Succumania

Remember…

Remembering an ordinary life. Friends, family, a home. No wish, just the little river called life flowing peacefully.

Old faces with whom he passed his days, filled with simplicity and heartfelt moments that he would cherish forever. 

Remember why you're standing here now.

Life changed. And so did everyone's. There was no such thing he could call an ordinary friend anymore. His closest loved ones were a succubus who lived for god knows how many years, a crazy scientist who was too smart for her own good sometimes, and a girl who barely saw him anymore.

This was his life now. No longer ordinary, no longer simple. The river of life had carved a new path, one he never could have imagined.

On a harbor, just before the night settled in, on the brink of defeat. 

All he wished for… Actually, he never wished for anything. This was the whole point of his journey to this other world, the conclusion he had reached. 

He understood her, his enemy. They couldn't be more different, one a succubus living only for her own, he a human having discarded all of his ego. 

The air around them was charged with energy, as if a storm was brewing. The sky had become dark, the clouds swirling around them and hiding the pale moon. Silent waves crashed against the bitumen, her footsteps echoing as she approached slowly. 

"The thing is…" He began, the pressure in his chest lifted. "I met a succubus like you, once."

"Oh?" Vinum put her hand on her waist, a smile tugging at her lips. 

"She was a scholar, just like you. Though, I don't know if I should call you a scholar," he continued, remembering vividly her face. "She wasn't soft on humans either, she even tried to kill me."

Her smirk widened, but she said nothing.

"The thing is… She wasn't just a succubus, just like you. She had many other interests, and was very interested in what I was capable of."

"Good grief… Are you telling me that I care about you?" she chuckled darkly, as if amused by the thought.

But he shook his head. "No, not in the way you're thinking. I'm not talking about feelings," he chuckled. "She was fascinated by me too, not because I was human but because I wasn't thinking like everyone else, I guess."

Luka exhaled slowly, watching her closely. "The thing is… I don't care if you eat humans or whatever. In fact, it's only natural for your kind. Let's not pretend we're that different. When you strip everything away—our so-called morals, our rules, our delusions—we're both just predators. We prey on the weak."

Vinum's smirk didn't falter, but something in her eyes sharpened. "Oh? And here I thought humans liked to pretend they were better than that."

Luka let out a quiet chuckle. "Maybe some do. I don't. Call me a weirdo or whatever, I don't care."

"I see," Vinum sighed in understanding, finally grasping what it was that was gnawing at her. 

He had no normal friends because he couldn't anymore. His life had become too deranged, strayed too much away from normalcy that he could only see eye to eye with monsters like her.

"The thing is…" he chuckled, his hand scratching his head. "I think I've grown so accustomed to these situations that I wish I could return to a normal life."

A sharp beep echoed through the harbor, followed by the whir of something approaching at high speed.

His eyes didn't leave hers. "But I can't. And I won't. I don't even hate you for what you are. You're dangerous, sure. You scare the hell out of me. But somehow…" He let out a breath. "You just helped me."

A black blur shot through the air toward him, unfolding in an instant. The briefcase he had left behind shattered apart like an origami puzzle unraveling—each piece a part of something greater.

With a sharp metallic snap, the first plates locked onto his calves, then his back.

Vinum's smirk deepened. "Oh? So that's what this is."

"I'm done with philosophical bullshit," Luka said flatly. "I was just indulging you."

More pieces snapped into place, forming armored gauntlets over his arms, plates locking into his chest, his shoulders, his legs.

"A normal life was never in the cards for me. And I'm done pretending otherwise." His voice grew firmer. "I made a promise to be a hero. And I intend to keep it."

The final piece, the helmet, latched onto his head with a hiss. His visor flared to life, masking his eyes beneath a glowing light blue screen.

"So sorry about that, but no monster for you today. I'll stay the hero people need and put you in your place. Then, and only then, you'll fulfill your end of the bargain."

She raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What bargain?"

"That you'll teach me—if I win!" he shouted, the reactor on his back flaring to life. The stripes on his armor glowed blue, his visor illuminating. 

Without warning, Luka launched himself forward, the thrusters on his back roaring as he closed the distance in an instant.

The impact of his fist meeting her outstretched palm sent a shockwave tearing through the harbor, kicking up wind and scattering debris. Water surged up from the waves, crashing against the concrete.

Vinum's feet slid back, her smirk widening as her heels scraped against the ground. "I don't remember telling you that…" she mused her tail flicking as dark energy wrapped her left hand. "But fine, if you manage to defeat me, you'll be worthy of my teachings, boy."

Even if she couldn't see his face anymore, she almost heard him chuckle. "Sorry if you die."

The reactors behind his shoulders flared, blue flames bursting out in controlled blasts, amplifying his speed and power. With a swift, precise movement, Luka launched her into the air, his thrusters roaring as he pursued. 

Vinum twisted midair, her tail flicking behind her, and in a blink, she retaliated—a punch that didn't just strike, but tore through space itself.

Luka barely had time to react. His arms came up, his body moving almost instinctively. The impact slammed into him, sending a tremor through his entire suit, but his defenses held.

Because he had planned for this.

The devices on his forearms activated. Small launchers extended, clicking into place.

Inside… were talismans.

As the glyph-inscribed paper ignited with energy, a barrier materialized in an instant—a shimmering, reinforced field of light that intercepted the brunt of Vinum's attack.

The force sent cracks spiderwebbing across the concrete below. The ground shattered, a crater forming beneath him, but Luka stood firm, bracing against the impact.

With a sharp burst from his thrusters, he shot forward, keeping perfect pace with Vinum as she soared back from the recoil. His armor wasn't just keeping up—it was letting him move as freely as she did.

Vinum clicked her tongue, golden eyes narrowing. "When did you get this armor?!"

Luka's visor glowed as he grinned behind it. "Just yesterday!"

Before she could react, he thrust his arm forward.

The magical reactors whirred violently, their energy output spiking to critical levels. The very air around Luka shimmered from the sheer heat radiating off his armor, arcs of blue energy sparking around his gauntlet.

Then, he unleashed his strongest attack. 

"A new hope shines through! Dawnstar!" 

Vinum's eyes widened as she heard the name, a flicker of recognition crossing her face. She remembered—that time he had used her as a living mana battery, strapped to his back like a backpack. "Don't tell me—!" she started, but it was too late.

A blinding flash of light erupted from his gauntlet, brighter than the sun, brighter than anything she had ever seen. It tore through the night sky like a shooting star, a beam of pure energy that seemed to split the heavens themselves.

Vinum threw everything she had into a defensive posture, her arms raised to shield herself from the onslaught. The light consumed everything, a star born in an instant and snuffed out just as quickly. The temperature soared to unimaginable levels, the air itself burning away. A tremor shook the entire city, the force of the blast rippling outward like a tidal wave.

The sea was split for a few seconds, steam rising in massive clouds as gallons of water were vaporized in an instant. The ground beneath them melted, the containers around them turning to molten metal, their contents obliterated.

When the light finally faded, the battlefield was unrecognizable. The ground was a glassy, molten wasteland, the air thick with the scent of ozone and ash.

"Holy shit Luka! Warn me before you do that!" Nina's voice came through the communicator inside the helmet. "You could've blown up along with the spell!"

Luka hovered in the air, his armor still glowing faintly from the residual energy. He glanced at the readouts on his visor, his tone casual, almost dismissive. "I'm fine, see?"

"Fine?!" Nina's voice shot up an octave. "You used 90% of your battery your moron! Who the hell uses his strongest attack right at the beginning?"

Luka shrugged, though she couldn't see it. "Never understood why it was a norm."

"A norm?!" Nina's voice was practically screeching now. "It's not a norm, it's common sense! You don't open a fight by nuking the battlefield! What if she'd dodged? What if she'd countered? You'd be out of juice and completely defenseless!"

"But she didn't," Luka replied, his tone infuriatingly calm.

Nina groaned, the sound muffled as if she'd facepalmed. "And how are you going to explain the destruction of the harbor?! Do you have any idea how much paperwork this is going to cause?!"

Luka smirked behind his visor. "I'm just going to pretend I wasn't here. Try to give them some excuses, like gas leaks or something."

"Gas leaks?!" Nina's voice was a mix of disbelief and exasperation. "You think anyone's going to buy that? Look at this place! It looks like a meteor hit it!"

"Well, maybe it was a meteor," Luka suggested, his tone teasing.

"Oh come on—!" Nina started, but Luka cut her off.

"Shush. She's still kicking," he said, his tone shifting to something more serious as he cut the communications.

Below, Vinum was slowly rising from the crater, her form severely darkened, her once-gleaming golden eyes now dimmed with pain and exhaustion. Luka's thrusters roared as he descended, landing a few meters away from her. His armor hissed, steam rising from the overheated reactors as they struggled to maintain power.

The succubus was a shadow of her former self. Her body was covered in blood, her arms twisted and mangled from the force of the blast. Her left wing was charred, the delicate membrane torn and blackened, while her right wing was mostly gone, reduced to a few jagged fragments. Her breaths came in heavy, labored gasps, each one a struggle as she turned her head toward him.

Confusion was etched across her face, her usual confidence and defiance replaced by something far more vulnerable. She stared at him, her gaze searching, as if she didn't recognize him.

She's lost… 

And yet—she was still smiling. That same smirk, that same devilish grin.

Luka took a step forward, his armor creaking under the strain. His visor flickered, the energy reserves dangerously low. 

Vinum tried to speak, her voice barely a whisper. "You… you actually did it…" she rasped, her words trembling with a mix of disbelief and something else—something that might have been respect.

"I'm surprised you're still there," he sighed behind the visor. "Seriously, the demon king I fought was vaporized after that. You're strong."

Vinum let out a weak, raspy laugh, her smirk widening despite her condition. "Kuku… Now, let's get back to it," she said, her voice gaining a hint of its old mischief. Slowly, painfully, she pushed herself to her feet, her body trembling but her resolve unbroken.

Her aura roared to life once more, a dim violet light surrounding her like a shroud.

Luka tilted his head, his visor flickering as he studied her. "You're not going to stop, are you?"

"Of course not," she replied, her golden eyes gleaming with defiance. "You think a little thing like this is enough to take me down? Please. I'm just getting warmed up."

Luka let out a low chuckle, though it was tinged with weariness. "I swear, you succubi are all stubborn as hell. Guess I'll beat you up back to your old form, then."

With a sudden burst of wind, she lunged at him, her movements slower than before but no less determined. Luka braced himself, his armor groaning under the strain as he raised his arms to block her attack. He skidded along the ground for a few meters before she followed with a kick.

Despite her grave injuries, her strikes were still fierce, each one carrying enough strength to kill a normal human. She was truly a dragon disguised as a demon, a wild raging beast waiting to be unleashed.

Luka countered the best he could while conserving his energy.

The two clashed again and again, their blows sending sparks flying into the air. The battlefield, already a wasteland, was further torn apart by their struggle.

Vinum's grin never wavered, even as blood dripped from her wounds and her movements grew more labored. "Is that all you've got?" she taunted, her punch finding his chest. 

"Goddamit," Luka clicked his tongue as he felt the blow shake his very bones. "Where did your casual attitude go?! Give me a break!"

"Not until I've taken my prize out of this metal case!" 

"You literally can't eat me! What's the point?!" He shot back with an elbow bash she quickly evaded. 

"I have other ways, don't worry!" she purred, her tail coiling around his waist with surprising speed before yanking him close in a crushing bear hug. "Let's crack you open like an egg."

Luka grunted as she tightened her grip, her arms and tail working in tandem to apply immense pressure. The metal of his armor groaned under the strain, the sound of creaking plates echoing in his ears. Warning lights flashed across his visor, alerting him to the structural stress.

"Tch—!" With quick thinking, he activated his thrusters around his back, the sudden burst of heat and flame burning her tail slightly and forcing her to loosen her grip. Seizing the opportunity, he gripped her shoulders and threw his head forward in a brutal headbutt.

The impact sent a sharp crack through the air, both of them groaning in pain as they stumbled away from each other. Vinum clutched her forehead, her grin faltering for just a moment, while Luka shook his head to clear the ringing in his ears.

Energy left 8%

Without missing a beat, Luka raised his arm. A small plate on his forearm slid open, revealing a barrel. Multiple magical bullets shot toward her in rapid succession.

Vinum's eyes widened as she dodged and weaved, her movements lacking agility with her injuries. Some of them found their mark, but none of them were able to severely injure her. It simply sizzled against her skin.

"That machine is full of surprise," she said, her grin returning as she wiped a trickle of blood from the corner of her mouth. "You humans have the most interesting inventions sometimes."

"Or perhaps the new meat on your chest is slowing you down!" Luka shot back with a laugh.

"It's not. Listen, for a succubus her form doesn't mean—"

"I know! I was just joking!" 

Before she could respond, another plate on his armor slid open, and multiple talismans were launched toward her. The paper strips glowed with magical energy as they spiraled through the air, homing in on her position.

"Gahaha! Paper bombs!" 

Each one when reaching the succubus's proximity flashed and exploded, and she was further forced to retreat.

Energy left 5%

Vinum skidded to a stop several meters away, her arms raised to shield herself from the blasts. Her grin was still there, but it was tighter now, her golden eyes narrowing as she assessed the situation.

The thrusters on Luka's back roared to life, pushing him forward as his feet glided a few inches above the ground. His elbows shot out multiple cables, one of them coiling around her arm with precision. Then, with another click, the cable spun in the opposite direction, yanking her toward him with surprising force.

Vinum's eyes widened as she was pulled off balance, her body hurtling toward Luka. His left arm was already primed, the mechanical plating shifting to reinforce the punch as he swung with all his might.

"Eat this!"

His fist drove into her midsection like a cannon shot, the sheer impact sending her rocketing backward. But the cable held firm, snapping her right back toward him like a yo-yo. Vinum grunted, twisting her body midair to regain control, but her missing wing hindered her movements. The thrusters flared again, propelling him upward as he wrenched the cable, spinning her around before swinging her straight into the ground with a thunderous crash. 

Then, without warning, a raging inferno erupted from the dust. Flames surged toward him in an instant, forcing Luka to engage his front thrusters, blasting himself away from the searing heat.

As the smoke cleared, he caught sight of Vinum through the haze—her chest rising and falling rapidly, her golden eyes flickering with something between exhaustion and defiance. She was on the brink of collapse.

"Even after all of that…" he muttered as he saw her wipe blood from her lips, her arms still mangled from the explosion. "Guess I have no choice."

The thrusters on his calves flared to life, blue flames bursting out as he propelled himself forward at breakneck speed. His arm shot up, and in a rapid motion, he launched multiple talismans in her direction.

Energy left 1%

Vinum grunted with effort and weaved through each one of them. She expected for them to create some kind of effect but…

Nothing happened.

The succubus then decided to focus back on the armor, her eyes flashing dangerously as she drove her fist into the ground, lifting it up with a single movement. 

When Luka arrived, he saw a wall of molten glass, metal and concrete lifted up in front of him. Then, a searing ball of heat tore through it, the barricade turning into an impenetrable wall of lava.

The wall began to roll toward him like a tidal wave and—

It swallowed him whole. 

Vinum stood there, her breath shallow, her skin blistering from the sheer heat radiating off the molten flood. Her vision wavered, dry from the suffocating air, but she kept her eyes locked on the spot where Luka had vanished.

The armor was melting, liquefying into a cascade of slag, with whoever had been inside—

No, he couldn't be dead. As her eyes narrowed further, she realized that the armor was opened—

A single breath behind reached her ears, the talismans on the ground flaring to life. 

He used his armor as bait?!

"Don't die." his voice came, resolute but a warning for what was to come. 

The detective was behind her, the talismans acting as chains to hold her in place for a split second, an invisible seal holding her in place. 

That's when his fist struck.

Right into her head.

And the void of unconsciousness finally consumed her.

"We are reporting a massive explosion at West Harbour. The blast from the explosion was felt kilometers away, and multiple witnesses have reported seeing a blinding light just before the event occurred. Emergency teams are on the scene, but details are still unclear as to the cause of the explosion and the extent of the damage. Authorities are urging citizens to stay clear of the area while investigations continue."

"Damn… It's a miracle no bystanders were hurt from this…" Nina bit her nails, her eyes glued to the local news. She had tried everything she could to cover up the story, but two blockheads fighting like they owned the city was impossible to sweep under the rug

"At least, Luka won," Kanami, who was lounging in a corner, sighed with relief. "I thought for a second he would actually die."

Nina exhaled, her fingers brushing against her tired face. "Yeah, but it doesn't matter much if it wasn't for the wreckage left behind… I don't even know where to begin cleaning up this mess."

"And I still don't have any clue as to why these demons are here…" She then slumped onto her desk, exhaustion weighing down on her. She thought for a moment before muttering, "Maybe I should just go to bed and call Alma Elma to join me…"

Kanami raised an eyebrow at her. "You know… I've been wondering too. Didn't you receive more reports about these fiends?"

"I have… But they are from the Holy Knights reports and these demons are in Japan right now."

"So they're not all after Luka?" 

"I don't know… I want Alma Elma…" Nina started, but then paused, rising from her desk. "But you know, it's weird how these succubi are all summoned near us. Saki's in Japan after all."

"They're summoned near us?"

The scientist nodded her head. "Yup, it's as if we're being followed. Is Luka cursed or something?"

"I doubt that," Kanami replied, shaking her head. "I sensed nothing on him."

Nina let out a soft breath, frowning. "Then that means he's not cursed... Hm." Her mind was already racing with possibilities, and the more she thought about it, the more the pieces didn't seem to fit.

"Also…" she said, adjusting her glasses as a glint appeared in her eyes. "Tell Luka to ready the money. He has an armor to pay up."

"I'm home," the young man announced as he closed the door of his home. Immediately, he heard some voices in the living room, giggling and crying for some reason. After removing his shoes and slipping into his slippers, he entered only to see the queen of succubi and an imp playing some card games. 

"Oh?" Alma Elma turned to face him, a playful grin tugging at her lips. "What's that on your shoulder? You're carrying girls now?"

Luka raised an eyebrow, his expression tired but amused. "She's completely bruised and unconscious. Any way to heal a succubus rapidly?"

"Well…" Alma Elma leaned back in her chair, her smirk widening. "I know of a way…♪"

"A solution that doesn't involve me dying or intercourse?"

"Just use a healing spell…" Rami, the imp, piped up from the side, flicking a card between her fingers. Luka's attention snapped to the card set in her hands, his eyebrows raising.

"Duel Monsters? Where did you get these cards?"

"In your room," Alma Elma answered, casually placing another card on the table.

Luka sighed, rubbing his forehead in disbelief. "So you've been to my room, huh?"

"Oh, I also found your secret stash…♪" Alma Elma's voice was teasing, a playful wink accompanying her words as her tongue flicked out to wet her lips.

He shrugged. "As if. There's nothing in my room."

"Oh? Really?" Alma Elma giggled, leaning in closer. "Perhaps not on your main computer, but…"

Luka froze, his heart skipping a beat. "When did you learn how to use computers?!"

Alma Elma gave him an exaggerated pout. "You'd be surprised what a succubus can learn when she's curious…"

Luka's expression went from exasperated to slightly horrified, realizing just how much trouble he might be in. "That's no explanation! It took my mom years before even learned how to do proper research!"

"Are you comparing me to your mom?"

"No! But I mean…" he scratched his head. "Nevermind, telling that would end my life," he muttered so silently that no one could hear him. "Also, I don't know what you're talking about. There's nothing on my old computer either."

Alma Elma's red eyes glinted mischievously, her smirk widening. "You might have missed a few files…"

"Either way, it's probably nothing major," Luka sighed, trying to change the subject. He gently sat Vinum down on the couch before heading toward the bathroom. A few moments later, he returned with bandages, antiseptics, and some healing talismans he had stashed away. "I need to take care of her."

Rami raised an eyebrow, concern crossing her face. "Are you sure about this? She might eat you, you know."

"I'm not one to judge, but I don't think it will do you good in the end either," the queen of succubi added, her voice a little more serious, though still holding that teasing undertone.

Luka gave a small, wry smile. "I think I'll take my chances. She's not in any condition to do anything right now."

He carefully began tending to Vinum's wounds, his fingers moving with practiced precision as he cleaned and wrapped the bandages around her arms and legs. Her injuries were severe, but not beyond healing. He muttered quietly to himself, trying to focus on the task at hand while Alma Elma and Rami continued their teasing banter.

"Well, if you say so…" Alma Elma hummed, watching him with a playful glint in her eyes. "But you might want to be careful. You never know what a succubus might do when she wakes up…"

"Don't worry," Luka said, glancing up with a small smile. "I'll just have to punch her again."

"You're especially nice to succubi, aren't you?" Alma Elma mused.

Luka's smile faded slightly, his gaze dropping to the floor. "I've killed enough for a lifetime."

The room fell silent for a moment, the weight of his words hanging in the air. Even Alma Elma's usual teasing demeanor softened, her expression unreadable as she studied him. Rami however was still playing, her mind focused on the cards.

"Also I have a feeling having you there is not a coincidence," he continued as he applied his talismans to her arms. "So I'll need all the help I can get."

So that one day, perhaps, this dream shall end.