“Very well then” I reply as I take a seat.

The smirk on Ashmodai's face widens as soon as I sit.

“It's been a while since I played without my abilities. I must admit, the thrill is quite refreshing.”

I simply nod, trying to limit the expressions I make.

“Do we have a dealer?”

Hearing my question, he frowns as he points to his illusion, which was the dealer in his previous game. I simply give him the stink eye. He sighs and calls over one of the working succubi. He gives her a purple gem, and she resumes the role of dealer.

“I trust you're aware of the rules?”

“I believe so” I used to watch quite a bit of Daniel Negreanu then again, I doubt that actually qualifies me as a certified pro.

First, let's start with playing normal. Around the fifth hand, I'm going to try and alter the game with my shade magic. I'm capable after all of using my darkness magic to create items after all. Thus, I'm also well exercised in controlling my shades. I purposefully positioned myself in front of a lantern, so that my shadow would reach the other side of the table.

“Call”

“check”

*Dealer draws the 3 communal cards*

“Raise”

“Fold”

This was the fourth hand just now, and I must admit that he's far superior.' Well, I guess it's time to try and cheat'. I take the glass of a heavy alcoholic drink called “Wicked Blossom” and chug it.

'It's sweeter than I expected'

I crush the glass in my hand while faking that I'm angry because of my bad luck. No one blinks an eye as someone literally got killed next to where I'm sitting recently. I look at the blood on my hand as the blood starts forming 2 little card figures with quite a lot of helpful information. Keeping a frustrated face, I continue playing.

“Check”

“Raise”

“Raise”

“All-in”

The gambler hearing my reply looks at me with a slight grin. “Well, it seems my luck has finally returned, All-in.”

This is the twenty-third round, and I've been in the lead since the seventeenth. Apparently, knowing your opponent's cards can be quite the advantage.

The dealer hears our answer and asks me to show my cards, but Ashmodai throws them first.

She quickly looks at his cards and says, “Flush of hearts for sir Ashmodai.”

Hearing her answer, I also throw my cards on the table. The dealer gives a quick glance and calls out my cards, “Full house of 9's and queens. The winner of this game is…. The challenger!” She first tried to yell out my name, but she realized that she didn't know it and changed it to the challenger in a flash.

“Quite a spectacular game.” Ashmodai says while clapping.

“You can rest now, mister. I realized that you were longing for a bit of rest, so I do feel quite rude for keeping you.”

I squint my eyes at him.

“Don't worry, I will be here if you have any questions. I'm a devil of my word, you see. Wait! I have an even better idea!” he yells as he gives me a card.

It's a card with his image.

“If, for some reason, I wouldn't be here, you can throw that card, and it will guide you in my direction.”

'He's giving me an extra night to think.' I quickly realize.

“I look forward to our cooperation.” I say calmly before returning to my room.