What Is a Succubus in a World Without Sex?
Succubi.
In the adult media of my original world, they were an absolute staple: voluptuous demons whose entire lore revolved around pure eroticism, devouring semen through sexual intercourse to siphon a man's vital essence for power and sustenance.
Surprisingly enough, succubi existed in this world as well.
Though I had only heard about them secondhand, word was that they stimulated mortal desires to reap negative energy. In terms of function, I figured their line of work couldn't be all that different from what I remembered. Which meant that if anyone could handle the task of dealing with male adventurers the way I envisioned, it had to be them.
With that in mind, I brought up the idea of recruiting a succubus to Lufo. But the moment the word left my mouth, her expression twisted into something graver than I had ever seen.
"You want to hire a succubus? Are you out of your mind?"
"Um... is there something wrong with that?"
"Good grief... Haaah. This is why novices are the worst. You don't have the faintest clue how insane it is to station a succubus inside a dungeon."
"...Judging by your reaction, I take it they're rather difficult to manage?"
"Difficult doesn't begin to cover it. Every last one of them is a walking personality disorder. Within the Demon King's Army, they consistently rank dead last as the race nobody wants to work with."
I had only ever heard of them in passing, so it didn't quite hit home, but seeing Lufo this visibly repulsed suggested they were genuinely bad news.
"Could you elaborate a bit?"
"I mean... ugh, where do I even start?" Lufo crossed her arms and scowled, chewing on her lip before launching into an explanation. "Bertin, as you well know, the Demon King's Army uses negative energy extracted from unpleasant emotions as currency. Naturally, practically everyone in the army leans sadistic, constantly scheming to torment others. You know this much, right?"
"Well, yes. That's common knowledge around here."
"The succubus race was selectively bred over countless generations by demons who took that societal trend to its absolute extreme, purely to specialize in emotional extraction. In short, among all demonkind, they possess the cruellest, most sadistic temperaments in existence."
"Are they really that dangerous?"
"Less 'dangerous' and more downright foul and malicious. Even notoriously ruthless demons shudder at the mere thought of taking one as an ally. In fact, rumor has it that a certain cadre in the Demon King's Army once hired a succubus for the sheer efficiency of her energy harvesting, only to die of a stress-induced rage aneurysm."
"...So they're toxic enough that even their employers can't keep them in check."
"Exactly. That's why succubi are almost never utilized in communal environments like dungeons. Instead, they're kept far away from the ranks and used strictly for espionage or assassination, infiltrating enemy territory and using honey traps to bewitch their marks. Their individual talent is extraordinary, but unless you keep them segregated from the pack, they'll drag the entire organization straight to ruin."
Well, damn. I had only intended to hire one to charm and distract men with some classic feminine wiles. Who would have guessed they were indiscriminate biohazards capable of draining friend and foe alike into an early grave?
Then again, if their destructive potential was truly that immense, the payoff of successfully managing one would be equally staggering.
"Hearing about it secondhand makes it hard to picture. I've never actually seen a succubus in person, after all... Could we perhaps arrange a temporary trial hire just for the experience?"
"Haah... a trial hire? Fine. That much should be harmless enough. But remember, I warned you: getting involved with those creatures will bring you nothing but grief."
Sheesh. Exactly how awful could they be for her to make such a fuss?
Whatever the risks, a simple test run couldn't hurt.
Through Lufo, I received a catalog of succubi currently registered with the placement agency, intending to pick out someone my modest budget could actually afford. Naturally, because they were as competent as they were perilous, every single one was considered premium talent. Established professionals commanded rates far beyond my reach. Fortunately, there was a loophole for hiring high-potential recruits on the cheap.
Fresh graduates who had just completed their training at the Intelligence Training Academy and were looking to break into the Demon King's Army.
Rookies needed field experience and glowing credentials on their resumes, which meant they would readily accept contracts even if the pay was cut to the bone. More importantly, since I had zero intention of using a succubus in the standard fashion anyway, training an inexperienced newcomer from the ground up seemed far better in the long run.
"Here she is. The highest-scoring graduate among those who met your requested criteria."
Having sealed the trial contract, I awaited my new recruit—only to freeze in sheer astonishment the moment Lufo led her into the room.
The succubus standing before me shattered every single preconceived notion I possessed.
"A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Employer. I am Catherine, valedictorian of the Intelligence Training Academy and an aspirant of the Demon King Army's Espionage Corps. I will be conducting my practical training here in your dungeon."
She exuded a quiet, refined grace completely alien to any demon I had ever encountered.
Her pristine, snow-white attire draped over an extraordinarily voluptuous figure, yet far from appearing vulgar, she radiated an aura of immaculate purity. The moment my eyes fell upon her, an absurd thought crossed my mind: Is this woman an angel rather than a demon? A holy saintess rather than a succubus?
"Uh, um... you really are a succubus, right?"
"I am indeed. Did my present appearance perhaps fall short of your expectations?"
Catherine tilted her head ever so slightly, gazing at me with wide, glistening eyes. Even that simple, innocent gesture carried a gentle warmth capable of plucking at any man's heartstrings. My chest tightened, a strange flutter tickling deep within my ribs.
"H-Hey, Lufo... you're sure you brought the right person? You didn't just kidnap a saintess from some human church, did you?"
Unable to contain my bewilderment, I turned to verify, but Lufo merely let out a heavy sigh and quietly turned her back.
"Haah. I'm not wasting any more breath explaining. Experiencing it once will teach you more than a hundred warnings ever could."
"W-Wait a second—"
Before I could stop her, Lufo strode out the door, leaving me alone in the room with Catherine, who continued to watch me with luminous, attentive eyes.
True to the reputation of her species, she possessed breathtaking beauty paired with an unreal silhouette. And yet, looking at her, I felt practically zero raw lust. The young lady before me appeared so sacred, so unstained, that harboring even a shred of impure intent felt like an unforgivable sin that would instantly drown me in guilt.
"Employer? Is there perhaps something on my face?"
"Uh, what? Oh, no, not at all..."
"That is a relief. Even so, I would be grateful if you refrained from staring quite so intently." Catherine averted her gaze, a delicate blush dusting her cheeks. Her voice carried the tender, innocent shyness of a sheltered maiden. "When a dashing gentleman such as yourself gazes upon me so, this timid maiden's heart can barely bear the strain."
Thump-thump. Thump-thump.
Just standing in her presence sent my pulse racing from sheer, unadulterated sweetness. Lufo's dire warnings evaporated from my mind as if scrubbed clean, and the wariness I had maintained melted away into an easy, awkward smile.
"W-Well, as you know, today is just a trial run to see how we work together. If everything goes well, I'll be hiring you formally for the dungeon... You said you graduated at the top of your academy, right? Should I have high hopes?"
"My goodness... I hardly consider myself remarkable enough to speak with boastful confidence. Still, I intend to pour my whole heart into whatever duties are entrusted to me. My only wish is that this humble maiden's efforts may meet your esteemed expectations."
A demon practicing genuine modesty and self-deprecation. The sheer dissonance between what I expected and what I was witnessing grew wider by the second. As I stood there dazed, she tilted her head curiously and offered a gentle inquiry.
"Come to think of it, Employer, how do you usually take your meals?"
"Meals? Oh, well... usually I just get by on nutrient jelly. Managing dungeon construction keeps me pretty busy, and cooking is a hassle..."
"Oh dear, that simply won't do! Neglecting your nourishment is terribly unhealthy. One must eat proper, wholesome food if one hopes to work effectively."
"Uh, well, I suppose you're right, but..."
"In that case, Employer, if it would not be an imposition... would you permit me to prepare a meal for you?"
"A meal? You?"
"I possess few noteworthy virtues, but I am reasonably adept in the kitchen. Naturally, part of my motive is the selfish hope that satisfying your palate might encourage you to hire me... but surely you could forgive such a modest indulgence?"
Catherine looked up at me, vulnerability and tentative hope mingling in her soft gaze. The sight sent another violent flutter through my chest. Clearing my throat to compose myself, I nodded.
"Sure, why not? It's about lunch time anyway... Since you're offering, I'd love to try a meal."
"Fufu, thank you for the opportunity! I pray my cooking proves to your liking."
With graceful humility, Catherine gathered the cooking utensils I had bought just in case and set to work. I hovered nearby to keep an eye on things, but she showed not the slightest hint of foul play, quietly preparing the ingredients with serene focus. Every cut of the kitchen knife possessed an effortless poise, and every pinch of seasoning was added with meticulous care.
"Employer, the bread and stew are ready. Please, come have a taste."
The resulting spread was modest, yet the colors were vibrant and the aroma was so rich and savory that my mouth watered on instinct. Is it really okay for me to eat this? Eating a home-cooked meal prepared by such a picture-perfect, devoted maiden feels like it should invite divine retribution.
"Employer? Does the food not look appetizing to you?"
"H-Huh? No, no, I was just lost in thought for a second..."
"Oh dear. To be burdened with thoughts of work even with a hot meal before you... you must be completely exhausted. If you wouldn't mind, may I assist you with eating?"
"What? W-Wait a minute—"
"Here now. Say ahh~"
Catherine scooped a warm spoonful of stew, pairing it with a small piece of torn bread, and lifted it gently toward my lips. Her radiant, angelic smile made the back of my throat itch with flustered warmth. Unable to resist such overwhelming kindness, I parted my lips and took the bite.
"Is it to your taste?"
"Uh, um... i-it's delicious. Wow, Catherine, you're an amazing cook."
"Fufu, I told you, didn't I? It is one of this humble maiden's few meager talents. Come, let me feed you some more. Say ahh~"
"No, really, I can... okay, fine."
Being hand-fed was profoundly embarrassing, yet I endured the sweet torture until every last drop was polished off. When the bowl was finally empty, Catherine beamed with absolute fulfillment.
"Thank you, Employer. Seeing you eat with such relish made cooking it entirely worthwhile."
"I should be the one thanking you. If I could eat like this every day, I couldn't ask for anything more."
"Truly? That brings me such joy! To think I might be of genuine help to you going forward... Ah, would you mind if I cleaned your quarters as well?"
"My room?"
"I wish to do whatever small part I can. If you wouldn't mind, could you guide me to your bedroom?"
"Uh, sure... I suppose that's fine."
Following her request, I led her to my private chambers. The floor was strewn with scattered parchment covered in trap formulas and structural blueprints; it was hardly a sight fit for a proper lady's eyes.
"S-Sorry about this. It's an absolute mess in here, haha..."
"Fufu, please don't apologize. Tidying a messy room makes the task all the more rewarding!"
Catherine bent down, gathering the loose papers with gentle care and stacking them neatly. The serene, tender smile never left her lips as she softly murmured something just loud enough for me to catch.
"Honestly... seeing you like this, I really can't leave you on your own, can I, Employer?"
She can't leave me alone? What does that mean? Could it be that classic maternal instinct—the urge to take care of a hopeless, disorganized man? Had she already developed feelings like that for someone she had only just met?
"Hup~!"
Before my racing thoughts could settle, Catherine suddenly dove onto my bed. Burying her face into my pillow and sheets, she took a deep breath, sniffing the fabric before flashing a playful, breathless grin.
"Hehe. Your scent is all over everything, Employer."
"Uh, hey, Catherine? What are you..."
"Ah, my apologies. I couldn't help myself... Whenever I enter the bedchamber of a gentleman like you, it becomes terribly hard to restrain myself."
"Hard to restrain yourself? In what sense..."
"In what sense do you think? Exactly what it sounds like."
The intimacy of her words bordered on suffocating. Patting the empty mattress beside her, Catherine cast a gaze up at me that practically invited ruin.
"Employer... if it pleases you, would you like to lie down beside me?"
Gulp.
My throat worked as I swallowed hard, my feet moving toward the bed entirely of their own accord. My brain scrambled to process the situation. Wait... could this actually mean what I think it means? Is this how a succubus's lewd nature manifests in this world?
"Um, just to be clear... you don't mean that kind of thing, do you?"
"Do you believe I don't?"
The moment I lay down beside her, Catherine's lips curved into a teasing smile as her slender fingers reached out, gently wrapping around my hand.
"To tell you the truth... I would be lying if I said the thought hadn't crossed my mind."
At those words, my heart hammered against my ribs harder than it ever had in my entire life. I looked at her, breathless with anticipation. "R-Really?"
"Yes. Arriving in an unfamiliar place and meeting an employer as kind and dependable as you has brought such peace to my heart. If you would permit it, I wish to stay by your side like this, watching over you from the closest distance possible..."
In this world, conception didn't require physical sex. A couple lay together in bed, clasped hands, and intertwined their mana once their hearts were in true alignment. That was all it took to create new life.
In other words, lying down in bed and holding hands was the absolute equivalent of accepting someone as a lifelong partner.
"If you are willing, Employer... shall we simply do it right now?"
A mutual confession born of love at first sight. Caught in a whirlwind that felt like a dream, what gripped me wasn't suspicion, but deep hesitation. Is it really acceptable for someone like me to take the purity of such an innocent maiden on our very first meeting? Can I truly shoulder the responsibility of being her partner?
"Listen, Catherine, I... G-Gah?!"
Before I could voice my reservations, a sharp, electric numbness surged directly from our clasped hands. The paralysis spread instantly through my limbs, freezing my muscles solid. The sudden shock shattered my stupor, sending my long-dormant survival instincts screaming to life.
I realized in an instant that this was her doing.
"Pfft... Ahahahahahahaha~~!!!"
A roar of laughter exploded through the quiet room.
Gone was every shred of that demure innocence, replaced by an ear-splitting, manic cackle tearing from her throat.
"Aaha~ Did you seriously think it was going to be that easy to hop into bed with a girl?! Did our dear little Employer actually get his hopes up?! Did your pathetic little heart go thump-thump thinking you were gonna mate with a girl you literally just met?!"
"Wh-What...?"
"Pffft! Look at him! Treat him to a tiny bit of kindness and he goes completely slack-jawed, ready to cough up his liver and kidneys! Ahahaha! This is why clueless virgins who've never even held a girl's hand are the absolute best to toy with! AHAHAHAHA!!"
It was as if an entirely different person had taken over her skin. Catherine openly sneered, tears of cruel amusement gathering in the corners of her eyes.
Only now did the true weight of Lufo's warnings crash down upon me. Clinging to the faintest shred of lingering hope, I forced words through my paralyzed jaw.
"C-Catherine... could you please explain what is going on?"
"What's going on? Are you seriously still too brain-dead to grasp the situation?"
The brutal truth shattered my foolish delusions to dust the second her mouth opened again.
"You got played like a fiddle, you dumb pig bastard~!! KYAHAHAHAHA~~!!"
A succubus in this world wasn't an erotic milking machine designed to drain a man into a desiccated husk through sex.
They were treacherous, sadistic bitches whose entire existence revolved around trampling a man's pure, earnest feelings into the dirt to feast upon his despair.