'I do need information. However, is it worth the risk?' I wonder to myself.

“You can try and learn how to survive, mister, or you can die in the alley tomorrow. Besides, even if you die, you'll die because of the hearth of the cards. Ain't that better than losing your life, brutally getting murdered?”

“I don't see how getting murdered in a tavern is any different from being killed in the street.”

“Well, it's all about the story, my acquaintance. Ain't it more romantic and poetic, dying to the cards.”

“Dying is dying, doesn't matter how.” I say bitterly, remembering that I've died before.

“Maybe you're right, but not everybody lives, do they.” He says with a smirk on his face.

What is he trying to do? I probably should try to see what I can glean from him. I decide to use appraisal.

-Greater demon of luck-

Name: Ashmodai “The gambler”

information:

[Lucky]

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[Great insight]

[Illusionist]

[Great Arcane practitioner]

[Hearth of the cards]

[Sweet whisperer]

[Soul Devourer]

[Sharp senses]

[Immunity to fire]

[Pact creator]

I chuckle as I see his abilities.' Quite a dangerous devil, isn't he?'.

“Unfortunately, it seems that there would be some disadvantages if I play against the likes of you.” I say, calmly calling him out.

“Well, well, how unexpected. It seems you do have some necessary survival tricks.” He says, still keeping a smirk on his face. I turn back when I hear him calling me out again.

“Hey, mister! Wouldn't it be a shame if that were to stop us from playing? I tell you what, let's make a pact.”

“A pact?”

“Yes, a sort of magical contract between us 2. Let me make the terms.” He says in a confident tone.

He starts muttering in a low tone and his eyes turn black after about 2 seconds. I feel some pressure in my head and see this appear in front of me.

[Gambler's Pact: The individual Ashmodai will not be able to use his abilities when playing against the contracted individual. In return, the individual decides to accept to play against Ashmodai.]

I look at it and simply decide to accept the pact. I need information anyways besides I have a few ideas.' I accept the Gambler's pack' I say mentally, and I can see a tattoo of the kings of Spades on my left arm. As a side note, I never looked at what I was wearing during all those years. They are simple ripped black clothes that get mostly covered by the shade-like aura that I omit. No one can see them clearly, but perhaps I should try to find something that would be more of a help.

“Very well then, so what are we betting,”

“If you win, I will answer all the questions you have and will even become a stone ward ally.” he says, clearly trying to entice me to play.

“What if I lose?”

He just gives a quick glance to the little fire demon laying there on the ground.

“Do we have a deal, mister?”