When To Hold Them When To Fold Them

"Well no matter, take a seat." Ashmodai says pointing to the chair where the on fire skeleton sat before. The reincarnate sits, granting the devil a visible smile.

"It's been a while since I played without my abilities. I must admit, the thrill is quite refreshing." The devil says as he continues to shuffle the cards. Even if he was vowed to not cheat, his experience automatically made the devil the favorite. 'He can't cheat. However, we never discussed that this game should be played fairly.' The reincarnate thinks as he looks around the tavern room filled with smoke. Checking if any of the other tavern-goers had grown a pair or forced themselves enough alcohol to not think properly. "Do we have a dealer?" The reincarnate asks as he does not trust the devil specialized in gambling anywhere near the cards, pact or not.

The question lingers for a bit as Ashmodai looks around. Some of the other tavern goers shrink as they feel his gaze on their backs. A pensive look on the devil's face as he waves over the bartender. The succubus swiftly arrives and gives an expected hostess smile. "May I?" the succubus asks as she holds out her two hands toward Ashmodai. He reaches into his pocket and gives her a stone that seems to be made entirely out of glitter. The succubus looks it once over before giving another smile. "That will do." She says as she seats herself between the two players.

"I trust you're aware of the rules?" Ashmodai asks rather late to be considered polite. The pact had already been made and quitting was no longer a possibility. 'Perhaps that's why he waited so long to ask.' The reincarnate thinks trying to see past the devil's tricks.

"I believe so." The reincarnate replies. He had not seen much of the game they played. however it seemed to be following similar rules to the ones he had in his previous world. More precisely it had a lot in common with poker, one can try to raise, bet or fold during their turn. The one with the best combination wins. Still, it seemed the cards differed to some extent, so the combinations might as well. "But let's not take any risks." He follows up as Ashmodai and the succubus explain the rules. Whilst most definitely similar it seems there are some distinctive changes. Firstly the cards are all themed in a more grim dark fashion. Secondly, one of the two personal cards must always be revealed. Lastly, you can exchange a certain amount of "money" or as Ashmodai refers to it "pieces" for a redraw of one of your cards.

'Let's begin normally.' The reincarnate decides, thinking that the devil's guard might be up in the beginning. The game went surprisingly quickly, neither player spoke any longer as their focus was fully on the card game. After the third hand, it however quickly became clear that one had far more experience than the other. On the fourth hand, Ashmodai with the last communal card drawn already drawn decides to buy a new piece. He chooses to exchange his visible card that originally was a blood-like 2 and receives a card with a red-eyed woman who seems equally angelic as devilish. The highest card in the deck and one with a lot of value in this hand. The reincarnate drinks something called "Wicked Blossom", a surprisingly sweet beverage offered by the succubus. It seemed to also contain a certain level of alcohol as the reincarnate finds himself enamored with the first drink he had in so many years. A returned desire he had forgotten, as if opening a new world. The reincarnate crushes the cup with his hand as the shards cut rather deep. Blood trickles down the palm, a sight he has become more familiar with as his blood related magic prowess often times requires such a sacrifice.

"My apologies." The reincarnate apologizes as he puts away his hand under the table and allows the trickles of blood to merge with his shadow. 'I never vowed to not cheat.' The reincarnate thinks back to the made blood pacts as he controls the connected shadows, each time he closes his eyes he can now envision what the shadow sees. "I'll follow." The reincarnate says after a blinking for a little while.

The gambling devil hearing the reply looks with an even more satisfied grin than before. "Well, let's continue then." The rounds were still long and tedious, even knowing the devil's card could sometimes not be enough to win a round. As the sudden changes when buying a new card could alter the entire round. Still the risk clearly was worth it as the game's favor had shifted to the reincarnate.

"Fortune always favors the bold." Ashmodai says as if patting himself on the back for coming up with such a common saying. "All-in. What do you say, my friend?" He asks the reincarnate who has somehow throughout the game changed to the call sing "friend".

The reincarnate looks through the shadow and responds. "I'll follow." He responds as the twenty-third round could prove to be the last.

The succubus hears the answer and grabs all the chips. She looks expectedly to both parties, hiding some excitement. Ashmodai gently turns over his hidden card.

She quickly looks at the cards and announces. "Flush of hearts for sir Ashmodai." Hearing the succubus announce Ashomdai's cards, the reincarnate does the same as he shows his cards.

The dealer gives a quick glance and calls out the cards. "Full house of Chimera's and devils. The winner of this game is…." The succubus tries to announce the winner but has to uncomfortably stop as she doesn't know the name.

"Quite a spectacular game." Ashmodai says while clapping slowly, his smile still hasn't left his face. "You can rest now, my friend. I've disturbed your desire for far too long." Ashmodai's suggestion is met with the squinting eyes of the reincarnate. "Don't worry, I will be here if you have any questions. I'm a devil of my word even without the blood pact. Besides I generally don't have anything better to do." The devil once again says with laughter yet this time it seems a bit slower and heavier. "If, for some reason, I wouldn't be here. Assume that I will more than likely show up in a week's time. If not, assume me to be dead."

'Let's rest. I could use a moment to think about what to ask.' the reincarnate thinks as he stands up and simply to his room without bidding goodbye.