Chapter 88: Dracula

"Dracula." Abraham's fist clenched as he jerked his head to the side, catching Eliphas ducking almost immediately.

"ELIPHAS, YOU BASTARD! HOW COULD YOU DO THIS?" Abraham roared, his voice trembling with fury, eyes burning red with hate since what Eliphas had done was a taboo in his field. 

Eliphas had destroyed his credibility, and in the supernatural world, an information broker's lifeblood was neutrality and trust but with both shattered, Eliphas career was all but finished.

"I apologize, Abraham, but my love comes above everything." Eliphas knew that decades of hard work had been flushed down the drain, but none of that mattered if he could see his dear Selene once more.

"Give him the coordinates, then escort him out of the castle," Dracula commanded, his tone cold and final as a group of lower-level vampires moved swiftly, guiding Eliphas out.

Ricky, on the other hand, remained deathly quiet, his mind racing for a way out of the situation, but truthfully, he had no idea what to do.

Even standing still, his nerves were screaming with no end in sight, his mind racing under the hungry gazes of the vampires staring at him. 

Desperately, Ricky combed through his system inventory for anything that could help, while Chores and Barko silently braced themselves for the worst.

"Young Ricky, it is imperative you stay calm," Alexander whispered, his eyes flicking around as he took in their dire situation. 

They were outnumbered and surrounded and Percival, too, was in a bind, scanning their surroundings, but the more he looked, the less hope he saw for any real escape.

"Dracula, I'm the one you want, so let the kid go-" Abraham began, realizing he had once again dragged Ricky into his mess but he was quickly interrupted by Dracula's laughter.

"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!" Dracula's laughter echoed, silencing everything around him while Abraham shot him a hate-filled glare, unable to believe what he was hearing.

"Oh, Abraham, foolish, naive Abraham. This banquet is not your grave, but rather an honor for bringing me the Black Knight on a silver platter," Dracula mocked, chuckling as he watched Abraham gnaw on his own lip.

"Maybe twenty years ago, it would have been different. Perhaps you would have actually caught my interest in killing you. But now, the one I desire to kill is your new friend and what the church calls 'The Black Knight,'" Dracula revealed, unveiling that this confrontation wasn't against his supposed rival but, in fact, aimed at Ricky.

Ricky immediately unsheathed his sword, realizing that the only way to escape was through brute force and as he did, he recalled all the items he could use in the fight ahead.

"You see, Abraham, all this time, while you thought you were hunting me down, snooping around in the experiments of Weapon X that I supposedly wanted kept under wraps." Dracula recounted, rubbing his chin and pacing around the banquet, his eyes gleaming with joy as he took in Abraham's crumbling expression.

"Instead, I was simply feeding you little crumbs after I learned that you had roped the Black Knight into your shenanigans, hoping that in your arrogance, you'd lead him all the way to me." Dracula flicked one of the champagne glasses filled with blood, its vibration shaking Abraham's expression into a state of distress.

The revelation made Abraham's heart sink as he grabbed his head, recalling everything he had learned that always seemed to line up before him.

"From brainwashing and feeding you little runts from my sect to bribing Eliphas into bringing you here, all of it was by my hands," Dracula declared, clasping his hands together before slowly spreading them out toward Ricky, as if presenting a prize. 

Abraham's breath quickened as he looked back at Ricky, realizing that his arrogance might have just led to the young man's demise.

"Dammit, I knew something stupid like this would happen! Fuck!" Ricky lamented, cursing himself for ever going with Abraham in the first place and Chores let out a resigned sigh, sharing in the frustration of their predicament.

"It's my fault, Slick. If I hadn't been so self-absorbed, maybe I could've seen it too." Chores said, biting his lip as he recognized that his mind hadn't been in the right place for some time, placing the blame on himself. 

"No, I lost focus on Abraham's teachings. I knew everything shouldn't have added up so easily." Barko sighed, regretting that if he hadn't been so preoccupied with trying to prove his worth, none of this would have happened.

"You both came along for the ride. If anyone's to blame, it's me for trusting that smelly piece of sh*t of an old man." Ricky sneered, equipping all of his armor as Dracula merely watched him with an amused smile. 

Ricky then looked down at Alexander, scanning their surroundings and evaluating the enemy forces before meeting the gaze of his allies.

"Do not look at me, Ricky. I merely go along with your whimsical actions." Alexander said, refusing to take any blame, which left Ricky baffled.

"I mean, yeah that's true, but aren't you supposed to-"

"Ricky, if I have to do everything for you, then how exactly will you learn?" Alexander asked, leaving Ricky dumbfounded while his gerbil continued to survey the scene.

"NO!" Abraham yelled, his entire body shaking as his usual uncaring demeanor shifted into an almost scared yet determined expression. 

"Dracula, today is the day I finally free my family!" Abraham drew out his vials, causing the vampires to flinch at the sight, sensing the holy power radiating from them.

"Kill the Black Knight's friends, leave Abraham to me, and save the main course for later." Dracula commanded, gesturing to his legion of vampires, who eagerly fixed their hungry gazes on Ricky.

"Alexander, let's use that skill-sharing thing," Ricky whispered, recognizing the urgency of the situation as Alexander contemplated it for a moment before nodding in agreement.

"Then, I shall lend you my strength."

*Ding*

*Skill Share enabled*

*Bond has allowed ten minutes of usage*

Ricky's body flashed, causing the vampires to shield their eyes and when the light faded, his blackened armor had transformed into a golden array. 

Suddenly, Ricky's perception shifted; he could see how the enemy forces were arranged and identify their weaknesses with just a glance. 

The unbridled confidence swelling within him was unparalleled, as he felt the might of Alexander's power and experience coursing through him.

"What fun this will be." Dracula laughed, seemingly unfazed by Ricky and Abraham as he sauntered over to the main area, allowing Abraham to face him head-on.

"Kill him!" Baron Blood shouted, the woman observing beside him being his wife, Baroness Blood. 

Dozens of ghoulish cannon fodder lunged at Ricky, the vampiric nobles all calmly observing the scene as the main event before their dinner party.

But Ricky didn't hesitate as he swung his blade in a graceful arc, cutting through the first wave with deadly precision.

*BAM* 

A tide of ghouls crashed against his back, but his psychic powers formed an impenetrable wall, allowing him to focus on slashing down at the vampires in front of him. 

His strikes met no resistance; it was as if they were cutting through butter as he moved forward with relentless determination, his movements a dance of death. 

Each step was calculated, each strike deadly, as his blade glowed with a fierce light, slicing through the darkness of the battlefield.

It was something the vampires had never encountered before. Ricky's entire presence felt akin to that of a great general commanding the anchor of a battlefield, drawing all eyes toward him.

(Legendary Skill) (Mastery) Battle Tactics: Demonstrates unparalleled strategic acumen in warfare, applying advanced tactics for victory.

The tides of the ghoulish hordes began to shift according to Ricky's whims, the skill borrowed from Alexander granting him the ability to control the surging rapids of enemies as he started utilizing his skills to their fullest potential.

*BOOM*

"SCREEEEEEEE!" The ghoul shrieked as they were pushed into a psychic construct resembling a furnace by a barrage of cannons, while Ricky slashed through the foes behind him.

One of the ghouls managed to push through, but Ricky smiled, his eyes perceiving everything around him. 

He created a narrow opening that the horde eagerly surged toward and suddenly, he tossed his ebony blade into the air and pulled out the solar flare bow. 

Drawing it back, the horde formed a single-file line as rays of sunlight pulsed from his bow, glowing golden in response to Alexander's legendary marksmanship.

*Whoosh*

Ricky's fingers released the golden bowstring, and the arrow ascended gracefully, soaring forward as the entire area was bathed in a radiant golden light.

*BOOOOM*

"SCREEEEEEEEE!" The ghouls shrieked as they were reduced to ash, the arrow piercing straight through their heads while their bodies were greedily consumed by the sunlight.

Meanwhile, Baron Blood watched in horror as his minions fell like leaves before the typhoon that was Ricky.

Having fought Ricky just a month ago, it now felt as if he were witnessing a completely different person.

Baron Blood's furious assault halted for a split second as he, too, glanced upward as his gaze followed Ricky's, noticing the disappointed expressions of the noble vampires within Dracula's circle. 

Their faces, etched with superiority, gazed down at Baron Blood with disdain. 

The subtle sneers and condescending glances cut deeper than any sword ever could, their judgment a bitter reminder of his failures.

"How is this possible?" Baron Blood muttered, his grip tightening as Baroness Blood took his hand.

"I need to finish this before my image is destroyed any further." Baron Blood seethed, seeing his position at Dracula's side being mocked every second he didn't kill Ricky.

"Do not worry, my love. Let us wear him down along with the other pests before settling your rage." Baroness Blood smiled warmly at him while Baron Blood began to calm down, continuing to wait until Ricky grew more fatigued.

Chores was fighting against the relentless tide of vampires trying to rip him apart and although his strength towered over them, their sheer numbers were gradually wearing him down.

*BAM*

Just as fourteen ghouls were about to attack Chores from his blind spot, Ricky created a mental barrier before slashing down, killing them all in a single strike. 

At that moment, Chores realized he was essentially in the way, so he scooped up Barko and, desperately weaving around the remaining ghouls, started bolting to the side.

Some of the ghouls stared at Chores's retreating figure, only to have Ricky's blade slice their heads clean off in the next second. 

However, instead of pursuing Chores, the horde were suddenly directed at Ricky, rushing toward him with renewed intensity.

"So, you have acquired the Tears of Mother Mary?" Dracula mused, casting a sidelong glance at Ricky before turning his attention back to Abraham.

"Twenty years, twenty f*cking years, I spent refining myself in the Vatican for this very moment." Abraham raged, popping the caps off the vials he had acquired for this occasion.

"I already know, Abraham-" Dracula began, but Abraham's eyes flared with desperation. 

"YOU DON'T KNOW ANYTHING, DRACULA!" Abraham roared, his voice filled with hatred as he dumped the vials onto the floor.

"But you f*cking will."

Suddenly, a blinding white light erupted in the room, forcing everyone to shield their eyes and when they finally dared to open them, confusion swept through the crowd. 

Abraham stood at the center, his body radiating a pure, holy energy that felt like it was drawn straight from the very air around him. 

As they watched in awe, the light coalesced into a breathtaking figure, the embodiment of the purest woman in the Christian faith: Mother Mary. 

The vampires, momentarily paralyzed by the spectacle, quickly snapped into action, ready to pounce and tear Abraham apart. 

But Dracula, a twisted smile on his lips, raised a hand to halt them, his gaze fixated on the miraculous vision before him.

"Come, Abraham, let me see if those twenty years have paid off!" Dracula said, spreading his arms wide, his voice dripping with mockery and excitement. 

Yet, it was clear that his words were aimed at something, or someone, much deeper than Abraham himself, as if he sought to taunt the very essence of the holy power that now surrounded him.

The air crackled with tension, an electric charge building in the room as the two forces prepared to clash.

Abraham's body shook, his essence draining with each passing second to sustain the manifestation and yet, his smile only widened. 

Tears began to pour from Mother Mary, sorrowful at the pain this man endured from the evil beings before him.

The ethereal figure placed a hand on Abraham's head, stroking it gently as the last of his stamina was drained by the spell. 

As he fell to the ground, he looked up to see Mother Mary clasp her hands together, radiating a wave of holy power around her.

Any vampire in the vicinity was instantly vaporized by the pure holy energy, and those further away couldn't fully escape its devastating effects. 

Contrary to a sane response, Dracula remained motionless, using no magic, appearing completely defenseless and this only made Abraham incredibly wary.

But when Mother Mary extended her previously praying hands, Abraham grinned madly, knowing he had achieved his goal.

"MOTHER MARY'S FORGIVENESS!" Abraham yelled, releasing an intensified blast of holy power.

Mother Mary cried, feeling no hate as she attacked Dracula, only sorrow for his being consumed by the darkness of the world. 

Using the sheer power of her forgiveness, she shone down all the holy power she could muster to eradicate this evil from the world.

The onslaught raged for an agonizing five minutes, each second stretched taut as Mother Mary channeled every ounce of her divine essence into the attack. 

Her radiant light surged forth, illuminating the room and leaving all present, including Ricky, utterly spellbound. 

The sheer magnitude of the assault was breathtaking; its power was so profound that the very air shimmered with holy energy, banishing all the ghouls present within the hall within Dracula's castle. 

The noble vampires recoiled in fear and awe, shielding their eyes as Mother Mary's radiant aura illuminated the entire chamber. 

Her divine light pierced through the darkened halls of Dracula's castle, forcing some of the vampires to stagger away from the railings, retreating from the overwhelming presence.

Waves of pure light cascaded like a relentless tide, obliterating the darkness and leaving nothing but ash in its wake. 

The aura radiated an undeniable gravitas, a testament to the might of the divine that stood against the darkness. 

Abraham felt tears streaming down his face, overwhelmed with emotion as he believed he had finally fulfilled his promise to his family. 

For a brief moment, a wave of bliss washed over him, the weight of his past lifting as he glimpsed hope on the horizon. 

But that serenity was shattered by the sound of manic laughter echoing through the chaos, cutting through the divine light like a dark knife.

"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!" Dracula's maniacal laughter rang out, echoing ominously within the radiant aura of the attack.

Mother Mary concentrated fiercely, her radiant form straining to purge Dracula from existence. 

Holy power surged through her, a divine torrent aimed directly at the heart of darkness, but instead of succumbing, Dracula only laughed harder, the sound echoing like thunder through the chamber.

The two distinct uses of Holy Power lay starkly evident before them: one to heal, mending the wounds of the faithful; the other to obliterate evil, a weapon forged in the fires of righteousness. 

Yet, even with all her might, the power seemed to falter against Dracula's dark essence, swirling around him like smoke against a raging fire.

As Mother Mary's attack began to wane, the brilliance that had filled the room dimmed, revealing a Dracula unscathed, standing completely naked and defiantly amidst the remnants of the divine light.

Abraham froze, his breath hitching as he gazed upon Dracula's form, a sight so grotesque it churned his stomach. 

The air thickened with an oppressive dread, each moment stretching painfully as he took in the horrifying visage before him. 

"N-No." Abraham's voice quivered as he fell to his knees, the weight of despair crashing down on him like a tidal wave. 

He gazed up at Dracula, who laughed even harder, relishing the moment as he spread his arms wide, a grotesque parody of welcome.

"N-No, you d-didn't." Abraham's breath quickened, panic rising in his chest as he frantically scanned the vampire's body, searching for any sign of the holy power he had unleashed.

"Yes, Abraham, thanks to your family, to their hard work in breeding over the years, I HAVE FINALLY CONQUERED HOLY POWER!" Dracula's voice boomed through the chamber, manic laughter spilling from his lips as he flexed his body in a display of twisted triumph.

To Abraham's horror, Dracula's pale body was a grotesque canvas of writhing faces of all of his loved ones, each one contorted in expressions of anguish and despair. 

They crawled over his skin, desperately trying to escape the suffocating prison of flesh that housed them. 

Their eyes were wide with terror, mouths open in silent screams, their sorrow palpable in the air. Dracula had harvested the very souls of those he had consumed, binding them to him in a perverse display of power to escape the chains of being punished by divinity.

The sight made Abraham's stomach churn, a visceral reaction that clawed at his insides. 

Each face told a story of pain and betrayal, a testament to the countless lives Dracula had extinguished. 

The abomination before him was not merely a vampire; he was a living nightmare, a being that had twisted the sanctity of life into a grotesque spectacle.

"For twenty years, you sought the Vatican's aid, desperate for its holy power," Dracula taunted, his voice dripping with sadistic glee. 

"And for twenty years, I have reveled in your suffering, using that time to siphon the flesh and souls of your family into my very being!" Dracula's maniacal laughter echoed through the chamber, reverberating against the cold stone walls, each cackle a cruel reminder of Abraham's failures.

Abraham saw it, the faces of the people who had fallen because of his foolishness. 

Each one was a haunting echo of a life snuffed out, a dream extinguished in the wake of his misguided hope. 

Their expressions twisted in agony, mouths open in silent screams, eyes wide with fear and sorrow. 

It shattered his heart further, each visage a reminder of the unbearable weight of his choices.

As the enormity of his failure washed over him, Abraham felt a fissure open deep within. 

It was a crack in his very soul, letting the cold darkness seep in, threatening to extinguish the last flicker of hope that remained. 

Tears streamed down his cheeks, each drop a testament to the pain he had inflicted, the lives he had unwittingly sacrificed in his quest for redemption.

"Don't you see, Abraham?" Dracula purred, his voice dripping with malicious delight. 

"You were alive because I allowed it. Every moment of your pitiful existence was a game to me, and whenever you thought you were taking a step forward, I was always three steps ahead." Dracula's gleeful smile blossomed, a twisted flower in a garden of despair, as he reveled in Abraham's unraveling.

"You were never a threat, but something to pass the time as I reached my goals, a hobby as you humans say." Dracula taunted, covering his mouth in mock surprise as he reveled in Abraham's complete breakdown, delighting in the old vampire's day.

"DAMMIT ABRAHAM, PULL YOURSELF TOGETHER-" Ricky yelled, but his words were cut off as the skill share with Alexander abruptly ended, and two blurs hurtled toward him, threatening to crash into his defenses.

*BAM*

Ricky's body was flung to the side, and he struggled to scramble to his feet, his heart racing. 

Desperate to regain his balance, he thrust his sword into the granite before him, the blade sliding against the stone and slowing his momentum just enough to avoid a complete fall.

"It seems we meet once more, it is a pleasure to have the chance to kill you-"

"Oh great, it's you again." Ricky sighed, cutting off the venomous words of Baron Blood. 

His gaze shifted, and surprise flickered across his features as he took in the woman standing beside him.

"Holy sh*t, there are hot vampires." Ricky muttered under his breath, his eyes lingering on Baroness Blood, momentarily forgetting the danger surrounding him.

"This is my mate, Baroness Blood." Baron Blood interjected, cutting through Ricky's confusion as he introduced her. 

The Baroness curtsied gracefully, her demeanor both elegant and intimidating, a subtle reminder of the perilous situation at hand.

"Greetings foolish human, today is the day that me and my mate ruin-"

"Oh baby, you can ruin me anytime you want." Ricky unabashedly remarked, his gaze lingering on her slim features. 

"Pest." Baroness Blood sneered, her disdain palpable and at that moment, Baron Blood's rage boiled over, and he charged at Ricky, his movements fueled by fury.

*BAM*

Ricky swung his sword, but Baron Blood's claws struck the hilt, causing pain to shoot through his hands as he clenched his teeth. 

"I knew it; your skill has seemingly vanished," Baron Blood taunted, baring his fangs in a mocking grin.

"Now you're skills are as rubbish as they were before-"

*SMACK*

Ricky retaliated with a fierce headbutt to Baron Blood's nose, causing the vampire to immediately release his grip. 

Seizing the opportunity, Ricky swung his blade while his mind completely focused on the attack ignoring the mental warning, but a powerful fist unexpectedly collided with his side, knocking the air from his lungs and sending him stumbling back.

*CRACK*

*COUGH*

Ricky gasped as the air was driven from his lungs, the force of Baroness Blood's fist shattering two of his ribs. 

Pain shot through him, and he stumbled to the side, struggling to regain his balance while clutching his injured side.

Ricky had grown accustomed to the flow of battle being dictated by Alexander's skill, seamlessly integrating his knowledge and instincts during their skill share. 

It was as if his own mind had taken a backseat, no longer needing to rely on his danger sense or even his own judgment. 

Every threat had been anticipated, every move calculated but now, with that connection severed, he was thrust back into the chaos of combat, feeling the absence like a void in his mind.

*TINK*

Baroness Blood lunged for her next attack, but was halted abruptly by an invisible wall of energy that Ricky had conjured. 

With a fierce determination, Ricky unleashed the full extent of his holy aura, causing a brilliant fire to erupt from his sword. 

As Baron Blood attempted to lunge at him, the radiant force pushed him back momentarily, creating a brief but crucial opening. 

Ricky swung his sword in a sweeping arc, channeling all his strength into the strike.

Baroness Blood was caught off guard by the sudden onslaught, her body propelled backward but Ricky swiftly halted, shifting his trajectory mid-strike. 

Baron Blood instinctively bent backward, narrowly avoiding Ricky's attack, but he wasn't finished yet and with a swift motion, he hurled his sword toward the vampire, aiming for a decisive blow.

"BLOOD BURST!" Baron Blood shouted, his body sliding against the floor as he evaded Ricky's deadly strike. 

He watched intently as the blade embedded itself into the ground where he had just stood, its tip quivering ominously.

A sudden tsunami of ghouls crashed against his barrier, their relentless assault swirling around Ricky like a dark tide. 

He quickly drew his bow, knocking an arrow and aiming it squarely at Baron Blood. 

Just as he was about to release the shot, a blaring alarm rang in his mind, and he instinctively turned, only to feel elongated nails pierce his flesh, a searing pain jolting through him.

The ghouls had effectively clawed and ripped at his mental barrier, their sheer numbers overwhelming his defenses. 

In that fleeting moment of vulnerability, Baroness Blood seized the opportunity and struck him with a decisive blow 

"F*CK!" Ricky roared in pain as Baroness Blood's nails pierced his back. 

Just as she lunged for his heart, he reacted instinctively, kicking her away with all his strength.

Breathless, he quickly conjured a barrier in front of him, preparing to fire his bow. 

But his danger sense blared a warning, sending adrenaline surging through him as he turned just in time to see a shadow darting toward him, claws outstretched, and he knew he had to act fast.

"BLOOD SPEAR!" Baron Blood unleashed a dark magic spell aimed straight at Ricky. 

Gritting his fangs, Baron Blood felt the sharp pain as the solar arrow pierced his knee, leaving a gaping hole.

Ricky swung his bow at the spell with fierce determination, his mental barrier flaring to life as the two forces collided. 

A brilliant flash erupted, illuminating the chaos of the battlefield and momentarily blinding everyone caught in its radiance.

"Full counter-" 

"UNDEAD ENCAMPMENT!" Baroness Blood shouted, unleashing her spell just as Ricky was focused on reflecting Baron Blood's attack.

Baroness Blood's smile twisted into a sinister grin, bloodlust shining in her eyes as shadows coalesced around her, ready to ensnare him in a web of undead minions.

It was only speculation, but witnessing Ricky only reflecting one attack after another, they couldn't be sure if he could maintain that defense while simultaneously reflecting two spells at once. 

This uncertainty created an inherent blind spot in Ricky's power, one that Baroness Blood exploited without hesitation.

As the dark energy surged around him, the spell ensnared Ricky in mummified chains that constricted his movements. 

The oppressive weight of the black aura manifested into a coffin that materialized beside him, its surface slick with shadow. 

With each heartbeat, the coffin drew closer, threatening to seal him away in darkness and despair. 

Desperation clawed at Ricky as he struggled against his restraints, knowing he had to escape before the abyss closed in.

*CRACK*

The bindings constricted tighter, sending sharp pain coursing through his limbs as slight fractures formed in his arms and legs. 

The coffin loomed ominously closer, its interior adorned with glistening spikes that seemed to thirst for his blood.

"Stop."

Ricky's eyes were wide, the terror reflected in their depths as the coffin inched toward him, intent on enclosing him in a suffocating embrace. 

The spikes glinted menacingly in the dim light, and he could feel the heat of his own breath mingling with the encroaching darkness. 

Each heartbeat echoed in his ears, a reminder of his impending doom, as his pupils darted frantically, searching for an escape, a glimmer of hope amid the suffocating dread that threatened to consume him.

"STOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOP!" Ricky roared, his voice a primal echo of desperation and fury. 

The intensity of his will surged through him, igniting a fiery spark deep within as his eyes pulsed a fierce crimson, radiating raw power as psychic flames materialized around him, crackling with energy.

"Lily, retreat-" Baron Blood barked, urgency creeping into his voice. 

But before he could finish his command, the coffin erupted in a blinding flash of dark red light, sending shards of dark magic flying in all directions.

*BOOM*

The spell burst from its very core, unleashing a torrent of energy that filled the chamber. 

Ricky stood at the epicenter, his entire body exuding a fierce crimson aura that pulsed with raw power. 

His gaze locked onto the two vampires, intensity radiating from him like a storm ready to break.

"Ethereal chains!" Ricky yelled, the armor on his body glowing in streaks of red while his outward hand stretched towards the stunned Baroness Blood.

Golden chains erupted from his palms, shimmering with an otherworldly glow, catching the two vampires off guard. 

They watched in bewilderment as the chains snaked through the air, binding Baroness Blood before she could even muster a defense. 

The ethereal links wrapped around her limbs, tightening with a fierce grip that rendered her immobile.

*HUFF*

*HUFF*

Ricky let out steaming breaths, his mind fraying under the weight of overwhelming hatred and bloodlust. 

The once-vibrant green of his eyes was slowly being corroded by the searing heat of crimson red, transforming his gaze into a feral glare that spoke only to quench his fury.

"I'm going to grind your bones into dust, then f*cking snort it." Ricky said with a grin, though there was nothing humorous in his tone. 

His smile twisted into something darker, more unhinged, as the crazed bloodlust radiated from him, nearly consuming his entire being. 

His eyes glinted with a murderous intensity that made even Baron Blood, seasoned and ruthless as he was, feel a chill run down his spine.

*CLANG*

The ebony blade materialized in his hands just in time as Ricky braced himself, blocking Baron Blood's oncoming attack with a forceful clash.

Ricky's mind materialized psychic spikes, his intent clear: he would end this now, pierce the beauty before him, no matter the cost. 

Baron Blood furiously attacked, desperate to break through Ricky's defenses, his movements becoming more erratic and vicious. 

Each time Baron Blood swatted at Ricky's blade, a psychic barrier would form, just enough to disrupt his momentum, causing him to destroy it. 

But with every destroyed barrier, Ricky was ready to meet the next strike, his ebony blade poised to block again.

*Drip*

Ricky's mind strained under the pressure, his body trembling as blood dripped from his nose and ears. 

The effort to maintain the ethereal chains binding Baroness Blood was immense, draining his psychic reserves. 

Each second he spent holding her took away from his ability to focus on attacking Baron Blood. 

He desperately tried to form enough psychic spikes to finish the fight, but the sheer concentration required to keep the powerful vampire restrained left him vulnerable. 

His breath came in ragged gasps as he divided his strength between defense and offense, the battle becoming a war of attrition.

The tide of the battle was gradually shifting and Ricky could feel it as the ethereal chains tightened around Baroness Blood, slowly draining the strength from her body. 

Her struggles grew weaker, and with each passing moment, the pressure on Baron Blood increased. 

Desperation clouded the vampire's judgment, making his attacks more erratic and sloppy.

Ricky's bloodshot eyes flickered with anticipation, biding his time as Baron Blood swung wildly. 

Every failed strike only added to the vampire's frustration and Ricky gritted his teeth, waiting for the perfect moment, his mind racing to find the opening that would let him end it all in one decisive blow.

"Ah, now I see why you took such a young protégé into your dirty hands, Abraham," Dracula said, his voice dripping with condescension.

His hand rested arrogantly on Abraham's shoulder as the old man remained frozen in shock while smirking at the sight of Ricky.

In his mind, Dracula was genuinely surprised that the Black Knight before him, who had only gained the blade a mere three months ago, was able to hold his own against vampires who had lived within the realm of the dark arts for centuries. 

It was a rare feat, one that even piqued the ancient vampire's interest for a brief moment but just then, his smile returned, sinister and wide. 

Nothing brought him more joy than crushing problems before they had the chance to bloom into real threats and to him, Ricky was just another sprout ready to be cut down.

"You know what would be fun? If I tortured and killed him right in front of you." Dracula mused, a gleam of sadistic delight in his eyes. 

Abraham, desperation etched across his face, grabbed onto Dracula's pant leg, pleading silently. 

But Dracula merely brushed him aside, the gesture dismissive, as if Abraham were nothing more than a piece of trash to be discarded.

*BAM*

*COUGH*

Baron exhaled sharply, Ricky's knee lodged into his stomach as the battered and withered knight stood above him. 

The ground beneath them was stained with the remnants of their brutal clash, a testament to the violence that had unfolded.

In this moment, the very one he had waited for, Ricky didn't hesitate to raise the blade into the air, his eyes narrowed and fixated solely on the vampire's death.

*Whoosh*

"Hello there," Dracula said, materializing beside Ricky with an unsettling calmness as the blade swung down.

However instead of the sight of Baron Blood's head rolling beneath his feet, the same image of a battered vampire stood before him. 

Ricky's focus snapped back to his wrist, where Dracula's grip tightened unexpectedly. The sword trembled violently in his hand, barely inches from plunging into the back of Baron's neck.

It was only then that a dangerous dread seeped into Ricky's mind, an all-consuming darkness that threatened to swallow him whole as his eyes remained locked on his wrist, firmly held in place by Dracula's grip.

*SNAP*

"ARGH!" Ricky grunted in pain as his wrist snapped like a twig, the sharp, searing agony radiating through his arm as he was flung aside like a ragdoll. 

The ground rushed up to meet him, and he barely managed to roll to absorb the impact.

Before he could gather his bearings, a wave of energy pulsed through the air, and Dracula unleashed a powerful and swift motion, dismantling all of Ricky's chains and psychic barriers with an effortless flick of his wrist. 

The remnants of his defenses dissipated like mist, leaving Ricky exposed and vulnerable.

Breathless, Ricky struggled to rise, his thoughts racing as he assessed the dire situation as he felt the weight of dread creeping back in, but he fought against it, pushing himself to focus.

"Shoo." Dracula waved his hands dismissively at the two high-ranking vampires who had lingered at the edge of the conflict, their expressions a mix of curiosity and concern. 

They bowed deeply, sensing the shift in power dynamics, and promptly vanished into the shadows, leaving only the oppressive silence of the chamber.

*COUGH*

*COUGH*

*SPLAT*

Ricky started coughing up mouthfuls of blood, each spasm wracking his body as the intense backlash surged through him. 

The pain was like fire coursing through his veins, each drop of crimson staining the floor beneath him a stark reminder of the toll this confrontation was taking. 

Instead of merely destroying a part of his defenses, Dracula had meticulously dismantled his entire array, speck by speck, ensuring that the backlash would be far more severe than a simple break.

"Truly a fascinating creature you are." Dracula mused, his voice dripping with a sinister charm. 

He leaned in closer, grasping Ricky's chin with an icy grip, tilting his face from side to side as if inspecting a rare specimen. 

"I must say, you have surpassed Abraham at his age, a remarkable accomplishment in its own right." Dracula gave him a hollow compliment as Ricky's eyes flared with anger and defiance, even as Dracula's fingers felt like iron against his skin.

*Smack*

Ricky smacked Dracula's hand away, his frustration boiling over as he tried to muster a clever retort. 

But the words faltered as he doubled over, coughing up another mouthful of blood as the metallic taste filled his mouth, and he felt a burning sensation in his throat.

"Hahahaha~" Dracula didn't show any anger at this, but let out an entertained chuckle.

"Ah, humans, such stubborn creatures." Dracula sneered, casting a sidelong glance at Baron Blood and Baroness Blood. 

Their faces were painted with a mixture of embarrassment and anger, both unable to comprehend how a mere mortal could withstand their combined might. 

"Such persistence they have," Dracula remarked, his tone deceptively light yet brimming with contempt. 

The words rolled off his tongue like honey, masking the disdain he held for his underlings.

"But alas, you've likely been tainted by that fool's teachings, pity." Dracula rubbed his chin thoughtfully, contemplating how killing Ricky would deepen Abraham's misery.

"What is it that humans say nowadays, inhumane?" Dracula turned back to Ricky, who seemed lost in thought, staring off into the distance and with a shrug, Dracula continued his monologue, undeterred.

"Yes, I think it would be inhumane if I didn't at least give you a chance to attack me after I mercifully tore you to shreds in front of Abraha." Dracula chuckled, walking over to the side and spreading his arms wide.

"Well, little Black Knight, let's see what you've got," Dracula taunted, his voice dripping with mockery. 

Ricky's eyes flickered upward to meet his gaze, but his focus remained locked on the system next to him.

In that moment, a scroll materialized in Ricky's hands, its surface worn and dilapidated, the edges frayed and yellowed with age. 

Dracula cast a cursory glance at the artifact, curiosity mingling with disdain as he assessed its significance.

(Epic Item) Scroll of Meteor Fragment: Unleashes a part of a meteor when read, causing significant damage to enemies in the vicinity.

In the next instant, Ricky ripped the scroll into pieces, the ancient parchment tearing with an almost reluctant sigh. 

Dracula, anticipating the surge of power that would follow, remained poised, his eyes fixed on Ricky as he waited for the item's magic to take effect. 

Seconds stretched into an uneasy silence, and Dracula's brow furrowed in confusion as he glanced around, sensing something amiss.

His guests exchanged bewildered glances, their expressions mirroring his uncertainty. The tension in the air grew palpable as the atmosphere crackled with expectation. 

Finally, Dracula turned back to Ricky, a mixture of intrigue and annoyance flickering in his gaze, his impatience evident.

"Well, is that all-"

*THOOM*

The entire castle shook violently, sending tremors through its ancient stone walls. Dracula's head jerked upward, alarm flashing in his eyes as he realized the barrier surrounding his fortress was under assault. 

A massive rock hurtled through the air, plummeting toward them like a falling star, its descent a harbinger of chaos that threatened to shatter the protective enchantments guarding the castle. 

The ground quaked beneath him, and dust cascaded from the rafters as the impending impact loomed ever closer, promising devastation in its wake.

"Do you truly believe that an outward assault on my barrier could turn the tide of your impending death?" Dracula asked, a smug confidence lacing his tone as he held his ground, certain of his barrier's strength. 

But then he caught sight of Ricky squinting his eyes, a flicker of determination igniting within him.

"Obviously not, I just wanted you to be all full of yourself until I figured out how to blow into this weird-ass whistle." Ricky scoffed, a defiant grin spreading across his face as he caught Dracula's eye, the vampire's expression shifting from amusement to curiosity at the peculiar object in Ricky's hands.

An eldritch whistle materialized in Ricky's hands, its surface pulsating with an otherworldly energy. 

He stared at it, contemplating the last resort he had hoped to avoid and yet, in this moment, with the stakes at their highest, it seemed the only option left to him.

"Peculiar," Dracula remarked from the far side of the hall, watching as Ricky raised the mysterious whistle, which had seemingly materialized from thin air, to his lips. 

The vampire's interest piqued, curiosity flickering in his eyes as he anticipated the unexpected sound that might follow.

(Legendary Item) Eldritch Call: A forbidden and vastly dangerous whistle that serves as a one time use item. Its call causes one eldritch being to your aid and will follow your entire wish for exactly thirty seconds; however if the whistle is not destroyed after the thirty seconds, the being gains an eternal foothold into your realm.

Ricky blew into the whistle, but an eerie silence enveloped the hall. Suddenly, the entire castle shuddered, and Dracula's pupils contracted in alarm. 

A collective gasp filled the air as onlookers witnessed reality itself seemingly tearing apart before Ricky's eyes. 

Tendrils emerged from the rift, snaking outward and pulling the very fabric of existence farther apart, creating a haunting spectacle that left everyone frozen in disbelief.

The sheer power emanating from the being clawing its way out of the torn void sent a shiver down their spines, causing their undead skin to crawl. 

Its presence radiated an oppressive energy that weighed heavily on the air, making it clear that whatever emerged was beyond their comprehension, a force capable of unraveling their very existence.

"I, Xolthar of the Whispering Void, have answered your call~" Xolthar screeched, his voice echoing with an otherworldly resonance that pierced the very fabric of reality. 

The sound was a cacophony of madness, causing everyone's ears to bleed, the raw intensity overwhelming their senses. 

Ricky, eyes ablaze with a mix of defiance and dread, pointed directly at Dracula, whose pupils shrank in horror at the sight of the entity emerging from the abyss.

"NO-"

"Kill that f*cking vampire."

*BOOOM*

A black tendril shot forth, lashing out at Dracula just as he attempted to rush toward Ricky. 

The strike was swift and merciless, sending the ancient vampire crashing into the wall behind him with an unimaginable force, the impact reverberating through the castle and shaking the other vampires to their very core.

"Very well." Xolthar mused, its voice dripping with dark amusement. 

Ricky's strategy was straightforward: he aimed to unleash everything at his disposal, his items, his skills, and within thirty seconds to eliminate Dracula in one decisive strike. 

With the looming presence of Xolthar, he had the perfect opportunity to catch the vampire lord off guard and execute his plan with brutal efficiency.

Ricky quickly enveloped himself in the protective aura of two powerful items that granted him invincibility. 

With a swift motion, he tore open a scroll, unleashing its magical energy, and then sprinkled himself with a strange, sparkling dust that shimmered like stars in the night sky.

(Epic Item) Ethereal Veil Scroll: Unfurling this scroll envelops the user in a cloak of invisibility, allowing them to move unseen for a limited time. The scroll disintegrates after use, leaving no trace.

(Epic Item) Dust of Disappearance: Sprinkling this magical dust on oneself grants temporary invisibility from all and any eyes.

The entity's tendrils danced through the air, coiling and uncoiling with lethal grace, creating a mesmerizing yet terrifying spectacle. 

Each movement exuded a sense of intent, as if they sought their next victim with a predatory hunger. 

Despite the searing pain radiating through his body, Dracula staggered to his feet, his form imposing yet momentarily vulnerable. 

His eyes, usually filled with the confidence of centuries, now blazed with a volatile mixture of rage and fear, a rare and unsettling emotion for a creature of his ancient stature. 

The palpable tension in the air hung heavy as the two forces prepared to clash, the stakes higher than ever.

"You think this abomination can defeat me?" Dracula spat, his voice laced with a mixture of defiance and disbelief as he glared at the otherworldly presence. 

The power radiating from Xolthar stirred a dark memory within him, a remnant of the ancient master he once served and yet, beneath that bravado, there was an unmistakable tremor of uncertainty.

Drawing upon the depths of his dark magic, he began to gather his strength, shadows swirling around him like a storm. 

Dark energy crackled with an ominous hum, coiling and flickering as he prepared to unleash his counterattack. 

His hands glowed with a fierce black light, illuminating the tension in the chamber as he readied himself for the impending clash.

But Xolthar was relentless, launching another tendril that snaked through the air like a predator closing in on its prey. It wrapped around Dracula's leg with an iron grip, yanking him toward the eldritch entity with a force that defied all resistance.

Dracula's eyes widened in horror as he realized the futility of his struggles; the tendrils tightened around him, their iridescent scales slicing into his flesh with a searing pain. 

Desperation clawed at him, forcing a primal instinct to take over and with a swift, brutal motion, he raised his claws and severed his own leg, the act of self-mutilation a desperate gamble for survival. 

Blood sprayed in crimson arcs, but it was enough to free him from Xolthar's grip, leaving him to stagger back, gritting his teeth against the pain and seething with a fury that ignited the air around him.

Hatred fueled Dracula's eyes, a fierce blaze that ignited the darkness surrounding him as his severed leg writhed into a concentrated explosion of power, the energy radiating from him in a blinding flash.

*BOOOM*

The decapitated leg exploded within Xolthar's tendrils, sending shards of flesh and bone scattering like confetti. 

Before Dracula could fully process the chaos, an arrow suddenly launched toward him, forcing him to jerk his head to the side. 

In that fleeting moment, the original arrow morphed into nine additional arrows, each one splitting into a deadly rain of projectiles aimed to pierce him from every angle.

Dracula's instincts kicked in as he barely managed to dodge the onslaught, the arrows whistling past him and embedding themselves into the castle walls with bone-jarring thuds. 

The air hummed with the tension of impending doom as he prepared to retaliate, a glint of determination flickering in his eyes.

(Epic Item) Mirage Stone: Throwing this small, shimmering stone creates a brief but convincing illusion of the user and their surroundings, perfect for misdirection.

"USELESS!" Dracula bellowed, uncaring at which was the real arrow and unleashing his fury as he exploded outward in a terrifying array of dark energy. 

The shockwave rippled through the hall, distorting the air and sending debris scattering in every direction and disintegrating the arrows.

From the remnants of his severed limb, another leg sprouted, grotesquely knitting itself back together as if mocking the very concept of mortality. 

Clasping his hands together, Dracula enveloped himself in a blood-red armor, the intricate carvings shimmering ominously against his pale skin.

He readied himself for battle, his presence now radiating a terrifying elegance, each detail of the armor reflecting his centuries of power and cunning. 

As the smoke began to part, it revealed the looming figure of Xolthar, a nightmarish silhouette that seemed to pulse with the very essence of the void.

In a millisecond, the eldritch being closed the distance, leaving Dracula no time to utter a single word of defiance. 

*BOOM*

Xolthar's fist plunged into Dracula's heart, the impact so immense that the ancient vampire's body momentarily morphed, twisting under the sheer force.

Dracula felt his essence begin to liquefy, a horrifying sensation coursing through him as the core that had endured the sands of time buckled under the overwhelming force. 

It was as if the very fabric of his being was unraveling, the centuries of power and influence dissolving like mist before a rising sun.

*Crack*

"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" Dracula roared, the sound reverberating through the castle as he felt his magic core within his heart constrict and slither like a serpent. 

A deep, primal fear gripped him as he realized that Xolthar's attack had done more than just injure him; it had inflicted a wound that defied healing. 

The knowledge that this eldritch being had found a way to sever his connection to the dark arts ignited a furious rage within him. 

Every fiber of his being screamed for vengeance, yet the reality of his impending demise loomed over him like a dark cloud, suffocating and unrelenting.

'Twenty-eight, dammit.' Ricky muttered through gritted teeth, the pressure in his chest building as he crushed the whistle in his hands. 

He watched, heart racing, as Xolthar began to be pulled back into the void from which he came.

"Remember, mortal: the Whispering Void is never sated, we will remember you." Xolthar screeched, his voice echoing ominously through the castle, a final warning laced with a promise of future consequences as he accepted his continued imprisonment.

As the last tendril of the eldritch being vanished into the swirling darkness, Ricky felt a mix of relief and dread wash over him.

"I have decided that mere torture is too good for you. No, I will rip open your stomach, pull out your intestines, and drink your blood through them like a straw." Dracula's chilling words echoed throughout the chamber, each syllable dripping with sadistic delight.

Ricky tightened his grip on the ebony blade, its cool surface grounding him as he tucked away another item, readying himself for the oncoming storm.

Dracula's body appeared to be crumbling, the aftermath of enduring Xolthar's assault evident in his disheveled state. 

Yet, despite his weakened form, his eyes burned with a ferocious bloodlust. 

In an instant, his entire being erupted in a terrifying display of dark power, sending shockwaves of dread rippling through the onlookers.

The atmosphere shifted, heavy with oppression, as the full weight of Dracula's towering might bore down upon them. 

Every gaze in the room was fixed on Ricky, anticipation hanging thick in the air, the impending clash of titans drawing nearer.

It couldn't compare to Xolthar's speed, but Dracula closed the distance between them in the blink of an eye, his fist clenched, eager to hear the satisfying crack of Ricky's bones before fulfilling his gruesome promise. 

In that pivotal moment, Ricky pulled out the vorpal mirror shard as its shimmering surface reflected not Dracula's looming figure but Ricky, and as he held it aloft, the very fabric of space began to warp and twist around them.

Suddenly, Dracula's fist plunged into a doppelganger of Ricky, absorbing all the damage directed at him like a dark shadow feasting on light. 

Seizing the moment, Ricky ripped a talisman from his belt, its intricate patterns glowing ominously in the shifting light. 

Without hesitation, his eyes ignited with a fierce crimson glow, and he was enveloped in a shimmering aura that mirrored the agile, fluid grace of a moonlit dance. 

The world around him fell away, leaving only the rhythmic pulse of his newfound power, ready to unleash chaos upon the vampire lord.

*BOOM*

Dracula's hand shattered the doppelganger, but his eyes widened in disbelief as he beheld Ricky, who had allowed himself to be consumed by the ebony blade. 

Red energy crackled around his hands, a tempest of power swirling with palpable intensity. 

Ricky poured every last ounce of his strength into this one, decisive slash, his hollow scarlet eyes locking onto Dracula with an unwavering focus.

"Impossible." Dracula breathed, the weight of the moment pressing heavily upon him. 

His entire being was enveloped in a crimson glow, radiating raw energy as he prepared for the inevitable clash. 

In an instant, Ricky swung down with a force that echoed like thunder, the air splitting around him as the dark blade descended.

Everything had led to this moment, the culmination of leaving New York behind, the countless choices along the way, and the relentless drive to better himself. 

As Ricky prepared to strike, he felt the weight of every decision pressing down on him, each step along the road a testament to his growth and determination. 

This was not just a battle against Dracula; it was a declaration of his resolve to embrace his destiny and take his first bold step forward into the unknown.

*THOOOM*

A terrifying explosion erupted, a chaotic fusion of red and black energy crackling violently together, sending a wave of dust spiraling upward and obscuring everyone's vision. 

Abraham, witnessing the spectacle from the side, clawed at the air as if trying to grasp the hope that surged within him. 

His breath hitched, and for the first time in ages, a flicker of optimism ignited in his heart, causing a tentative smile to break through the despair that had long held him captive.

"Kid-"

*PFFFFFT*

But when Ricky took that first step into the unknown, marking his initial progress toward a new destiny.

He was utterly crushed.

"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!" Dracula's laughter echoed through the chaos, a chilling sound that cut through the swirling remnants of energy as he stood alone amidst the devastation. 

Dracula's eyes gleamed with triumph as he surveyed the destruction, his gaze settling on Abraham, whose hope had been so fervently ignited just moments before. 

The overwhelming force of Dracula's dark energy surged forward amidst their confrontation, a tidal wave of malevolence that swept away Ricky in an instant as he didn't even get the chance to swing down the ebony blade. 

Every ounce of strength he had gathered seemed to dissipate in the face of such relentless power, leaving him reeling and gasping for breath beneath the weight of despair.

"Oh, Abraham, how could you ever believe that the young fledgling over there could defeat me for even a second? How senile have you become?!" Dracula bellowed, his voice dripping with mockery. 

Despite the deep, gnawing pain in his core, a reminder of the fierce struggle he had just endured, he couldn't suppress the elation swelling within him. 

He basked in the sight of Abraham's faltering spirit, drawing strength from the despair that enveloped the once-hopeful Van Helsing.

"It's impossible, I—I can't." Abraham stammered, collapsing to his knees, the weight of despair crushing him. 

Dracula merely shook his head, a smirk creeping across his lips as he turned his attention back to Ricky, reveling in the victory that felt almost tangible

"Ricky, Ricky!" Alexander, who had been tucked away, emerged with some scratches of his own and tapped his cheek.

"Ricky, Ricky!" Henry repeated, seeing Ricky completely out of it as the man was barely holding onto life with the only thing keeping him alive being his healing factor.

Everything felt useless. Ricky could only look upwards, his breath shallow and ragged as he lay amidst the devastation. 

His armor was a mangled wreck, caved in around him, while the weight of Dracula's power had left his bones shattered and his organs bruised. 

The excruciating pain coursed through him, a stark reminder of his fragility against the ancient vampire's might. 

In that moment, he was nothing more than a broken knight, stripped of strength and hope, staring up at the looming figure of his adversary.

"How was it?" Dracula loomed over Ricky, a cold smile twisting his lips as his familiar slithered back into the crevices of his armor. His eyes, dark and piercing, locked onto Ricky's gaze. 

"How was it witnessing true power?" Dracula's voice dripped with condescension, relishing the moment as he savored the young man's suffering. 

He knew Ricky was merely on the cusp of greatness, a fleeting glimpse of the strength that he could only dream about. 

There was a satisfaction in knowing he had crushed those aspirations, leaving only despair in his wake.

"When I said it was impossible, I didn't mean to demean myself, but you," Dracula said, his finger pointing accusingly at Ricky, whose hollowed breath barely escaped his lips as he met the vampire's malicious grin. 

"All that power you possess, the gifts bestowed upon you, and you believe that you are powerful." With a swift motion, Dracula tore away Ricky's armor, allowing him to breathe more easily, but his intentions were anything but merciful.

"Real power doesn't come to those who are born the strongest, the fastest, or the smartest." Dracula continued, his eyes locked onto Ricky's as he hovered a hand over his own heart, his words seemingly resonating dip into Ricky's mind. 

"No, it comes to those willing to do anything to achieve it." Dracula looked Ricky dead in the eyes, knowing that Ricky wasn't like him in that sense.

"The reason you lost today is because you were too weak to grasp that very important fact." His words hung in the air, heavy with meaning, as he lifted Ricky off the ground, an embodiment of his own might.

"But I can give you a chance to truly take that power into your own hands, for the first tiem in your life." Dracula gripped Ricky's throat, holding him up inot the air towards the vampires who slowly returned to the balcony at the might that was their leader.

"I will rip your core from your body and claim it as my own," Dracula declared, his voice low and menacing. 

"But I will offer you a chance to be reborn as a vampire, if you swear your loyalty to me right now." Dracula lifted his gaze to meet Ricky's, offering the black knight his only chance at survival, while Ricky struggled to catch his breath.

For the first time in Ricky's tumultuous, self-deprecating existence, the desire to live ignited within him. 

For the first time in Ricky's miserable, self-deprecating life, he felt a genuine desire to live. 

It was a slow revelation, creeping in like the first light of dawn after a long night, but he could finally see what he wanted from life. 

As he gazed at the outstretched hand before him, one thought, one action surged above the rest.

*SPIT*

"Go f*ck yourself," Ricky gasped, spitting a glob of blood-laced saliva into Dracula's face. 

In that moment, he recognized the position they were both in with Dracula, wielding power over life and death, and himself, faced with the abyss of despair.

 Ricky had been on the other side before, holding someone's fate in his hands and he had always vowed that if he found himself in such a situation, he would never bow his head or surrender to another in such a cowardly way. 

That wasn't the type of man he was, and it was something he never wanted to be. 

"Well, it matters not, for I was going to rip that core out of your heart either way." Dracula wiped the blood from his face, a sinister smile creeping across his lips.

 He placed his hand over a part of his stomach, his fingers curling as if relishing the thought of the torment to come. 

"However, before I do, I want you to feel the pain that will scar your very soul." Dracula seemingly promised and with a flick of his wrist, dark energy coalesced around his hand, pulsating ominously as he drew closer to Ricky.

"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" Ricky screeched, the sound tearing from his throat as Dracula's cruel intentions materialized into excruciating reality. 

The moment Dracula unleashed his magic, a searing wave of agony crashed over him like molten iron poured into an open wound. 

Pain radiated through his body, each pulse of dark energy countering the remnants of his own strength, leaving behind nothing but an aching void.

Every muscle in Ricky's body felt as though it was being pulled apart, stretched to the breaking point. 

His bones groaned under the pressure, and the sensation was akin to being caught in a vice that tightened with every heartbeat. 

Ricky could feel the magical ripples gnawing at the edges of his consciousness, tearing at the very fabric of his being. 

It was as if Dracula had reached inside him, dragging out every shred of vitality and replacing it with raw, unfiltered suffering.

The air grew thick with the scent of his own burning flesh, the heat radiating from his body in waves. 

His skin crawled as if alive, each nerve ending screaming in protest and Ricky's vision blurred, darkness creeping in around the edges as he fought against the overwhelming tide of pain.

"Do not worry, Abraham. I've decided to keep you alive in the coming future since your futile games amuse me too much to merely stop." Dracula's voice dripped with mockery as he gazed back at Abraham, a sinister smile playing on his lips.

Dracula merely shook his head with a light sigh, his amusement evident as he regarded the old rat trying to scurry away.

"But I-"

"Your existence doesn't matter to me at the moment, Abraham. I have what I want, and you've served your purpose." Dracula continued, a cruel smirk curling at the corners of his lips. 

"So leave, do what you're good at, and scurry away. Shoo, shoo." Dracula's hand was more than just an insult; it was a dismissal, an indication that the vampire considered him utterly insignificant. 

Abraham's heart sank as he watched Ricky, his once-promising pupil, writhing in agony beneath the weight of Dracula's dark power. 

The sound of tortured screams echoed in the night, reverberating through the air like a haunting melody.

For a moment, Abraham was paralyzed, an overwhelming sense of helplessness washing over him. 

But as he stared at Ricky's contorted form, a profound realization hit him like a bolt of lightning.

'Can I really kill Dracula?'

The thought echoed in Abraham's mind like a haunting refrain. 

Abraham stood frozen, taking in the sight of Dracula: the embodiment of darkness, a powerhouse immune to holy power, and poised to claim Ricky's core after relishing in his torment which would bring him to a new level entirely.

'N-No, I can't kill Dracula.' 

The reality of his situation crashed down upon him like a tidal wave and in that instant, Abraham felt as if his entire existence had shattered, every hope and aspiration for revenge collapsing into dust. 

All those years spent seeking vengeance, all the sacrifices made, seemed to culminate in this one moment of utter futility.

As he glanced at Ricky, struggling under the weight of Dracula's cruel magic, a flicker of remembrance ignited within him. 

He recalled the tenacity and resilience of the young man, the very qualities that had pushed him to confront a being as formidable as Dracula in his prime. 

Ricky had done what he could when all seemed lost; he had faced the darkness head-on, even when he couldn't land a blow.

In that moment of clarity, a new resolve began to take shape within Abraham's heart as he steeled himself, turning away from Ricky, from the impending doom that seemed to loom ever closer. 

With determination coursing through his veins, he sprinted toward the window, heart pounding in his chest. 

The glass glimmered ominously in the dim light, a barrier separating him from freedom and the chance to devise a plan. 

He could hear Dracula's mocking laughter behind him, the cruel sound sharpening his resolve.

"You see, little Black Knight, this is who Abraham truly is." Dracula's voice dripped with disdain as he turned Ricky to face the fleeing figure of Abraham, a mere shadow against the darkness.

Ricky's heart sank as he watched Abraham sprint away, a sense of betrayal mixed with desperation clawing at his chest. 

But the sight of Chores, valiantly battling a ghoul just a few feet away, caught his attention. 

Chores was fighting with every ounce of strength he could muster, his movements desperate yet determined as he grappled with the ghoul's twisted form.

As Chores caught sight of Abraham, his expression shifted from fierce concentration to wide-eyed disbelief. 

For a moment, time seemed to stand still, and the chaos around them faded into the background. 

Abraham's flight triggered something deep within Chores, a spark of urgency ignited by the thought of losing another ally.

However, in that fleeting moment, Abraham's gaze shifted, turning heartfelt and sincere.

Chores felt his entire body stiffen at the realization, a chill racing down his spine as he understood the implications of Abraham's gaze. 

With urgency surging through him, he scooped up Barko and rushed towards Ricky.

"Now watch the person you trusted, the one who led you all the way here for his own selfish gain, leave you for dead," Dracula taunted, his laughter echoing cruelly in the air.

Ricky forced his eyes open, the world around him coming into focus as he watched Abraham sprint toward the window, desperation fueling his every movement. 

In that heart-stopping moment, Ricky felt the full weight of despair crash over him, drowning him in a familiar tide of hopelessness. 

Here he was, at the mercy of the monstrous Dracula once more, and the sting of betrayal cut deeper than any physical wound.

All those carefully constructed walls he had built around his emotions began to crumble. 

Usually, he buried feelings of vulnerability beneath layers of lust and cockness, but watching Abraham abandon him now cracked open the floodgates to what despair truly felt like.

"DRACULA!" Abraham roared, tumbling out of the window in a desperate bid for vengeance. 

In a frantic motion, he crushed the necklace around his neck, and with it, his appearance began to shift, transforming him in ways that transcended the physical.

In the blink of an eye, the air crackled with energy as Dracula and Abraham switched places. 

Dazed and confused, Ricky blinked, his heart racing as he took in the sight of the bitter old man now smiling for the first time in front of him.

Without a moment's hesitation, Abraham clutched the area where his heart once beat, where his son's heart had thudded with life, and crushed it into a fine magical powder. 

Blood immediately erupted from his mouth, staining his lips crimson as he invoked a spell that felt like a last resort.

"Gate!" Abraham shouted, the command echoing with urgency and the moment he crushed his heart into dust, the air around him shimmered with raw power, and a massive portal began to form, pulsating with energy.

Though immobilized by the strain of the spell, blood continued to drip from his lips, but through sheer force of will, he kept the gate open, fighting against the agony that threatened to consume him.

Then, as if this moment had been meticulously orchestrated from the beginning, Chores hurled himself at Ricky, tackling him through the gate just as everyone else was still reeling from the chaotic upheaval of events. 

The world around them blurred into a whirlpool of colors and sounds as they hurtled into the unknown, leaving behind the nightmare they had just escaped.

"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" Dracula roared, his voice echoing with rage as he lunged from the window, a streak of darkness rushing toward Ricky with terrifying speed.

"Don't end up like me, kid." Abraham warned with a sad chuckle, his final words tinged with desperation before his body was ripped apart by Dracula's oncoming figure.

*SPLAT*

Dracula wasted no time, his focus unwavering as he barreled toward the gate that held his new core. 

Ricky's hollowed eyes raced at the sight of his enemy nearing, realizing with dread that Dracula was on the verge of reaching him, knowing that he was powerless to do anything.

But in a twist of fate, from the gaps in Ricky's armor, Henry suddenly erupted, morphing into the form of the approaching vampire lord. 

Throughout this grueling battle, Henry had remained a mere spectator, witnessing his summoner's relentless fight and brutal beating, feeling helpless against the overwhelming odds.

His only skill, Mimic, could only be activated once a day, rendering him effectively useless in most scenarios, until now. 

"DO NOT-" Alexander, the very same gerbil who loathed Henry to his core, reached out to stop the mocking bird only for the creature to slip through his fingers.

*BOOM*

With the borrowed might of a quarter of Dracula's full power coursing through him, Henry surged forward, the bird's heart pounding with a fierce determination that overshadowed the fear gripping him. 

As he collided with the vampire lord, it felt as if the very air around them shattered from the force of their impact, a violent symphony of power and sacrifice echoing in the stillness of the battlefield.

It was only two seconds, a miniscule two seconds that their clash lasted, but it wasn't just a physical confrontation; it was a testament to Henry. 

In those two split seconds, as Henry bore the weight of Dracula's might, memories flooded his mind: the quiet moments of mocking Alexander, the battles and fun he witnessed around Ricky, and the bond that had blossomed against the backdrop of despair. 

Henry wasn't perfect and not everyone liked him, but what made him leap forward in the state of hopelessness was watching how Ricky had stood firm when the odds seemed insurmountable.

Deep down, Henry didn't only want to be the center of the attention, he wanted to be in the spotlight.

Now, with all eyes on him, in a moment of desperation on both sides, he was willing to give everything to prove that he belonged in front of everyone.

Henry felt the heat of Dracula's fury radiate from him, the sheer darkness threatening to consume him whole. 

But the bird pressed on, knowing that every one of these two seconds mattered. 

The pain was sharp, like shards of glass tearing through his entire being, yet it paled to the relief he felt at being useful for once. comparison to the hope that flickered in his heart.

As the impact reverberated through the air, Dracula had staggered backwards, momentarily caught off guard by the sheer force of Henry's sacrifice as he ripped the familiar, impersonating him, apart from his very seam.

In that defining moment, as the gate slowly began to close, both ends of the torn apart Henry looked backwards at the hands reaching towards him. 

But only one pair truly started to rush forward.

"YOU FOOL!" Alexander roared, brandishing his armor as he rushed toward the narrow gap of the gate, the last vestige of hope flickering before them. 

The general, a veteran of countless battles, had loathed Henry for his mocking, but in this moment, he was driven by an undeniable sense of camaraderie.

"Y-Y-You fool." Henry whispered, tears cascading down the bird's cheeks as he felt the weight of their shared history. 

With a wave of his hand, he sent Alexander flying backwards, and with the last bit of his magic, he tore the general away from the portal.

 In that instant, Alexander's eyes widened in shock, a hollow realization washing over him as he watched his comrade tumble further away from salvation.

"Henry!" Alexander cried out, desperation lacing his voice, but the words felt futile against the roaring winds of fate.

As the gate flickered, and the last remnants of light threatened to vanish, Henry's heart swelled with pride.

Ricky's outstretched hand reached desperately toward the vanishing portal, his heart pounding with the urgency of survival.

"Henry don't-"

*SPLAT*

Ricky's desperate words were abruptly cut off as Henry's entire body erupted into a gruesome spray of bloody smithereens as a violent burst of momentum by Dracula, who lunged forward with relentless determination.

"NOOOOOOOOOOO-" Dracula's roar of fury reverberated around them, a sound steeped in anguish and rage. 

His eyes blazed with a wild intensity, a dark fury that threatened to consume him and stretched out his skeletal fingers, long fingernails glinting like daggers in the fading light, reaching for the fleeting hope of victory that lay just beyond his grasp.

But the portal was closing, its edges flickering like a dying flame, sealing away the last remnants of light and hope. 

Dracula's nails brushed against the emptiness, mere inches from seizing Ricky and pulling him into the darkness.

[Henry The Mockingbird Has Died]

[Deleting]

Ricky's heart stopped, his breath hitching in his throat as he stared in horror at the gruesome sight before him. 

The image of his familiar, his friend, exploding into a gruesome spray of flesh and blood, splattering against him, searing into his mind. 

The once brave and slightly annoying companion was now reduced to mere paste, a visceral echo of all that had just transpired as his entire being was deleted from reality.

The shock of it all hit him like a freight train, and in that moment, the world began to fade. 

The pain from his accumulated injuries with each wound, each bruise, and every ounce of fatigue overwhelming him. 

His vision blurred, the edges of reality softening as he felt consciousness slipping away. 

With a final gasp, Ricky slumped against the cold, unforgiving dirt, darkness closing in around him like a heavy shroud.

"GRANDPA!" A girl's voice pierced through the silence, urgent and filled with a radiant joy as she burst out of the log cabin in the distance. 

Her beautiful smile lit up her face, a beacon of innocence and hope but in the next instant, her expression shattered, the light in her eyes extinguished as she took in the scene before her.

"Who are you?"

Author's Note: Since I was sick, I just packed everything into one chapter so I hope you enjoyed it.