---
Chapter 17 – Trouble with Tails and Temptation
The wind blew gently through the cracked window of the estate, the scent of midnight dew clinging to the air.
Lucian sat on the living room floor, arms crossed, a half-eaten rice ball forgotten on his plate. He stared blankly at the glowing Book floating beside him.
"You promised," he muttered.
> "And I delivered. You asked for power. I gave you a demon. You didn't specify what kind."
Lucian squinted. "You gave me a succubus."
> "You're welcome."
At that very moment, the main door creaked open. A high-heeled foot stepped inside—sleek, obsidian-black skin, glowing red tattoos swirling up a long leg. Then the rest of her followed.
She was tall, with violet eyes glowing like stardust, long dark hair that shimmered like ink, and wings folded neatly behind her back. Horns curved upward from her temples, and her smile was a blade wrapped in silk.
"Lucian," she said, voice like velvet and sin. "Master. Finally."
Lucian immediately stood. "Nope. We're not doing this."
"Doing what?" she asked innocently, slowly walking toward him.
"You know what," he backed up. "Don't—Don't do the thing. Don't tilt your head like that."
"But I only wish to serve," she purred, leaning in close. "Any way you desire. You summoned me with your unity. You embraced yourself. Shouldn't I... embrace you too?"
Lucian grabbed the Book and held it up like a shield. "Back, foul creature! I'm a proud virgin!"
> "Technically not relevant, but admirable."
The succubus giggled and reached toward him.
Lucian screamed, turned, and bolted through the hallway. "NEO! BUTLER! DEMON LADY WANTS TO CUDDLE ME TO DEATH!"
---
Three minutes later – Rooftop chaos
The succubus was floating calmly above the estate, wings beating softly.
"Come now," she called down, "You can't run forever, darling. We're bonded."
On the roof, Riv stood with a wooden sword and a colander on her head like a helmet. "Demon! You face me now!"
Lucian poked his head from behind the chimney. "Riv, no! She'll seduce you too!"
Riv blinked. "What's sedoose?"
"Exactly. Stay innocent!"
Below, Neo sat on the grass with the butler, sipping tea.
"So he summoned a succubus," Neo muttered.
The butler calmly adjusted his tie. "Indeed. And apparently refused her immediately."
Neo sipped. "Classic Lucian. Rejects affection like it's a cursed potion."
"I believe," the butler added, "he will climb a mountain to train just to avoid having a conversation."
Lucian screamed again as the succubus floated closer.
Neo raised an eyebrow. "So... are we helping?"
The butler gently placed a cookie on his plate. "No."
---
Back inside – The Bargain
Eventually, Lucian was cornered in the library, a chair held in front of him like a lion tamer.
"Look," he panted. "Succubus—what's your name again?"
"Vysera," she said sweetly.
"Right, Vysera. I'm flattered. I'm also terrified. You can't just pop into my life and start... trying to straddle me. I'm still recovering from a mirror version of myself beating the hell out of me."
She pouted, wings twitching. "But you're my master. We're bound. Soul-linked."
"You mean that thing where you're forced to serve me?"
"Yes. In all ways."
Lucian looked skyward and whispered, "God help me."
The Book hummed.
> "Technically, she's here to help you train. She's not just a seductress. She's also a combat demon, knowledge broker, shadow assassin, and—"
"She tried to lick me!" Lucian snapped.
> "Multifaceted skillset."
Lucian turned to Vysera. "Okay. Ground rules. You wear actual armor when we train. You sleep in the guest room. No sneaking into my bed."
She raised an eyebrow. "Even if I just want to—"
"No."
She sighed. "Fine. But I demand a combat session tomorrow. And blood."
"Training. Just training."
"...Fine."
Lucian finally slumped onto the couch, wiping sweat from his brow. "Gods... I miss when my life was just failed job interviews and arguing with Neo about cereal brands."
> "You were never going to live a normal life, Lucian. But you're getting stronger. Keep going."
Lucian narrowed his eyes. "Wait. You're being... supportive?"
> "Shut up."
---
Next Morning – Demon Training 101
Lucian stood in a forest clearing behind the estate. The sky was pale blue, sunlight speckling through the trees.
Vysera stretched her arms, tail flicking lazily. She wore actual armor now—black and crimson, still dangerously form-fitting—but at least not lingerie.
Lucian cracked his neck. "Alright. No seduction. No weirdness. Just training."
She smirked. "Sure, Master."
Lucian lunged first, Enlightened Grip pulsing. He jabbed, swept, pivoted.
She countered with absurd grace—flipping over him, slashing the air with her claws, dancing through his guard.
Their spar turned into a blur—Lucian's Fifth Week activating mid-combo, unsteady but growing more responsive. His footwork became sharper. His senses clearer.
But then—mid-spin—he slipped on a root.
"Crap—"
He crashed into Vysera, knocking them both down in a tangle of limbs.
"...Are you on top of me?" he croaked.
"Yes," she whispered, fangs just barely showing.
"I hate this training."
"I love it."
He rolled off her like she was molten lava.
From the trees, Riv peeked out with a stick. "Lucian's kissing time?"
"NO!"
---
That Night – Conversations and Chaos
Lucian sat by the fire, robe draped over him like a cape. The butler poured him tea.
"You handled her better than I expected," the butler said.
"I had help. Mostly from gravity."
Neo flopped onto the couch beside them. "So, do I need to give you 'the talk' again, or are you just gonna stay a blushing tomato for eternity?"
Lucian glared. "She's a demon. With wings. And a forked tongue. I'm trying to stay alive, not start a romantic subplot."
Neo shrugged. "Your loss. Succubus or not, she's into you."
Lucian sipped his tea. "So is death."
Riv tumbled into the room with the colander on her head again. "I defeated two squirrels today. I am Champion of Roof."
Lucian raised a brow. "What were you doing on the roof again?"
"Watching you scream!"
He sighed. "Sounds about right."
---
Later – The Book's Reminder
As the moon climbed high, Lucian sat in the garden alone. Vysera had retreated to her room. The house was quiet.
The Book floated beside him, gently glowing.
> "Lucian."
"What now?" he asked, exhausted.
> "Your promise."
Lucian frowned. "The one I made to you?"
> "Yes. The journey must continue. The Tower calls."
He nodded slowly. "I know. But… just a little longer. I'm starting to like it here."
> "Four months. Then no more running. The next arc begins."
Lucian smiled faintly. "Deal."
---
Four Months Later – The Calm Before the Climb
The estate had changed.
Lucian stood in the training yard, his body stronger, his movements sharper. Unity was no longer a flicker—but a flame.
Vysera landed beside him with a smirk. "You've improved. You might even land a hit on me now."
"Already did. Day seventy-two. You cried."
"Lies."
Neo walked by with a sandwich. "Don't forget she punched you into a tree."
Lucian grunted. "Details."
Riv ran past with two kittens and a butterfly net. The butler chased her, carrying a pot of soup she'd stolen.
Lucian breathed in the morning air.
"Alright," he whispered. "I'm ready."
The Book opened without a sound.
> "Then let the next chapter begin."
---
End of Chapter 17
---