Succumania

Awakened from his slumber, in his dimly lit room, alone, Luka slowly stood up. The last remnants of memories pertaining to his dream disappeared, and he found himself walking toward the bathroom next to his room. 

As he pushed the door open, the faint scent of Alma Elma's perfume lingered in the air, a very distinctive floral sweetness. The bathroom bore the subtle signs of her early morning routine: a few strands of her vibrant purple hair clung to the edge of the sink, and the mirror still bore the faintest haze of steam. Luka stared at his reflection for a moment, his black hair disheveled and his brown eyes dull with sleep. He splashed cold water on his face, the shock of it sharpening his senses enough for what was to come.

Drying his face with a towel, he glanced at the small window to his left. The street below was calm as usual, bathed in the golden light of midmorning. He lingered for a moment, his thoughts drifting to his unusual dream. Something about it nagged at him yet he couldn't quite place what. 

After leaving the bathroom, he headed back to his room to change clothes. As he stepped inside, his gaze fell on something out of place—a single strand of purple fur resting on his bedsheet. His breath caught in his throat as memories flooded back: the portal crisis, the shape-shifting fox he had met who bore the same name as his old master.

Daji.

Of course, he couldn't forget her. Not with how pushy she was, nor the chill that ran down his spine every time she spoke.

He picked up the strand of fur and rolled it between his fingers. What did this mean? Where did he get this? 

Oh god, did she come into my room while I was asleep?

The thought sent a shiver through him. But no, if Daji had been here, there would've been more evidence of her presence. She wasn't exactly subtle. If she had visited, she would've left more than a single strand of fur—she would've left chaos in her wake, and probably tried to tease or torment him in some way.

Before he could dwell on it further, a sharp knock at the door broke his concentration. "Luka! Are you awake yet?" The voice of Alma Elma rang out, playful as always. 

He quickly tucked the strand of fur into his pocket, his heart still pounding. "I'm up," he called back, his voice steady despite the unease churning in his gut. He grabbed a fresh set of clothes and began to change, his mind still preoccupied with the strange discovery.

As he pulled on his shirt, the knock came again, more insistent this time. "Luka, if you don't open this door in the next five seconds, I'm coming in!"

"I'm coming, I'm coming," he muttered, hastily buttoning his shirt and making his way to the door. He opened it to find Alma Elma standing there, a grin spread on her face.

"That's what they always say…♪" she purred, licking her lips suggestively.

"Shut up," Luka chuckled. By now, he had grown used to her usual banter and couldn't help but laugh at her antics. "So, why the hurry?"

"Nina told me to give you this," Alma Elma said, her tone shifting to something slightly more serious—though not by much. She reached into her cleavage and pulled out an envelope, its edges slightly crumpled from its… unconventional storage location.

"You really had to put it here?" he shot her a stunned look.

"Do I look like I have pockets?" she flashed him an innocent smile.

He sighed. "Just give it to me," he said, holding out his hand.

Alma Elma handed him the envelope with a flourish, her grin widening as she watched him take it. "You're welcome."

Ignoring her teasing, Luka turned his attention to the envelope. It was sealed with an ornate wax stamp, its emblem unfamiliar. With a quiet sigh, he broke the seal and unfolded the letter, his eyes scanning the neatly penned words. At the top corner, a crest was stamped into the parchment—an intricate design of entwined roses and devil horns.

Alma Elma leaned over his shoulder, her curiosity getting the better of her. "Well? Who's sending you love letters now?"

"It's from…" Luka frowned. "Succubus Casino?" He let out a short, incredulous laugh. "Sounds sketchy already."

"Sounds sketchy indeed," Alma Elma smirked.

Luka continued reading, his amusement fading. "They're asking for my help. Says here they've had… multiple murders on the premises." He glanced at Alma Elma, expecting her usual playful quip, but she merely arched an eyebrow.

"Now that is suspicious."

"Yeah," Luka murmured, still fixated on the letter. If that casino's name was anything to go by, then it definitely had something to do with his current problem. And if people were dying, he couldn't just ignore it.

Before he could dwell on it, Alma Elma stretched her arms above her head, yawning lazily. "Well, I don't know about you, but I think we should go together. What do you think?"

"Yeah," he said as he folded the letter. "I'll need help if that casino is full of succubi. Perhaps I'll ask Vinum and Morrigan to join us too."

"Whoa, way to ignore me!" A voice interrupted from the stairwell. Eva appeared at the top of the stairs, already dressed in her queenly attire, her sunglasses perched hastily atop her head. "I'm coming too! There's money to make!"

Luka sighed, knowing there was no use arguing. "Huh… Sure."

"Ahaha! I'll become rich!" Eva said smugly.

"Let's see if Morrigan wants to join us," Luka continued, stepping into the hallway.

But as he moved forward, something felt wrong.

He slowed his steps, glancing at his surroundings. The corridor stretched longer than he remembered. The doors, once close together, now seemed farther apart. The walls… something about them felt off, like they had subtly shifted, expanded.

"Hey, did someone mess with the house?" he asked, his voice carefully even, though his senses were on high alert.

Alma Elma paused, her playful grin flickering for just a moment before she tilted her head. "…Huh."

Eva, however completely oblivious, scoffed. "What, are you paranoid now? You think the house is haunted or something?"

"I changed it," another voice came through as a nearby door swung open.

Vinum sat casually on a chair in what now looked like a library, a book resting in her hands. She barely spared them a glance, flipping a page with a practiced flick of her fingers.

"So could you please pipe down? I'm trying to read." 

Luka let out a slow breath, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Ah. Vinum." He greeted her with a blank expression. "I thought you were still recovering… Also, what did you do to my house?"

"I made it a bit bigger," she replied with a smirk. "Happy?"

"I guess…" He scratched his head. "But—"

"Don't get too anxious, boy," she sighed, turning another page. "Even if I wanted to, I don't think I could hurt anyone in this house anymore." She then waved him off dismissively. "Go do your detective work. I'm busy already."

"If you say so."

Luka didn't press further. After all, she had been beaten and made a promise, and if his experience was to speak for themselves, she would honor it. At least to some extent. 

He turned back to Alma Elma and Eva. "Alright, I'll go down to see if Morrigan wants to join us." 

Without wasting a second, he climbed down the stairs and headed into the living room. There, multiple imps were sitting cross-legged in front of the TV, with Morrigan in the middle, while holding controllers linked to an old-school console. 

"Bomberman, huh?" Luka chuckled before stepping further into the room. "Hey, Morrigan. Wanna come with me to a casino? I've got a case there."

No response.

Morrigan puffed her cheeks slightly, her attention never leaving the game, though the slight twitch of her eyes told him she had heard him.

"She's been like that all morning," Eva arrived from behind him, arms crossed. "I say we just let her be and go make money," she said while stepping away.

Perhaps I've been harsh on her yesterday…

Luka sighed. "Morrigan."

Nothing.

He walked closer, arms crossed. "You're mad about something."

She huffed.

He glanced at the screen—she was demolishing her competition. The imps beside her didn't stand a chance.

"Alright," he said, stepping back. "If you wanna stay here playing games instead of getting involved in a high-stakes murder mystery, suit yourself."

"Fuck off," she finally snapped, her tail lashing out to whip him lightly on the arm.

"Alright, alright…" Luka sighed, rubbing the spot where her tail had struck him. He grabbed his jacket from the back of a chair and pulled it on. "Rumi, Rami, Remi, take care of big sis Morri, okay?"

"Yes!" Rami immediately said, saluting with one hand while the other fumbled with her controller. The momentary distraction was all Morrigan needed to eliminate her character.

"Ah! I lost!" Rami wailed, throwing her controller down in mock despair.

Morrigan smirked at the screen, her tail flicking in satisfaction. "Too easy," she muttered, barely sparing Rami a glance.

"See ya, everyone!" Luka called out as he headed toward the exit, shaking his head. He could hear the imps giggling and Morrigan's triumphant hum fading behind him as he stepped outside.

Alma Elma and Eva were waiting for him by the gate, the former leaning casually against the fence while the latter tapped her foot impatiently.

"So it's the three of us," Luka nodded toward the two succubus. "Thank you for helping me."

"You'll just have to thank me later…♪" Alma Elma giggled.

Eva, on the other hand, barely acknowledged him, her sunglasses flicking down as she muttered to herself. "So I'll make the money, then maybe I'll upgrade my wardrobe… and then I'll buy that new car, or maybe I'll—"

Luka raised an eyebrow at Eva. "You're already planning how to spend the money you haven't made yet?"

"Obviously," she scoffed, flipping her sunglasses down over her eyes. "Unlike you, I have vision."

The Succubus Casino wasn't too far, but walking through the city with two succubi at his side was bound to draw attention—not the kind he wanted. A car would get them there faster and with fewer interruptions. 

When they arrived, Luka's suspicions were immediately confirmed. Just a week ago, this part of the city had been little more than forgotten ruins, a place people avoided without a second thought. But now, in the heart of the city, stood an extravagant palace that gleamed like gold under the setting sun. A massive neon sign reading Succubus Casino flashed overhead, its devilish tail wrapping around the letters like a seductive tease.

Eva's eyes lit up. "Now this... This is what I'm talking about!" she exclaimed.

Luka frowned. Something about this didn't sit right. Buildings didn't just appear overnight—at least, not without serious magic involved. Clearly a succubus was behind all this and these murders were perhaps her doing.

Maybe… It was a trap.

The car pulled up to the entrance, where doormen clad in sleek suits stood, flanking the velvet-carpeted stairs. The air was thick with the intoxicating fragrances of perfume and alcohol. Through the wide-open doors, Luka caught glimpses of elegantly dressed women moving about, each more captivating than the last.

A woman in a black tuxedo approached the vehicle with a radiant smile. Her dark hair framed her face perfectly, and her confidence oozed from her every step. "You must be Mister Luka. We've been expecting you."

"How do you know it's me?" 

"We pride ourselves on being professional here," she said, nodding with a serene confidence before she opened the car door. "Please, step inside. We'll take care of your vehicle."

Luka glanced at Alma Elma, who flashed a smirk, clearly amused by the entire situation. Eva, on the other hand, had already half-climbed out of the car, adjusting her outfit like she had just stepped onto a red carpet.

"Fine," Luka muttered, stepping out cautiously.

The tuxedoed girl gestured toward the entrance. "Right this way."

As they ascended the grand staircase, Luka's unease grew. The interior was nothing short of lavish—red velvet carpets stretched out across the pristine marble floors, golden chandeliers casting a warm glow over the lobby, and soft jazz music hummed in the air. Everywhere he looked, there were women—some dealing cards, others chatting with patrons—each one more suspicious than the last.

"Welcome to the Succubus Casino," the hostess said, leading them further inside. Her green hair and red eyes were striking, with her horns, wings, and tail fully visible to anyone who cared to look. "Miss Est will be with you shortly."

"Est?" Luka raised an eyebrow, surprised by the name.

Alma Elma tilted her head thoughtfully. "Ah, so she's the one running this place. Not bad…♪"

The hostess nodded. "Yes, Miss Est is the owner of the Succubus Casino. She has been expecting you."

Alma Elma's smirk widened as she gave the hostess a playful wink. "Also, that tuxedo suits you, Mayor."

"My~ Thank you very much!" the hostess replied with a flirtatious laugh.

Luka gave Alma Elma a side glance. "You know her?"

Alma Elma raised an eyebrow, looking amused. "Of course. She's the mayor of the succubus village in our world."

Luka blinked, caught off guard. "The mayor?"

The hostess nodded gracefully. "Yes, it's a pleasure to meet you, mister SubLuka."

Luka's gaze shifted, his mind still racing. "No one calls me that anymore… But nevermind, is every hostess here a succubus?" he asked, trying to piece together what was going on.

"Yes," the hostess answered with a smooth nod. "But we have a strict rule here: no one is allowed to break the laws of this city. That's why the murders have been quite unusual, you see…"

Luka's frown deepened. "How long have you been running this casino?"

"A week." 

"How many murders?"

"Seven," the hostess said, her gaze flickering briefly. "But please, let Miss Est fill you in with the details. She'll explain everything."

Alma Elma raised an eyebrow, glancing at Luka. "This should be interesting...♪"

Luka nodded, his suspicions mounting. He was certain there was more to this than met the eye. Something felt off about the entire setup, and his instincts were screaming that the casino's hidden secrets were about to reveal themselves. He gave the hostess a small nod, silently agreeing to follow her lead.

Perhaps one of the succubus hosts here had found a way to feed on people unnoticed, using their influence and charm.

They made their way upstairs, where an ostentatious, lavishly decorated room awaited them. Eva, of course, had disappeared somewhere, likely off to enjoy the casino's offerings or lose herself in whatever distractions caught her eye.

Inside, a figure stood waiting—Est. She had a frown on her face, and her sharp eyes met Luka's immediately as he entered. A warm, but slightly weary, smile spread across her face as she gestured for him to enter.

"Please, come inside and make yourself comfortable."

Luka stepped inside, noting the opulence of the room. The walls were adorned with intricate designs, and the air smelled faintly of expensive perfume.

"This way, please," Est added, motioning to a set of chairs arranged around a low table.

Without a word, Luka nodded and sat down, his eyes never leaving Est. Alma Elma followed suit, her usual playful demeanor replaced by a more serious expression as she took a seat beside him.

Est sat across from them, her hands folded neatly on the table. "Thank you for coming," she began, her voice calm but carrying an undercurrent of tension. "I'm sure you have many questions."

"You could say that," Luka replied, his tone cautious. "Starting with why you've built a casino in the middle of the city and why there have been seven murders in a week."

"For pleasure, of course. Seeing so many people flock around here to better their lives, betting all they have for a chance of a better life, the thrill…" she sighed softly, like a moan escaping her lips. "But all of this glamour, this love, stained by these murders…." she paused, her expression darkening. "They're not our doing. In fact, I've been trying to stop them."

"So someone is hunting here, hm?" Alma Elma tilted her head with a smile. 

"Exactly," Est confirmed, her voice steady, but her eyes betrayed a deep concern. "I've managed to hide the murders from the police, keeping it under wraps to protect the reputation of the casino... but I can only do so much."

Luka exchanged a glance with Alma Elma, silently weighing their options. Finally, he nodded. "Alright. We'll help."

"I think I have an idea already…♪" Alma Elma chuckled. "Est. Is there any particular link between the victims?"

"There were all healthy young men," she sighed. "They were in their prime, each one found drained of life, dry as a husk."

Alma Elma's lips curled into a playful grin. "Fufufu…♪" She glanced at Luka, her eyes dancing with a touch of something darker. "Seems like we've got the perfect bait right here, don't we?"

"Wait, what?" Luka's protest was cut short as Alma Elma snapped her fingers. In an instant, he found himself dressed in an impeccably tailored suit, a stack of casino chips thrust into his hands by Est. Before he could argue further, he was unceremoniously shoved into the bustling casino floor. 

His succubus comrade was watching him from a distance, though she seemed more absorbed in conversing with the other customers. The bright lights, the clinking of coins, the sound of cards being drawn and chatter, the atmosphere was overwhelming. 

However, he soon slipped into his role and decided to act like an oblivious customer. First, he had to gather information. And quickly, something caught his eye. 

A red-haired succubus was taking care of the slot machines at the back of the casino. Something about her reminded him of Morrigan, like an air of family he couldn't quite place. If Morrigan was one thing, he couldn't help but be interested in her. 

Curiosity piqued, Luka made his way to the slot machines. He took a seat at an empty machine, dropping a few coins into the slot and pulling the lever. The reels spun with a mechanical hum, the symbols blurring together—fruit, animals, and, fittingly, a devil's tail. The machine came to a stop with a dull whirr, displaying a banana, a goat, and the tail. Luka sighed. No luck this time, but that wasn't why he was here.

The machine stopped with a mundane whirr, showing a banana, a goat, and—fittingly—a devil's tail. A laughable combination. Luka sighed under his breath. Nothing that time, but it didn't matter. He wasn't here to win.

He glanced at the red-haired succubus again, his instincts screaming that she was more than she appeared. There was something in her aura, something that set his nerves on edge. He couldn't shake the feeling that she was connected to the murders—or at least knew more than she was letting on.

As he prepared to approach her, a voice interrupted his thoughts.

"Enjoying yourself, cutie?"

Luka turned to see another succubus leaning against the machine next to him. She had long, dark purplish hair with two black clips holding it in place, and was wearing a grey sleeveless turtleneck sweater beneath a blood-red jacket. Her wings were folded neatly behind her, and her rough-looking tail swished gently, like a predator sizing up its prey.

"Uh, yeah," Luka replied, forcing a casual tone. "Just trying my luck."

"Yeah, these slot machines are kind of annoying. I always lose at them," she pouted. 

Before Luka could respond, the red-haired succubus appeared at his side, her presence commanding immediate attention. "Leave him be, Succubus-chan," she said, her voice calm but firm. "I'm taking care of him."

The purple-haired succubus raised her hands in mock surrender, her lips curling into a sly fanged smile. "Alright, alright. No need to get possessive." She winked at Luka before sauntering off, her tail swishing behind her.

Luka turned his attention back to the red-haired succubus, who was now studying him with an intensity that made him slightly uneasy. "You're not like the others," she said, her voice low and measured. "What brings you here?"

Luka shifted, leaning back against the machine with a nonchalant shrug. "Wanted to try my hand at the slots," he replied, though his attention never fully left her. "By the way, are you related to Morrigan?"

At the mention of her name, the succubus's gaze sharpened, her head tilting slightly in surprise. "Morrigan?" She seemed taken aback for a moment, then her expression hardened. "You know my little sister?"

Luka chuckled lightly, feeling a tinge of satisfaction at his correct assumption. "Oh, so I was right. You're one of her sisters."

The succubus's eyes flickered for a moment, her lips pressing into a thin line. "Is she okay?" she asked, her voice firm, but with an unmistakable undertone of threat.

Luka hesitated, his expression softening just a fraction of a second, before he gave her a teasing smirk. "She's a bit mad at me, but she's fine playing video games at home."

The succubus's eyes flickered with a mix of emotions—relief, irritation, but also something darker. She didn't speak for a moment, as if weighing his words, before she gave a small, almost imperceptible nod. "I'll take your word for it," she said, her voice low. "But don't make me regret it."

"So, what's your name, then?"

The red-haired succubus's lips curled into a small smile, her gaze never leaving him, as she answered. "Astaroth. I'm the middle sister."

Her eyes were calculating, as if trying to unravel his every thought. "Where's your house?"

Luka's smirk remained in place, his tone casual. "I can bring you there if you want. She has a room and everything, don't worry."

Astaroth's eyes narrowed, her attention sharpening even further. "Right," she said, but before Luka could probe deeper, a voice suddenly came from behind Astaroth.

"There is no problem whatsoever with your little sister."

Astaroth's body stiffened, and she spun around with surprising speed, her posture defensive as her eyes widened in shock. "Y-You? Alma Elma?"

"Hello…♪" the queen of succubi smirked. "Glad to see you well and alive."

Astaroth stepped back, clearly unsettled by the sudden appearance of Alma Elma. "You—how are you here?"

Luka looked between the two succubi, his eyes narrowing in confusion. "So, you two know each other?"

Alma Elma's gaze never wavered from Astaroth, her smirk widening as she crossed her arms. "Where is the big sister now, I wonder…♪"

Astaroth's eyes flickered briefly, clearly not pleased with Alma Elma's insinuation. "She is in the casino as well," Astaroth said firmly, a warning in her voice. "So don't try anything funny."

"And little Luka here is trustworthy. So don't threaten him, okay?" 

"Calm down you two," the detective sighed. "Does that mean I can trust you, Astaroth? If you're Morrigan's sister, maybe we can have a heart-to-heart talk."

Astaroth's eyes softened, the suspicion not entirely gone but replaced with a hint of curiosity. "Trust," she murmured, her voice quieter now. "Trust is a rare commodity in this place. But if you're willing to listen, perhaps we can talk."

Alma Elma raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued by the turn of events, but she didn't interrupt.

Luka, sensing an opportunity to dig deeper, leaned in slightly. "So, what exactly is going on here? What's this all about, Astaroth? What's really happening in this casino?"

Astaroth hesitated for a long moment, her gaze drifting across the busy casino floor. "You're talking about the murders?"

"Yeah," Luka responded, leaning forward. "The bodies. The men who've been drained."

She paused again, her eyes calculating before she finally spoke. "I cannot tell you everything," she said, her voice quieter, almost guarded. "But all the succubi working here are innocent, that much is certain."

"How can you be so sure?"

But Astaroth stayed silent, her eyes avoiding his. 

"What about that girl… Succubus-chan, was it?" Luka pressed, not willing to let the topic drop.

Astaroth's shoulders sagged slightly. "She isn't especially trustworthy, but I can vouch for her innocence in this," she said, her tone heavier with resignation. "That girl flirts occasionally, but we're all being fed through—" She quickly snapped her mouth shut, realizing she had said too much. Her eyes widened as she hurried to correct herself. "Never mind. Forget you heard that."

"You look tired." Alma Elma noted, seeing the dark circles under her eyes.

"I've been looking for my little sister for a whole week! I haven't been sleeping since then!" the middle sister crashed out. "I couldn't even communicate with her through telepathy…"

"She isn't that hard to miss…" the detective muttered before shaking his head. "Anyway, now you know she is fine. How about you help us discover the murderer?"

"Why not… I have nothing else to do here besides telling the customers to leave before it's too late."

Luka exchanged a glance with Alma Elma, a silent agreement passing between them. With Astaroth on their side, they might finally have a chance to uncover the truth behind the murders. However, something about what she just said felt off. 

In fact, he felt a bit more drained after he lost a few coins in that slot machine.

He shrugged it off for the moment. Focus, he told himself. They had a lead now, and they had to follow it.

The trio made their way toward the roulette table, where the big sister—whom Astaroth had mentioned earlier—was seated. Luka couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. Her presence was commanding and charming, even among the other succubi.

She wore a thick beige sweater that contrasted with her purple hair, giving her an almost motherly aura. She was chatting with a customer when she noticed the trio approaching. A sidelong glance, then a break in her conversation. The customer excused himself, and the big sister turned fully toward them.

Luka sized her up as she rose from her seat, her eyes scanning each of them before resting on Astaroth, then shifting toward Alma Elma. There was a quiet intensity in her gaze. She gave a small smile, but it didn't quite reach her eyes.

"Hello, there. Can I help you?" she said with a sweet tone.

Astaroth stepped forward. "I found Morrigan," and then gestured to Luka. "This man claims lodging her in his house."

He gave a small wave, trying to keep things light. "Hi!"

"Is that so? If that's the case, we must reward you for your generosity." she smiled. "My name is Lilith, glad to meet you."

"Ahaha, glad to meet you…" Luka replied, scratching the back of his head nervously. There was something about Lilith's demeanor that put him on edge, though he couldn't quite put his finger on it.

"Would you like to play a game?" Lilith asked, gesturing to the empty roulette table next to them. Her tone was light, almost playful, but there was a glint in her eyes that suggested this was more than a casual invitation. "You have coins, right?"

Luka hesitated, glancing at Alma Elma and Astaroth. "I'm actually quite busy, you see…"

"A little game won't hurt~" she smiled warmly. 

Okay, there is DEFINITELY something sketchy going on here , Luka thought, his instincts screaming at him to tread carefully. But he also knew that refusing might raise suspicions—or worse, close off a potential lead.

"Fine… Just one game," he said, forcing a casual tone as he took a seat at the table.

Lilith's smile deepened, and she took her place across from him, her hands resting lightly on the edge of the table.

Luka nervously looked around, his eyes searching for any trace of suspicious activity. But no, nothing out of the ordinary. 

Though the place was quite empty, now that he was thinking about it. The few men who were there, and the guy who was talking with Lilith…

Where did they go?

"Eyes on the table," Lilith called him out.

Luka's gaze snapped back to the table at her command, his pulse quickening just a little. He hadn't realized how distracted he'd become, his mind swirling with questions. The whole casino felt eerily quiet now, the absence of people more apparent than ever.

"Shall we get started, then?" she asked, her voice almost a purr as she set the roulette wheel in motion.

Luka hesitated again, but it was clear she wasn't going to let him back out now. There was something magnetic about her presence, something that pulled at him in ways he couldn't explain. His fingers fidgeted with the few coins he had left in his pocket, and he placed one on the table—half out of politeness, half out of the uneasy feeling gnawing at him.

"You seem nervous," Lilith remarked, her gaze flicking to him as she casually spun the wheel. "Is it the game, or something else?"

Luka forced a smile, though it didn't reach his eyes. "I'm fine," he replied, but even as he said the words, a flicker of doubt tugged at the back of his mind. The way Lilith was watching him, so calculating, made his skin crawl just a little.

This casino… No, even Est. Could he really trust everyone here?

"I'm betting on black."

"Alright." Lilith dropped the little ball in the roulette and spun it.

For some reason, his gaze was now fixated on the roulette, the thrill of the bet invigorating him.

It's going to land on black, Luka thought, tyring to will it into existence.

"Red! Red!" Astaroth began to shout in his ear. 

"Black! Black!" Alma Elma said instead.

"Too bad~! It's red!" Lilith giggled, her voice laced with an almost cruel amusement as the ball came to a stop on the red section of the roulette wheel.

It was supposed to be nothing, and yet…

It should have been nothing. Just another round. Just another game. But Luka's heart thundered in his chest, and his breath came in shallow, panicked gasps. His body felt unnaturally heavy, like a lead weight had settled into his limbs. The moment Lilith took the chip from the table, a sickening sense of loss washed over him, as if something important had slipped away.

Lilith leaned back, her smile widening as she observed Luka, a strange glint in her eyes. She wasn't gloating, exactly, but there was an unmistakable satisfaction in the way she looked at him, as if she had won some unseen battle.

"You're not very lucky, are you?" she said, her tone teasing, but laced with something darker.

"Luka?" Alma Elma tilted her head, noticing the young man's state.

"Wanna play another round?" Lilith asked with a sweet tone. 

"Yes, please… Black again," he mumbled, his voice sounding foreign even to his own ears. His hands moved of their own accord, placing another chip on the table. There was no thought behind the action, only the instinct to comply, to continue the game.

"Hold on, something's not right here."

"And… spinning!" Lilith called out, her voice almost sing-song as she sent the ball flying once more.

However, as the ball was spinning and spinning, Astaroth grew closer to her sister and spoke telepathically.

" Hey, sis. Shouldn't we stop here? He has Morrigan… "

" Stick to the plan, " Liltih answered coldly. 

Luka's heart raced as the ball spun faster, and with each passing second, his body seemed to grow weaker. The world around him faded, his vision dimming. And then, with an eerie finality, the ball came to a stop—on red. Again.

"Failed again~" Lilith said with a sing-song voice as she took the chip from the table. "What a shame, you were close too!"

The words hit Luka like a physical blow. His chest tightened painfully, and he clutched at it, feeling a deep, throbbing pain that radiated through him. Sweat dripped down his forehead, and his vision blurred. He could barely keep himself upright, his body fighting against the crushing sensation in his chest.

Luka's hands gripped the edge of the table desperately, trying to stay conscious, but the world tilted as he sank further into the haze of pain.

Lilith sighed dramatically, her gaze still fixed on him. "Looks like you spent a lot of your life here, dear customer," she said, her tone dripping with mock concern. "You need to be more careful with your spending."

"What are you talking about?" Alma Elma shot back.

Astaroth sighed heavily, a knowing look in her eyes. "The chips Director gave you…" she began, her voice weary. "Those are a fragment of his life. He's literally betting his life away here."

Luka's eyes widened, the realization hitting him with a sickening clarity. "Are you fucking… kidding me?" he gritted out, struggling to remain upright, his mind clouded and heavy. "How could I—how could I not…?"

"Sorry, but the Director told me to incapacitate you," Lilith interrupted, her voice soft with practiced remorse. She didn't seem at all bothered by his outburst. "The whole murder investigation? It was a lie. No one died here. All of this… it was just to get you into this game."

"...What?"

Lilith's smile was sweet, too sweet. "But don't worry," she said, her voice saccharine, "in thanks for helping our dear little sister, we'll send you to heaven in bliss. Now, come here," she said, her arms opening wide, almost welcoming him.

But Luka, his thoughts hazy and unfocused, couldn't grasp the full meaning of her words. Every instinct told him something was wrong, but his body refused to obey, dragging him slowly toward her, like a moth to the flame.

Just as his feet moved against his will, a familiar, reassuring force wrapped around his waist. Alma Elma's tail coiled tightly around him, pulling him back with surprising strength. "Not happening," she growled, her voice low and protective. "Give his chips back. He's not your plaything."

Lilith chuckled softly, her gaze still fixed on Luka, as if amused by Alma Elma's defiance. "Once the chips are lost, the only way to get them back is through a game," she said with a hint of finality. "I'm sorry, but that's just how it is. He lost, and now he's incapable of thinking clearly anymore. His chips, and his life, are mine."

"Luka," Alma Elma shook him. "Can you still play?" 

"He has only one chip left," Astaroth remarked. "His life is literally hanging by a thread. No amount of luck could save him now."

"That's… How you're all being fed… Through the life force of the players?" he blabbered out.

"It's like that, yes." Astaroth nodded. "I'm sorry, truly. But we had no other choice but to trick you."

"LET ME PLAY! I CAN STILL WIN BIG!" a booming voice destroyed all tension between them. 

Luka's head snapped to the right, where a disheveled Eva was being dragged out of the casino by two succubi. Her face was streaked with tears, her hair a mess, and her voice was hoarse from shouting. "THIS IS NOT FAIR! I WAS ABOUT TO WIN!" she wailed, thrashing against their grip.

"Oh! Shut up!" a succubus grumbled. "You already tried to steal chips from a customer three times! Out you go!"

Eva's protests faded as she was unceremoniously tossed out of the casino, the doors slamming shut behind her. The sudden interruption left the room in stunned silence.

This sole outburst of Evan snapped Luka out of his daze, his thoughts becoming clearer as if the hold Lilith had on him was severed.

Thanks, Eva, I'm giving you something later.

Alma Elma was the first to break the silence, her lips curling into a smirk. "Well, that was… expected," she said, her tone light. She turned back to Lilith, her tail still coiled protectively around Luka. "Now, where were we?"

Lilith's smile faltered for the first time, her composure cracking slightly. "As I said, the rules are the rules. If he wants his life back, he'll have to win it."

Luka, still struggling to focus, clenched his fists. His body felt weak, his mind foggy, but a spark of defiance burned within him. "Fine," he said, his voice shaky but determined. "One more game. After that, I'll get you to tell me everything about Est."

"Oh right, Est," Astaroth chuckled, avoiding his eyes.

"Alright, I accept the terms," Lilith nodded. "And I believe it's not important but I can already tell you this much," she then sighed. "Est isn't the manager. You've been tricked twice."

"Est or whatever, I don't care," Luka installed himself back in his chair, using the magic in his talismans to focus better. "You're going to tell me everything."

Lilith's eyes narrowed slightly, her smile returning, though it lacked its earlier warmth. "You could've died in bliss, and yet you're still so stubborn…" she mused, her tone almost admiring. "Your choice."

"Even if I wanted to, you wouldn't be able to do it," Luka grumbled awkwardly before placing down his last chip on the table. "Bring it on!"

Lilith's smile widened, her eyes gleaming with a mix of amusement and anticipation. She reached for the roulette wheel, her movements slow and deliberate, as if savoring the moment. "Very well," she said, her voice smooth and melodic. "Let's see if your luck holds out."

"Luck my ass, you've been cheating. Alma Elma!"

"On it!" Alma Elma chuckled, fully committed now to see what the trick was.

The wheel began to spin, the ball clattering against the slots as it raced around the edge. Luka's eyes were locked on the wheel, his heart pounding in his chest. The room seemed to fade away, the sounds of the casino drowned out by the rhythmic clatter of the ball.

The ball slowed, teetering on the edge of a slot. Luka's breath caught in his throat as it finally came to a stop.

"Red," Lilith announced, her voice calm but carrying a hint of triumph.

At that moment, Alma Elma realized what Lilith was doing. Using her powers of the wind, she was controlling the little ball, slowing it with imperceptible movements of air. Without even being prompted, Alma Elma created a slow breeze that carried the ball just a bit further.

"Wait—" Lilith's eyes shot up, seeing that the ball now rested on the black slot.

"Black," Luka sighed in relief, his shoulders sagging as the tension drained from his body.

Lilith's composure cracked, her smile fading completely. "You—" she began, her voice sharp and accusatory, but her words were cut short as Alma Elma raised a finger to her lips, her crimson eyes glinting with a silent warning.

Don't say a word , Alma Elma's expression seemed to say, her playful demeanor replaced by a steely resolve. You've been cheating yourself .

Lilith's jaw tightened, her gaze flicking between Alma Elma and Luka. For a moment, it seemed like she might argue, but then she leaned back in her chair, her smile returning, though it lacked its earlier warmth. "Well played," she said, her tone light but her eyes sharp. "It seems luck is on your side after all."

Alma Elma's tail loosened its grip on him, though she remained close, her presence a comforting reassurance. "Looks like you've got your chips back," she said.

"Only one though," Astaroth remarked. "We still have one of them."

"You still have to answer me," Luka rolled his sleeves. "So, what's the deal with incapacitating me?"

The Lilith sisters sighed in unison before looking at each other. Then, with a silent nod, they turned to face him.

"The Director told us you would come today," Astaroth began. "Our job was to lure you to a table and make you play your chips to weaken you. After that…"

"She told us to do as we please with you," Lilith answered flatly.

"And you just decided to kill him?" Alma Elma shot back with a surprised face.

"I mean, look how tasty he looks," Lilith smiled warmly, completely unbothered. "Besides, I would rather have him than that fox."

"Daji…" Luka sighed. 

"Hohoho! It looks like the secret has been revealed!" a haughty laugh echoed in the casino, making Luka's ears ring. 

"That's weird," Alma Elma frowned. "Did Est…?"

The purple fox appeared, in the shape of Est with a fanged smile. In a flash, she transformed back into her nine-tailed form and kimono, her purple fluffy tails swishing behind her. 

"I was hoping you would lose the last bit of your soul against them but it seems you managed to hold on," she smirked.

"Seriously?" the detective stood up from his chair, feeling more tired than ever. "I already dealt with Vinum, no need to add someone like you to the list."

Daji chuckled, her gaze drifting lazily toward the exit. "Hmm… I can't do much here, so…" she suddenly straightened, clapping her hands together. "Everyone, you are fired! Thank you for working at the casino!" she blurted out before dashing toward the exit.

"Hey! Get back here!" Luka yelled, pushing himself off the table.

"You promised to help us and get out of this world!" Astaroth shouted as well, her wings already unfurling as she shot after the fox.

But before anyone could react, Daji flicked out a talisman—a familiar one, glowing with the same energy as Luka's. A burst of blinding light exploded in the room, forcing everyone to shield their eyes. When the radiance faded, Daji was gone, having vanished into thin air.

For a long moment, the room was silent, everyone still reeling from what had just happened.

"What the hell was that?" Luka shouted in frustration. 

"To think we were tricked so easily…" Lilith sighed, rubbing her forehead.

"I told you I had your sister, so why didn't you help me?" Luka shot back, glaring at Astaroth.

"Sorry, really." Astaroth gave him an apologetic glance, her wings drooping slightly. "But in the grand scheme of things, we still wouldn't know how to get back to our world."

"We have an important mission to complete, after all," Lilith added with a nod.

Luka clenched his fists, trying to suppress his growing frustration. Almost dying for such a stupid reason would be enough to send him over the edge, but he stopped himself. Mainly because he was too tired to fight at the moment—or even to lash out.

Mainly because he was too tired to fight at the moment or even lashing out.

"Fine," he said, his voice heavy with resignation. "Let's get you back to my home then. Do you have a place to live?"

"We lived in this casino, actually," Astaroth sighed, her gaze sweeping over the now-darkened hall. The once-glamorous casino felt like a ghost town, its lights dimmed and its machines silent.

As if on cue, two other succubi approached, their expressions a mix of confusion and concern. Succubus-chan, and Succubus.

"Does that mean the casino is closed now?" they asked.

"Looks like it," Astaroth nodded, her tone resigned. As soon as she said that, the lights flickered and then went out completely, the machines powering down with a final, ominous hum. A dark silence filled the building, the absence of sound almost deafening.

"She even cut off the power, huh," Luka noted, raising his head to look at the darkened lights. The machines also were fading slowly, as if flickering out of existence. "And... she made those machines with magic?"

Alma Elma pouted. "And here I didn't even have the time to play…"

All the succubi stared at Luka, the only guy in the room. 

"Where did all the other guys go?"

"They left. No one comes here, even at this hour," Astaroth explained.

"So…" Lilith suddenly smiled—a slow, knowing, almost predatory smile.

Luka's eye twitched.

I know where this is going.

"Do you mind if we stay at your place?" she asked sweetly.

There it is.

Four expectant gazes locked onto him.

"…Fuck."

The purple fox exhaled a deep sigh of relief as she slipped away from her hastily fabricated casino. A close call, but a successful escape nonetheless.

That damn Luka. That damn Alma Elma. And those damn Lilith sisters.

There was no way she could have fought her way out of that situation—not in her current state. Even weakened, Luka was a problem, but those sisters?

She wasn't about to play fair against a pack of succubi with questions to ask. And she had really hoped to dispose of the kid.

Daji weaved through a series of hidden corridors, pressing her palm against an unmarked section of wall. With a faint shimmer of magic, the passage opened, revealing a concealed study.

"HMMM!" A muffled voice immediately broke the quiet.

Daji's gaze flickered toward the source of the sound—her lips curling in amusement.

In the corner of the room, bound with glowing talismans and secured with layers of enchanted rope, was—

Herself.

The fox's golden eyes blazed with rage behind the gag, her ears flattened in furious protest as she thrashed against the restraints.

"Honestly," Daji sighed, rolling her shoulders as her form shimmered and twisted. In a brief flicker of light, her body shrank, her luxurious fox features melting away into something more compact. In her place stood a petite, white-haired succubus with blue eyes. She flexed her fingers experimentally, examining her new form. "Hmm… This shape is annoyingly small. I don't understand why that succubus insists on using it."

The real Daji let out another muffled snarl, struggling against the bindings.

"Ah-ah," the imposter tutted, waggling a finger. "How many times must I tell you? No screaming."

She strolled toward her captive, kneeling beside her with a smirk while patting the fox's head. "Who's a good fox? But you should be honored, really. I never properly thanked you for your rather unique ability to shapeshift. You see, all the doppelgangers I've seen so far were quite inimitable."

She then stood up and sighed with a small chuckle. "Though… consuming someone for the full transformation is so unethical." She reached out, twirling a strand of bound Daji's hair between her fingers. "So I made some modifications. I hope you don't mind."

"All I need now," she said with a grin, "is just a little bit of DNA. Of course, I don't get all the memories of my forms like you do. But I'm a quick learner."

The real Daji went still, her ears twitching as her furious gaze turned calculating. She tilted her head slightly, her golden eyes narrowing as if trying to piece together the imposter's plan.

The imposter chuckled, her voice low and melodic. "Don't be like that. I know how confusing it must be to see your power turned against you. But really, I just had a bit of an advantage, that's all." She leaned in closer, her breath brushing against Daji's ear as she whispered, "You see, I've always been a quick learner."

She straightened, her grin widening as she stepped back. "On that note, I have some succubi to meet. These two must really trust that loli girl and I suppose that if I show up like this, they will listen to whatever I say."

"So, on that note," the little succubus smirked. "I'm going to my good ol' library in Tokyo. I hope you don't mind staying here?"

The real Daji's eyes narrowed, her muffled growls growing more intense. She thrashed against the bindings, her claws scraping against the floor as she tried to break free.

"Good grief, you're just as feisty as Luka's master. But you can't escape from here."

She turned on her heel, already moving toward the exit. "Bye-bye, fox."

And with that, she was gone, leaving the real Daji bound, gagged, and seething in the darkness.