Johnny was awoken by the sound of a seal breaking and he looks over to see that the snake was breaking through.

A look of struggle appears on the snake's face, but eventually a large amount of spiritual energy gathered into the snake, renewing its body. Red diamonds surrounded with black dots begin to appear on his back, its size grew much larger, and although unseen, the snake's poison became much more potent.

Johnny lets out a smile after the matter was settled. He goes over to pat the snake on his head. “Good job, Slinky.” He says, satisfied.

The snake was now on the sixth stage, and was ready to be put to work. “You’ll follow Mary Rose from now on.” He says, watching as the snake nods.

…

…

Eventually Leo came by.

Leo bows his head in apology. “I apologize for the wait, senior. I was held up.” He says.

Johnny raises an eyebrow. “A problem? Can I help with anything?” He asks.

Leo lets out a sigh. “The underworld has been stirred up. The Cloud Riders and the Old Souls have gone to war. The Old Souls have also pulled me into the fray.” He says, letting out the problems he’s been facing.

“Oh? What are they fighting about?” Johnny asks.

“An Old Souls member has eloped with the princess of the Cloud Riders. At first, the Cloud Riders simply wanted to figure out where they went, but the Old Souls refused. Eventually violence broke out. For some reason the Cloud Riders feel as they’ve all been cucked over this ordeal, they can’t let it go.” Leo explains, helpless in the matter.

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Johnny throws a few almonds in his mouth and chews as he listens to this story. “Huh. Very weird. How hot was she?” He asks, curious.

Leo lets out a chuckle. “Immensely hot. I’d be mad too if I were them. But then again, she’s her own lady, she can do what she wants to do.” He says.

“Indeed.” Johnny says, agreeing. “Is there anything I can do?” He asks.

“Not unless you want to get embroiled in the war.” Leo says, shaking his head. But then, he thinks of something. “Actually, if you were to find the princess of the Cloud Riders, this could resolve the issue. I’m not sure if the Old Souls are intentionally hiding her, or they don’t know.” Leo says.

“I’ll keep a look out.” Johnny says, throwing another almond in his mouth. “Anyways, here are the potions. Charge whatever you feel like for them, or auction them, or whatever.” Johnny says, gesturing to the various jars.

“I’ll deal with it right away.” Leo says.

…

…

Lucy started coming around more often. The trio were seeing movies together, having dinner, going to bars. Mary Rose really didn’t like it, but she had to admit that she liked Lucy. They hit it off when they first met and she was still fun. So Mary Rose put up with it, but she made sure to watch the pair like a hawk.

“So, do you come from a family of witches? Or do you have a witch clan?” Mary Rose asks before throwing some fries into her mouth.

“I do have a coven.” Lucy says with a smile. “But all the coven members are loners. All of our information sharing and coven activities are done online and the members are spread out all over the world. It’s a group of members who know they need a coven but don’t really want to be in one.” She explains before eating some more of her salad.

“Are you guys demon worshipers?” Johnny asks before taking a big bite of his burger.

Lucy begins to cough on her salad before drinking some soda. “No, we’re not demon worshipers. Or at least most of us aren’t. Most of us worship the Old Gods. Why do you ask?” She asks, giving Johnny a weird look.

Johnny smiles as he chews his burger. “No reason. I just thought if a bunch of young witch ladies wanted to engage in some hedonism, I’d be open to that.” He says, displaying his motives.

Mary Rose uses a palm technique and hits Johnny on the shoulder.

Johnny looks with wide eyes, his mouth open, feeling a bruise beginning to form.

Mary Rose doesn’t give him a second glance. “Animal.” Was all she said.

Lucy lets out a chuckle. “Who said we have to worship demons to engage in hedonism?” She says with a teasing smile.

Johnny also smiles.

Mary Rose frowns. “Get a room already.” She says with a shake of her head. At this point, she just wanted them to bang and be done with it.

Johnny lets out a chuckle before continuing the conversation. “I’m not a fan of the old gods.” He says.

Lucy looks at Johnny. “Why?” She asks.

Johnny shakes his head. “They’re so set in their nature, so orderly, yet have so much power. I prefer humanity and all the chaos they can cause.” He says honestly.

“There are gods of chaos as well.” Lucy says.

Johnny frowns. “It’s not the same. Can the god of chaos grow? Or can any of the gods grow? Their power is in their nature and their only advantage is in their nature. The heavens are greater than the old gods. The old gods lack freedom.” He says.

“Hmm…” Lucy says, pondering over the matter.

“But if you’re doomed to be a mortal, worshiping the old gods isn’t so bad.” Johnny says, a little amused.