Chapter 77: A Goal Towards Growth

Next Morning,

In a throne room, the interiors decorated with the most serene features one could ever see, still managed to take a back seat to a glorious golden throne.

On this throne sat Morgan leaning on her hand, gazing at Ricky standing on the luxurious floor beneath their feet.

"Oh for f*cks sake!" Ricky yelled, seeing this god forsaken hall once again along with the beautiful woman perched on the golden throne.

By now, reliving this dream felt like torture, as Ricky was always forced to watch the scene unfold however, this time, when he glanced around for Percival, he realized something.

Instead of Percival, Ricky saw that only he and the beautiful woman seated on the throne were present in the grand hall. 

As he touched the surroundings, patting the objects around him and realizing his hands didn't phase through them, a lecherous smile crept across his face.

"Finally, I'm lucid for once." Ricky, thinking this was a dream, popped his collar as he walked toward the woman he had dreamt of countless times but could never touch, always finding her seated and just out of reach.

"Man, I swear, every time I had this dream, I always begged to be able to cup those balloons strapped to your chest-"

*BOOM*

*BAM*

A mere second later, Ricky was thrown into the wall, his eyes widening as the pain he felt within his own dreamscape was all too real.

"So this is the new Black Knight, almost a spitting image of Percival." Morgan raised a brow, observing his pervy behavior as, even when his eyes fluttered open, they immediately landed back on her chest.

"Ow~" Ricky slowly slid down the wall until his butt hit the floor, still gazing at Morgan's chest, who rolled her eyes at him.

"It seems you didn't inherit Percival's chivalry, but that doesn't matter." Morgan smirked, rising from her throne and slowly swaying toward him.

"What matters is that sword of yours." Morgan's eyes flashed green as she gazed at Ricky, who responded with a smile.

"Baby, if you wanted to play with my sword all you had to do was-" Ricky immediately took her offer as a suggestion for something else, only to be interrupted by a sharp glare.

"Listen to me young Black Knight" Morgan suddenly offered her hand, which glowed with a green light.

"Swear loyalty to me and serve your rightful queen, or die by my hands." Morgan's eyes dared him, and Ricky couldn't help but raise the corners of his lips into a smile.

"How exactly would I serve you, like in your chambers-" Ricky genuinely asked, only for his words to be interrupted once again.

"ENOUGH!" Percival appeared, ripping apart the dreamscape, as Morgan clicked her tongue and shot a glare down at Ricky.

"Brace yourself young Black Knight, for we shall meet again."

[Mission Received: Agatha Harkness.]

Difficulty: Medium

Character Sheet: S

Description: Agatha is a witch that governs over one of the most powerful witch covens in the world and has been around America since Salem. However, although Agatha is a woman of immense magical prowess and strength within her community, at times she becomes overwhelmed with stress and looks for ways to relieve it.

Objective: Help Agatha relieve her stress and give her a gift with it

Reward: 100,000

Main Mission:

Impregnante Once: 

Choose: 150 Gacha or Agatha's Magical Powers

Impregnate Twice:

Rewards: 150 Gacha or Agatha's Proficiencies in Magic

Additional Missions:

Sleep with her within your first encounter with Agatha(Complete):

Reward: Legendary Coupon

Impregnate Agatha within her coven(Incomplete):

Reward: Legendary Coupon

Completely mind f*ck the witch who is known for her arts in mind control(Complete):

Reward: Legendary Coupon

Bonus Missions:

Turn the tables on her sadistic tendencies during any of your encounters.

Reward: 50,000 IP

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???????????????????

Overwhelm Agatha while she was in control(Complete):

Reward: Epic Armor Coupon

???????????????????

???????????????????

*GASP*

"What the-" Ricky gasped awake, sitting up only to see Agatha putting on her clothes from the side.

"You were under a spell, do you need some time to recover?" Agatha asked as she put on her leggings, having witnessed Percival rip apart Ricky's dream right in front of him.

"Yeah, give me a minute." Ricky held up a hand, rubbing his head as he regained his composure.

'First, open the coupons.'

*Ding*

Received:

(Epic Armor) Lightbringer Shinguards: A radiant set of armor that glows with holy light. It is designed for Paladins and enhances their healing abilities, making them formidable support characters in the heat of battle.

- Effects: Increases any healing magic and or holy magic used when equipped.

(Legendary Skill) Ethereal Chains: The ability to create mystical chains that can bind or restrain targets. These chains could be unbreakable or possess other mystical properties though that is only up to the power embedded into these chains by the user.

(Legendary Skill) Ethereal Sanctuary: The ability to create a protective sanctuary that shields allies from harm. This sanctuary might be invisible or take on a specific form, providing a safe haven in the midst of battle.

Condition: Only the user's alley are able to take refuge in this Sanctuary and in doing so, are completely protected for up to an hour

Condition Two: The user is only able to use this skill once per day

'Alright, I guess I chose Agatha's magical powers.' Ricky thought about how this was only the second time he had ever picked powers over gacha, the morning sun shining down on his face.

*Ding*

Received Powers:

+25 Mana

(Innate) Witchcraft Energy: The ability to use the powers and energies related to witchcraft.

(Innate) Soul Manipulation: the supernatural power to interact with and control the intangible essence of a person's soul. Users of this ability can perform actions such as extracting, transferring, enhancing, or damaging souls, often possessing a profound understanding of the spiritual aspects that define an individual's identity.

(Innate) Magical Awareness: The user is able to sense magic and to be aware of anything that affects her and her surroundings.

(Innate) Mystic Resistance: The user has an innate resistance against the mystic arts due to their witchcraft magical prowess.

(Innate) Witch Sight: The user can see things beyond what normal humans can such as the aimless ones.

(Innate) Voice Manipulation: The user now has the ability to manipulate voices to sound like others.

Ricky gritted his teeth as he let out a deep breath as it felt as if his heart was expanding and confessing as Agatha's eyes snapped open.

'What is my status now?'

[Status]

Name: Ricky Luciano

Titles: Deadbeat, Royal Thug, Prodigal Son, Witch's Gigolo 

Age: 15 

Born: October, 27, 1918

Race: Human

Strength: 34 (Lower realm of Superhuman strength)

Stamina: 30 (Lower realm of Superhuman.)

Vitality: 36 (Lower realm of Superhuman.)

Agility: 28(Above peak adult male)

Dexterity: 32(Lower realm of Superhuman strength)

Intelligence: 7 (You've grown but that doesn't mean your not an Idiot)

Mana: 30→55 (Middle realm of Superhuman.)

Charm: 31 (Your charm is at the peak of humanity and at the cusp of superhuman)

Appearance: 32 (A superhuman appearance that transcends humans.)

'Wait, I'm a Gigolo-'

"You." Agatha lunged toward him, her curiosity overshadowed by something deeper as her hands grasped his chin and turned his face toward her. 

Her eyes glowed purple while Ricky smiled, captivated by her bouncing, perky breasts.

"Me." Ricky caressed her hips, momentarily forgetting about his problems in the heat of his lust.

However, as Ricky played with her body, Agatha was completely oblivious, her eyes confirming something that should have been impossible.

"So, we're not going to talk about how you're a witchkin now?" Agatha spoke up, squinting as she positioned herself on top of Ricky to catch his full attention.

"Can we have a little fun first?" Ricky asked until Agatha rested her hand on the shaft of his cock and squeezed tightly.

"Darling, putting aside how such a high-tier dream spell was cast on you, I need to know how you became a warlock." Agatha squeezed, and not in a good way, causing Ricky to clench his teeth while raising his hands in surrender.

"Something just awoke within me after we did the dirty, I swear," Ricky said, sort of lying, as Agatha's eyes lit up in purple, only to become even more confused.

"How are you telling the truth-"

*Knock*

*Knock*

"Uh Slick, we have a problem." Chores knocked on the outside of his door, prompting Ricky to frown.

"Can it wait?" Ricky asked, considering there was a busty beauty literally grabbing his cock while perched on top of him.

"Abraham's gone." Chores' voice came through the door as Ricky let out an aggrieved sigh.

"Give me 20-no, 30 minutes." Ricky started to speak, intending to say twenty, but Agatha pointed her thumb up, interrupting him.

"Whatever." Chores let out an aggrieved sigh before walking away.

Agatha raised an eyebrow at this but then pressed the tip of his member against her pussy lips, kissing the tip of his cock before sliding down onto it.

"Ah~"

30 minutes later,

*Huff*

*Huff*

*Huff*

Ricky was huffing out breaths of air as Agatha let out a refreshed sigh, lightly patting his chest after literally draining him dry for the last thirty minutes.

"So, how do you know Abraham?" Agatha finally asked, walking off the bed and grabbing a tissue to wipe away the oncoming flood. 

After she finished, she snapped her fingers, and a black dress materialized around her.

"He was supposed to teach me magic, but now that I've got a busty witch, I think I'll be just fine." Ricky flashed a toothy smile, only to watch her cackle with laughter at how ridiculous his words sounded.

"Darling, back in the day, Abraham was the strongest mortal magic core user and was said to be at the pinnacle of his craft," Agatha suddenly revealed, surprising Ricky since to him he looked nothing more than a homeless bum.

"He was that strong?" Ricky asked as Agatha tossed his pants at him while nodding.

"Not only that, but even some deities within the magic realm feared his potential." Agatha said, then sat on the edge of the bed.

"I can teach you everything you need to know about witchcraft, but compared to Abraham, even as the most powerful witch, I'm severely lacking." Agatha explained, considering how she would feel if she were in his position.

"What happened to him, he can't even-"

"No one knows." Agatha let out a small sigh and shrugged, leaning back while looking up at the ceiling.

"One day, the Van Heislings were finally on the verge of slaying Dracula, and the next, Abraham became the last of his kin," Agatha said, recalling the day Abraham turned into a hollow shell of his former self, as the Van Heilslings didn't hide the fact that Dracula had been plaguing them for centuries.

"The next time I saw Abraham, he was but a mere hollow shell of his former." Agatha side-eyed Ricky, speaking highly of Abraham and looking a little disappointed that Ricky didn't share her views.

"There are many theories but the only thing that is confirmed is that Abraham had his heart and core ripped out by Dracula who now uses it as a conduit." Agatha finished her explanation of everything she knew, then stood up as a purple portal appeared.

"Here." Agatha flashed a small smile and threw a purple necklace at him.

"Whenever you want to learn about your fellow witches and warlocks, imbue your innate magic into it until it breaks." Agatha waved, swaying her hips in a way that made Ricky's eyes follow her from side to side.

"What if I want to use it for a good time?" Ricky asked, only to see Agatha pause at the helm of the gates. 

"I'll find you, darling," Agatha winked at him, her small smile turning lustful before stepping into the portal. 

Ricky bit his knuckle, his eyes glued to the beautiful curve of her ass as he shook his head.

"God, the women here are so goddamn hot," Ricky thought, shaking his head as he put on his clothes and walked out of the room, the orb still pointing in a random direction.

'It's unfortunate but you won't be able to run Abraham.'

3 hours later,

Meanwhile in the city of Aprilia Italy,

Abraham stood on a train car, looking out the window while rubbing his eyes as he had left the tavern after sleeping for five hours and had spent the rest of the time on the train.

"Sorry kid, but you're better off with that witch-" Abraham let out a light sigh, gazing out at the beautiful scenery.

"I don't know about that; she said you were the best, after all." Ricky spoke from the side, causing Abraham to freeze and slowly turn his head, revealing a horrified expression.

"Hello," Barko said as he hopped into the seat next to Abraham before moving around. 

"Hello, Abraham." Chores nodded, following Ricky as he sat in the aisle seat to block any chance of escape while Ricky took the seat in front of him.

"So, where are we headed?" Ricky asked curiously, pulling the ticket out of his shirt pocket. 

"Young Ricky seems to be in a state of distress." Alexander noted, and Ricky nodded as Percival floated above them.

"Ah, Aprilla, I've had many battles here." Percival recollected, with Alexander nodding in agreement.

"H-How did you-"

"I have my ways, Abraham." Ricky chuckled as Henry landed on Abraham's head and tilted his head.

Abraham wore an ugly expression, feeling like Ricky was a flea he couldn't swat away no matter how hard he tried.

"I'm not teaching you-"

"Yes, you are." Ricky quickly corrected himself just as Alexander delivered a swift hit to his neck as if trying to kill a fly swarming at his neck.

"You want another teacher already? What about us?" Alexander asked in frustration, and Percival didn't need to speak to understand his words. 

"You shouldn't be so hasty about learning so much at once," Percival said as Ricky merely shrugged though Abraham thumped his head against the chair in exasperation.

"Why do you even want me to teach you magic when I can't even use it?" Abraham questioned, playing his last card, but Ricky wasn't buying it.

"I already know you had magic before it was ripped away by Dracula," Ricky said, watching as Abraham's eyes dropped in sadness.

"I-"

*SIGH*

"Fine, you want the truth, kid? The real truth?" Abraham said, looking up at Ricky, whose expression read 'finally.'

"Yes, I mean it feels like you've been keeping this story all to yourself, and I'm curious as to why. From what Agatha said about you, at one point, you were able to kill Dracula, and then the next, you lost." Ricky pressed, watching as Abraham covered his mouth while rubbing his prickly beard before turning his gaze back to him.

"I always see that day whenever I close my eyes." Abraham whispered, shutting his eyes as the images replayed on his eyelids like a projector.

"On that day, I was sure I would free the Van Helsing name, and everyone who shared my curse believed it too." Abraham said, his gaze distant as the image of over thirty people huddled before a mysterious castle flickered in his mind's eye.

"We stormed Dracula's castle, and although some of us fell, we outnumbered him ten to one," Abraham's voice trembled, recalling the next scene with a haunting clarity.

"In our last battle, I destroyed his magic core, forcing him into a corner. I thought-....I thought that if I kept pushing, we'd finally be free." Abraham said, his voice heavy with regret, as the next scene unfolded, threatening to bring tears to his eyes.

"We should've known that Dracula wouldn't play by our rules. When he retreated towards his throne room we arrived soon after to the sight of all of our loved ones already there, chained and bound." Abraham continued, the smile on Ricky's face fading completely. 

"Before the battle even started, as we were breaching the gates, Dracula discovered where we were hiding the non-combatants and kidnapped the ones he hadn't already killed." Abraham said, his words heavy with sorrow. His hands trembled as the haunting images flashed in his mind, each one more vivid than the last.

"Then he shattered our morale by transforming them into ghouls before our very eyes. My cousins rushed to save them, only to fall into his trap." Abraham's voice trembled with anguish, and Ricky felt a jolt of realization strike him like a thunderclap. 

"Corpse-"

"Corpse explosion, the only members still alive were my son and daughter-in-law," Abraham said, his voice breaking as tears streamed down his cheeks. 

The weight of his words hung heavily in the air, a painful testament to the loss that haunted him.

"My whole life, I always thought about the greater good. It was all I ever preached," Abraham said, his voice trembling as he raised his shirt to reveal the jagged scar etched across his chest. 

"But when I saw the last of my family blown to bits and my son bound before me, I cracked." Abraham uttered as the raw emotion in his voice shattered the façade he had built, exposing the deep scars of his past. 

"I f*cking cracked." Abraham slightly broke down that stubborn facade, each word resonated with the weight of his shattered world, a haunting reminder of that fateful day.

"It was stupid but I made a deal with Dracula, in return for giving my core that he would let my son go and-"

"He didn't follow through, did he?" Ricky ventured, his voice a soft whisper in the heavy silence that enveloped them. 

Abraham remained quiet, his gaze fixed downward, the weight of unshed memories pressing down on him. 

Tears streamed faster down his cheeks, each one a testament to the pain and loss that had haunted him for so long.

"Not only did he break his promise, but he tortured them both to death right in front of me," Abraham said, his voice low and trembling with suppressed anger. 

"And just when I thought my misery would end, he ripped out my own son's heart... and put it inside me." Abraham's hand clenched tightly over the scarred skin above his heart, the pain of the memory still fresh in his mind.

"He knew-....he knew that I wouldn't be able to end it all if I had my son's heart," Abraham muttered, his voice barely audible, as if the weight of the confession was crushing him. 

In that moment, he seemed like an entirely different person, broken and vulnerable. 

Ricky looked at him in silence, unable to muster even a hint of sarcasm or humor, the gravity of Abraham's pain too overwhelming to mock.

"That day, I lost everything. I went from the most powerful magic user to the most pathetic," Abraham admitted, his voice hollow as he took out his flask again, swallowing his sorrows with another long drink, the weight of his past pressing down on him.

"I should've waited-...made sure my loved ones were safe before acting. I should've been stronger, but I was too eager and stupid," Abraham muttered, his voice cracking under the weight of regret. 

His broken facade slowly reformed into the familiar mask of the alcoholic, as he drowned himself in his flask, numbing the pain that gnawed at him relentlessly.

"I'll only end up failing you, kid. That's what I do best," Abraham muttered, slumping in his seat, his eyes distant and heavy with self-loathing. 

Ricky frowned, watching the man who once seemed completely uncaring to anyone's words crumble under the weight of his own.

In that moment, Ricky saw a reflection of his future self in Abraham as the more he tried to deny it, the clearer the vision became, a haunting glimpse of what he could become if he never left New York. 

The weight of that realization pressed heavily on Ricky's chest, the fear of reverting to who he once was frightening him more than the prospect of dying in that very moment. 

Change is hard, the hardest part being the constant struggle to keep moving forward, even when climbing the mountain seems impossible. 

Sometimes, you will stumble back down, but it is how you keep getting up and pushing toward the summit that defines who you are.

A sudden, seemingly foolish thought bloomed in Ricky's mind and yet, as ridiculous as it felt, he knew he couldn't return to New York without proving to himself that he wouldn't end up like Abraham. 

The fear of failure and self-destruction loomed, but he was determined to overcome it and with slight breath, he faced Abraham/

"Help me hone my core magic, and I'll help you kill Dracula," Ricky said, his voice firm and unwavering. 

For the first time in his life, Ricky was committing to an uncertainty he wasn't sure he could overcome. 

But this time, he was willing to face the unknown, no matter the outcome.

"And I'm supposed to believe that? How do I know you won't just run off after I teach you everything, leaving me to face Dracula alone?" Abraham asked, his voice laced with skepticism.

Ricky paused, thinking for a moment as the question was fair, and trust wasn't something easily given, especially after what Abraham had been through.

"Because I don't want to wind up like you when I finally go back home," Ricky replied, his voice steady as Abraham frowned.

Abraham's situation felt eerily similar to his own, and the thought of becoming a reflection of that future, lost and broken, actually started to terrify him. 

It was a motivation as strong as any, pushing him to seek a different path, one that would force him to grow rather than take the easy route. 

Ricky knew that facing challenges head-on was the only way to avoid the fate that loomed over him like a shadow.

Abraham looked at Ricky, feeling a deep-seated resentment for the young man who reminded him so painfully of what he once was before he lost it all. 

It was as if Ricky represented the life he had squandered, the potential that had slipped through his fingers. 

But in that bitterness lay a flicker of hope; if he could redeem Ricky, perhaps he could find a way to redeem himself as well as his heart steadied at the thought, grappling with the duality of his feelings.

"Fine, but I still don't trust you," Abraham said, holding out his hand as Ricky grabbed it firmly, a grin breaking across his face. 

"Me neither." Ricky laughed, officially gathering his third teacher, and with it, a chance to forge a new path.

"Then let's go hunt a vampire."

3 months later, 

In the brisk of night, a cool breeze swept through the air, carrying with it the scent of damp earth and distant echoes of nocturnal life. 

"Are you sure about him?" Ricky asked, watching as Abraham nodded and slipped on a familiar cross-like necklace. 

Abraham had actually swiped this from Father Sebastian before his departure, unable to resist the allure of such a powerful artifact.

"I don't know, but we'll find out," Abraham murmured, determination glinting in his eyes as he stood up, glancing back at Barko, who was still savoring his food. 

"Come on, Barko, you're with me." Abraham led the way, striding purposefully toward the man seated across the way, a young girl sitting nearby.

Barko quickly shifted gears, transforming into a playful, lovable dog as he bounded over to the girl, tail wagging and eyes sparkling with mischief. 

He playfully nudged her leg, eliciting a delighted laugh as she reached down to pet him. 

Meanwhile, Abraham leaned in closer to the man, his voice low and steady as the man fidgeted, unable to meet Abraham's gaze, his eyes darting nervously around him.

Over the past three months, Ricky had immersed himself in the intricate world of magic, steadily unraveling its mysteries. 

Each day had brought new lessons, each encounter deepening his understanding of spells, incantations, and the delicate balance that governed the arcane arts. 

Learning magic was an entirely different beast compared to practicing with the sword or bow; it compelled Ricky to confront his greatest challenge, his own mind. 

Magic demanded that he learn, understand, and strategize, placing his mental acuity at the forefront of every endeavor. 

This mental rigor not only expanded his knowledge but also catalyzed profound personal growth, pushing him beyond his previous limits and forcing him to transform into a more capable and introspective individual.

Intelligence: 7→12

Ricky's mind was finally beginning to flourish, each breakthrough in his magical studies contributing to a steady enhancement of his cognitive abilities. 

With every spell he mastered and every incantation he practiced, he felt a newfound clarity and sharpness taking root within him.

All the while, he continued to hone his skills with the sword and bow. His swordsmanship had evolved from that of a common beginner to an uncommon level of proficiency, a significant leap in skill. 

Meanwhile, his archery had blossomed into a rare expertise, allowing him to hit targets with precision that few could match. 

Alexander and Percival were strikingly similar in their dedication to training Ricky, yet their approaches to combat were vastly different. 

Percival, a master swordsman, excelled in direct confrontations, his skills far surpassing Alexander within the realm of the sword. 

This expertise made him the natural choice for Ricky's swordsmanship training. 

However, Percival's method was not to impose his own style; rather, he aimed to help Ricky discover and cultivate his own unique fighting technique.

In contrast, Alexander's brilliance lay in his strategic mind, honed through years of leadership as a general. 

His teachings extended beyond mere weaponry and hand-to-hand combat; he focused on how to navigate the complexities of battle itself. 

Alexander imparted lessons on situational awareness, teaching Ricky how to respond effectively to various scenarios and claim victory against overwhelming odds. 

Through this comprehensive training, Ricky learned to maneuver with all the tools at his disposal, blending tactical insight with his growing martial skill.

Amidst all this, Abraham's approach to magic training emphasized the importance of integration rather than domination. 

He believed that magic should enhance Ricky's fighting style, filling in the gaps of his other skills rather than overshadowing them. 

While Alexander and Percival concentrated on offensive capabilities, Abraham shifted Ricky's magical focus toward defensive tactics and supportive spells.

By honing Ricky's ability to use magic for protection and assistance, Abraham aimed to create a well-rounded fighter. 

This perspective not only diversified Ricky's combat strategies but also empowered him to adapt to various challenges, making him a more formidable opponent on the battlefield.

Initially a poor learner, Ricky faced numerous challenges in his magical studies. 

However, with Abraham's patient guidance and unwavering support, he gradually transformed into a competent practitioner. 

Not only did he become proficient in the basic uses of magic, but he also learned to control elemental forces. 

This newfound mastery culminated in the development of his skill: (Uncommon Skill) Elemental Control.

"This isn't going to work," Chores said, his expression disgruntled as he stood there dressed entirely as a mime, complete with white face paint and a black-and-white striped shirt as the absurdity of the situation weighed heavily on him.

"I concur; this plan seems ludicrous," Percival added, hovering just above Ricky, his arms crossed in disapproval as his tone dripped with skepticism, clearly unamused by the unfolding antics.

"No, don't listen to them, young Ricky. This plan of yours is sound and will come to fruition," Alexander said, patting Ricky's shoulder with an approving gaze as his encouragement bolstered Ricky's confidence, igniting a spark of determination within him.

"Hey, you were the one who drew the short straw, so stop complaining and don't mess this up," Ricky retorted, a playful smirk dancing on his lips as he glanced at the brutish-looking Chores. 

With a resigned sigh, Chores stepped into the road, preparing to begin the peculiar performance that lay ahead.

*Pffft*

Ricky couldn't contain his laughter as Chores began his mime act in the bustling square. 

The contrast between Chores' imposing stature and his exaggerated, silent gestures was both absurd and captivating. 

As the hulking figure moved with unexpected grace, the curious onlookers started to gather, their faces lighting up with intrigue.

"KILL!" 

"Arck." Ricky let out a grunt, a slight twinge of pain shooting through his skull as he pressed a hand against his head. 

The sword at his side vibrated ominously, responding to the disturbance as Percival, hovering above, frowned at the unsettling display, his concern palpable.

"KILL!"

"KILL!"

"KILL-"

"One more kill out of you, and I swear I won't ever unsheathe you again," Ricky whispered hatefully to the sword residing in his mind. 

"....."

Ricky glanced down at his troubled sword, which thirsted for blood with an insatiable hunger, like a father grappling with the bitter truth about the truth that his innocent daughter was nothing but a common whore. 

The ebony blade's craving intensified with every life not taken and every drop of blood not spilled, a cruel consequence of its dark nature. 

Each moment he resisted its call felt like a weight pressing against his sanity, a reminder that failure to quench the blade's thirst could send his psyche spiraling into chaos.

With a flicker of resentment, Ricky glared at the sword as its relentless demands gnawed at him, twisting his thoughts and taunting his sense of control.

Even when he wielded the sword, he felt like a puppet strung along by an insidious force, and the more he fought against it, the stronger its grip became.

At the dead of night, the sword would suddenly lodge itself and vibrate in his hand, jolting him awake, and its persistent restlessness was starting to infuriate him. 

Each time it throbbed, Ricky could feel the blade's insatiable hunger reverberating through his bones, almost begging him to kill and clench its thirst for blood.

He couldn't shake the curiosity about the enigmatic woman he had learned was Morgan le Fey, the half-sister of King Arthur. 

Yet, despite his pressing questions, Percival remained tight-lipped as the only response Ricky ever received was a cryptic promise: 'When it is time, I will tell you everything'. 

It was frustrating, but Ricky decided to leave it at that, knowing he had to focus on his training and the battles ahead, even as the mysteries of his past and the sword's true nature loomed over him like a storm cloud.

"We'll kill some vampires, so calm down and be a good bloodthirsty sword," Ricky muttered, tapping the sword's handle with a mix of irritation and resolve. 

He peeked across the bustling street, spotting Barko skillfully leading the seemingly hypnotized girl away, his charm working wonders. 

Meanwhile, he caught sight of Abraham, steadying his grip on the crossbow, his expression a blend of focus and determination.

"TO ME, MY GHOULS!" The vampire screeched, a high-pitched wail that echoed through the night as it hurled Abraham to the other side, sending him crashing into a nearby fruit stall. 

Ripe oranges and apples tumbled to the ground, splattering juice across the cobblestones as the stall collapsed under the sudden impact.

"Dammit!" Ricky rushed forward, unsheathing his sword with a swift motion, the blade gleaming ominously in the dim light. 

He could feel the weight of the moment pressing down on him as he prepared to face the vampire, whose eyes glinted with malevolence.

With a feral snarl, the vampire leaped onto the roof of a nearby building, flames gathering beneath its feet as he rushed forward.

'Come on!' Ricky cheered himself on, feeling his flying training improve as he was lifted into the air, the ledge drawing closer.

"I DID IT-Ah~" Ricky cheered, but his triumph quickly turned to pain as he banged his knee against the ledge of the building, causing him to stumble forward.

"YOUNG RICKY TO YOUR RIGHT!" Alexander yelled from his shirt pocket, his voice filled with concern as he saw Ricky clutching his knee.

*CLING*

Ricky instinctively swung his sword, his reflexes kicking in as Alexander let out a startled screech as the vampire turned its gaze toward them, a predatory glint flashing in its eyes.

"It's you!" The vampire's grin widened as it took in Ricky's black knight attire, its eyes glinting with a mix of amusement and hunger.

"Have we met or something?" Ricky narrowed his eyes, curiosity mingling with defiance as the vampire attempted to push his claws further into him. 

The ebony blade, however, stood resolute, acting as the sole barrier against the attack as its dark sheen shimmered, absorbing the malicious intent of the vampire's assault. 

"Dracula has put a bounty on your head." The vampire's eyes glinted with greed as he surveyed Ricky, viewing him as nothing more than a prized bounty.

"Oh yeah, how many untainted virgins did he offer?" Ricky kicked the vampire away, creating a momentary distance between them as he steadied himself, the ebony blade raised defensively before him.

Ricky smirked, his bravado evident as he tossed the question out, feigning nonchalance. 

The vampire paused, a flicker of surprise crossing its face, momentarily taken aback by his words.

"Thirty-five. How did you know about the reward? It's only talked about in the vampiric circle." the vampire replied, a mix of surprise and suspicion in its voice. 

Ricky tilted his head, a smirk playing on his lips as he realized he had hit the nail on the head. 

"Huh, would you look at that?" Ricky mused, a mix of surprise and amusement flickering across his face. 

"Anyways, why are Dracula's vampires in Germany?" Ricky asked, probing for the information that Abraham had been eager to uncover. 

The vampire's expression shifted, the playful banter giving way to a more serious tone as it contemplated the question.

"What does it matter? You-"

*SCREEEEEEEEEEEEEEE*

The vampire was poised to unleash a snide remark, but before the words could escape his lips, Ricky engulfed himself in flames, a display of his pyrokinesis that sent the vampire screeching in agony. 

Desperate to escape the searing heat, the vampire attempted to retreat, only to collide with Ricky's force field.

"AHHHHHHHH!" The vampire let out a bone-chilling scream as Ricky, with a swift and precise motion, sliced through both of his legs in a single fell swoop. 

The once-menacing creature collapsed to the ground, writhing in agony, his severed limbs pooling crimson against the cobblestone.

"Alright, you got two options." Ricky forcefully slammed his foot onto the vampire's back, pinning him to the ground. 

He rested the bloodthirsty sword on his shoulder, a menacing grin spreading across his face as he surveyed the crippled vampire.

"Either I can make your last moments filled with excruciating pain, or we can save all this trouble and I can send you off with one clean slash to the head." Ricky declared, his tone laced with a chilling calmness. 

The vampire's eyes widened in fear as he bit his lip, weighing the grim options presented before him. 

"C-Can I-"

"No, you have to make the decision right now." Ricky spoke, decisively stomping out any chance the vampire had to consider his options as Alexander shook his head from his shoulder.

"Save yourself some trouble young Ricky, he won't-"

"I don't know much, but all I know is that it's called Weapons Plus!" The vampire blurted out, panic creeping into his voice. 

But before he could finish, a blood-curdling scream escaped his lips as Ricky plunged the sword into his heart, silencing him forever. 

The light faded from the vampire's eyes, leaving only the darkness of the night to bear witness to the brutal conclusion.

However, instead of meeting a quick end, the vampire's eyes fluttered open to a calm eyed Ricky who stood over him, sword still poised and ready. 

"I TOLD YOU EVERYTHING I KNOW, YOU SAID-" The vampire screeched at Ricky, his voice dripping with hatred as he hurled insults and curses, Ricky, unfazed, merely shrugged.

"Yeah, but this sword keeps rambling on about torture, blood, and killing, so I thought I'd pacify it here rather than later." Ricky remarked, his voice dripping with dark humor as he relentlessly stabbed the vampire beneath him, who screamed in agony. 

The night was filled with the sound of metal meeting rotten flesh, echoing through the rooftops. 

After three long minutes of torment, the vampire finally faded into obscurity, and Ricky felt a sense of satisfaction as the ebony blade quieted, its thirst temporarily sated.

With a swift motion, he sheathed the sword and hopped off the building as Abraham, grumbling softly, massaged his old joints as he rose to his feet, the weariness of battle evident in his movements.

"They're involved in something called 'Weapons Plus,'" Ricky informed Abraham, who frowned in thought while rubbing his chin.

"I haven't heard of it, but good work," Abraham replied, nodding in approval and just then, Barko strolled over to them.

"Should I tell Chores that he's good to go?" Barko asked, glancing toward Chores, who was surrounded by a captivated crowd, fully immersed in his miming performance.

"Nah, I saw him practicing for so long, so we should let him have his moment," Ricky replied with a grin, nudging Abraham playfully.

Abraham chuckled, the tension from earlier melting away as they watched Chores revel in the spotlight, clearly enjoying the attention and the art of performance.

2 hours later,

"So I mimed for another two hours, and you already finished after five minutes!" Chores shouted, flinging his black beret onto the ground in frustration as they entered the dimly lit bar.

"Whoa there, big guy, that's not how a mime should act." Ricky teased, raising his hand to calm him down, while Barko turned away, trying to suppress his laughter.

*Sigh*

"I need a barrel to drown away this embarrassment," Chores sighed, shaking his head in exasperation as he strode past them, making a beeline for the bar and Barko trailed closely behind, sharing a knowing grin.

"Your six," Alexander whispered, his voice barely audible as Ricky subtly shifted his gaze toward Abraham, who caught on without a word as Ricky straightened, taking a cautious step forward. 

"No need to be afraid, gentlemen. I'm only here to talk." The man said, his tone calm yet firm. The man in the corner of the bar, a shadowy figure cloaked in a dark coat, immediately sensed he'd been detected. 

He raised his hands in a gesture of peace, a smirk creeping onto his face as he assessed the room.

Abraham and Ricky approached a booth where a man sat dressed in a fine suit, a fedora tilted low over the upper half of his face. 

As they took their seats, the man greeted them with a warm smile, lifting his head just enough to reveal a pair of piercing eyes glinting with mischief.

"Kid, don't listen to anything he says," Abraham warned, his scowl deepening as he glared at the devilishly sharp man across the table. 

The man, unfazed, shifted his attention to Ricky, a sly smile playing on his lips.

"Now, now, don't let him discourage you." The man said, his voice smooth and enticing.

"I am-"

"A piece of sh*t." Abraham finished the man's words before he could, resulting in his eyebrow twitching with disdain.

"I am-"

"Known by many names, most commonly as a demon, Satan, but I prefer to go by Mephisto," Abraham rolled his eyes, his irritation palpable as he completed Mephisto's self-introduction with a sarcastic flourish

"Never heard of you," Ricky remarked coolly, leaning back in his seat, the polished black armor of the Black Knight glinting faintly in the dim light of the bar.

"Then I've done a splendid job." Mephisto replied, his voice smooth and enticing. 

"Since in my line of work, we tend to hide in the shadows." Mephisto raised the edge of his smile, his eyes locking onto Ricky with an intensity that sent a shiver down the young knight's spine.

"I have information-"

"We're good." Abraham interjected, drawing Mephisto's gaze away from Ricky and onto him.

"Oh Abraham, do you think so little of me?"

"Yes."

Abraham took a swig from his flask, his disdain evident as he regarded the man before him, convinced that even the lowest scum had more integrity than this figure in front of him.

"Listen, kid. He's here because, in short, he wants your soul." Abraham warned, gesturing towards Mephisto, who raised his hands in mock surrender.

"Guilty as charged; I do want both of your souls," Mephisto admitted, uncaring in his shamelessness for their souls to belong to him for eternity.

"However, I'm willing to part with valuable information for a worthy price, items of significance." Mephisto gestured towards the two, while Abraham frowned, rummaging through his coat, and Ricky began scanning his inventory for anything of worth.

Ricky, glancing at the trinkets in his inventory, hesitated before pulling out a particular item he hadn't used before. 

A blue pendant glimmered in the dim light of the bar, its intricate design catching the eyes of both Abraham and Mephisto.

"May I inquire as to what that object is?" Mephisto asked, a spark of curiosity lighting up his eyes. 

Despite its appearance as a simple pendant, he could sense the intricate carvings held secrets of a civilization he had yet to encounter.

"It's a pendant that contains the knowledge of the ancient civilization known as Cortaj," Ricky replied, waving it in the air. 

Mephisto's eyes gleamed with greed, the allure of untapped wisdom igniting a hunger within him.

"That will suffice-"

"Only for some information." Ricky pulled the pendant back, a cautious glint in his eyes, causing Mephisto to frown. 

The demon narrowed his gaze, suspicion flickering across his face as he assessed the young warrior's hesitation.

"Then what do you think is adequate?" Mephisto gestured, his voice smooth yet tinged with impatience as Ricky paused, contemplating his next move carefully.

"By the way, Percival," Mephisto continued, shifting his attention to the spectral knight hovering nearby.

"How is your descendant faring as the new Black Knight?" Mephisto surprised Ricky by acknowledging the presence of the ghost of the first Black Knight, a feat few could manage. 

Percival, however, responded with a scowl, clearly unimpressed by the demon's casual tone.

"Do not be intimidated; he does not know of your identity," Percival interjected, preemptively crushing any bridge that might form between them as Ricky tilted his head in confusion, sensing the underlying tension. 

"Do you two know each other?" Ricky asked, his curiosity piqued. Mephisto's grin widened, a flicker of amusement dancing in his eyes as he leaned back, clearly enjoying the unfolding drama.

"Of course I know Percival, we've made many deals back in the day." Mephisto politely smiled as Ricky looked up at Percival who sighed.

"Even I have made a deal with Mephisto." Alexander popped out of Ricky's shirt pocket, and Mephisto's eyes widened as he gazed at the gerbil before immediately recognizing him.

"Alexander!" Mephisto exclaimed, a look of genuine surprise crossing his face as he stood up and tugged the small creature off Ricky's shoulder.

"I thought you'd be in Hades' underworld! How did you end up inside the body of a gerbil?" Mephisto's shock was palpable, his brows raised in disbelief.

"It's all thanks to my young protégé that I ended up in this situation," Alexander explained, a hint of disdain in his voice. 

"But I've learned to adapt and make the most of my circumstances." Alexander swatted Mephisto's stretched finger, who was utterly amazed by the unexpected turn of events. 

The demon's eyes glimmered with curiosity and intrigue, captivated by the thought of a legendary figure now embodied in such an unassuming form.

"It's been nearly 1,700 years since we forged that deal, hasn't it?" Mephisto asked, his tone a mix of nostalgia and amusement as Alexander pondered the question, his mind drifting through the corridors of time.

"Yes, I suppose so." Alexander finally replied, a hint of weariness in his voice and with a graceful leap, he hopped off Ricky's shoulder and settled into the comfort of Ricky's shirt pocket.

"I must say, young man, you are quite the intriguing fellow." Mephisto remarked, his eyes gleaming with a sinister red light. 

"If only we had met under different circumstances, say, without that damned armor, then I might truly know who you are beneath the façade." Mephisto's smile widened though he was clearly annoyed while Ricky thoughtfully rubbed his chin.

"Alright first tell me about this weapons plus-"

"That is not how I operate; the terms of the deal must be clearly laid out before I offer any of my knowledge," Mephisto said, shaking his finger playfully as a shimmering contract began to materialize beside him. 

The parchment glimmered with an otherworldly light, and the words seemed to writhe as they awaited Ricky's decision.

"Fine, then," Ricky replied, his tone firm and unmovable while trying to hold a conversation with one of the oldest demons. 

"I want to know about Weapons Plus and what it is, why everyone attacked the Vatican that night, and who is after me." Ricky outlined all his demands, but Mephisto erupted into a cackling laugh, his amusement filling the air..

"That is completely-"

"Then I guess we're done forming a deal." Ricky spoke as he returned the lorestone pendant to his inventory, realizing it was entirely useless to him after he had worn it the first time.

'A man by the name Fyuuuti, a commoner born, used to be notorious back in his day for stealing purple panties.'

The lorestone pendant was indeed a fascinating artifact, but Ricky found himself frustrated by its chaotic nature. 

Rather than offering coherent insights, it delivered a jumbled message every minute, each one seemingly random. 

Containing the entirety of Cortaj's history, the pendant felt more like a torrent of information than a source of clarity, leaving Ricky sifting through the noise for something of value.

"Wait." Mephisto raised his hand, his expression shifting to one of contemplation as he weighed the implications of the deal.

"Fine, but I'll only tell you five names, not all of them," Mephisto replied, a mischievous smile curling at the corners of his lips.

"Five names that hold equal weight to Abraham, and you've got a deal," Ricky countered, pointing firmly at Abraham.

Without missing a beat, Mephisto snatched the pendant from Ricky's grasp, his eyes glinting with a mix of greed and delight.

"Weapon's Plus is a program that Nazis are using to create powered individuals. However, the vampires are leveraging it to rid themselves of their weaknesses." Mephisto explained, his tone laced with a sinister glee as Abraham's expression darkened, reflecting the gravity of the revelation.

"They attacked that night to eliminate the source of the disruption in the field of magic. Once they realized it was you, their intent shifted. They would have likely aimed to kill you and steal your core." Mephisto added, a predatory smile playing on his lips as Ricky's brow furrowed in concern.

"And the five individuals who have taken an interest in that, people who are equal to or even above Abraham in power, are Selene, Dracula, Morgan Le Fey, Agatha, and me," Mephisto continued, leaving the implications of each name hanging in the air. Abraham's eyes widened in shock, the weight of Mephisto's words sinking in like lead.

"Selene, the Selene?" Abraham's voice quivered slightly at the mention of her name, his complexion paling as dread seeped into his expression. 

"Indeed." Mephisto confirmed, standing up from the booth with an air of nonchalance. He began to walk toward the door, his posture relaxed yet purposeful.

"It's always a pleasure, Abraham. And for you, young Black Knight." Mephisto glanced back at Ricky with a knowing smile. 

"I'll see you around, if you survive, that is." Mephisto left them with his laughter that echoed in the dim bar as he strolled out, leaving behind a heavy silence.

"Who's-" Ricky turned towards the pale Abraham, gripping his face with a firm yet concerned hold.

"You're f*cked."

Author's Note: Long chapter cause school's restarting and my upload schedule will change from Mon-Fri to Thurs-Sunday and that means 4 chapters a week. I also kinda want a break so I'll see you all next thrusday.