yingyang returns to the terrace floor and takes a private elevator to the 19th floor, where the Senior Officers are holding a toast for the opening.

Apart from Tianwu Yingyang, the other Senior Officers have already been waiting.

They are Tianwu's old partners, Ito Hideyoshi, Kawasaki Kazuo, and Kimura Sukemitsu, who the FBI also wants.

English dialogue, J — Japanese, I - Interpretation.

"Teacher, hello! (J)" Also present is Ryumoto Taro, Tianwu's most valued partner, who has returned after fulfilling his wish in Hong Kong.

"Very good, everyone is here today. (J)" Tianwu, rarely reunited with all his old partners, shows a joyful expression and raises his glass.

Ito Hideyoshi, Kawasaki Yat Fu, Kimura Sukemitsu, and Ryumoto Taro bow to Tianwu and raise their glasses.

"Everyone, after years of hard work, we have finally achieved our goal. Let's toast. (J)" Tianwu raises his glass to the four.

Ito Hideyoshi, Kawasaki Kazuo, Kimura Jie Ming, and Ryumoto Taro also raise their glasses in response.

"Thank you all for your trust and dedication over the years. (J)" Tianwu bows deeply to the four in gratitude.

"You're too kind. (J)" The four bow deeply in return.

"Now that the mission is complete, it's time for everyone to retire. I wish you all the best in the future. (J)" Tianwu offers his blessings.

"No! (J)" The four simultaneously object.

"?"

"At this critical moment, we can't find any reason to leave now. (J)" Ito Hideyoshi speaks first.

"That's right. After all we've been through together, how can we just leave like this? (J)" Kawasaki Yat Fu is equally insistent.

"Exactly. How can such an important moment not include us? (J)" Kimura Jie Ming also has his reasons for staying.

"Teacher Tianwu, although I've been with you for the shortest time among everyone, I hope to join them in completing this great mission. (J)" Ryumoto also requests.

"Sigh! You are all still young and can return to your own lives. There's no need to accompany an old man who is nearing the end. (J)" Tianwu sighs.

At this moment, the four suddenly kneel.

"!"

"Please allow us to stay! (J)" The four plead in unison.

"..."

On the other hand, the Federal Bureau of Investigation received a document from the Hong Kong police, which was about the earlier analysis results of the radio waves from the immortal gene research report.

The analysis results showed that the report concealed a device capable of emitting radio waves, which would start operating whenever the report was opened.

The radio waves emitted by the research report could change the biological brain waves from alpha to beta.

Analysts experimented on a mouse using these radio waves, and after a while, the mouse exhibited severe self-destructive behaviour.

The conclusion was that the radio waves emitted by the immortal gene research report could, over time, cause organisms to exhibit self-destructive behaviour.

After receiving this analysis result, the FBI became even more convinced that the conspiracy carried out by Tianwu Yingyang and others should not be underestimated and must be stopped as soon as possible to prevent further loss of life.

At this time, Tianwu Yingyang appeared in Las Vegas in a high-profile manner, which inevitably aroused the suspicion of the FBI.

Although Tianwu Yingyang was not on the wanted list, several people who were on the list had close relationships with him.

Therefore, federal agents Tomson and Maggie, who were responsible for investigating the case of multiple deaths in the church, went to the Hell Casino Hotel to meet with Tianwu Yingyang.

The purpose of the FBI's visit was to find clues about the whereabouts of the wanted individuals and to explore any malicious intentions Tianwu might have, hoping to stop any larger conspiracy before it could unfold.

While waiting for the announcement in the lobby of the Hell Casino, Tomson and Maggie took the opportunity to tour the casino's facilities and environment.

"Haha... the decorations and layout of this casino are really interesting." Tomson said casually as he looked around the lobby.

"Good partner, what have you observed?" Maggie asked, knowing Tomson well.

"Look, this casino has both Buddha statues and demons like Asura, Enma, and ghost messengers. It's a coexistence of Buddha and demons." Tomson said, raising his hands.

"Haha, what's the problem with the coexistence of Buddha and demons? Isn't this world also a mix of loyalty and treachery, good and bad?" Maggie said indifferently.

"Partner, you see the world so clearly?" Tomson smiled.

"Maybe I've been influenced by you after being your partner for so long," Maggie said with a cold smile.

"It's my honor..." Tomson bowed to Maggie.

Just as they were getting into the conversation, they received word that they could go to the top floor to meet Tianwu Yingyang, and a staff member led them there.

Tomson and Maggie composed themselves and followed the staff to the 18th floor of the Hell Casino Hotel, then took a dedicated elevator to the 19th floor.

Tianwu Yingyang was already waiting for Tomson and Maggie in his office.

During the handshake and introductions, Tomson and Maggie felt a bit uneasy when they met Tianwu Yingyang's sharp gaze.

"Agents, what brings you here to see me?(I) " Tianwu Yingyang received them in the reception room on the top floor of the casino and spoke to them through an interpreter.

"Mr. Tianwu, we know that you are acquainted with Ito Hideyoshi, Kawasaki Yat Fu, Kimura Jie Ming, and Ryumoto Taro, right?" Tomson chose to avoid Tianwu's gaze and spoke directly.

"Of course, they were my good partners many years ago.(I)" Tianwu nodded in acknowledgement.

"I believe you should also know that the partners you know are involved in a criminal case of multiple deaths in a church and are currently wanted by the FBI," Tomson glanced at Tianwu.

"I know that. It's really regrettable.(I)" Tianwu sighed, lowering his head.

"So where are they now?" Maggie followed Tomson's approach, avoiding Tianwu's gaze, and continued to ask.

"I'm not sure.(I)" Tianwu shook his head.

"Not sure? They worked with you for many years and came to the United States together in 1999. How could you not know their whereabouts?" Maggie questioned.

"They told me they came to the United States to establish a Christian church, which is different from my Great Lotus Buddhism philosophy, so we went our separate ways.(I)" Tianwu waved his hand.

"For partners who worked together for many years, even if you are busy with different things, haven't you kept in touch?" Maggie continued to ask.

"We rarely contacted each other because I also spent a lot of time developing this casino project. We were both busy.(I)" Tianwu explained.

"When was the last time you contacted them?" Tomson joined in the questioning.

"The last time we contacted each other was at the end of last year.(I)" Tianwu indicated.

"The end of last year? That was just before the incident of multiple deaths in the church. What did they say to you?" Tomson stared at Tianwu.

"Nothing much, just casual talk and catching up,(I)" Tianwu looked back at Tomson.

"Is there any way to find them now?" Tomson slightly avoided Tianwu's gaze and asked.

"No, they have been ordered to be wanted by the FBI. How would they dare to contact me? (I)" Tianwu smiled.

"Hahaha..." Tomson suddenly laughed.

"?"

"What a Tianwu Yingyang, truly meeting you is better than just hearing about you. You are indeed a very cunning old fox." Tomson no longer avoided Tianwu's gaze and looked directly at him.

"What do you mean? (I)" Tianwu didn't understand.

"I understand that you are manipulating everything behind the scenes, but now you can push it all away. Impressive, impressive..." Tomson clapped.

"Tomson..." Maggie didn't expect her partner to suddenly say this.

"Agent Tomson, your accusation against me is very serious. Please provide evidence.(I)" Tianwu reminded.

"Hehe... don't think that no one knows what you are doing. You established a hospital in Hong Kong to research how to make people commit suicide, right?" Tomson questioned.

"Agent Tomson, that is a misunderstanding.(I)" Tianwu calmly denied.

"Misunderstanding? Mr. Tianwu, two police officers in Hong Kong had suicidal thoughts after meeting with you. I believe that is also a misunderstanding?" Tomson said coldly.

"Is there such a thing? (I)" Tianwu looked innocent.

"Hehe... Mr. Tianwu, after this meeting, are you going to make us commit suicide too?" Tomson teased Tianwu.

"Agent Tomson, you are young and capable, with many important things to do. Why would you think of committing suicide? (I)" Tianwu shook his head.

"Mr. Tianwu, you are meticulous in your actions, so it's naturally difficult for us to find evidence of your crimes. But don't be too complacent!" Tomson glared at Tianwu.

"Oh? (I)" Tianwu glanced lightly at Tomson.

"I believe that justice will prevail, and you will not escape the law..." Tomson said excitedly.

"Agent Tomson, I also believe in the same concept. I hope what you believe will come true.(I)" Tianwu said indifferently, not affected by the other's emotions.

"Mr. Tianwu, not only do you possess supreme wisdom, but your emotional intelligence is also very high. No wonder you are so successful in everything you do..." Tomson instantly regained his composure.

"Because I firmly believe in the philosophy of Buddhism, and one Buddhist verse has touched me the most.(I)" Tianwu recalled.

"Ah! I almost forgot about Mr. Tianwu's Buddhist background. I wonder which Buddhist verse has left such an impression on you?" Tomson asked curiously.

"Originally, there is nothing, where can dust alight? (I)" Tianwu recited a well-known Buddhist verse to Tomson.

"So it's this verse. I will study the meaning of this verse carefully. Thank you for the lesson," Tomson bowed.

"The philosophy of Buddhism is profound. If you study it more, you will surely benefit greatly.(I)" Tianwu also bowed to Tomson with his hands clasped.

"Please forgive my ignorance, but how can the philosophy of Buddhism allow you to run a casino, a worldly amusement?" Tomson suddenly challenged Tianwu again.

"The most important thing in Buddhist philosophy is not the external packaging but the internalization. As the saying goes, wine and meat pass through the intestines, but Buddha remains in the heart.(I)" Tianwu explained Buddhism to Tomson.

"Is that so?" Tomson scratched his head.

"Life is the biggest casino. Running this small casino is just a microcosm of life.(I)" Tianwu continued.

"Mr. Tianwu, your answer is full of mystery. Today, I have learned a very valuable life lesson. Thank you very much." Tomson approached Tianwu and extended a friendly hand.

"You're welcome.(I)" Tianwu also extended his hand to shake Tomson's.

"I hope the next time we meet, it will be the time to bring you to justice." Tomson said with a stern look as he shook hands.

"I look forward to the day we meet again.(I)" Tianwu remained calm and composed, unaffected by Tomson's change in expression.

English dialogue, J — Japanese, I - Interpretation.

After completing their questioning, Tomson and Maggie drove away.

"Did you gain anything from the meeting just now?" Maggie asked in the car.

"As you saw, the old fox is not simple at all. Even though I deliberately tried to provoke him, he didn't reveal anything incriminating." Tomson shook his head slightly.

"So, another wasted trip?" Maggie said, feeling disinterested.

"You could say that." Tomson nodded.

"What do you think their purpose is for opening this hotel here?" Maggie wondered.

"I'm not clear about their motives yet, but I hope..." Tomson trailed off.

"?"

"...they won't make us commit suicide." Tomson smiled.

"Don't worry, we've thoroughly checked and haven't found any radio wave devices." Maggie said, showing the radio wave detector.

Since learning about the use of radio waves to induce suicide, Tomson and Maggie had equipped themselves with detectors to avoid falling into a trap.

Back at the FBI, they reported the results of their meeting with Tianwu to Captain Iskin.

"If we can't figure out their plan, it will be hard to stop them, and who knows how many more people they might harm." Captain Iskin expressed his concern.

"As I speculated earlier, their conspiracy will eventually be exposed, and it will likely result in a massive outbreak." Tomson estimated.

"A massive outbreak? Wouldn't that mean a lot of casualties? I don't want to see such a scene." Maggie shook her head.

"On the other hand, if they don't act, it's hard for us to intervene. There's very little we can do at the moment." Tomson gestured.

"It's a dilemma." Maggie sighed.

"Hmm, I'll form a dedicated team to station agents near the Hell Hotel long-term, monitoring every move and reporting directly to me." Captain Iskin made his preparations.

"That's a relatively proactive approach." Tomson nodded.

"Additionally, I'll notify the SWAT team to be on standby, ready to provide support at any time," Captain Iskin arranged further measures.

"Their actions of inducing suicide are truly despicable. I want to bring them to justice immediately." Maggie said anxiously.

"Maggie, there will be an opportunity, as long as..." Tomson played with another cold joke.

"?"

"...we wait patiently" Tomson smiled.

"Don't worry, I'm a very patient person." Maggie, who was usually more impulsive, responded with a perfunctory smile.
www
On May 26th, at noon, which was also a Buddhist festival day.

Every year on this day, Tianwu Yingyang, a devout Buddhist, held it in high regard.

That day, Tianwu Yingyang, the top leader of the Hell Casino Hotel, along with several senior staff, gathered in front of the giant Buddha statue in the lobby to conduct an incense offering ceremony.

Tianwu, holding a stick of incense, stood solemnly in front of the giant Buddha statue in the hotel lobby.

At the auspicious hour, Tianwu stepped forward to offer incense, the ceremony simple yet solemn.

After the ceremony, Tianwu instructed the staff to return to their posts and took the private elevator back to his top-floor office alone.

"Hanako, we will meet soon." Tianwu took out a photo of his wife during the brief elevator ride.

Upon reaching the top-floor office, several individuals were already waiting.

"Mr. Tianwu." they immediately bowed upon seeing him.

"Everyone, thank you for waiting." Tianwu returned the gesture.

The individuals present were none other than Ito Hideyoshi, Kawasaki Yat Fu, Kimura Jie Ming, and Ryumoto Taro, all wanted by the FBI.

"Mr. Tianwu, everything is ready. We can start at any time," Ito reported.

"Let's begin," Tianwu sighed and then signalled.

"Yes," Ito acknowledged the order.

After receiving the order, Ito immediately activated the computer program.

Once the program started, everyone took their positions to await the results.

At noon, after completing the Buddhist festival ceremony, the Hell Casino resumed normal operations.

Many guests, as usual, passed through the gaping mouth of the Enma statue and entered the casino, ready for a big gamble.

About an hour later.

Figures began to appear on the large terrace of the 18th floor of the Hell Casino. Many guests engrossed in gambling and staff members working came to this area.

The people arriving all had blank expressions, seemingly lifeless.

Bang, bang, bang, bang...

Without any warning, multiple people began jumping from the 18th-floor terrace of the Hell Casino Hotel, the impacts creating shocking sounds on the ground.

Passersby near the hotel were terrified by the sight of so many people jumping to their deaths.

The situation didn't stop; more and more people continued to jump from the 18th-floor terrace, the loud impacts echoing one after another.

Those jumping included not only gamblers and hotel guests but also hotel and casino staff.

Sirens wailed...

With such a large number of deaths occurring, police, firefighters, paramedics, and various media outlets rushed to the scene upon receiving the news.

Given the situation, the police cordoned off the area around the hotel to prevent others from approaching and risking danger.

Several electronic media outlets could only broadcast and conduct interviews from a distance.

The first responders, including police, paramedics, and firefighters, quickly attended to those who had jumped from the hotel, while others entered the hotel to assess the situation.

The event was so shocking that a large crowd gathered to watch, and many across the United States tuned in to live broadcasts.

After the police, paramedics, and firefighters entered the hotel, the scene calmed for about half an hour before the crowd erupted into even louder screams.

This was because the crowd saw the police and firefighters who had just entered the Hell Casino also jumping from the 18th-floor terrace.

The police commander, who was being interviewed by the media at the scene, was stunned and at a loss for words upon seeing his colleagues jump from the hotel.

"Commander, why is this happening? Is the situation out of control?" reporters pressed the police commander for answers.

The police commander, who had never encountered such a situation in his career, was speechless and didn't know how to respond.

Bang, bang, bang, bang...

At that moment, multiple gunshots suddenly rang out, further escalating the chaos.

Amidst the continuous screams, bystanders near the scene, law enforcement officers maintaining order, and media reporters all scrambled for cover to escape the gunfire.

The police commander, who had just been interviewed, also fled with the reporters.

After finding cover, the commander tried to peek out to understand the situation.

It turned out that the gunshots came from police officers stationed closest to the hotel entrance.

The officers used their service weapons to shoot themselves in the head, dying on the spot.

Bang, bang, bang, bang...

More gunshots echoed across the scene.

It turned out that the paramedics and firefighters handling the jumpers were also affected.

They picked up the service weapons of the deceased officers and shot themselves in the head, causing gunfire to erupt everywhere.

"How could this happen?" In such a short time, witnessing such unimaginable tragedies, even the experienced police commander couldn't suppress his fear.

At this helpless moment, the commander received an order from his superiors.

"Friends from the media, we have just received the latest update." the police commander, having received the order, calmed down slightly and approached the media.

"?" After the gunfire subsided, the scene quieted down, and all media outlets eagerly gathered around the police commander to understand what had happened.

"Media friends, from now on, the police cordon will be doubled for safety... and the FBI will take over the case." the police commander announced to the media.

The police immediately doubled the cordon around the Hell Casino Hotel, including nearby pedestrian and vehicle roads within the blocked area.

After a while, several armoured vehicles were ordered to arrive here.

Two of the characters in the vehicle are federal agents Tomson and Maggie, who have been waiting for a long time and finally got the opportunity to go out.

After receiving the order from Captain Iskin, Tomson and Maggie could not wait to join forces with the Special Tactics Force (SWAT) to prepare to attack the Hell Hotel.

Several SWAT armored vehicles drove into the hotel area which was blocked by police.

A large number of fully armed special tactical forces personnel got off the vehicles, led by Tomson and Maggie.

All personnel wear special protective clothing to prevent interference and intrusion from external radio waves.

After everyone got out of the vehicles, the first thing they saw was a pile of corpses on the ground. Most of them had fallen from the heights of the Hell Casino, and a small number had been shot to death on the spot.

Many of the bodies that fell were broken into pieces, with their brains and organs bursting out of their bodies. Their deaths were horrific, truly like hell on earth.

The large group of people also passed through the devil's bloody mouth and entered the lobby of the Hell Hotel Casino. At this time, the lobby was empty.

"I believe everyone here has committed suicide," Tomson estimated.

"There is a strong radio wave reaction." Maggie used a radio wave instrument to detect radio wave reactions in some monster statues in the lobby.

"It turns out that they have already installed the radio wave device that causes people to commit suicide on the monster statue. The image is very cooperative." Tomson smiled at the monster statue.

"It really is the eighteen levels of hell." Maggie shook her head.

Tomson walked to the elevator in the lobby and ordered a small team to guard the lobby, while the rest followed him in the elevator to the eighteenth floor.

"Aren't you afraid that they've tampered with the elevator?" Maggie worried.

"Don't be afraid!" Tomson was full of confidence.

Tomson and Maggie led a large group of people and took several elevators to the eighteenth floor of the Hell Casino Hotel.

"What a huge terrace!" When Tomson and the others walked out of the elevator, what they saw was a very large and vast terrace.

"There is no sign of anyone here. I believe they all committed suicide." Maggie looked around.

"It turns out that this terrace is designed to facilitate people to commit suicide!" Tomson sneered.

"To avoid any more trouble, act quickly." Maggie urged.

"Everyone listen up!" Tomson was on the terrace preparing to issue orders.

"Yes! Sir!" The troops gathered and obeyed the order.

"Attack the 19th floor immediately!" Tomson ordered.

"Yes! Sir!" The troops obeyed the order.

Without a special elevator, it is impossible to reach the top nineteen floors of the Hell Casino Hotel. The SWAT rushed up to the nineteenth floor from the two staircases on the left and right.