At Dreadhaven, there was a major question: how to handle the succubi? These beings were powerful, but they needed more than just fighting skills to thrive. Succubi gained strength by absorbing life force and mana from others through physical contact—especially intimate interactions. But simply keeping them in Dreadhaven created risks, especially if they drained too much energy from the people.
Scarlett, however, found a solution. She ordered the construction of a **red-light district** inspired by the one in the Kingdom of Darwitz. Here, succubi could practice their abilities but with strict rules: they were forbidden from taking too much life force or mana, only small amounts that had no lasting impact. Limits on the number of customers also ensured things didn't get out of control.
The district soon grew, drawing in single people seeking companionship or a break from their daily routines.
When Scarlett ordered the creation of a red-light district in Dreadhaven, she initially expected only the succubi to be interested in working there. After all, it seemed like the natural fit for a race that gained strength from absorbing life energy through close interactions. But to her surprise, women from various species stepped forward, including even the Northern Elves—a dignified and graceful tribe known for their elegance. These elves had faced devastation from the recent attacks by the Twin Hounds, and with their village damaged, they sought refuge in Dreadhaven and a fresh start.
But it wasn't just women. Males from different species also requested to join the district, seeing this as another path to work and contribute. Scarlett, usually calm and composed, couldn't hide her shock as this idea quickly grew beyond her expectations.
While Scarlett was taken aback, the residents of Dreadhaven were unfazed. Unlike in human society on Earth, where life in a red-light district could often be stigmatized or result from harsh life circumstances, the cultural norms in Dreadhaven's realm were different. Here, marriage or lifetime partners were less common, and people's relationships were often more open. Even the elves, known for their long lives and graceful customs, accepted this as a normal profession.
Scarlett appointed Lunatic, the current Queen of the Succubi, as the district's manager. With her leadership skills and deep experience, Lunatic was the ideal fit to oversee the succubi and ensure things ran smoothly. Though the district had a slow start, Scarlett was confident it would grow in time, especially once humans began visiting Dreadhaven. After all, human curiosity often led them to seek out places like this, and Scarlett believed their arrival would bring even more life to the red-light district.
In the heart of Dreadhaven's new red-light district, Lunatic stood on a newly paved road lined with elegant houses on both sides. It was a stark contrast from the old, rugged paths, and under the night lights, the scene looked surprisingly beautiful. But Lunatic's expression didn't match the scenery; her face was dull, showing how unimpressed she felt.
"Really? After fighting through hundreds of villages and becoming the Queen of Succubi, is this what I'm supposed to be doing?" she muttered, her tone laced with irritation. Yet, she couldn't bring herself to say no when Scarlett asked for her help. Letting out a long, dramatic sigh, she thought, "I guess… anything for love."
Just as she decided to patrol the area, a hand suddenly rested on her shoulder. She spun around and found Scarlett standing right behind her.
"Yo! I wanted to discuss something with you!" Scarlett said casually, as if she'd just dropped by for a friendly chat.
Seeing her, Lunatic's entire demeanor changed instantly. With a playful smirk, she produced a rose seemingly out of nowhere, clutching it between her lips. She leaned in close to Scarlett, hand resting on her shoulder. "My, my… I didn't expect you'd come for me already. Can't resist any longer, huh?" she teased, trying her best to sound romantic.
Scarlett didn't even blink. "Have you gone insane?" she replied with a blank expression.
Lunatic didn't give up, batting her eyes dramatically. "Yes! In your beauty! Now, give me a kiss, like a proper housewife!" She closed her eyes and puckered her lips expectantly.
Scarlett's patience ran out. With an exasperated sigh, she placed her palm firmly on Lunatic's face and pushed her back a few centimeters. Lunatic stumbled slightly, looking more than a little annoyed at the rejection.
"Hmph… fine, but let's answer my question first," she huffed. "Didn't you say you'd make humans bow down to me? So, when's the attack?"
Scarlett raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Huh? Why would I go attack humans just like that? And why the rush? I keep my word, but I'm not desperate for war," she replied calmly.
Lunatic threw her hands up in mock surrender. "Alright, alright… Let's get into a house and talk",
Scarlett and Lunatic walked and stopped in front of an empty room. Once inside, Lunatic shut the door behind them, raising an eyebrow in curiosity.
"So," Scarlett began, folding her arms, "we're heading to the Kingdom of Gwarga tomorrow. I'll need your help, and I figure you might have some skills that can give us an edge."
Lunatic tilted her head, surprised. "Gwarga? You mean the human realm? Why are we going there?" she asked.
"Tch, so many questions," Scarlett said with a sigh. "I'll explain later. Right now, just tell me about that power you used back in the battle. At the last moment, you managed to make a massive arrow out of solid ground—no mana, nothing. How?"
Lunatic's eyes lit up, and she gave a little punch to her palm. "Oh, that! It's my unique skill—Shape Shifting!" she replied with a spark of excitement.
Scarlett's lips curved into a grin. "Shape Shifting, huh? So, can you change, say… a person's entire appearance? Even their, uh, gender?"
Lunatic's smile faded as she shook her head. "Nah, I can't change anything like that," she replied, causing Scarlett's excitement to dip for a moment. But then Lunatic added, "But I can adjust things like height, size, and proportions!"
Scarlett's eyes sparkled, and she nearly jumped with enthusiasm. "Really? Then, change me back into a teenage form! And get rid of… these!" she exclaimed, gesturing at her chest with urgency.
Lunatic couldn't resist turning on the charm. "Ah, my love! I would adore you even if you were flat-chested!" she said in a dramatic, flirtatious voice, winking.
Scarlett groaned, facepalming. "Ugh! Just do it, already!" But inwardly, she felt a mix of curiosity and suspicion. *Why is she being so clingy? it feels like her personality have taken 180° change, For someone as cunning as her, it feels strange that she'd settle for a role like managing a red-light district. She could be hiding a Trump card of her own, Who knows what she'll do, I should be careful of her…"Scarlett thought, still wary of Lunatic's intentions.
"Alright, then! Let's try this!" Lunatic replied, activating her skill.
**<Unique Skill: Shape Shifting Activated>**
An invisible force wrapped around Scarlett, pressing gently but firmly. Gradually, Scarlett felt her body shifting—her height reduced from 184 cm down to a more manageable 178 cm, and her chest size decreased, though it remained slightly larger than the average.
Lunatic exhaled heavily, her knees buckling as she fell to the ground. "Huff… Huff… I can't… do more," she gasped, exhausted. Scarlett's natural resistance was so strong that even a demon king level existence like Lunatic struggled to make the changes.
Scarlett examined herself, a hint of disappointment but also satisfaction in her expression. "Well, at least they're smaller than before," she said with a relieved smile, stretching her arms and bouncing lightly on her toes. Moving felt easier, and she couldn't help but feel a newfound lightness.
"Thanks," she said to Lunatic, still catching her breath on the floor. Despite the quirks and the dramatic flair, Lunatic had come through, and Scarlett found herself in her previous appearance.
After catching her breath, Lunatic straightened up with a mischievous glint in her eye and gave a bitter smile. "I've got something else to show you," she said with a hint of pride.
Scarlett's eyes narrowed, sensing trouble. "Wait… I already know—" she started, ready to stop her, but Lunatic was too quick. Before Scarlett could react, Lunatic had activated her unique skill: **Vibration**.
Without warning, Lunatic placed her hand on Scarlett's stomach, and a powerful wave of vibrations surged through Scarlett's entire body. The vibrations buzzed intensely, harmless to Scarlett but enough to obliterate the already half tattered fabric of her clothes. Within seconds, the cloth tore apart, falling in shreds until Scarlett was left completely bare.
For a moment, silence hung in the air. Scarlett glanced down, eyebrows raised in irritation. Meanwhile, Lunatic just stood there, her face flushed and her eyes wide, gazing at Scarlett's form with a mixture of awe and shameless desire. She was practically entranced, her expression turning from a satisfied smirk into one of open admiration, her gaze wandering over Scarlett's exposed skin, unable to hide the lust glimmering in her eyes.
"Lunatic," Scarlett muttered, her tone icy, "You did this on purpose didn't you? ",
Lunatic didn't respond right away, too entranced to pull her eyes away. Finally, she stammered, "Um… oh… I mean, sorry?" Yet, even as she said it, her gaze lingered, taking in every detail, clearly far more interested than apologetic.