Marvel: Impregnation System

Chapter 108: Chapter 105: Delving Deeper

*Ding*

[Eldritch Abomination wishes to feed on Vampiric Curse, will you allow consumption?]

[Yes/No]

*Ding*

[Eldritch Abomination wishes to feed on Vampiric Curse, will you allow consumption?]

[Yes/No]

*Ding*

[Eldritch Abomination wishes to feed on Vampiric Curse, will you allow consumption?]

[Yes/No]

*Ding*

[Eldritch Abomination wishes to feed on Vampiric Curse, will you allow consumption?]

[Yes/No]

Ricky's eyebrow twitched, his eyes flickering open as the persistent ring of the notification refused to be ignored, echoing insistently in his mind.

It was still the middle of the night, barely thirty minutes since Lilith had drifted off, sleeping peacefully in Ricky's arms.

Yet above him, a hovering screen lingered, casting a faint glow over the darkness, demanding his attention.

'Fine, Jesus-' Ricky muttered, reluctantly agreeing, only to feel an intense strain ripple through him.

His eyes turned jet black as dark veins webbed across his skin, pulsing with vampiric essence.

Slipping out of bed, he staggered toward the bathroom, each step weighed down by the familiar, brutal ache coursing through his body.

*Huff*

*Huff*

Stumbling toward the bathroom, Ricky clutched his body, gritting his teeth as the vampiric essence took hold, searing through his veins.

'Oh, for f*ck's sake, I completely forgot about this part.' Ricky hatefully thought, his face laced with a bitter resentment.

Ricky's muscles spasmed with agony, each pulse more intense than the last, until he finally collapsed to his knees, panting.

Ricky glared up at the hovering screen before him, its glow sharp against the dark, as if mocking his torment.

*DING*

By-Product Received:

+15 Mana

+10 Strength

+10 Vitality

+10 Agility

Vampiric Terror: Consumed and manifested through the eldritch abomination. The user has gained the ability to assume a formidable Vampiric Form. This form grants it predatory instincts, near-supernatural resilience, and razor-sharp fangs and claws capable of rendering through most mortal defenses.

Powers and Abilities:

Vampiric Physique: Upon transformation, the abomination's body is imbued with enhanced strength, agility, and endurance, allowing it to move with unnatural speed and strike with terrifying force. Its senses sharpen, enabling it to track prey with primal focus, detecting heartbeats and sensing the life essence of those nearby.

Blood-Drain Bite: The abomination can drain life essence directly from its victims through a bite, rejuvenating itself by sapping the vitality of others. This ability hastens its healing and sustains the transformation for longer durations, but only if it can regularly feed.

Predator's Reflexes: With an instinctive awareness of incoming attacks, the abomination gains heightened reflexes, allowing it to dodge or counter physical strikes more easily while in this vampiric state. This instinct operates on an almost primal level, moving faster than conscious thought.

Weakness:

Magic Suppression: Vampiric Form draws upon the abomination's magical abilities rendering them inert. The abomination cannot cast spells, use magical skills, or access any arcane abilities, relying solely on physical prowess and vampiric instincts.

Light Sensitivity: The Vampiric Form is weakened in direct sunlight or under intense radiant sources, reducing its durability and stamina. The abomination's regenerative abilities are also slow, making prolonged exposure to light a significant risk during transformation.

Scowling, Ricky barely glanced at the skill notification before flipping off the system.

He pulled himself up, leaning over the sink to stare into the mirror as his magic stirred within him, and a new form took hold, but he only frowned, unimpressed by the lack of any noticeable improvement in his appearance.

'Man, I really thought for a second I was gonna be some adonis in that vampire form, but I can't guess not everything goes my way.' Ricky let out a reluctant sigh, he turned on the faucet, letting the cool water run over his hands.

Ricky splashed his face, feeling the chill steady him, then lowered his gaze to watch the water flow down the drain, his mind drifting with it.

'I mean, I kind of expected Lilith to bone me but to turn me-wait.' Ricky's thoughts spiraled, his mind suddenly racing at superhuman speeds.

It felt as if his brain had kicked into overdrive, every neuron firing at full capacity as he snapped his gaze to his reflection, a sudden realization dawning on him, clear and sharp, cutting through the fog in his mind.

'If she boned me to turn me into some vampire and if it didn't work the first time, does that mean she'll keep trying?' Ricky's hand shot up to cover his mouth, stifling a grin as his thoughts spun further.

'And if she keeps trying, that means I get to keep having sex without any effort?' Ricky's mouth fell open, stunned, since this was something he'd never imagined happening and yet, here he was, faced with a situation that felt too good to be real.

'Focus and keep your f*cking mouth shut. We're in it for the long haul.' Ricky told himself, gripping the sink tightly as he locked eyes with his own reflection and with a steadying breath, he released his grip and made his way back to bed.

The moment he slipped under the covers, Lilith instinctively curled against his chest, her warmth a quiet comfort.

He allowed a small smile as he drifted into sleep, unaware that just as his breathing slowed, Lilith's crimson eyes flickered open, watching him with a hint of something unspoken.

'And now we wait.' Lilith slowly caressed his chest before her eyes too slowly shut.

Next day,

*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(Complete):

Reward: Legendary Coupon

Have Lilith Open Up While Inside Of Her(Complete):

Reward: Legendary Item

Have The Prideful Lilith Beg For More(Complete):

Reward: 200,000 IP

Bonus Missions:

F*ck Lilith Into An Unconscious State(Complete):

Reward: Epic Coupon

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

Have Lilith Try And Turn You In The Midst Of Sex(Complete)

Reward: 100 Gacha

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

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

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

*Huff*

*Huff*

*Huff*

Ricky grunted with each pull-up, his muscles straining as he worked through the set.

Sweat dripped down his face, but his mind was elsewhere, on the rewards that awaited him.

He'd put off deciding which one to claim until now, knowing his thoughts would be sharper once his body was in motion.

But even as his muscles burned, he was still at a loss, torn between options, his mind still clouded by indecision.

'Screw it, choose Lilith's powers.'

*DING*

Ricky didn't want to part with so much of his gacha, especially in light of his eldritch skill.

But Lilith's necromancy was something else and was far too useful for his plans, especially with what was coming.

The power to raise the dead, to bend them to his will, was something Ricky couldn't afford to ignore, no matter the cost as the decision gnawed at him, but the practicality of it was undeniable.

*DING*

Received:

Necromancy Magic(Innate): The user can conjure the undead through intricate rituals and dark incantations, requiring components like bones, blood, and ancient relics and the summoning process includes:

Ritual Preparation: The user must set up a necromantic circle inscribed with runes and symbols that channel death energy, creating a conduit between the living world and the afterlife.Invocation: The user must recite an ancient incantation, the user voice resonating with power. Dark energy swirls around her, and the ground trembles as the undead rise from the circle.Manifestation: Undead beings such as skeletal warriors and ghostly apparitions emerge, bound to the users will with glowing eyes reflecting the users command.

'Feed it.'

In a mere second, the text was seemingly devoured before his eyes as his eyes became void black as it was taking fold.

*Ding*

Necromancy Magic (Eldritch Abomination):

Ritual Preparation: The user creates a dark nexus, summoning necrotic energies through the placement of blood-soaked relics and the bones of the fallen. The ritual circle, etched in corrupted symbols and runes, pulses with an unholy glow, drawing the very essence of death from the void.

Invocation of the Forgotten: With each chant, the user's voice reverberates through the fabric of the dimension, calling out to the ancient, forsaken souls. The ground cracks open, and the earth groans under the pressure of forgotten spirits clawing their way back to the mortal realm.

Manifestation of the Abyssal Horde: From the corrupted circle, a horde of skeletal warriors, wraiths, and other unholy entities claw their way into the physical realm. Their eyes, hollow and filled with otherworldly malevolence, are bound to the user's will, each one an extension of the user's will to feed the darkness.

Abilities:

Abyssal Dominion: The user commands the undead, each corpse bound to their will with threads of necrotic power.

Eternal Rebirth: Those summoned can never truly die; as long as the user exists, the undead may rise again. They are perpetual servants until their master is undone.

The words Profaci had spoken to him those years ago echoed in his mind, haunting him, driving him toward a decision he'd been avoiding.

Seeing Lilith wield control over the undead had sparked something in him, an opportunity.

She was undeniably attractive, and Ricky couldn't deny his desire to want to boneher, that was the first thing that drew him in.

But then, he saw something more in Lilith as he wasn't just sitting on the sidelines, ogling her when she faced off against Rachael, no, for the most part, he was observing her abilities.

Profaci was undeniably right in his assessment: Ricky couldn't be in two places at once. And if he ever left, there would be risks, people could target those he cared about, use them against him, manipulate his absence to their advantage.

The thought gnawed at him, a constant reminder of his limitations as it was a vulnerability Ricky couldn't afford, not when everything he'd built could easily crumble in his absence.

But this changed everything for Ricky. His mind raced, already swirling with possibilities, each one more enticing than the last.

A grin spread across his face, one that was almost manic as he dropped to the floor and started doing sit-ups, his body moving rhythmically, fueled by the new sense of purpose.

With Lilith's powers at his disposal, he could finally protect his people without being there.

His future was unfolding in front of him, and this time, nothing would stand in his way from getting whatever he wanted.

'Now coupons.'

*DING*

(Legendary Item) ChronoCore Data Recorder

Description: The ChronoCore Data Recorder is a sleek, high-tech device designed to capture and store vast amounts of data with unprecedented efficiency. It features a futuristic design with a crystalline display that glows with a soft, pulsating light.

Features:

Infinite RAM Array: Equipped with an advanced, virtually limitless RAM array, the ChronoCore can handle and record enormous volumes of data without any risk of running out of memory.

Secure Encryption: Incorporates state-of-the-art encryption algorithms to ensure that all recorded data is secure from unauthorized access, maintaining confidentiality and integrity.

Advanced Interface: Features an intuitive holographic interface that allows users to manage and access recorded data with ease. The interface supports advanced data visualization and analysis tools.

(Legendary Armor) Ring of Aegis: Grants nigh-immunity to physical and magical attacks for a short period of time.

Effects:

Damage Reduction: Reduces incoming damage by a significant percentage.

Magical Shield: Provides a barrier that absorbs a portion of magical attacks for a specific period of time.

Regeneration: Accelerates natural healing, allowing for rapid recovery from injuries.

Warning: When activated the effects are only active for a minute and need thirty minutes to recharge.

(Epic Skill) Quickcraft: A versatile skill that allows the user to rapidly assemble or repair simple items and tools using basic materials and tools with the cost of the user's stamina.

'What the hell do I do with a recording device and that ring sucks.' Ricky thought, pushing his body upward before pausing, his mind working over the problem again.

'Well, I guess I could use the device to record sh*t for blackmail and for the ring. I guess I can lend it out.' Ricky punched the air lightly, feeling a small surge of satisfaction before lowering himself back down for another sit-up.

'But if I let my skill eat it, it'll turn all weird and dark. I'll hold off on letting it eat the items for now.' Ricky sighed at the thought since there was always some twist when he fed something to the eldritch abomination.

If he allowed others to use it, he knew it could freak them out, and that wasn't something he was willing to deal with, at least, not yet.

'But feed quickie craft or whatever the name is.'

Quickcraft→ Flesh Weaving: A twisted reflection of mundane craftsmanship, this skill allows the user to rapidly assemble, repair, or modify objects using basic materials. However, each act of creation or repair draws upon the user's life essence, draining their stamina as the magic demands payment from the very fabric of their being.

Abilities:

Flesh and Bone Forging: The user can craft and modify objects with mere gestures, bending simple materials like wood, metal, or bone into intricate, functional forms. This may include weapons, armor, or even constructs designed for specific, often dark, purposes.

Hastened Reconstruction: The user can instantly repair damaged tools, weapons, or structures, withering their stamina as they force their body to rush the process. In battle, this skill can rapidly fix broken armor or reload weapons.

Unholy Ingenuity: The user's creations are laced with dark energy, allowing even the simplest objects to carry eldritch properties, such as weapons that drain life force or tools that can siphon memories.

Weaknesses:

Stamina Sacrifice: The skill is fueled by the user's stamina, and each use gradually weakens the user physically and mentally, leading to exhaustion or, if overused, permanent damage to their body.

'F*cking weird, man.' Ricky sighed internally, shaking his head since he completely expected it.

'But I guess I'm weird too so I can't complain.' Ricky thought, sitting up as his reflection was that of an eldritch horror.

*Sigh*

'Now, for the goddess of luck to not be a b*tch, roll the gacha.'

*DING*

(Uncommon) Stainless Steel Microwave: A countertop appliance that uses electromagnetic radiation to heat and cook food quickly. It features a rotating turntable and digital controls for setting time and power levels. x10

(Uncommon) Blender: A kitchen device with a motorized base and a tall, cylindrical container with sharp blades at the bottom. It blends, purees, and emulsifies ingredients like fruits, vegetables, and liquids to create smoothies, soups, and sauces. x15

(Uncommon) Dishwasher: An appliance designed to automatically clean and sanitize dishes, pots, and utensils. It features racks to hold items, a spray arm to distribute water and detergent, and various wash cycles for different cleaning needs. X 35

(Uncommon) Toaster: A small appliance that uses electric heating elements to toast slices of bread or other baked goods. It typically has adjustable settings for browning levels and a pop-up mechanism to eject the toast when it's done. x23

(Common) Washing Machine: A large appliance used for cleaning clothes and other textiles. It features a rotating drum that agitates the laundry with water and detergent, and it usually has settings for different wash cycles and spin speeds. X 4

(Common) Air Conditioner: A climate control appliance that cools and dehumidifies indoor air. It often consists of a compressor, condenser, and evaporator, and it can be a window unit, portable unit, or central system. X 6

(Uncommon) Coffee Maker: An appliance used to brew coffee by dripping hot water through coffee grounds. It typically includes a reservoir for water, a filter basket, and a carafe or pot for collecting the brewed coffee. X 17

(Uncommon) Vacuum Cleaner: A device that uses suction to remove dust, dirt, and debris from floors and other surfaces. It typically includes a motor, a dust bag or canister, and various attachments for different cleaning tasks. X 13

(Uncommon) Steel Refrigerator: A large appliance used to store and preserve food by keeping it cool. It includes compartments for freezing and refrigeration, adjustable shelves, and often a door with shelves for beverages and condiments. X 25

(Uncommon) Electric Kettle: A small appliance designed to quickly boil water. It features a heating element at the base, a spout for pouring, and often an automatic shut-off mechanism once the water reaches a boiling point. X 27

(Common) Edible Condoms: Out of date condoms that give anyone diarrhea if they ingest them. X 50

'Woah.' Ricky thought, eyeing the items he'd just received as he pulled out an electric kettle.

To most, it might seem like just an everyday appliance, something to shrug off. But to Ricky, this was more than that.

Ricky had big plans for when he got back to New York, plans to elevate the Luciano family's influence beyond its usual reach, branching into the business world in a way that hadn't been done before.

His mind raced with ideas, none more thrilling than the possibilities that came with the blueprint scanner and the advanced items already stored in his inventory.

With this technology, he could dominate the household appliance market, pushing the family's reach into new territory.

'Later, later.' Ricky reminded himself, reigning in his thoughts as he stood up, rubbing his neck as he'd get there eventually, but right now, he needed to keep focused.

'Let's go take a shower, I smell like sh*t.'

1 hour later,

After a long, steamy shower, Ricky stood there, letting the hot water cascade down his body, relishing every second.

When he finally stepped out, the bathroom was transformed into a miniature sauna, thick with mist.

Plopping down on the toilet and leaning back, he pulled up the shop on his screen, his gaze clouded with a frown.

Ricky hadn't bought much from the shop since none of the items or skills had really caught his attention.

But he knew he should be taking better advantage of the system and its rewards, but to do that, though, he'd have to up his game, push himself to new heights.

'God, when did I become such a picky b*tch?' Ricky lamented, crossing his arms as he stared at the shop screen.

[Shop]

IP: 500,000

Refreshable Items:

Passion Elixir: 5,000 Impregnation Points

Description: A small vial containing a liquid that, once ingested, heightens sensitivity, making every touch feel electrifying and hard to resist.

Heartfire Mist: 15,000 Impregnation Points

Description: A small spray that, when used, infuses the air with a warm, subtle scent, increasing heart rates and fostering a mutual sense of intimacy.

Overpriced Candle of Passion: 100,000 Impregnation Points

Description: A single, very expensive candle that promises a "smoldering atmosphere." In reality, it produces minimal scent and burns out after a few hours. At least it comes in a nice box.

{Refresh Available}

Daily Item:

Silk Ribbon Bond: 5,000 IP

Description: A luxurious silk ribbon that can be used to gently restrain someone, increasing their relaxation by +5 and enhancing sensitivity.

Weekly Item:

Faint Wink (Passive): 20,000 Impregnation Points

Description: Gives the user a natural tendency to blink slowly, which could possibly look like winking from a distance. Effects are subtle, sometimes leading to more confusion than attraction.

Monthly Item:

Enthralling Voice (Passive): 200,000 Impregnation Points

Description: This passive skill imbues the user's voice with a captivating quality, making it pleasant and hypnotic to anyone listening.

*Sigh*

'Just give me Enthralling Voice.' Ricky muttered with a sigh, slicking back his wet hair, before he strode out of the bathroom, only to be met by a lustful sight.

"Hey, big boy." Lilith lounged on Ricky's bed, a smirk tugging at her lips.

Ricky raised an eyebrow, but when his eyes caught sight of her completely naked form, he tossed his towel aside without a second thought.

"Sweet."

Outside his door, Rachael stood, her expression tense, though she tried to steel herself since she'd been avoiding Ricky for too long, and the reasons weighed on her.

At first, it had been guilt since she may have helped land the final blow, but it was Ricky who had carried the fight, accomplishing what she'd trained for relentlessly her whole life.

Beyond that, three years had passed with barely any real conversation between them; everything she'd said had been confined to training matters, nothing more.

Rachael had always kept Ricky at arm's length, offering him nothing but the cold shoulder whenever she could, all while becoming completely consumed by the obsession of killing Dracula.

But now, looking back, she felt shallow for only beginning to understand him after three years.

It hit her that she owed him more than just silence, she owed him the gratitude he deserved for putting up with her behavior all this time.

So Rachael took a deep breath, steadying herself as she knew she had to apologize, to finally acknowledge her behavior and make things right.

'Don't be afraid, it's time to give the appropriate thanks.' Rachael resolved herself as she opened the door.

"Ricky I-oh my god!" Rachael opened the door only to see Lilith on top of Ricky, covering her eyes, rushing out the door, and slamming it behind her.

*BAM*

"Hey, Rachael-" Ricky began, popping his head out the door, but before he could say more, Lilith yanked him back, her limbs wrapping around him.

Ricky's focus instantly shifted as he found himself once again captivated by the naked woman in his embrace.

"She can wait~" Lilith bit her lip, drawing her finger all the way down his chest before cupping his balls.

"You know what, she can wait." Ricky also agreed, shutting the door as Lilith's smile extended across her face.

15 minutes later,

"Oh Ricky~"

"Oh Ricky!"

"OH RICKY~"

"OH, RICKY!" Lilith screamed, her voice dripping with intensity, as Rachael stood frozen on the other side of the door.

Never in her life had she witnessed such a display of lust, and it left the stone-cold wolf feeling flushed and unsettled.

A moment later, Lilith casually opened the door, strutting past Rachael with a teasing lick of her lips and a wink as she let out a mocking chuckle before walking by, her confidence evident in every step.

"Hey Rachael what are you-"

"How dare you commit such vile acts before marriage, especially with a horrid vampire, you heathen!" Rachael blurted, her face flushed with fury as she pointed an accusing finger at Ricky as he simply stared at her, a mix of confusion and surprise on his face.

"Uhhhhh?" Ricky blinked, his mind trying to process her words.

It left Ricky confused because there had been numerous times when Rachael had walked in on him sticking his tongue down Agatha's throat, and it never seemed to faze her before.

Yet here she was, storming off, as if Ricky hadn't already been tangled up in far more complicated matters, until he suddenly covered his mouth, unsure of what to say, and watched her go.

'Wait, it can't be-.....is she jealous that I'm getting it on with a busty vampire?' Ricky paused, a thought suddenly clicking in his mind and as the realization set in.

So full of himself after a serving of Lilith, he couldn't help but break into a sleazy grin as he walked out of the room.

"Hey Rachael-"

*BOOM*

Ricky opened his mouth to deliver a cheesy remark, but before he could get the words out, Rachael ripped a chunk of the wall from its foundation and hurled it at him.

The rock collided with his forcefield, shattering on impact, sending a cloud of dust into the air.

As the dust settled, Ricky was left standing there, a stupid grin plastered on his face, while Rachael had already stormed off, leaving him to contemplate the absurdity of it all.

"She's totally jealous," Ricky muttered to himself, laughing as he strolled down the hallway with an exaggerated swagger.

However, his confidence faltered when he turned the corner and came face to face with Asterion, who had Garfield lazily nestled on his arm and Alexander proudly hopping around on his shoulder.

"HOW DARE YOU STRIP ME FROM THE GLORIOUS GAME KNOWN AS POKER!" Alexander roared in Asterion's ears, his tiny form vibrating with indignation.

The big burly minotaur sighed heavily, clearly still getting used to this gerbil's antics, before his eyes landed on Ricky.

"Ah, Ricky, it's good to see you in full health," Asterion said, his deep voice warm as he walked over and gave Ricky a hearty pat on the shoulder.

At the same time, Alexander quickly scurried up to Asterion's head, waving his tiny paws in frustration at being ignored.

"Ricky, why did you never tell me how amazing this marvelous game called Poker is?" Alexander asked, his eyes wide with newfound excitement.

His obsession with Go Fish was quickly evolving into a full-blown gambling addiction, and Ricky could almost see the gleam of future bad decisions forming in this gerbil's beady little eyes.

"Uh, I guess you never asked." Ricky replied with a raised eyebrow, clearly puzzled by the sudden intensity in Alexander's voice.

"I thought you only liked go fish-"

"That is true, but I have been ensnared, Ricky! And I must quench this thirst!" Alexander declared dramatically, his tiny paws flailing in the air as he hopped from one foot to the other.

Ricky rubbed his chin, clearly deep in thought as this could be problematic, but then again, he wasn't exactly surprised after how crazy attached he was to go fish.

"Then let's go gambling—wait, you should ease off a bit." Ricky was about to continue, but he suddenly stopped mid-sentence, his gaze sharpening as he looked down at Alexander.

"You can watch me play but no playing yourself-"

"THIS IS BLASPHEMY!" Alexander shrieked, his tiny claws scratching Ricky's cheek as he pushed him away in outrage.

"It's this or nothing, choose." Ricky's tone was firm, his gaze steady as he looked at Alexander.

Ricky could see the seed of a dangerous addiction starting to grow in the gerbil's eyes, and he wasn't about to let it spiral out of control without it being under his watch.

"Very well, but at least allow me one hand to play."

"Deal."

It was then that a gentleman's agreement formed between the two as Ricky extended his hand with a small, knowing grin, while Alexander took it with a huff.

"Hey Asterion, I gotta make good on my promise and show you some fun." Ricky smirked, nudging the mighty Asterion who showed slight surprise but nodded nonetheless.

"I await our glorious adventure."

15 minutes later,

"A rundown tavern?" Asterion asked curiously, watching as Ricky sniffed out a dilapidated bar in Transylvania.

Dracula had long since wiped out the humans in the surrounding villages and initially, the area had been intended as his livestock grounds, but the upkeep had proven less efficient than simply hunting for prey.

They were supposed to be playing along with the vampires Alexander had found himself involved with, but it seemed that killing Dracula had made the other vampires incredibly uncomfortable but regardless of their opinions on Ricky, they all hastily retreated.

"Yeah, let's get celebratory wasted!" Ricky exclaimed, eager to have a good time with Asterion and the others.

*Bam*

Kicking the old door open, instead of a desolate bar he found out that it was occupied with a lone figure.

"Who goes there?" The figure asked out, walking out the shadows to reveal an old figure with an eyepatch and gimp leg.

"Uh Asterion, I clearly remember you saying there wasn't anyone in this rundown town." Ricky turned back to Asterion who walked in and squinted his eyes upon seeing the old man.

"I did." Asterion looked just as confused as Ricky, scratching the top of his head.

"Cease the delays Ricky, our game is still afoot." Alexander commanded on Ricky's shoulder, pointing forward while Garfiled sighed at the side lightly.

"Names O'malley and I'm the last remaining citizen of this old town-"

"No, you're lying." Ricky immediately interjected into the man's backstory as he froze, his lie detection skill reacting almost instantaneously.

"I'm not lying-"

"No, he's really lying." Ricky turned to Asterion who nodded his head, the minotaur trusting in Ricky's words while squinting.

"Listen I-"

*SIGH*

*Snap*

"You two are no fun." The man snapped his fingers, his body morphing into that familiar figure that made Ricky frown.

"Mephisto." Ricky and Asterion both said in unison, looking at each other without even knowing if the other knew him.

"Correct. And, if I may say, Asterion, it's truly a pleasure to see you in the flesh once more," Mephisto remarked, appearing beside the minotaur.

Asterion shoved the demon back, but Mephisto spun gracefully, making it seem as though the push had no effect at all.

"And look at this brimming young talent," Mephisto said, flashing a devilish grin.

"A face I haven't yet placed, but from that little one's words, your true name is Ricky." Mephisto rubbed his hands together in delight, watching Ricky scow, his expression darkening.

Though he planned to unveil himself to the world as the Black Knight, he wasn't ready to do so without proper preparation.

However, after his conversation with Abraham about Mephisto, he could tell that he was ready to tug at this thread, intending to pull as much from it as possible to further his own agenda.

"Hey, Mephisto, want to make a deal?" Ricky said suddenly, catching both Asterion and Mephisto off guard.

"Ricky, don't-" Asterion reached out, but the demon was quicker, appearing instantly at Ricky's side while sliding an arm around him, Mephisto began leading him away.

"Of course!" Mephisto replied cheerfully, steering Ricky aside, isolating him as Ricky eyed the cunning demon warily.

"Hey, strange request, I know, but before we talk, mind if I get something to, you know, to wet my whistle?" Ricky asked, having come here with one thing on his mind: a drink.

*Snap*

"You're just in luck since I happen to have some Hellwine." Mephisto said, guiding Ricky to a nearby table and conjuring a bottle with a flourish.

"We can share-"

Ricky interrupted Mephisto by snatching the bottle, swiftly tearing the cork off. His inner alcoholic craved the sweet, deceptive taste of the infernal liquid.

*Gulp*

*Gulp*

"Ricky-" Mephisto began, but Ricky held up a finger, silencing him as he continued to drink.

"Well, Mephisto, it's certainly a sight to see you again," Asterion said, taking a seat beside them. His eyes were fixed on the demon, his wariness and disdain unmistakable.

"Ah~" Ricky let out a refreshed sigh, wiping his mouth and putting down the already half drunk bottle of wine.

"How do you two know each other, anyway?" Ricky asked, glancing between Mephisto and Asterion as the demon immediately adjusted his collar, a flicker of discomfort crossing his face.

"Well we-"

"He's the one who blackmailed my friend after getting the blueprints to the maze that kept me safe from the world," Asterion said, his cold gaze locking onto Mephisto as the demon nervously adjusted his collar, though he maintained his composure.

"Asterion, how many times must I apologize for such-"

"Until your throat bleeds in penance." Asterion raised his gaze, Ricky surprised while whistling towards Mehpisot.

"Man, he f*cking hates you~" Ricky hummed out, laughing before flinching as he gazed at this hell wine.

"Holy sh*t, this stuff is strong." Ricky hiccuped inbetween, already buzzed after merely drinking half of it.

"Anyhow Ricky, I-"

"Alright here's the deal, we're going to play three hands of draw poker and if you win then I'll tell you everything you want to know about me." Ricky suddenly leaned back in his chair, Mephisto's breath shuttering.

Unbeknownst to Ricky, his information was highly coveted in the world of information merchants.

The death of Dracula had sent unforeseen ripples across the world, leaving many with more questions than answers.

Yet, at the center of it all stood Ricky, alive and holding the answers.

Everyone wanted something from him: to know his story, to recruit him, or to find ways to eliminate the new Black Knight.

Even just learning his name would grant Mephisto immense benefits, but the true treasure lay in Ricky's past.

His life story held untapped riches, secrets, and power that Mephisto desperately desired to claim for himself so that he could sell them.

"Ricky, you should think this through." Alexander urged, quickly hopping onto the table. But Ricky shook his head.

"He already knows my name, and if everything Abraham said about him is true, he'll figure out my identity whether I like it or not," Ricky sighed, running his hands through his hair as he really didn't want to deal with this, not after everything he'd just gone through.h.

Alexander opened his mouth to refute, but then realized it was his own fault for revealing Ricky's name. He fell silent, retreating to the side.

"Are you sure trading some of your other treasures wouldn't sweeten the pot? This pendant, for instance, is among my favorites." Mephisto said, pulling out the lorestone pendant; something Ricky considered nothing more than trash.

"I cannot believe a renaissance civilization like Cortaj would fall due to internal conflict, resulting from their artistic beliefs, truly a beautiful demise." Mephisto mused, holding the pendant close to his heart as Ricky raised an eyebrow, clearly having forgotten about the pendant.

"Maybe afterwards but let's stick to what you're going to give me when I win." Ricky spread out his arms along with a smile.

"Oh, I'm also intrigued as to what I'll give you." Mephisto chuckled, his eyes narrowing as he leaned in closer.

"You're going to tell me everything I want to know about the internal powers and their backgrounds within Nazi Germany." Ricky said, surprisingly direct as Mephisto let out a cackling laugh in response, clearly amused by the boldness of the request.

"Such information is not equal to your identity, Ricky," Mephisto smiled, already using his first name.

The demon watched with amusement as Ricky drank more of the Hellwine, noticing the crescent moons forming in his eyes as the liquid worked its way through him.

"Is that so?" Ricky asked, his tone curious. Mephisto, unfortunately, nodded in response. Ricky sighed before standing up.

"Then it can't be helped. I guess I'll have to reveal my identity when I head back to the Vatican, before you can figure it out yourself." Ricky turned away, and Mephisto continued nodding, until the demon's entire body suddenly froze, stiff as a statue.

"Let's go everyone-"

"W-What do you mean reveal your identity?!" Mephisto laughed out, clearly trying to reel back his anxious expression.

"Well, I was going to reveal my identity anyway, but I'd rather do it on my own terms than have you spoil it." Ricky said, a hint of petty satisfaction in his voice as Mephisto, a little taken aback, watched as the black knight turned to walk out.

"How about we trade and-"

*BAM*

Asterion suddenly punched Mephisto, sending the demon flying out of the bar as he huffed through his nostrils, clearly agitated, as Ricky, Garfield, and Alexander exchanged confused looks.

"I-I apologize," Asterion muttered, rubbing the back of his neck while ducking his head.

"It was like when a human swats a flea, I couldn't help myself." Asterion sighed, having tried to hold back but failing to do so.

"Well, that was rude," Mephisto remarked, standing up and brushing the dust off his clothes.

Without missing a beat, he walked back through the hole that had been made in his body, as though nothing had happened.

"Anywho, let's not get hasty Ricky, we can of course make a deal-"

"But I don't want to anymore," Ricky shrugged, continuing to walk away.

Though this disruption had thrown a wrench in his plans, he knew he could always make new ones.

Things like interruptions or slight setbacks were annoying, but Ricky truly didn't care and deep down, he always believed that everything would work out for him in the end.

"Okay, okay, okay, how about I tell you about the internal power-"

"No."

"Then how about I tell you about the main figures-"

"No."

"Alright, fine, wait!" Mephisot, increasingly angered that everything wasn't going his way, yelled out causing everyone to stop.

It was incredibly petty, but Mephisto knew, deep down, that it would take him a week or two to properly figure out who Ricky really was, and everything that came with him.

In that time, Ricky would have already revealed his identity to the world, and Mephisto would have lost everything he hoped to gain from uncovering Ricky's background.

"Fine, I'll trade you all you desire for your detailed background on the condition you don't-"

"No." Ricky laughed, clearly enjoying Mephisto's frustrated expression as he took another swig of the Hellwine.

'Man this is good sh*t.' Ricky thought, a little surprised at how fulfilling the wine was.

*SIGH*

"Fine, I'll play you for the information if we use my cards-"

"No, we're using mine." Ricky pulled out a deck of cards from his back pocket, though they had actually come from the system.

Mephisto frowned at Ricky's stubbornness, holding out his hands. Ricky placed the cards into his grasp, but not without raising an eyebrow, sensing something was off.

"These are normal cards?" Mephisto asked, clearly surprised, as he couldn't detect anything unusual about the deck.

"I know, that's why I want to use my cards," Ricky shrugged, holding back a smile as he pointed toward the deck.

Mephisto squinted his eyes, sensing there was something more to this than met the eye.

"Fine, but regardless, I would still like to inquire about items akin to the pendant, regardless of who wins or loses. Deal?" Mephisto held out his hand as Ricky strolled up and grabbed it, his grip firm as he nodded in agreement.

"Deal."

"Then let's play some cards."

Mephisto turned around, his hands glowing red as he infused energy into the cards before setting them down on the nearby table as Ricky strolled over to it, his gaze focused on the deck.

"Would you care for another refill of Hellwine?" Mephisto asked, conjuring up another bottle.

Ricky took a sip before he could change his mind, the warm liquid burning down his throat.

Smiling at Ricky's reckless nature, Mephisto flashed a sly grin and Asterion, on the other hand, wore a disgusted expression, cradling Garfield in his arms as the cat nestled into a deep sleep.

Alexander sat perched on Asterion's shoulder, looking rather unimpressed by the scene unfolding.

"Will Ricky preserve?" Alexander asked, glancing at Asterion who was still glaring hatefully at Mephisto.

"The only thing I know for sure is that nothing is ever, as the humans say, 'cut and dry' with him." Asterion gaze remained fixed on Mephisto, who gestured toward Ricky, now finishing the last remnants of the first bottle of Hellwine.

"Would you care to deal or would you allow me?" Mephisto asked, Ricky taking the cards and dealing them out.

"I'll do it," Ricky said, dealing five cards to each player, one by one, until they both had their hands.

Ricky studied his cards before discarding two, while Mephisto hadn't yet looked at his own as he leaned back confidently, a sly smile curling on his lips.

"You know, Ricky, you remind me of Abraham in a way," Mephisto remarked, watching him carefully as Ricky raised an eyebrow, intrigued but cautious.

"I've been told," Ricky replied, a hint of discomfort in his voice as he'd always been compared to the old man, but in truth, they were alike in their own unique brand of sh*ttiness.

"Would you care to add to the pot?" Mephisto asked, pulling out a gleaming gold bar, the weight of it making the stakes feel even higher.

*Thump*

Dropping it on the table, it made a loud thud as Mephisot curiously inquired as to what Ricky would bet as the demon smiled widely.

"I didn't think you'd want to bet in between-"

"Would it be draw poker otherwise?" Mephisto smiled, his sharp teeth glinting in the dim light as Ricky stood up, eyeing the gold bar with a calculated gaze.

"Give me a second." Ricky said, rolling up his sleeve as the tattoo of the dark key manifested, and a swirl of black mist rose, taking form before him.

As Ricky walked into the storage, Mephisto instinctively moved to follow, but he was abruptly stopped, slamming into an invisible barrier.

Since Ricky hadn't given him permission, Mephisto found himself trapped at the helm, only able to watch through the transparent shield, his eyes narrowing in frustration.

The area was vast, and Mephisto's eyes widened as he took in the sheer magnitude of the treasures Ricky had accumulated. He was shocked, more so than he'd anticipated.

Trying to force his way through the barrier, Mephisto put all his power into breaking the invisible gate.

But the more he pressed against it, the more he was pushed back, as if the barrier was feeding off his frustration.

Ricky eventually returned, walking back with a couple of gold bars in hand as he saw Mephisto already sitting back down, his posture tight with irritation.

With a shrug, Ricky plopped down in his seat, dropping one of his own gold bars onto the table, his nonchalant demeanor a stark contrast to the demon's growing frustration.

"Raise." Ricky spoke coolly, his eyes steady as Mephisto leaned forward on the table, his grin widening into an intrusive smile.

"How is it you always surprise me, Ricky? First with my dazzling pendant, and now that space. I must know your secrets." Mephisto snickered, though his gaze remained sharp, calculating, as if studying every movement Ricky made.

"For free?" Ricky asked, raising an eyebrow in mock confusion and Mephisto shook his head, his fingers rubbing together in a slow, deliberate motion.

"Of course not." Mephisto replied, his tone smooth and knowing.

"I can tell you aren't that type of man. And I'd be willing to reward you for such information." Mephisto finally turned his cards over, his confident smile almost faltering as he gazed at what lay before him.

The demon's eyes flickered with momentary surprise, but he quickly masked it with a sharp, calculating expression.

Mephisto looked at his hand; Jack, two, seven, three, and six, and for a moment, his expression faltered.

The demon lord had expected something more, something better since the cards didn't align with his cunning plan.

The demon's fingers almost twitched as he stared at them, trying to suppress his frustration.

On the surface, he maintained a calm front, his smile still in place, but inside, he was in turmoil.

Mephisto had subtly manipulated the deck, adding his signature touch to ensure a winning hand: a four of a kind.

But the cards had betrayed him, offering nothing close to what he had hoped for.

His eyes flickered to Ricky, who was sitting there with an almost unreadable expression as it was clear now that Ricky had been playing a deeper game than Mephisto had anticipated.

'He dealt to me first, just as I expected, yet these are not the cards that were supposed to be conjured. He must be cheating.' Mephisto concluded, tapping the table casually before discarding all but the Jack.

"Bad hand?" Ricky asked, raising a brow as he slid four new cards to Mephisto and drew three for himself, while Mephisto simply smiled in response.

"Well, it wasn't exactly a good one," Mephisto replied, his tone lacking its usual nuance as he accepted the cards but his confidence wavered again when he glanced down.

A four, five, eight, and nine joined his solitary Jack, leaving him with little to work with as Mephisto let out a chuckle, masking his irritation.

"I'd like to raise the pot." Ricky placed a brass telescope onto the table, its polished surface gleaming under the dim light.

Mephisto's gaze narrowed, a spark of intrigue flickering in his eyes as he took in the new addition.

"This baby can-"

"Gaze through any illusion," Mephisto murmured, nearly able to guess its enchantment, which piqued Ricky's curiosity.

The demon's eyes had shifted, narrow slits glowing red as he honed in on Ricky's cards.

But before he could act further, Asterion pulled up a chair right beside him, his gaze firmly locked onto Mephisto.

Reluctantly, the demon dispelled the power in his eyes, grumbling under his breath at the interruption.

"Are you going to meet my bet or fold?" Ricky asked, a sly smile playing at his lips as he tilted his head.

"Fold." Mephisto chuckled lightly, placing his cards on the table but as Ricky reached for the deck, the demon's hand darted out to stop him.

"May I deal this round?" Mephisto asked with a pleasant smile as Ricky gave a casual shrug and handed the deck over, watching the demon's every move with a hint of intrigue.

"Thank you." Mephisto nodded politely, watching Ricky pull away his twenty gold bars as he leaned back with a satisfied grin.

Mephisto began shuffling the deck with practiced elegance, the cards moving smoothly between his fingers, while Asterion's sharp gaze tracked his every movement and yet, the demon remained calm, his expression unreadable.

Ricky watched closely as he was dealt five cards, fingers tapping thoughtfully on the table as he paused before lifting them, then leaned back, his face betraying nothing.

"All in," Ricky declared, a grin playing on his lips as he took a sip of hell wine, sliding every last chip and trinket he had on the table. Mephisto raised a brow, tilting his head in mild surprise.

"Are you sure you don't want to check your cards first?" Mephisto asked, a hint of amusement in his tone as Ricky glanced at his face-down cards, then shook his head confidently.

"Nah." Ricky replied with a shrug, settling back in his seat while downing another sip of the Hell wine.

Mephsito nodded, discarding two cards before taking them, slightly glancing to Ricky who was completely uncaring.

"Hmmmm, then would this suffice as a raise?" Mephisto placed a glimmering green stone on the table with a delicate motion, his expression laced with mischief.

"An emerald?" Ricky tilted his head, raising a brow, only for Mephisto to chuckle, his laughter tinged with arrogance.

"This is a Norn Stone, a direct gateway into Asgard," Mephisto said, gesturing to the glowing emerald with a dramatic flair as Ricky tilted his head, then shrugged nonchalantly.

With a casual motion, Ricky plopped the telescope onto the table like it was nothing more than trash, his gaze now fixed on the strange, glimmering stone.

"Alright, ready?" Ricky asked, about to flip his cards with a nonchalant expression.

Mephisto, however, couldn't resist his greedy glance at the telescope, eyes narrowing in interest as he watched Ricky's next move.

"Straight, flush," Mephisto declared, revealing his hand. Asterion squinted, carefully observing, making sure not to be too flashy in his reactions to avoid any suspicion of cheating.

Mephisto laid down the five, six, seven, eight, and nine of diamonds, a beautiful straight flush as Ricky raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised by the hand.

"Ah, ah, ah, no take backs—" Mephisto began to reach for his cards, only for Ricky to raise an eyebrow and stop him mid-motion.

"I was only surprised at the coincidence," Ricky replied casually, then shamelessly laid down a diamond royal straight flush.

Mephisto was left utterly gobsmacked, his usual confidence slipping as he stared at the hand in front of him.

"I mean, what are the odds?" Ricky laughed, snickering to himself as he watched Mephisto's already flushed face grow even redder.

"Thanks for the stone though." Ricky then picked up the stone, curiously admiring it.

"Asterion, you think this is worth a pretty penny?" Ricky asked the minotaur, who couldn't suppress a wide grin as he looked at Mephisto's frozen, stunned expression.

"You cheated, I know that you cheated because-" Mephisot immediately accused, pointing his finger at him with a glimmer of red in his eyes.

"You cheated?" Ricky interrupted, tilting his head as Mephisto quickly masked his next words with a forced laugh as he leaned back, casually observing the demon.

"We shook on playing a hand of cards. Nowhere in your words did you specify that neither of us could cheat. If I did cheat, which you can't prove, that's just part of the game." Ricky shrugged nonchalantly, the demon's gaze fixed on him with an intensity that only deepened.

Mephisto wanted to counter, but he had deliberately left out any stipulations about cheating, ensuring that once he won, Ricky couldn't protest.

Now, however, he found himself in the metaphorical shoes that Ricky was meant to wear, caught in his own trap, unable to escape the consequences of his actions as Asterion peered over his shoulder.

"Yeah, didn't think I'd catch that little slip-up, did you?" Ricky wiped his chin, a smirk playing on his lips as Mephisto's underestimation only seemed to make him more smug.

"Who are you anyway?" MMephisto crossed his arms, narrowing his eyes while Ricky looked over to Asterion.

"I wouldn't advise spilling any more information, demons are very tricky and always find a way to form or find a loophole." Asterion said, holding up his hand, and Ricky nodded.

"You'll find out eventually but right now, uphold your end of the deal and tell me what I want to know."

Mephisto frowned as he gazed at Asterion standing beside Ricky as he knew any tricks he tried to pull would be swiftly rooted out by the minotaur, forcing him to bite the bullet.

"There is a humans saying that says what goes around-"

"Comes around, whatever. Cough up what you know." Ricky waved his hand dismissively, Mephisto clearly displeased by the similarity to Abraham.

"Fine, there are currently four organizations at the centerfold of the Nazi campaign that is propping up Hitler," Mephisto sighed, clicking his tongue slightly as he leaned back in his seat.

"Currently, they are Hydra, Thule Society, Hellfire Club, and the Berlin Continental." Mephisto revealed, Ricky scrunching his brows at this since he still had the card hsi pops gave to him.

"For Hydra, Wolfgang Von Striker-"

Wolfgang Von striker, born in the twilight years of the 19th century, hailed from an old Prussian noble line that had retreated to the ancestral Strucker Castle in Bavaria after the Franco-Prussian War.

As a young man, he emerged as a fencing champion at Heidelberg, a prodigy known for both his fierce precision and ruthless flair.

His face bore deep scars, marks of honor from his duels, that mirrored the hardened, grim visage of the rising Nazi elite.

During World War I, Wolfgang fought for Germany, enduring the brutal trenches and relentless battles. In 1916, he encountered the mysterious artifact known as the Momentary Princess, an object rumored to appear and vanish at fixed intervals through time.

The moment he touched it, a vision unfolded, a glimpse of his future that planted the seeds of his destiny.

This fateful encounter set him on a path toward Hydra, as he became convinced that its power held the key to realizing the vision he had seen.

"Strucker's actions during that period were buried deep within Hydra's shadows for the next two decades." Mephisto chuckled darkly, his mouth nearly watering at the thought of yet another world war.

"But the intriguing part? Is what happened when the Nazi Party clawed its way from the rubble of defeated Germany." Mephisto laughter was laced with anticipation, already savoring the spoils he'd claimed from the last war and eager for the chaos to come.

"When the Nazi Party emerged, Strucker was one of its founding members. And the best part? He'd risen to the rank of a Hydra leader." Mephisto remarked, almost in admiration.

"Quite a feat for a mere mortal, with neither remarkable power nor distinctive traits." Mephisto spoke and when he did, there was a hint of grudging respect in his voice, acknowledging the sheer cunning it took for a man with no inherent gifts to ascend to such influence.

"The only catch," Mephisto continued, a sly smile tugging at his lips.

"Is that Strucker's position within Hydra is directly tethered to the Nazi Party. So, if the Nazis fall, he falls with them." Mephisto chuckled, relishing the irony of Strucker's precarious power.

"All his efforts hinge on a single, brittle thread and if they crumble, so does he. These types of power dynamics are so fun to watch rise then fall." Mephisto smiled widely, relishing the era he was living in to its fullest degree.

"For Thule Society-"

*Sigh*

"Honestly, the Thule Society is an organization composed of rejects." Mephsito sighed, leaning his head on his hand while clearly uninterested in this topic.

"Essentially, the Thule Society-"

The occultist order that would later be known as the Thule Society traces its roots to an ancient, nameless lineage of sorcerer-scientists casted out from their own orders, predating and outlasting the cultures that birthed them.

Driven by a singular purpose, they sought to rise above mortality itself, wielding the forces of life and death as they pursued their vision of godlike power.

For nearly 6,000 years, they explored paths to immortality and manipulated every sphere of human existence; history, politics, science, and magic alike.

The Thule Society, now bearing the Nazi insignia on their shoulders, has shifted its focus to a new pursuit: the acquisition of ancient artifacts.

Their ideology has evolved, holding that true power and the key to eternal victory, and perhaps even eternal life, lie within mystical relics scattered across the world.

These objects, they believe, contain unimaginable forces that could transcend conventional warfare and lift them beyond mortal limitations.

Their relentless search has become an obsession, rooted in the belief that these enchanted artifacts will secure not only the Nazi vision but their own ascendance over time and fate itself.

Even now, they have disguised themselves as archaeologists, scattering across the globe to excavate and uncover these mystical artifacts.

"For the Hellfire Club, well, they are a fairly new order of wealthy and elite mutants, their agendas centered around strengthening their own power." Mephisto mused, a wicked smile curving his lips as he reveled in the shift to a topic he found far more entertaining.

The Hellfire Club traces its origins to 18th-century England, where it began as an exclusive society for the British elite, a space where influential figures could indulge in pleasures beyond the moral norms of their time and quietly consolidate their hold on economic and political power.

Rather than overt conquest or domination, the club's ambition lies in wielding influence behind the scenes, steering events through political maneuvering and economic leverage.

Throughout history, they have been linked to wars, discreet assassinations, and shifting alliances.

Governed by an elusive Inner Circle, the club's leadership structure follows the pieces of a chessboard, with its most powerful members assuming titles like Black King and White Queen, followed by trusted subordinates, the Black and White Bishops and Knights.

"However, out of the four heads that dub themselves the Black and White, king and queens; only three have dipped their hands within the pond of the Nazi party." Mephisto raised his four fingers with his long nails protruding upwards.

"The first is the Black King, Sebastion Shaw." Mephisto lowered a finger, his eyes forming crescent moons at this particular figure.

Sebastian Shaw is a mutant with the ability to absorb nearly any form of energy, converting it into immense physical strength.

He can channel this stored power into a devastating punch, an explosive release through touch, or even a ground-shaking stomp, making him a formidable force in any confrontation.

Shaw's involvement within the party is for pure selfish reasons which revolves around further his own power within the financial world and his own mutant power.

In the financial world, Sebastian Shaw controls a network of prisons and newly established 'concentration camps' under an alias, exploiting a free labor force to mass-produce goods that he sells at exorbitant markups.

By leveraging these prisoners as pawns in his wider game, he steadily accumulates wealth and influence, strengthening his grip over both economic and political landscapes.

Shaw's hunger for power is insatiable, his ambitions driving him relentlessly upward in pursuit of new heights and greater strength.

"The second is the White King, a title that seems to pass to a new mutant every year, currently held by Nathaniel Essex." Mephisto lowered another finger, shrugging indifferently at this one.

"Much like Shaw, Essex is obsessed with advancing the mutant gene, a process he calls the Essex Factor." Mephisto displayed clear boredom with this topic, letting out a soft sigh.

Nathaniel Essex is posing as a scientist, conducting biological experiments on children under the guise of curing diseases, all while secretly advancing his research on the Essex Factors.

Earning the nickname 'Nosferatu' from the captive children at Auschwitz due to his ghostly pale skin, Essex found the camps a grimly convenient source for genetic samples.

He lured the children with candy, offering it in exchange for small vials of their blood, a twisted form of bribery that allowed him to collect samples unnoticed and further his dark experiments.

"However, he's rather dull, spending all his time locked away in a lab, staring at blood samples." Mephisto sighed lightly, flicking some lint off his sleeve.

"Now for the queens; the first being the white queen, Emma frost." Mephisto's intrigue sparked once more, lowering another finger.

Emma Frost was born into a prominent Boston mercantile family, descended from English settlers who arrived in the 1600s and played a significant role in the American Revolutionary War.

A family dispute pushed Emma Frost into a life she never imagined, stripping, which eventually led her to cross paths with Sebastian Shaw.

It's said that one of Shaw's associates made the fatal mistake of going too far, leaving him brain dead as a result.

Rather than seek revenge, Shaw saw potential in her and invited her into his world, into the Hell fire club.

Over the years, Frost steadily climbed through the ranks, her competition mysteriously disappearing one by one, until she finally became the White Queen.

Now, she runs an information network, one that pales in comparison to Mephisto's, providing the Nazis with vital intelligence for a hefty price.

"However, the last leader, the Black Queen, and arguably the most dangerous member, Selene Gallio, isn't interested in the war in a sense." Mephisto lowered his last finger, his gaze shifting to Ricky, who recalled the name, having been warned about her by Abraham.

"Selene doesn't truly care for material wealth but instead, power in its purest form." Mephisto's eyes formed crescent moons as he looked at Ricky sipping on the hellwine.

"Selene is what some call a collector, having built a large repertoire of powerful mutants under her hidden country." Mephisto then crossed his fingers, his smile growing wider as he looked at Ricky.

"And now, I've heard she's set her covetous eyes on you," Mephisto's eyes darkened as his smile stretched across his face, but Ricky simply crossed his arms, unfazed.

"Anyhow, let's finally talk about the juiciest one; the Berlin Continental, which has been run by the Zemo family for generations." Mephisto's smile widened, practically giddy with excitement, fully aware of the drastic repercussions.

The Berlin Continental was more than just a luxury hotel; it was the nerve center of Europe's most clandestine and dangerous underworld dealings.

Established in the early 12th century, it had become a legend in its own right, not just for its opulence but for the power and influence that coursed through its marble halls.

Operated by the Zemo family for generations, it served as both a haven and a battleground for the criminal elite.

Each Continental operates differently, tailored to its own unique environment, yet all are bound by the same overarching authority: the High Table.

While each Continental maintains its own distinct operations and rules, they all adhere to the unspoken neutrality demanded by the High Table, a delicate balance that has kept the underworld in check for generations.

Until now, that is.

Baron Heinrich Zemo has shattered the delicate balance of the underworld by committing an unforgivable act against the High Table.

In an unprecedented move, he has pledged his loyalty not only to the Nazi party but to the Berlin Continental itself, binding the establishment to a cause that directly opposes the principles of neutrality upheld by the High Table.

While it is not unheard of for a Continental to go rogue, history has shown that no one has ever escaped the wrath of the High Table.

Yet, oddly enough, the High Table remains eerily silent on the matter as whispers circulate that, behind closed doors, they are quietly preparing to eliminate the Berlin Continental, but for now, no official action has been taken.

"And that concludes our deal," Mephisto said, expecting some kind of reaction, perhaps a grand applause but instead, Ricky simply set the empty bottle of wine down with a quiet clink.

"That was a lot. Good thing Asterion remembered everything for me, right?" Ricky glanced over at Asterion, who nodded silently from the side.

"I have perfect recollection. I shall remember," Asterion reassured, dispelling any concerns as Ricky let out a relieved sigh.

"Good, cause this Hell wine is fucking me up. I mean, Jesus." Ricky glanced at the bottle, still on his second, yet already completely wasted.

"Speaking of Hell wine, care to continue our little game?" Mephisto asked, shuffling the cards from Ricky's inventory, his eyes briefly lingering on the empty wine bottle before returning to Ricky with a mischievous glint.

"Yeah, why not."

20 minutes later,

"H-How?" Mephisto stammered, his entire body shaking in shock and disbelief, as Ricky casually set twenty bottles of Hell wine into his inventory before retrieving one and popping off the cork.

"How could you possibly have gotten five royal flushes in a row?" Mephisto asked, looking up with a mixture of frustration and disbelief.

The hell spawn knew Ricky had cheated, but no matter how hard he searched, there was no way to prove it, Ricky's tricks were just too flawless seemingly trumping his own cheating.

"It has to be these cards, but it can't be-.....they're just regular cards, literally human cards." Mephisto stared at the Jack of Diamonds in his hands, his frown deepening.

Mephisto's eyes strained as he examined the card, but no matter how he looked at it, it was just an ordinary playing card, nothing extraordinary about it.

In all honesty, Ricky had simply swapped the cards he wanted with others still in his inventory, a subtle sleight of hand that Mephisto couldn't even begin to fathom.

"Well, Mephisto, I know we agreed to trade, but let's put that off for another time cause I'm definitely not in any state to trade or even think straight." Ricky sighed, gently pulling the card from Mephisto's trembling fingers and pocketing it.

"B-But-"

*BAM*

The door slammed shut behind them, leaving Mephisto alone in the dimly lit tavern, surrounded by the empty bottles of Hellwine.

The demon stared at the mess before him, frustration boiling in his chest as the twenty bottles, all consumed in a futile attempt to decipher Ricky, and not a single piece of evidence to show for it.

The demon couldn't shake the gnawing sense of defeat, the unsettling feeling that he had been outplayed by someone who shouldn't have been able to outwit him.

"RICKYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!"

Mephisto's roar echoed through the tavern, so loud and filled with rage that it could be heard even outside, sending birds scattering into the distance.

But Ricky, unfazed, continued down the trail, his steps steady and unhurried.

The night air was cool against his skin, and the chaos he had left behind seemed like a distant memory as he walked further away from the tavern, leaving Mephisto to stew in his frustration.

For the next few hours, Ricky wandered around the castle grounds, taking in the serene beauty of the landscape.

Asterion, Alexander, and Garfield walked alongside him, their laughter and lighthearted banter/quips filling the air.

There was no grand purpose to their stroll, no urgent mission or looming danger as it was simply a moment of shared enjoyment, a time for them to mess around and enjoy each other's company.

For Ricky, these small, unremarkable moments held a special significance, though he often didn't acknowledge it.

Ricky had spent so much of his life burdened by responsibilities, struggles, and the constant weight of his past, but in these fleeting moments, he was free.

He was allowed to simply be, to forget the looming disasters of his world and appreciate the simplicity of a carefree day.

As they walked along the winding trail, Ricky found himself taking slow, deliberate glances at the world around him; at the towering trees, the gentle flow of a nearby stream, and the distant peaks rising in the background.

These were the moments he rarely took time to savor, but now, in this fleeting calm, he allowed himself to be present.

In a depressing way, Ricky knew the journey ahead would demand more of him, there would be times when he had to rise to the occasion, but for now, he could pause, breathe, and simply be.

Somehow, Ricky found himself leaning over a stone ledge, his gaze lost in the sweeping vista before him.

The others had drifted away, and he hadn't noticed, too absorbed in the breathtaking view.

The sun was setting, casting a warm golden glow over the landscape, its rays stretching across the rugged terrain as it sank beneath the horizon.

"Why do you have to go back? What's so great about New York compared to being here with me?" Lilith's voice was soft, almost a whisper, as she appeared behind Ricky.

Lilith's delicate hands wrapped around him, and she rested her head gently on his back, her touch warm and inviting.

Ricky was completely sh*t faced at this moment, but even so and without warning, Ricky reached up and plucked a leaf from the air, his fingers brushing against it with a certain calmness.

"I'll give you everything, even all the sweet time you could ever ask for~" Lilith purred, her arms sliding around him as she drew him closer.

"Because I don't want to be a leaf anymore," Ricky murmured, the words feeling right as he stared at the leaf in his hand, then turned his gaze to Lilith.

It was as if in this moment, everything suddenly clicked in his mind, though he couldn't quite explain why.

"A leaf, huh?" Lilith asked incredulously, watching as Ricky rubbed the wilted, brownish-green leaf between his fingers.

"It was something my pops said to me before I left." Ricky said with a slight smile, his fingers gently rubbing the wilted leaf.

"He said, 'I thought you were supposed to be the roots of this family, but right now, you're just a leaf blowing in the wind.' I didn't get it at the time, but I actually get it now." Ricky glanced at the leaf, remembering Lucky's words clearly.

"For the longest time that I can even remember I've been like a leaf, being in people's lives for a season, taking what I need, and when it gets cold or the wind blows I'm just gone." Ricky then released the leaf, watching it fly along with the wind.

"I thought being on the move was what I wanted, f*cking around in the wind but now, I just don't think I want that anymore." Ricky chuckled, leaning on the terrace and gazing at the sun.

"Even now, even after everything I've done, I'm not even what I want to be since it feels like I'm just a branch." Ricky tried to find the words, but he knew that staying here would never let him be the roots Lucky wanted for him.

"I've learned the hard way that a branch is stronger than a leaf, sure," Ricky continued, his voice thoughtful, leaning his head on his hands.

"But I'm still figuring out what I want to be before I fully commit to any path. I had to test them out first, to see if any path could truly hold my weight. I might stick with this one for a few seasons, but I can't shake the feeling that if I keep going down this road, right here right now, I'll just break away when life gets tough." Ricky sighed, scratching his head, feeling like everything would be for nothing if he didn't go back to New York.

"What I want, what I truly want, is to go back to my roots," Ricky said with a newfound clarity, a laugh escaping him as the realization dawned.

"I want to go back to New York and be everything a root is." Ricky felt as if the weight that had been pressing on his chest seemed to lift as he spoke, the truth finally settling within him before sitting up.

"A root? What the hell is a root, Ricky?" Lilith asked, crossing her arms, her gaze fixed on him.

Ricky, with a crazed smile on his face, stared at the setting sun as everything Lucky had said to him suddenly clicked into place.

"Root people are very important to the whole f*cking tree because they don't do things to be seen. Their only wish is to support you and help you live a strong life, and even if you go through a difficult time, they will hold you up, and love you just the way you are." Ricky smiled at Lilith, walking over to the vampire who was caught off guard by the one person she didn't expect to throw down such metaphors.

"Listen Lilith, I know I can be really self-centered and a plain idiot at other times, but wherever you really need it, need me, I'll be there for you. This isn't going to be goodbye because I'm going to see you again, it's a promise." Ricky pulled Lilith close to him, wrapping his hands around her waist only for the vampire to turn her head and push away.

"W-Whatever, I only was using you for your power, don't get any idea's you manwhore." Lilith turned away, strutting out of the terrace with a reddened and blushing face.

Turning back to the low rising sun, Ricky had finally found what he wanted to be in this life as he closed his eyes for a moment.

Ricky wasn't perfect and it was clear, his imperfections shined brighter than all the things that made him so loveable.

Even if the entire world saw him as evil, Ricky didn't care.

Ricky's life had been filled with people who were rooted, people who stayed grounded no matter what, and he'd taken advantage of them at every turn.

But now, standing here, he hated himself more than ever after really thinking about it.

Like in his past life, there had always been people willing to give him fifth and sixth chances, yet time and time again, he'd ruined it all whenever things got tough.

Ricky wasn't going to be that guy anymore and looking back, he wasn't the old drunkard who couldn't even attend his own friend's funeral without skipping out mid-way, running away when it got cold like a leaf.

At that moment, Ricky made a promise to himself: he wasn't going to run from his people anymore.

Ricky was going to be the leader they deserved, he would face everything he had once fled from and finally become the man everyone knew he was capable of being.

"Ricky?" Rachael called softly, approaching after overhearing part of their conversation.

"Hey Rachael." Ricky laughed out, spreading out his arms at the surprise.

"What brings you to my moment of revelation?" Ricky asked with a smirk, as Rachael chuckled, clearly aware she'd overheard his conversation.

"Well, I'm here to tell you that I'm leaving tomorrow," Rachael said with a smile, stepping up beside him.

"Oh yeah?" Ricky asked, raising an eyebrow, wondering if he'd be looking at a future farmer in Nebraska.

"No, I'm not going to be a farmer, but that's the beauty of it, I don't know what I'm going to be," Rachael replied, her gaze drifting toward the sun.

For the first time in her life, she had nothing planned, no set path ahead, and yet that uncertainty made her smile.

"If you're ever in New York, give me a holler, and I'll show you around," Ricky said, nudging her gently.

Ricky leaned his head back, his eyes resting on her as the sunlight highlighted the scar on her face.

"You know, I'm proud of you." Rachael said suddenly, catching Ricky off guard as she turned to face him.

"I know it was never my place to judge," Rachael said, her voice softening in a downcasted way.

"But three years ago, all I saw was a coward, someone who just wanted to drop everything and run away." Rachael rubbed the side of her arm, watching Ricky's caught-off-guard expression, then gently tapped her cheek.

"But now I see a man who stands firm in his beliefs, unyielding even in the face of uncertainty," Rachael continued, her gaze steady on him with a warm smile.

"And I truly admire how much you've grown." Rachael noticed Ricky holding back a smile, trying not to let her words affect him too deeply, but she knew he needed to hear them.

"Three years ago, the old you wouldn't have risked your life in the face of uncertainty." Rachael said, her voice soft yet firm before taking a step forward.

"But you threw it all away to move forward." Rachael gently cupped his face with her hands, holding him there for a moment.

"You slayed Dracula, be proud of yourself-" Rachael chuckled, showing a warm smile before Ricky let the alcohol take the wheel and moved in.

Taking her lips into his own, Ricky couldn't stop himself as everything about that moment felt right.

To his surprise, Rachael leaned in, matching his intensity as their embrace was tangible, the warmth between them growing as the setting sun bathed them in a golden hue.

They held each other there on the terrace, savoring the silence, before slowly, reluctantly, breaking the kiss.

Their breaths mingled in the quiet space between them, eyes locked in a gaze filled with nothing but pure desire.

The world seemed to fade around them as the intensity of the moment consumed them both, their connection palpable in the lingering air.

"Do you wanna ride the train to-"

"Shhh, just come with me," Rachael whispered, not wanting Ricky to ruin the moment with some cheesy remark.

Rachael gently took his hand, leading him back into the bedroom and Ricky simply gave himself a playful shrug.

"Well, alright then."

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