The Demon Scholar slowly shook his head:
"That was a story of self-destruction, clichéd and old. The demon worshippers tried to hire me to investigate some secret and dangerous materials. They were extraordinarily wealthy, and this card was merely part of the advance payment. They regarded it as a sign of their trust in me.
"But when I left Moon Bay this summer and later wanted to return to submit my investigation report, I discovered that their family had already vanished from the area."
"That family vanished? Were they taken away by The Church, like the Kant Family?"
Though this was not a continuation of the Demon stories from the past, Shade was interested in it all the same.
Xiao En Asmon shook his head again:
"No, it was not The Church. Apparently, their youngest son went from the countryside to the city and played Gambling Cards at an underground Rhodes Cards Casino. He ran up a huge debt and signed a contract, so the debt collectors took all their property. Without any property, their demon research could no longer continue. Within a few years, everyone had left."
"This..."
Shade was at a loss for words. This seemed to be a story about how gambling was even more terrifying than studying demons:
"So what do you intend to do with this card now?"
"Of course, gamble with you again. I have realized that I have never beaten you."
Though those black eyes were looking at Shade and the people behind him, Shade felt that everyone other than the two of them was merely irrelevant background.
"I do not pursue material pleasures. If I lose, you can take this Rhodes Card of uncertain authenticity, give me 200 pounds, and continue supporting my travel and research. If I win, you will buy