The VIP room was in the deepest part of the casino.
After passing through the noisy gambling hall and a corridor lined with preserved food specimens, the attendant stopped before a heavy wooden door and pushed it open with a bow.
Beyond it was a spacious room.
A dark-red carpet, golden wall lamps, and an enormous gambling table stood in the center. Its surface was covered in dark-green felt, with brass studs lining the edges. Someone sat behind the table.
It was a man dressed in an extravagant robe.
The robe was embroidered with all kinds of ingredients—fish, meat, vegetables, fruits—vivid and colorful. He wore a white mask painted with a wide laughing mouth, its corners stretched all the way to his ears. It looked both comical and eerie.
His fingers were long, his nails neatly trimmed, and he casually spun a golden chip between them.
"Welcome, welcome."
The man's voice came from behind the mask, hoarse yet smooth, carrying the distinctive enthusiasm of a merchant.
"Friends from the Hunter Association, and... this unfamiliar guest."
His gaze settled on Saitama, and the huge mouth painted on his mask seemed to stretch even wider.
"I am the owner of this casino. You may call me... Leib."
Kurapika stepped forward and gave a slight nod.
"Mr. Leib, we came here for something."
"Oh?" Leib leaned back in his chair with interest. "What would that be?"
"Meteorite Garlic."
The room fell silent for a moment.
Leib's fingers stopped spinning the chip.
He was silent for two seconds, then laughed.
"Hahaha, interesting."
He clapped his hands.
The wall behind him slowly split apart, revealing an embedded display case. It was lined with red velvet, and resting atop it was... a bulb of garlic.
But it was no ordinary garlic.
It was the size of