Chapter 98: A Wild Lilith Has Appeared

The next day,

"Such beautiful scenery." Asterion remarked, pausing to drink in the vibrant hues of the lush forest that surrounded them. 

The trees stood tall and proud, their leaves shimmering under the dappled sunlight, while the air was fragrant with the sweet scent of wildflowers.

Ricky and his companions were currently trekking through the heart of Germany, in route to Transylvania for two important reasons. 

First, although Ricky had ventured into Dracula's castle before, he was hesitant to teleport directly there this time by using a witches gate. 

He had learned of the formidable magical barrier that surrounded the castle, and the last thing he wanted was to find himself trapped or worse.

Second, they were waiting on the border of Transylvania for a particular individual, someone who stubbornly refused to let Ricky conjure a gate for them.

"Ah, hello there." Asterion then bent down, smiling at the worm that was digging itself into the ground.

"You got any fours?" Ricky asked Alexander, leaning on a rock with a big red X on it, clearly at a designed meeting point.

*Sigh*

Alexander let out a weary sigh, extending the card toward Ricky, who accepted it with a nod. 

He then turned his attention to Garfield, who was lazily sprawled out nearby, his limbs stretched comfortably as if he had all the time in the world. 

"Any jacks-"

"No." Garfield didn't even let him finish, shooing away any thoughts as he looked towards Alexander with eyes shaping into Crescent moons.

"What cards do you have, Alexander?" Garfield knowingly asked, his tail flicking in the air as Alexander scoffed.

'Like I ever tell you that I have a three, two, queen, five-'

"Do you, by any chance, have a three?" Garfield chuckled, shamelessly using his ability to break the fourth wall and read the words as Alexander fell to his knees.

"Why can't I ever win at this, go of fish?" Alexander seemingly asked, watching helplessly as Garfield plucked one of his cards.

"What can I say, other than the fact that I'm simply the best at everything I do?" Garfield seemingly pondered his existence out loud, showing off his abilities to cheat without really cheating.

It was then that Ricky felt the familiar vibration of the Ebony Blade at his side, a subtle reminder of its presence.

 A sense of urgency washed over him as he recognized that it was time to lower the mental barrier he had placed around his mind. 

With a deep breath, he released the tension, allowing the connection to reestablish itself. 

'You dare ignore me again, you dare!' 

Throughout their journey, Ricky found himself besieged by the relentless nagging of the Ebony Blade. 

He had successfully tuned it out while rallying his army, but the blade's voice was persistent, always lurking at the edges of his consciousness. 

Ricky understood that he would inevitably need to wield its power, yet there were moments, especially during sleep, when he inadvertently shut the blade out. 

Each time he drifted off, he would forget to reintegrate the connection, only to awaken with the nagging feeling of a half-formed bond, the blade's presence muted and his awareness incomplete.

'I forgot, sorry.' Ricky shrugged, the blade vibrating at his waist in intense frequencies.

'For an entire day, you've shut me off, Percival would've steeled his mentality-'

'Listen, I promise that we'll sit down and you can berate me all you want about your love for Percival, after we kill Dracula.' Ricky revealed, the blade halting its words entirely at his statement.

'HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!' The Ebony Blade's laughter echoed in Ricky's mind, sharp and grating, a gleeful cackle that reverberated with a dark, almost mocking energy.

'WHY WOULD I HELP YOU AFTER THE WAY YOU TREATED ME-'

'Oh can it you f*cking steel dildo, you can't take the high ground. You're a literal murder sword.' Ricky shuffled his hand, arranging the cards in a random order to throw off Garfield who scoffed at this gesture.

'Everytime I do anything, you always compare me to your boyfriend Percival, I mean, could you shut the f*ck about Ser Douchealot already?' Ricky sighed inwardly, annoyed at the constant comparison to Percival.

'I-I DO NOT!' The Ebony Blade ringed within Ricky's head, clearly taken aback at the sudden accusation.

'Whatever, you literally did it ten seconds ago when you told me to deal with it like Pericval.' Ricky shook his head, gazing down at his hip to the quiet blade holstered in its sheath.

Since the day Percival departed, the Ebony Blade had been a relentless presence in Ricky's mind, an echo of disdain laced with constant comparisons to its first wielder.

Gradually, Ricky had made a habit of tuning it out, like ignoring a relentless critic whose only goal was to wear him down.

'It is not my fault you're nothing like Percival-'

'Here we go, with the Percival comparison.' Ricky laughed out, taking one of Garfield's cards while hatefully knowing the author wasn't giving him any opportunities to cheat.

Asterion and Rachael exchanged glances, noticing Ricky's silence, though they both sensed it wasn't just the usual kind of contemplation

'What am I to do, sit around and encourage you to lock me out or throw me away into that darkness whenever your mood sours.' The Ebony Blade countered, showing that its situation was also unfair.

'I'm sorry I don't enjoy having weird dreams about my ancestors; their misery, their struggles. Maybe, just maybe, I'd be a little more open to not shutting you out if it wasn't always so bleak.' Ricky muttered sarcastically, though his tone clearly didn't please the Ebony Blade.

'You fool.' The blade hissed, its voice dripping with ancient contempt.

'Even Percival understood that power comes at a price. The ability to cut through anything, everything, demands a cost. And yet, you only complain about your dreams but in need, you demand for me to give you strength.' The Ebony Blade hatefully uttered in Ricky's head, looking upon this shameless descendant. 

'And yes.' The blade continued, voice low and taunting. 

'I stir your bloodthirst, but your bloodline's darkness is not mine to create. I merely unearth what lurks within you.' The Ebony Blade let out a dark chuckle echoed through Ricky's mind.

'Those times you killed with me, the thoughts that surface when you slice into someone, those are entirely yours. I simply draw them to the surface.' The Ebony Blade revealed while Ricky's expression remained plain as he let the words sink in, contemplating the truth behind them

"Eh." Ricky shrugged, entirely unfazed by the revelation of his own inner bloodlust as the Ebony Blade almost shivered in disbelief.

'W-What kind of reaction is that?' The blade stammered, its voice laced with frustration. 

It had been biding its time, keeping this knowledge under wraps, waiting for the perfect moment to shatter Ricky's growing reliance on it and yet here he was, brushing it off as if it were nothing.

'Look, everyone has those kinds of thoughts. You know, the sort of stuff people imagine in passing but would never actually do.' Ricky said plainly as he tilted his head, considering the blade's dramatics. 

'Thinking about something and acting on it are two different things, it's not some ancient family revelation that you think it is. It's just normal human sh*t.' Ricky continued in his mind, sighing upon seeing Garfield luckily guessed he had a queen of hearts.

'At everyone's core, sometimes we all just want to beat the sh*t out of someone now and again, but we hold back.' Ricky mused to the ebony blade, knowing full well that among every human, the majority just wanted to punch someone. 

For him, though, restraint was often just an afterthought as unlike most people, when he wanted to hit someone, he didn't hesitate. 

And if the Ebony Blade stripped away his self-control, he had just learned to deal with it.

'If you cut out that restraint, yeah, it's annoying.' Ricky admitted, glancing back at the Ebony Blade. 

'But I've learned to deal with it, sort of.' Ricky simply shrugged, snatching only of Alexander's cards.

He was starting to make peace with those moments when he lost control, when the blade's influence took over. 

The fact that he killed people didn't bother him nearly as much as the loss of control itself, the feeling of his own mind slipping as he acted on urges that weren't entirely his own. 

But he was adapting, accepting that not everything was within his grip, and maybe he didn't need it to be.

Losing his grip on himself during fights didn't bother him as much as he might have expected anymore, it was the price he'd come to terms with as he'd realized there were things he couldn't control, and, honestly, he didn't want to.

'And another thing, don't sit there and act like me, using you doesn't benefit you as well.' Ricky put down his cards and gave it a knowing smirk.

'I know how much you enjoy watching Percival's descendants suffer. I've literally seen and felt it in those messed-up dreams.' Ricky said, narrowing his eyes at the Ebony Blade.

'You enjoy tormenting me just as much as I enjoy using the best parts of your abilities, so stop pretending it's all one-sided.' Ricky shook his head, his tone shifting to something more practical.

'Listen, all I'm asking is that we kill Dracula and hash out this sh*t later.' Ricky leveled with the Ebony Blade, receiving a dead silence which prompted him to nod his head.

'Good enough for me-' Ricky started, taking the blade's silence as agreement, but before he could finish, his legs jolted beneath him, propelling him upright as if on their own accord.

"Ricky-"

"Yeah, I feel it too." Ricky knew exactly what Asterion wanted to say, sensing a magical presence moving towards them at high speeds.

Ricky's eyes flared crimson, a sure sign that something was amiss as this was no coincidence. 

With a swift motion, he unsheathed the Ebony Blade, it's dark edge glinting ominously in the dim light. 

He braced himself, instincts sharpening as he focused on the nearby bushes, anticipating the threat that was about to emerge.

*WHOOSH*

The bushes rustled violently before parting, and Ricky's eyes widened as a figure stepped into view. 

Just as he was about to voice his surprise, Asterion emerged, his imposing presence filling the space.

"ASTERION WAI-"

*Smack*

*Boom*

Dirt and debris erupted around them as Asterion swatted the individual to the ground like a mere fly, his massive hand striking with enough force to send shockwaves through the air. 

But just as the attack landed, Ricky instinctively activated his barrier, absorbing half the impact and preventing any serious harm.

As the dust began to settle, Asterion stood there, scratching his head in confusion, his brow furrowed at the sight beneath him. 

There, twitching in the dirt, lay a very hurt Barko, groaning in pain as he tried to comprehend what had just happened.

"Did I do something wrong?" Asterion asked, looking bewildered as he shifted his gaze from Ricky to the battered intruder. 

Asterion was puzzled as to why Ricky had intervened, halting him from delivering a full-force attack.

"You okay, buddy?" Ricky asked, kneeling beside Barko while outstretching a healing hand, trying to soothe the groaning creature.

"O-Ow~" Barko whimpered, but his form was far from the familiar Labrador shape. 

Instead, he had morphed into a werewolf, his fur bristled and muscles tense, the transformation leaving him in a state of pain and confusion.

Barko had originally intended to surprise Ricky, eager to showcase the culmination of three years of relentless practice and study. 

Barko had perfected his magical process, a transformation that turned him into a werewolf, a true testament to his hard work.

Drawing from Abraham's notes, Barko had managed to develop his own unique form of magic, branching off from the foundations laid before him. 

This newfound ability allowed him to tap into the magic that Ricky supplied, culminating in this impressive beastification. 

Barko's usual appearance had been entirely transformed as he could now stand tall on powerful hind legs, each one thick and muscular, built for both strength and agility. 

His body was a striking blend of canine features and primal ferocity, covered in a dense coat of fur that shimmered in shades of deep brown and black, catching the light with a wild, untamed sheen.

His elongated limbs boasted sinewy muscles, taut and ready to spring into action at a moment's notice. 

Each paw was larger than before, tipped with sharp, curved claws that glinted menacingly, designed for both defense and pursuit. 

His chest was broad, giving him an imposing silhouette, while his powerful back tapered into muscular hindquarters, indicating his ability to sprint swiftly through any terrain.

Barko's face was a captivating mix of wolf and dog; his muzzle was elongated and tapered, filled with sharp teeth that hinted at the creature's feral nature. 

His ears, now pointed and alert, twitched as they caught every sound around him, and his eyes glowed a bright amber, reflecting both intelligence and the wild instinct that surged within.

Despite the pain coursing through him, there was a flicker of pride in his eyes, the knowledge that he had pushed his limits to achieve this remarkable feat.

"This is Barko, albeit in a different state, but it's the same dog that was with me when we first met." Ricky introduced Asterion to him once more, the mighty bull nodding before bowing deeply.

"I fiercely apologize, I had no idea that you were that same visitor from before." Asterion apologized, Barko slowly standing up with a smile.

"It is quite alright, part of the blame is on my behalf for not telling Slick in advance." Barko laughed heartily, clearly not upset at being swatted like a mere fly.

"But I also came with a message from Chores, he says that everything is ready and once you break this, they will begin." Barko notified Ricky, handing him a magical trinket and adjusting his goggles that he still wore.

Chores' workload had been anything but minuscule in recent days as the Alchemist Legion, recognizing his exceptional talent, had appointed him as a chief officer during his time with them. 

This promotion came with heightened responsibilities and expectations, and Chores found himself immersed in a whirlwind of tasks and projects that challenged his skills.

The intricate alchemical books from Daedalus had played a pivotal role in this transformation. 

They weren't just ordinary tomes; each one was filled with wisdom and complex diagrams, exploring the depths of magical theory and the art of creation. 

Chores had poured over these texts, allowing the knowledge within to seep into his mind, igniting his creativity and ambition. 

It was from this relentless studying and dedication that he had honed his ability to craft, improve, and utilize these creations.

Each day, Chores would find himself in the bustling heart of the Alchemist Legion's workshop, surrounded by a symphony of bubbling potions and the clinking of glassware. 

He reveled in the atmosphere, where the air was thick with the scent of herbs and the electricity of the item's they created and their potential. 

His hands moved deftly, combining rare ingredients into complex mixtures, often experimenting with new ideas that sparked in his mind.

His knack for creation soon became evident as he developed enchanted items that not only showcased his ingenuity but also significantly aided the Legion's endeavors. 

Chores poured his passion into each piece, eager to push the boundaries of his abilities and further himself.

The sense of purpose that came with his new role was invigorating, yet it was not without its challenges. 

The pressure to perform at a higher level weighed on him, and Chores often found himself wrestling with self-doubt. 

But each time he saw the fruits of his labor in action, an apprentice using one of his creations successfully or a fellow officer praising his ingenuity, his confidence blossomed further. 

He realized that this was not merely a job; it was his calling, one that intertwined his love for innovation.

"Alright, good work." Ricky pocketed the trinket, patting Barko's shoulder as he looked back at everyone.

"Now, let's pack up and get ready to murder Dracula." Ricky proclaimed, turning back to everyone who merely rolled their eyes.

"Wait, wait, I'm going to win-urgh!" Garfield, about to claim Alexander's last card, was suddenly yanked away by Ricky.

"It seems that we'll have to settle for a draw." Alexander shamelessly looked to the side, Garfield's mouth gaping at him.

"W-Wha-WHAT!" Garfield looked at the reader, then back at Alexander, then hissed at the gerbil before him.

"You little rat-"

"RAT! I AM A MIGHTY GERBIL YOU FOUL FELINE-"

"WHO ARE YOU CALLING FELINE-"

*Snap*

In an instant, Ricky snapped his fingers, and with a subtle flicker of magic, two soundproof bubbles materialized around the familiars' heads, silencing their chatter. 

The shimmering barriers wrapped snugly around them, muting any sound that tried to escape. 

Startled, the familiars turned their eyes to Ricky, clearly baffled yet intrigued by this sudden act.

Ricky gave them a steady, knowing look, one eyebrow raised as if daring them to question his move and then laughed knowing they couldn't.

"Wow, is that? Silence?!" Ricky said sarcastically, receiving deadpan glares from the familiars.

*Snap*

"Magic has to be the sexiest thing ever, minus naked women." Ricky added at the end, laughing to himself while tucking Garfield into his arm pit and marching forward.

4 hours later,

For the past four hours, they had been trudging deeper into Romania, each step bringing them closer to the border. 

The terrain grew wilder, dense forests lining their path, casting elongated shadows in the fading light. 

Ricky walked with a determined stride, his focus unwavering, while Garfield was tucked into his armpit like a hefty barrel, arms and legs dangling with each step.

"Why can't you carry me like a normal human carries a normal cat?" Garfield grumbled, glancing up at Ricky, who held him effortlessly with one arm wrapped snugly around his belly, his legs and tail dangling unceremoniously.

Ricky rolled his eyes, lifting Garfield slightly by the scruff and giving him a little shake. 

"Do any of you want to hold the fat cat?" Ricky called over his shoulder to Rachel and Asterion, waving Garfield in their direction with a grin.

Both Rachel and Asterion rubbed their shoulders, visibly exhausted. Every attempt they'd made to carry Garfield had been met with endless complaints and apparently, no method was ever the 'right way' for him as he was too cold, too warm, too high up, too low. 

Furthermore each of his sarcastic, passive-aggressive quips chipped away at their patience. 

Even Asterion, the mighty Father of all minotaurs, was starting to look mentally drained, his eyes slightly glazed as Garfield's unrelenting critiques wore him down before the minotaur looked away, clearly not wanting to deal with him.

"I was going to apologize for my comments earlier." Garfield said, his tone a mix of feigned regret and smug satisfaction. 

"But clearly, I was right about everything." Garfield shook his head, casting a disappointed glance at his companions. 

Asterion ducked his head, ears twitching in defeat, while Rachel rubbed her temples, muttering something hateful under her breath about him being fat.

"And I'm not fat, just big-boned," Garfield grumbled, looking down at his round belly and giving it a small, indignant wiggle.

"Well, taking out your obese form, when you walk on your own, you constantly whine about how long until we're there." Ricky shot back, shifting Garfield to face him as the fat cat crossed his paws, giving him a pointed glare.

"Why can't you just teleport us there or whatever?" Garfield huffed, waving his paw dismissively, clearly exasperated by the limitations of Ricky's magic.

"Because I haven't been anywhere except in the heart of the castle and I don't really want to be attacked on all sides. Do you think I like walking and sneaking around?" Ricky asked, his tone genuine, as he looked at Garfield's pouting face.

"Alright, either I carry you by your scruff or stuff you under my armpit. Your pick." Ricky sighed, giving him a final choice before he simply threw him in the storage space. 

At that moment, Garfield seemed to freeze, his ears flicking as though he'd heard something unexpected. 

A sudden awareness dawned on his face, and, hearing the echo of narration itself, he shut his mouth. 

The complaints that had been rolling off his tongue moments before simmered away, his eyes narrowing with a mixture of suspicion and resignation.

"Under the armpit," Garfield muttered, defeated, as Ricky shook his head and tucked him securely back under his arm.

"Do not worry, Mighty Garfield! Our thirst for battle shall be quenched in this life-or-death duel!" Alexander chimed in, trying to rally Garfield's spirits from the side.

"Our thirst?" Garfield shot him a horrified look, his ears flattening as he'd had grand plans to nap the day away, not get involved in any skirmish.

"Of course!" Alexander declared, nodding enthusiastically, holding his fury paw up high. 

"We, familiars-in-arms, shall use our combined strengths to make our enemies weep!" Alexander heartily laughed out, imagining the bloody battle already with a gleeful expression.

Garfield's face twisted into an exaggerated frown as he shot a sideways glance at Alexander, then broke the fourth wall to stare flatly at the reader. 

Then he sighed, clearly resigned to his fate but no less displeased about it, and turned back to Alexander with an eye-roll.

"I-...I'd rather not." Garfield muttered, shaking his head slowly, his expression one of utter reluctance as he glanced away from Alexander's eager grin. 

His gaze drifted upward, catching sight of an old, weathered sign just ahead that marked the end of their long journey.

"Oh, finally." Garfield sighed in relief, his whole body relaxing as he squinted to make out the faded letters. 

"We're here."

Above them, the sign creaked in the breeze, its worn wood and peeling paint clearly spelling out their destination.

'Welcome to Translviana.'

"Finally-"

Everyone halted in unison as Ricky unsheathed the Ebony Blade, its dark edge glinting with an ominous shimmer once more as his grimoire hovered above him, pages fluttering as though alive. 

Asterion simply rolled his shoulders, the crack of his neck echoing in the tense silence, while Rachael's entire posture shifted, every muscle taut with anticipation as she looked skyward.

High above, floating amidst storm-dark clouds that swirled and pulsed with arcane energy, was a figure whose mere presence sent a shiver through any ordinary bystander. 

Lilith hung in the air like an ominous shadow, her gaze drifting over them with a detached curiosity, as if assessing their worth. 

Her eyes sparkled with a mixture of intrigue and something darker, her cloak billowing in the charged air.

"Blackened hair, red eyes, and an appearance that perfectly matches my grandfather's description. You must be Lilith Tepes." Rachael's nails sharpened and extended into claws, her pupils narrowing into fierce golden slits as her stance shifted, every instinct readying for a fight.

'Nice.' Ricky couldn't help but think, a sleazy smile spreading across his face as he shamelessly appraised the beautiful undead woman before him as his gaze roamed over each striking feature.

"The one and only." Lilith smirked, gesturing grandly to herself, her voice dripping with self-assuredness as she studied each of them in turn. 

But when her gaze landed on Asterion, a flicker of surprise passed over her face, her confident expression momentarily slipping as her eyes widened and then shrunk, betraying a hint of unease.

"Alright, seriously, Asterion, just how powerful are you?" Ricky gave the minotaur a sidelong glance, genuinely baffled at the vampire's reaction.

"Well, I do not know how to compare myself to today's power structure." Asterion admitted, scratching his head in confusion. 

"But when I entombed myself, I faced solid ground against the likes of Hercules." Asterion's brow furrowed, unsure of how to express the vastness of his strength in terms relevant to the present.

"Hey, hey, use your magic boost!" Ricky exclaimed, shaking Garfield in his other hand. 

The cat let out an exasperated sigh, clearly annoyed at being jostled, but nonetheless complied. 

An orange glow began to radiate from him, illuminating the dim surroundings with a warm, vibrant light.

As the glow intensified, a wave of energy surged through the air, wrapping around Asterion and enhancing his formidable presence. 

In his right hand, Ricky gripped the pouting ebony blade while his left hand crackled with energy, a radiant orange glow swirling around it like a contained storm, serving as his own personal power bank. 

Beside him, his grimoire floated effortlessly, pages fluttering as if alive with potential, the arcane knowledge it contained almost palpable in the air.

Donned with almost all of his formidable equipment, Ricky exuded an aura of confidence and strength that even caught Lilith off guard. 

The intensity of his presence made her consider, for the first time, that he might actually possess the capability to close the gap with Dracula, especially given the vampire lord's current weakened state. 

Her red eyes narrowed in scrutiny, weighing his potential against her own, and for a moment, a flicker of respect passed through her expression.

"As that wet dog stated, I am-"

*BAM*

In the next instant, Rachael transformed, her werewolf features half-materializing in a breathtaking display of power and ferocity. 

With a swift and determined leap, she soared through the air and delivered a devastating punch that sent Lilith crashing into the ground, the impact kicking up a cloud of dust and debris.

The moment hung in the air, a tense silence enveloping the group as Ricky, Barko, and Asterion exchanged glances, a shared understanding dawning upon them.

"Can I finish-"

*BOOM*

Rachael pressed the advantage, launching another powerful frontal attack as Lilith collided with a nearby boulder, sending it shattering into a thousand pieces, the sound echoing through the forest like thunder. 

Dust and debris filled the air, but Ricky was already in motion, activating a spell he had recently mastered from Agatha after achieving his magical progress.

"Search." Ricky commanded, feeling the energy of the spell flow through him. 

A shimmering aura expanded around the group, enhancing their senses as Ricky frowned, noticing Asterion's nod of agreement as he glanced over at Barko, who had transformed into his werewolf form, his keen instincts still on high alert.

"There's no one here. She's all alone?" Ricky mused, feeling a mix of confusion while his eyes flicked to Alexander, who was furrowing his brow, deep in thought.

"Could it be a ruse, perhaps?" Alexander speculated, scanning the dense surroundings for any signs of hidden enemies. 

Yet, no additional threats emerged; the forest remained still, eerily quiet after the initial chaos.

"While they go on their tirade, I say we kill time with that interesting game called 'Go Fish'?" Asterion suggested, gesturing grandly with a large hand. 

"Shouldn't we help?" Barko piped up, his concern evident as he shuffled closer, still in his werewolf form. 

Ricky shot him a quizzical look, eyebrows raised as if the answer was patently obvious.

"Dude, chick fight?" Ricky replied, his tone playful, yet with an undercurrent of serious observation. 

"You really think we should jump in? It's more entertaining to see how this plays out. And besides, look." Ricky pointed backward, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.

Barko turned around, his eyes widening as he took in the spectacle before him. 

The two women were tearing into each other with fervor, their bodies glistening as sweat streamed down their skin from the exertion of their battle. 

Each punch, each kick, seemed to strip away not just their clothing but the very veneer of civility they had maintained.

"Oh, wow." Barko stammered, gulping hard as he tried to process the sight. 

The mighty minotaur stood there, arms crossed and nodding his massive head in agreement. 

"Ugh, not this crappy game." Garfield grumbled as he slouched in Ricky's lap, his paws flopping uselessly over the edge. 

He glanced down at the cards that materialized in his paws with a mix of disdain and disbelief. 

"Why do we even have to play this-"

"SHUT IT, FUR FACE! THIS GAME IS A NEVER-ENDING BATTLE OF SEISMIC PROPORTIONS! I SHALL NOT TAKE IT ANY OTHER WAY!" Alexander roared, his voice booming through the clearing, drawing the attention of the other combatants momentarily before they resumed their struggle.

*Cough*

"I apologize, forgive my uncouth manner." Alexander lightly coughed, clearly embarrassed at showing that side of him.

"He takes it really seriously." Ricky whispered towards the slightly shocked Garfield, never hearing this tone from Alexander before.

*BOOM*

"WHY WON'T YOU LISTEN TO ME!" Lilith hissed, her hair disheveled, strands hanging loosely as if reflecting her growing frustration. 

Her eyes flared with anger, narrowing at Rachael, who stood resolute, hands clasped together as if in prayer.

"Your father has tormented my family for generations! How would you feel in my shoes after seeing his daughter arrogantly gazing down at me?" Rachael shot back, her voice steady but laced with emotion. 

With a swift motion, she spread her hands apart, and flashes of blinding light burst forth from all sides, swirling around her in a mesmerizing dance.

The light coalesced into hundreds of miniature arrows, glinting with lethal potential. 

Each arrow thrummed with energy, reflecting Rachael's fury and her determination to reclaim her family's honor.

Lilith's hands pulsated with a scarlet-red aura, her vampiric features sharpening as she prepared to counter. 

The air crackled with tension as she sensed the potency of Rachael's magic. 

Scratching her hands through the air, ripples formed, coursing into a protective scarlet shield that encased her in a shimmering barrier. 

The other hand, however, pulsed with a deeper, more ominous red, gathering dark energy as she prepared to unleash her own fury.

*BOOM*

The arrows slammed into Lilith's shield, creating a dazzling display of sparks as magic collided with magic. 

The shield buckled under the relentless assault, and just as it seemed it might shatter, Rachael's entire body exploded forward, fueled by a surge of adrenaline and righteous fury. 

She charged with unwavering determination, tearing the small crack in Lilith's defenses wider, the air crackling around her as she rushed toward her adversary.

Seeing Rachael close the distance, Lilith quickly reacted as she reached out her hand, palm facing Rachael, her eyes narrowing as she concentrated. 

In an instant, she detonated her own hand, unleashing a wave of pure magical power that rippled outward like a shockwave. 

The ground beneath her trembled as crimson energy exploded forth, the blast emanating from her hand with a force that sent debris flying.

Rachael braced herself against the oncoming wave, instinctively summoning her own magic to counteract the force. 

The two powers clashed in midair, a blinding display of light and shadow as they fought for dominance. 

The air hummed with energy, each combatant drawing on their deepest reserves of power, neither willing to yield an inch.

*BOOOM*

The shockwave from their clash sent both women flying backwards, their bodies tumbling through the air before crashing into the ground. 

Dust and debris erupted around them, obscuring the battlefield for a brief moment. 

As the clouds of dirt settled, the distance between them was once again established, each taking a moment to regain their footing.

Lilith gritted her fangs, the sharp points of her canines glinting menacingly in the dim light. 

The vampiress clutched her wrist, feeling the throb of pain as her regeneration kicked in. 

Dark energy swirled around her, knitting the damage back together even as she grimaced in frustration. 

Her crimson eyes narrowed as she glanced toward Rachael, who was rising to her feet, undeterred by the violent exchange.

In her full holy werewolf transformation, Rachael exuded a primal power that radiated from her like a beacon. 

Her fur bristled with energy, and her eyes burned with an intelligence that was both calculating and filled with fierce rage. 

The remnants of her transformation shimmered around her, a reflection of her inner strength and determination as every muscle in her body was coiled, ready to spring into action.

"Do you have any of this card?" Asterion asked, lifting a large card toward Ricky with a curious tilt of his head, his massive fingers surprisingly gentle as they displayed the vibrant image and as Ricky peered at the card, he shook his head.

"No, that's a three. So you'll need to say, 'Do you have any threes?'" Ricky paused for a moment, giving Asterion an encouraging nod as the bull processed the information. 

"If I don't have it, I'll say 'Go Fish,' and then you'll draw another card from the pile." Ricky explained, walking Asterion through the game.

"Ah, now I've picked up a king-" Asterion narrated, picking up the card and showing everyone.

*Sigh*

Everyone sighed as Asterion continued to voice out his cards before showing them to everyone just in case.

"Asterion, do you have any kings?" Alexander shouted, practically bouncing in place, his eagerness palpable as he leaned forward.

"Indeed I do, here you go." Asterion replied with a broad smile, his massive hand reaching over to pass two gleaming kings to Alexander.

With a triumphant grin, Alexander placed both kings down on the makeshift table, their shiny faces glinting.

"BLACK KNIGHT, I HAVE A-" Lilith yelled at Ricky from the side, only for Rachael to materialize next to her in the blink of an eye.

*BAM*

Lilith's body was sent flying a considerable distance, her bones creaking ominously as she crashed into the ground. 

Gritting her teeth against the pain, she pushed herself up, rage igniting in her eyes while slowly standing up. 

"That's it! You want to fight? Then you'll reap all that you've sown!" Lilith hissed, her hands glowing with a furious red energy and with a fierce determination, she slammed her hands against the ground.

"My ghouls, hear your queen's command! Rise to carry out my orders!" Lilith screamed out, strands of hair cascading down her face showing that any intention of holding back, had been broken.

The earth trembled beneath her, and as if responding to her furious call, the ground erupted around her.

Several skeletal hands clawed their way up from the dirt, gnarled fingers grasping for the air as ghoulish figures began to pull themselves free. 

Each ghoul bore the markings of Lilith's dark magic, their eyes glowing with an eerie light as they answered her summons.

"Oh Queen of Blood, we have received your call." A sinister chant echoed through the air, the ghouls crawling out from the dirt that acted as a gateway to heed their queen's commands.

The ground quaked as pure blackened armor began to materialize around Lilith, its design a grotesque fusion of twisted metal and the bones of fallen foes. 

With every pulse of magic, the armor glimmered ominously, enhancing her already formidable presence. 

Her power rippled through the air, crackling like electricity as she readied herself for the onslaught.

*SPLAT*

*SPLAT*

Rachael's heart raced as she dove into the chaos, her instincts kicking in as she faced the relentless horde of ghouls summoned by Lilith. 

Each swing of her claws was precise and deadly, a testament to her ferocity and training. 

She was a whirlwind of motion, her form a blur as she unleashed a barrage of strikes, tearing through the undead creatures with an agility that belied her werewolf strength.

With a single swing, her claws sliced through the neck of one ghoul, its head lolling to the side as it crumpled to the ground. 

Rachael felt the satisfying resistance of flesh and bone give way under her powerful strikes. 

Another swipe took off the arm of a second ghoul, the limb falling uselessly to the dirt as Rachael's momentum carried her forward. 

She could feel the adrenaline coursing through her veins, heightening her senses as she engaged in the dance of death.

But the sheer number of Lilith's minions was staggering as for every ghoul she felled, two more seemed to take its place, their hollow eyes glinting with a sinister hunger. 

The ground became a battlefield littered with the remains of the fallen, yet the tide of ghouls surged onward, drawn by their queen's command.

Rachael fought back against the rising tide, her muscles straining as she pushed through the weight of the overwhelming horde.

Claws raked against her skin, and she could feel the tug of their cold, decaying hands as they tried to drag her down. 

"Get off me!" Rachael growled, shaking off one of the ghouls as she brought her knee up, smashing it into its chest with a sickening crunch.

Her breaths were coming fast, and she felt a flicker of panic rise within her as she realized she was becoming outnumbered. 

The ghouls began to envelop her, their numbers overwhelming yet Rachael's resolve hardened. 

Barko watched the chaotic scene unfold, a mix of concern and anticipation in his gaze as Rachael engaged in a fierce battle against Lilith's horde. 

The sounds of snarls and the clashing of claws echoed through the air, but his attention was pulled away by Ricky's nonchalant response.

"Will she be alright?" Barko asked, his voice laced with worry, as he shifted slightly in his werewolf form, muscles rippling under his fur.

"Yeah, probably." Ricky shrugged, his casual demeanor contrasting sharply with the intensity of the fight happening just a few yards away. 

He seemed almost unfazed by the violence, his eyes flickering between the battle and his friends as they played their intense game of Go Fish.

Alexander, on the other hand, was a bundle of nerves, his body shaking with a mix of excitement and anxiety not at the battle, but at Garfield's eyes that formed into crescent moons.

"Alexander, give me your four and then your two." Garfield said, extending his paw with an exaggerated flick.

Alexander fell to his knees, his expression one of utter defeat as he shuffled through his cards with a resigned sigh, handing over the requested cards to the nonchalant feline. 

"Who's the fur face now?" Garfield quipped, setting the two pairs of cards triumphantly onto the rock between them. 

Alexander's shoulders slumped as he realized he had once again lost to the lazy cat, internal cries of despair echoing in his mind.

"You're not even trying!" Alexander exclaimed, exasperated, but a small smile tugged at the corners of his lips despite the situation. 

"Hey, don't hate the player, hate how horrible you are at this kid's game." Garfield replied with a smirk, rolling onto his back and scratching his belly.

*Splat*

"Do you think that mere ghouls can stop me?" Rachael's voice dripped with disdain as she flicked her wrist, effortlessly dispatching two more of Lilith's undead minions. 

Dust and dark ichor exploded around her, marking the ground with the remnants of her attack.

"No, but they will halt your brutish actions long enough to pitch my proposal." Lilith retorted, raising her hand dramatically as four grotesque abominations spiraled toward Rachael. 

Each creature, a twisted mockery of life, bore the scars of their unnatural creation, yet they advanced with unsettling determination.

Rachael's brow furrowed, her fierce scowl deepening as she crushed one of the abominations with a swift kick, the monster's form collapsing into a heap of rotting flesh and bone in mere seconds.

"I know you seek to end my father. I haven't come to stop you but to assist you in your efforts!" Lilith's voice rang out, urgency lacing her words as she quickly yelled towards Ricky, who was momentarily distracted by the chaos of the battle.

"Huh?" Ricky looked up, his attention torn from his cards as he tried to make sense of the situation. 

He glanced at Alexander, who was practically in tears, the game they were playing momentarily forgotten amidst the escalating tension.

"I hate my father as well and wish for his demise!" Lilith added, desperation clear in her voice as she fought to gain their trust. 

'Is that, daddy issues I hear?' Ricky's ears twitched at her revelation, his sleazy smile widening at the prospect of banging Dracula's daughter.

"Is that so?" Ricky replied, curiosity piqued as he tossed his cards aside, his focus now entirely on Lilith. 

He approached her with a casual swagger, the battlefield around them momentarily fading from his mind.

"Ricky, she is lying-" Rachael yelled out, trying to push past the abominations only to be pushed back, but Ricky held up a hand.

"Let's hear her out first; it's only reasonable, after all." Ricky's tone was light, almost teasing, as he walked closer to the haggard Lilith, who stood amidst the destruction with a mixture of defiance and vulnerability.

"Hey, how you doing, I'm the Black Knight." Ricky introduced, Lilith brushing her dangling strands to the right and forcing a smile.

"Lilith Tepes." Lilith introduced herself, extending her hand with an exquisite grace as Ricky took it gently, kissing the back of her hand in a chivalrous gesture.

*DING*

[Mission Received: Lilith Tepes]

Difficulty: Medium 

Character Sheet: S+

Description: From a young age, she has witnessed the neglect and tyranny that come with his obsessive pursuit of power that killed her mother, fostering an intense resentment that has only grown over the years. This resentment fuels her determination to break free from his shadow, driving her obsession with not only wanting to kill him but also to claim the power he so coveted and used to abandon her. Her daddy issues manifest in a rejection of traditional notions of love or familial affection; instead, she craves validation through vengeance and power. Lilith's desire to usurp her father's strength reflects her need to assert her own identity and value, warped by the emotional scars left by his abandonment.

Objective: Daddy issues = Introduction Into Motherhood 101

Reward: 100,000 IP

Main Mission:

Impregnante Once:

Rewards: 400 Gacha or Lilith Tepe's Innate Powers

Impregnate Twice:

Rewards: ?????????

Additional Missions:

Fill her empty void either Physically or Emotionally:

Reward: Legendary Coupon

Have Lilith Open Up While Inside Of Her: 

Reward: Legendary Item

Have The Prideful Lilith Beg For More: 

Reward: 200,000 IP

Bonus Missions:

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

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

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

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

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

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

'Oh god, yes.'

"God, you're beautiful." Ricky's voice dripped with charm, his gaze lingering on Lilith as he fought to suppress the distractions around them. 

"I know you hear it often, but I speak from genuine admiration for such rare elegance." Ricky compliments in a practiced sophisticated way.

All the while, Rachael, still in the midst of battling one of Lilith's abominations, paused momentarily, her hands flexing as she crushed the creature into nothingness. 

Rachael glanced over, bewildered by Ricky's sudden shift in focus before hatefully smashing the head of another abomination.

"I think we got off on the wrong foot because of my empty-headed associate over there." Ricky continued, his tone light and teasing as he reached for Lilith's hand. 

Ricky gently led her away from the battlefield with Rachael, who shot them a perplexed look while Lilith cast a sidelong glance at her.

"And here I thought chivalry was dead." Lilith chuckled, a sly smile gracing her lips as she redirected her attention back to Ricky, the amusement sparkling in her eyes.

"So, what can the Black Knight do for such a beautiful creature like yourself?" Ricky asked, his demeanor nonchalant, the reality of her lineage, a lineage that made her his enemy, barely registering in his mind. 

Lilith was a vision of danger and allure, and that captivated him more than any potential fallout.

"It's not what you can do for me; it's what I can do for you." Lilith leaned in slightly, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper as her words danced between them, playful yet laden with promise as she walked toe to toe with him.

"What can you do for me?" Ricky's thoughts raced, and his imagination strayed into tantalizing territories, envisioning her beneath him, moaning softly, surrendering to the moment.

"Help you sneak across the Transylvanian borders and kill Dracula, of course." Lilith's voice was steady, but the glimmer of hatred in her eyes betrayed the depth of her resolve.

"You want to kill your father? What has he done to wrong someone so heartfelt and genuine?" Ricky flattered her, already aware of her painful history, the death of her mother at Dracula's hands after reading the description.

"Many things, but this is about revenge for my mother's death." Lilith's composure was unwavering, though the pain lingered beneath the surface.

"Does wanting to kill my own father worry you?" Lilith challenged, a hint of mischief lacing her tone.

"Of course not, I think it's great for relationships like ours to start on honesty rather than lies." Ricky shamelessly declared, a sly smile creeping onto his face. 

Lilith chuckled at his boldness, recognizing his flirtation but seeing no harm in leveraging his affections to fulfill her own goals.

"Oh, and what kind of relationship do we have now?" Lilith asked, leaning in slightly, showing her curiosity piqued while subtle revealing her cleavage to his eyes.

"The-"

"The nothing kind." Rachael interjected, yanking Ricky away from Lilith. 

The sudden movement caught Lilith off guard, and she raised an eyebrow, hateful by the abruptness of Rachael's gesture.

"Uh, what are you doing?" Ricky whispered sideways, maintaining his playful smile despite Rachael's growing annoyance.

"This is obviously a ploy concocted by Dracula to kill us. It's a trap!" Rachael hissed back, her voice tight with anger.

"But what if, now hear me out on this, she not only hates her father but also fell in love with me at first sight?" Ricky suggested, a confident glint in his eyes, even though Rachael's expression remained deadpan.

"I mean, think about it. She wants to kill her dad, I want to kill her dad, you want to kill her dad. Maybe we could all just join forces and really feel it out?" Ricky indirectly proposed a three-way alliance, though Rachael's frown deepened at his implication.

"You're disgusting." Rachael's words were blunt, cutting through the air like a knife as Ricky's shamelessness flashed across his face, showing that her comments did nothing to silence his charm.

"In a lot of ways, aren't we all disgusting?" Ricky said, giving Rachael a light pat on the shoulder before turning back to Lilith. 

The shift in his demeanor was instantaneous; he was back in the game, charm at the ready.

"Lilith, baby, we've decided to take you up on your offer-" 

*SIGH*

Ricky was on the verge of irresponsibly succumbing to this smokeshow's allure when he abruptly halted, rubbing his forehead in exasperation.

"Black Knight, is there a problem-"

"We can't go with you, sorry." Ricky held back his tears, the words slipping from his lips and before he could second-guess himself.

Ricky suddenly turned his back on Lilith in a decisive motion, leaving everyone stunned, most notably Alexander and Barko.

"I-Impossible?" Alexander's voice cracked as he dropped the cards from his hands, his disbelief palpable and beside him, Barko's jaw hung open in shock. 

"I-I never thought I would see the day." Barko admitted, rubbing his goggles in a futile attempt to clear his vision of the unfolding drama.

Ignoring their astonishment, Ricky continued to walk away, resolute in his choice. 

It was as if the universe had conspired to create a rare spectacle: a shooting star glistening against the night sky, a once-in-a-lifetime event where Ricky wasn't recklessly and impulsively chasing after the gorgeous woman before him. 

For once, he seemed to grasp the weight of his decisions, choosing caution over temptation, a fleeting moment of clarity amidst his usual bravado. 

As he stepped away, the air shifted, the tension in the atmosphere palpable, leaving both Rachael and Lilith momentarily stunned by the Black Knight's unexpected restraint.

"Black Knight, did I do something wrong?" Lilith called after him, her voice laced with confusion and a hint of desperation. 

She tried to close the distance, but Ricky deftly dodged her advance, sidestepping with a grace that seemed almost instinctual and suddenly, Rachael materialized in front of Lilith, her stance protective and firm. 

"You heard the BLACK KNIGHT. We will not be trusting you so easily." Rachael glared up at Lilith, her expression unyielding while gnashing her fangs.

Ricky plopped down on a nearby stone, his fists clenched tightly as he fought against the degenerative urges clawing at him, urging him to join Lilith. 

Just moments ago, he had been on the brink of surrendering to temptation like usual, ready to abandon his carefully laid plans for a woman who embodied everything he had ever desired. 

Yet, as he stood there, he reflected on the journey that had brought him to this point, the countless hours spent honing his skills, the sacrifices he had made to rise above his past. 

This impending war against Dracula wasn't just about vengeance; it was a pivotal moment in his life, a chance to fully move on and never look back.

The thought of throwing all of that away for a fleeting thrill sent a wave of clarity crashing over him and although Ricky desperately wanted to, he couldn't let his libido dictate his actions this time. 

The road to change isn't marked by huge leaps or dramatic instances; it's paved with small steps, each one building on the last, carving a path toward something greater. 

Ricky took a deep breath, grounding himself in that realization as in a way, Rachael was painfully right.

These past three years were marked for killing Dracula and although there was a chance she was telling the truth, he had to pass this time. 

Ricky was committed to change, determined to emerge stronger and more resilient than before. 

The allure of Lilith's beauty would have to wait; he had a war to fight and a future to forge, one small step at a time.

"Oh, Black Knight, why do you tug at my heart like this?" Lilith purred, her voice a sultry whisper as she glided closer, her fingers grazing her own skin in a way that sent a shiver down Ricky's spine.

He could feel the heat rising within him, his body responding instinctively to her allure. 

In a desperate attempt to regain control, he fumbled through his inventory and grabbed a paper bag, pressing it to his mouth.

Inhale. Exhale. Inhale. Exhale.

"Think of saggy old naked grandmas. Think of-....think of anything that isn't a busty vampire babe sucking not just your blood, but your cock-dammit!" Ricky's thoughts raced, fighting against the images flooding his mind. 

But no matter how hard he tried to picture something repulsive, all he could envision was Lilith, seductive and intoxicating, draining him dry in more ways than one.

Biting down on his knuckle, Ricky glanced sideways to see Alexander charging toward him, determination etched on his face. 

The sight of his comrade's frantic efforts to assist him filled Alexander with a flicker of hope.

"Ricky, you truly are a remarkable man for resisting such a temptress! I applaud your strength!" Alexander scampered up the length of Ricky's shoulder, his tiny paws steadying themselves as he perched confidently.

"No, Alexander, I'm weak. I am a weak man." Ricky replied, struggling to hold his urges from controlling his actions as he regarded the little gerbil, who shook his head emphatically.

"Not at all! You've never turned away from a beautiful woman's advances before, let alone for your own betterment. This is progress!" Alexander exclaimed, playfully tapping Ricky's cheek in celebration.

"Lucky would be proud of you, I'm sure of it." Alexander added, his words causing Ricky to pause and look downward, uncertainty flickering in his eyes.

"You really think so?" Ricky asked, and Alexander nodded vigorously.

"Absolutely! The man I see before me today is not the same one I saw yesterday, or even three years ago!" Alexander continued, his voice filled with encouragement, and Ricky couldn't help but nod in agreement.

Taking a deep breath, Ricky turned around, his attention drawn to Lilith, who struck a sensual pose nearby, while Rachael stood to the side, her expression one of disgust.

"Lilith-"

"Yes, Black Knight~" Lilith bit her lip, a playful wink aimed at Ricky making him shiver involuntarily as he took another deep breath, steeling himself.

"I'm sorry, but I can't just trust your words. Rachael, take care of her." Ricky pointed at Lilith, his expression shifting to one of determination as Lilith's shock was palpable.

"W-What-" Lilith stammered, taken aback by his sudden intensity.

"I can't let you jeopardize the entire plan. If you leave, you'll tell your father, and I refuse to let my three-year revenge scheme be derailed by a busty, drop dead gorgeous, distraction, even though I really, really want you to ruin me." Ricky turned away, the conflict evident in his posture as he wrestled with his desires as Alexander tapped his cheek gently, offering silent support.

"Small steps lead to the biggest leaps. Well done, Ricky!" Alexander encouraged, his voice bright with enthusiasm. 

Nearby, Garfield lounged lazily, swaying his tail in the air as he observed the scene with a weird expression.

"Am I the only one expecting more?" Garfield addressed the reader, unaware that this moment was a significant milestone for someone like Ricky.

"Like, is this progress? He just turned down a human female, how difficult can that be?" Garfield rolled his eyes, his large, ungainly form exuding a sense of nonchalance. 

His hefty demeanor reflected a life devoid of feline admirers, leaving him unable to grasp the weight of Ricky's achievement.

Maybe if he didn't have thirteen rolls of dough in his belly, maybe if he didn't smell like rotten turkey under the sun-

"Alright, I get it, geez!" Garfield grumbled, cutting off the author's narrative once more. 

The fattest cat in the world turned away, attempting to mask his irritation, but the author could easily see through his facade since the story was literally written by him. 

The flush of anger on Garfield's face betrayed his frustration, making it clear that he was struggling to contain his resentment.

*AHEM*

"I think that killing her is a tad too drastic, what do you think Asterion?" Barko adjusted his goggles, looking over at Asterion but Rachael cracked her knuckles.

"Yeah maybe Barko's right, maybe we should just like take a second to really think about this again-" Ricky mulled over, rubbing his chin as Alexander rested his furry paw on his cheek.

"Ricky, just let this fish go, just go fish." Alexander spoke of wise words, referencing the hardest game in the world.

"But it's such a sexy fish." Ricky's head collapsed into his hands while Alexander patted his shoulder.

"Indeed."

"I think it's justified, killing her I mean." Rachael said, her gaze fixed on Lilith as she began to gather mana in her hand, preparing to confront Ricky. Suddenly, Asterion stood, commanding attention.

"Swear to me on the River Styx that your words are true and concise." Asterion's eyes glowed with an intense blue light, causing Lilith to tremble as the divine energy radiating from him made her acutely aware of the power he wielded.

"Y-You're a god-" Lilith stammered, her voice barely above a whisper while immediately looking for a way to escape.

"Partially." Asterion replied, his tone steady, closing the distance in a second. 

"I am Poseidon's indirect creation, which means my ties to the Greek pantheon and their divinity are genuine." Asterion loomed over Lilith, his towering presence casting a shadow that felt inescapable.

"But I thought you could only swear by the River Styx in Greece?" Rachael interjected from the side, curiosity lacing her tone.

"In this instance, although we are not in Greece, I am still connected to the River Styx. Thus, a promise made with it remains binding." Asterion explained, his voice firm and unwavering.

Lilith was caught off guard, realizing that while she knew Asterion was powerful, she hadn't considered that he might actually be connected to actual divinity.

"Did you know that-"

"No idea," Alexander interrupted, shaking his head as Ricky nodded in agreement, his attention fixed on Lilith as he processed the unfolding situation.

"I-I-"

"Lilith, you either swear upon the Styx, or you'll die here," Ricky said, his tone serious as he understood that everything would be for nothing if she chose to leave.

"I-I swear on the River Styx." Lilith stammered, her fangs gnashing in frustration as she ducked her head in defeat, realizing that any tricks she might have planned would be futile.

Ricky frowned, the tension in his mind palpable as he grappled with the implications of Lilith's words. 

His lie detector skill, a power he relied on to navigate the murky waters of deceit, had remained conspicuously silent throughout their conversation. 

On the surface, it suggested that Lilith was being truthful; however, an unsettling intuition nagged at him. 

It was clear she wasn't being entirely honest, a reality he could feel in the pit of his stomach.

As he reflected on their dialogue, Ricky recalled moments when Lilith had hesitated, her responses carefully crafted yet evasive. 

If she truly meant what she claimed, why hadn't she provided direct answers to his questions? 

Instead, her words seemed to dance around the truth, bending it just enough to fit her narrative without breaking it entirely.

This realization was compounded by the understanding that people often employ half-truths and subtle manipulations to shield their true intentions. 

'That's problematic; I need to utilize this better in the future.' Ricky mused as he sheathed the ebony blade, the weight of his thoughts settling heavily on his shoulders. 

The realization that Lilith had been bending the truth nagged at him, a reminder that he couldn't afford to be naïve in this dangerous game.

With a purposeful stride, he approached Garfield, who was slumped in a position that clearly displeased him.

"Please, no-" Garfield groaned, the irritation evident in his tone.

*SIGH*

Garfield heaved out a sigh, being carried in a manner that didn't please him as Ricky turned to Lilith and gestured.

"Now, lead the way, Lilith." Ricky then stepped on a rock, striking a pose as he pointed forward with a confident grin.

"Let's go kick Dracula's ass."