The morning at the Ragnaros mansion started calmly, with Vergil's five adopted daughters preparing for the arrival of their new magic instructor under Aeka's guidance. Vergil felt a rare sense of peace seeing his daughters in better spirits after the trials of the previous night.
That peace was soon interrupted when Captain Lucia arrived with her troop at the mansion gates. Freya, noticing their arrival, quickly called for Vergil.
"Lucia's here," Freya said, peeking out the window.
Vergil nodded and walked to the entrance to greet the captain. "Invite her in," he instructed.
Lucia entered, saluting with crisp precision. She was still dressed in her formal officer's attire, her troop stationed respectfully outside. Vergil gestured for her to sit in the living room, and Freya served tea before taking a seat nearby, quietly observing the exchange.
After a sip of tea, Lucia began. "By order of Empress Eliza II, I've been reassigned to Avalorne along with my unit. Our mission is to strengthen the town's defenses and ensure stability in the region."
Vergil leaned back in his chair, folding his arms. "I see. And what do you need from me, Captain?"
Lucia straightened her posture. "We request permission to occupy the newly built barracks within Avalorne's perimeter. They're strategically positioned, and we believe they'll serve as an ideal base for our operations."
Vergil nodded thoughtfully. "Permission granted. The barracks are there to serve the town's protectors. But be warned, Avalorne has had its fair share of troublemakers. Several bandit groups have been operating in the area."
Freya chimed in, her voice calm yet firm. "We've dealt with most of them during our patrols. But a few might still be lingering."
Lucia's brow furrowed. "Bandits, you say? Why haven't they been eradicated entirely?"
"After the Godfrey Montclair kidnapping incident, the bandits became cautious," Vergil explained. "Freya and I patrol frequently, but we're only two people. If you and your unit are diligent, we can finally secure the region."
Lucia nodded firmly. "We'll see to it. Avalorne will be safe under my watch."
Vergil smiled slightly, then leaned forward. "Captain, would you and your troops be interested in learning advanced swordsmanship techniques? The Ragnaros family style, specifically."
Lucia's eyes widened in surprise, and a grin spread across her face. "That would be an incredible honor, Master Vergil."
Freya raised an eyebrow, looking at Vergil curiously. "You're offering to train them in your family's style? That's not something you do lightly."
Vergil turned to her with a smirk. "Lucia reminds me of someone."
Freya tilted her head. "Who?"
"Creed," Vergil replied.
Lucia glanced between the two, curious. "Creed? Another member of the Ragnaros family?"
Vergil leaned back with a fond look in his eyes. "My third twin brother. Unlike me, Creed doesn't rely on weapons. He's a pure fighter—a master of unarmed combat. He's proficient with all kinds of melee weapons, but he prefers to fight with his own body."
Freya crossed her arms, intrigued. "Is he strong?"
Vergil chuckled. "Strong doesn't begin to describe him. If Creed were serious, he could destroy a mountain with a single touch of his finger."
Lucia's eyes widened in disbelief. "A single touch? That sounds impossible."
Vergil's smile grew faint. "Creed doesn't do impossible. He does what needs to be done, no matter the cost. If he were here, Avalorne wouldn't even need guards."
Freya smirked. "Sounds like someone worth meeting."
Lucia shook her head, still processing the description. "If he's anything like you, Master Vergil, then I'm glad he's on our side."
Vergil gave a rare chuckle. "You'd find him more intimidating than me, Captain."
Lucia stood and saluted again. "Thank you for the permission and your offer of training. I'll ensure my unit is ready to begin as soon as possible."
Vergil nodded. "Prepare your troops, Captain. We'll start training in a few days."
As Lucia exited, Freya watched her leave before turning to Vergil with a teasing look. "You didn't tell her that Creed has a temper, did you?"
Vergil smirked. "No need to scare her. Let her focus on the bandits first."
Freya laughed softly, shaking her head as they returned to their morning routines.
The afternoon sun hung high as a horse-drawn carriage pulled up to the mansion. Aeka stood at the entrance, ready to greet their anticipated guest. The door to the carriage opened, and a young woman stepped out gracefully. Her long purple hair shimmered in the sunlight, and perched on her arm was a majestic brown owl with striking white eyebrows.
Aeka's sharp senses immediately caught the immense magical energy radiating from the wizard. She called out, "Vergil, she's here. Bring the girls."
Vergil arrived, his five adopted daughters trailing behind him. His piercing blue eyes scanned the newcomer. Despite her youthful appearance, she carried an aura of experience and command. She couldn't be older than eighteen, Vergil thought, yet the magical power emanating from her was undeniable.
"Welcome to our home," Vergil greeted, his voice calm yet authoritative. "I take it you're the one who accepted our request?"
The young woman bowed slightly. "Indeed. My name is Morgana Sylveraid, a top-ranking wizard specializing in all elemental disciplines." Her voice was smooth yet carried a weight of confidence.
Vergil nodded and gestured for her to follow. "Come inside. We've been expecting you."
Inside the study, Morgana stood tall before Vergil, Aeka, and the five girls. Vergil introduced his daughters, starting with Mina and ending with Sylvy. Morgana gave each of them an appraising look, her owl hooting softly as if in approval.
After the introductions, Morgana turned her attention to Vergil and Aeka. "I sense strong mana signatures from both of you," she remarked. "It's rare to encounter individuals with such latent potential."
Aeka quickly shook her head, her expression flustered. "Oh, no, no. That's not true. I'm just here to support the girls. I'm far from what you'd call a strong mage."
Vergil smirked faintly, adding, "We're nothing special, really."
Morgana raised an eyebrow, clearly skeptical but chose not to press the issue. Instead, she turned her focus back to the girls. "I will begin assessing their magical strengths and elemental affinities immediately. They seem eager, which is good."
Vergil nodded. "The courtyard should suffice. You have full permission to use whatever methods you need."
Morgana inclined her head slightly. "Thank you. I'll begin at once." She gestured for the girls to follow, and they eagerly trailed behind her, their expressions a mix of excitement and nervousness.
From the study window, Vergil and Aeka watched as Morgana led the girls into the courtyard. She wasted no time, summoning a magical circle to test their mana flows and elemental affinities. The owl on her arm flew up and perched on a nearby branch, observing the proceedings with an intelligent gaze.
Aeka let out a low whistle, crossing her arms. "That wizard is something else. I almost thought she'd see through me."
Vergil chuckled lightly, leaning against the window frame. "Same here. I'm surprised she didn't call me out."
Aeka gave him a sidelong glance. "You're not exactly subtle, you know. If she finds out you're the infamous Shadow Cross, good luck explaining that."
Vergil smirked. "And what about you, oh mighty Arc Mage? Trying to hide your reputation as one of the most feared magic users in Midgard?"
Aeka sighed, looking up at the sky wistfully. "I miss those days. The adventures, the danger, the excitement. Sometimes I wish I could go back to the Realm of Midgard and relive it all."
Vergil's gaze softened as he joined her in staring at the clouds. "I feel the same way. But for now, this is where we're needed."
Aeka nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "Yeah. But who knows? Maybe one day we'll have another chance to roam the realms."
Vergil chuckled, his tone laced with nostalgia. "One can only hope."
Outside, Morgana's voice carried through the open window as she began the assessments. Aeka and Vergil continued to watch in silence, both reminiscing about the past and wondering what the future might hold.
Vergil sat back at his desk, his sharp blue eyes scanning the documents spread across its surface. The faint crackle from the listening device he had planted earlier provided a subtle background noise as he pieced together his plan for eliminating the final target. Freya and Aeka sat nearby, examining the maps and notes Vergil had meticulously gathered.
The maps highlighted locations of recent bandit attacks—villages and towns that seemed strategically targeted. Vergil's gaze lingered on one area in particular: a village located near the border of Lord Luminos Hart's territory.
"This village," Vergil began, his voice calm yet firm, "it's right on the border with Lord Luminos Hart's lands. The pattern suggests these attacks are deliberate, meant to destabilize the region."
Freya leaned forward, her wolf-like ears twitching as she followed Vergil's finger on the map. "Lord Luminos… I've heard about him. Unlike Lord Ulrich, he genuinely cares for his people. They say he listens to their concerns and even works the land with them. The bandits targeting villages under his protection would be a clear provocation."
Aeka nodded, flipping through a report. "It makes sense. I've heard Luminos and Ulrich have clashed before. Luminos values his people's well-being, while Ulrich exploits them. If these attacks weaken Luminos's influence, it could give Drakemont and Ulrich more control."
Vergil's expression remained unreadable, but his mind worked quickly. "If that's true, then our actions so far—removing the bandits—have indirectly supported Lord Luminos. We're already in his favor, even if he doesn't know it yet."
Freya frowned slightly, her tail flicking in agitation. "But what's Drakemont's endgame here? Are they trying to create chaos for control, or is there something more to this?"
Before Vergil could respond, the soft flutter of wings drew their attention. A white dove glided gracefully through the open window, landing on the edge of Vergil's desk. A scroll with a distinctive seal hung from its leg—the crest of the Drakemont family.
Freya's eyes narrowed. "A message from Drakemont? This feels... ominous."
Vergil reached for the scroll and broke the seal with practiced ease. Unfurling the parchment, he quickly read through the contents, his expression hardening as he reached the end.
Aeka, noticing his change in demeanor, leaned closer. "What does it say?"
Vergil read aloud:
To Lord Ragnaros,
On behalf of the esteemed Drakemont family, we formally invite you to a special celebration.
Each year, we host an exclusive auction, and this year, the Ragnaros family has been selected as our VIP guest.
The event will take place at the Drakemont estate, and this invitation ensures your status as an honored guest.
- Drakemont
Freya crossed her arms, her wolf-like tail swishing with irritation. "An auction? And they've selected you as their VIP? This reeks of a trap."
Aeka sighed, her gaze sharpening. "They're inviting you to walk right into their stronghold. Either they're confident you'll come alone, or they're hoping to bait you into a dangerous situation."
Vergil smirked, his expression a mixture of amusement and cold calculation. "It's both. But this invitation is also an opportunity. If they're reaching out directly, it means they're starting to feel threatened. I intend to use that to our advantage."
Freya raised an eyebrow. "You're seriously planning to go?"
"Of course," Vergil replied without hesitation. "But not without preparation. Freya, I need you to gather intelligence on this auction. Find out who's attending and what they're selling. Aeka, ensure the mansion's security. We can't leave anything to chance."
Aeka nodded, her tone serious. "Understood. I'll also make sure the girls are guarded. If this is a diversion, they might try something here while you're away."
Vergil stood, rolling up the invitation and placing it in his coat pocket. "Exactly. And if this auction is what I think it is, we might uncover more than just their plans—we might find the leverage we need to dismantle Drakemont entirely."
As Vergil slipped the invitation into his coat pocket, a thunderous explosion echoed from the courtyard. The sound wasn't singular—there were five distinct blasts, each accompanied by a cascade of vibrant colors lighting up the sky.
Vergil, Aeka, and Freya exchanged quick, alarmed glances before sprinting outside. The scene in the courtyard was a mix of chaos and relief. Standing at the center was Morgana, her face pale and her usually composed demeanor shaken.
Vergil approached her with urgency. "Morgana, what happened?" His gaze darted to his five adopted daughters, who appeared unharmed but slightly disoriented.
Morgana took a moment to compose herself, then explained, "I was measuring the magical capacities of your daughters using enchanted magic pearls. Each pearl was attuned to detect the strength of their elemental affinities. However…" She hesitated, her voice tinged with embarrassment. "The pearls couldn't withstand their overwhelming power. They cracked under the strain and... exploded."
Aeka gasped softly, her eyes darting to the remains of the shattered pearls on the ground. Freya's tail twitched in surprise, her confusion evident.
Morgana continued, "Thankfully, before the pearls fully detonated, each of them managed to react instinctively. They threw the pearls high into the air, minimizing the damage."
Vergil stood in stunned silence for a moment before a low chuckle escaped him. The chuckle grew into hearty laughter, filling the courtyard. He stepped forward, pulling his daughters into a tight embrace, his pride palpable.
"Well done!" he said, his voice brimming with joy. "Not only did you keep calm, but you also acted decisively. That proves you're capable and resourceful."
Aeka, watching the scene unfold, felt a swell of emotion. Tears welled up in her eyes as she whispered, "They've inherited his brilliance… and mine, it seems."
Freya, on the other hand, stood off to the side, her brow furrowed. "Wait a moment," she muttered. "Explosions like that from measuring elemental capacity? Isn't that a bit… excessive?"
Morgana turned to her with a solemn nod. "You're right. Their aptitude is extraordinary. During my assessment, I found that each of them excels in all four basic elements: fire, water, earth, and air."
Freya's eyes widened, and she took a step closer. "All four? That's almost unheard of!"
Vergil's laughter resumed, his pride unabated. "Unheard of? They're my daughters—of course, they're exceptional!"
Aeka, still emotional, chimed in with a sly smile. "It's not entirely surprising. After all, you and I both—"
Before she could finish, Vergil swiftly placed a hand over her mouth, cutting her off. Aeka's eyes widened briefly in realization. She gave him a subtle nod, signaling that she understood the need for discretion. Vergil removed his hand, and Aeka cleared her throat.
"Anyway," Aeka continued smoothly, "it's remarkable to see their potential blossoming so early."
Vergil turned back to Morgana. "You've seen their strength firsthand. I want you to teach them everything you can—spells, techniques, theory, whatever you believe they're ready for. Let them grow into the mages they're destined to be."
Morgana's initial nervousness faded, replaced by genuine enthusiasm. "It would be an honor, Lord Vergil. Their talent is rare, and with proper guidance, they could surpass even the greatest mages of this age."
Freya, still processing the revelation, looked at the five girls with newfound awe. "I always knew they had potential, but this… this is something else."
Vergil ruffled his daughters' hair affectionately, a rare softness in his voice. "This explosion is proof that you're special. Embrace it, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise."
The girls nodded, their earlier unease replaced by determination. As Morgana began discussing plans for their training, Vergil and Aeka exchanged knowing glances. Both of them carried secrets of their past, but for now, the focus was on nurturing the future—a future that shone brightly in their daughters' hands.
As the colorful explosions subsided, the commotion in Avalorne began to grow. Curious and alarmed by the flashes and sounds, villagers hurried to the source. A crowd quickly formed outside Vergil's estate, murmuring with concern.
Vergil, Aeka, and Freya exchanged glances, knowing they needed to address the crowd. Together, they walked toward the gates to meet the villagers, who bombarded them with questions.
"Lord Vergil, are you and your family safe?" asked an elderly man at the front.
"What were those explosions? Are we under attack?" a young woman added, holding a child close.
Vergil raised his hands, signaling for calm. His voice was steady yet reassuring. "Everyone, rest easy. My family and I are unharmed. There's no danger to Avalorne."
The murmurs softened, and the villagers leaned in to hear more.
With a hint of pride, Vergil gestured toward Morgana, who stood quietly nearby. "Allow me to introduce Morgana Sylveraid, a talented and accomplished wizard. She is here to train my daughters in the magical arts."
Morgana nodded politely, though her cheeks flushed slightly from the attention.
Aeka stepped forward, adding, "The explosions you heard were a result of their magical potential being tested. My nieces possess extraordinary energy, and the magic pearls used for the test couldn't handle it. Thankfully, they acted quickly and threw the pearls into the sky before they could cause any harm."
The villagers exchanged looks of amazement and broke into murmurs of excitement.
"A wizard of her caliber here in Avalorne? That's wonderful!" someone said.
"And Lord Vergil's daughters, too—they're truly remarkable!" added another.
A middle-aged man stepped forward, his voice filled with conviction. "We'll support Lady Morgana and your daughters in any way we can. They could become Avalorne's hope, perhaps even powerful enough to defeat the Demon King!"
Vergil's expression shifted slightly, his curiosity piqued. He exchanged a quick glance with Aeka before asking, "The Demon King? I thought the last one was defeated 5,000 years ago."
The man nodded. "That's true. The great hero of old struck down the Demon King long ago, bringing peace to the realm. But the Demon's kin still walk among us, waiting for their master's return. It's said the signs of his resurrection have begun to appear."
A ripple of unease passed through the crowd as others chimed in. "Strange occurrences in the west…"
"Whispers of dark magic…"
"Monsters growing bolder near the borders…"
Freya furrowed her brow, leaning closer to Vergil. "This could be just rumors, but the consistency is unsettling. What do you think?"
Vergil's eyes narrowed slightly, his mind already turning over the possibilities. "If there's truth to these claims, it might explain some of the chaos in the region. But for now, we have more immediate matters to handle."
He turned back to the villagers, his tone firm yet warm. "Thank you for sharing this with me. Rest assured, Avalorne remains safe, and we'll continue to do everything in our power to protect it. As for my daughters and Morgana, their training will benefit us all."
The crowd began to disperse, murmuring words of encouragement and excitement. Morgana sighed softly, the tension leaving her shoulders.
"That was… a lot of attention," she admitted.
Vergil smirked. "Welcome to Avalorne. Get used to it."
Aeka chuckled softly before whispering to Vergil, "Demon King or not, it's clear the people have faith in us. That's something we can use."
Vergil nodded. "Agreed. But for now, let's focus on our current mission. One step at a time."
Freya, still thinking about the villagers' words, cast a glance toward the horizon. The thought of a resurgent Demon King lingered in her mind, but she knew better than to voice it now.
As they returned to the estate, Vergil silently resolved to keep an ear to the ground. The shadows of the past might be stirring again, and if they were, Avalorne would need to be ready.
Vergil left his five adopted daughters under Morgana's guidance, confident that their training was in capable hands. Together with Freya, he made his way toward the nearby knight outpost commanded by Captain Lucia. The short distance allowed them to arrive swiftly, their presence immediately acknowledged by the guards at the entrance.
"Lord Vergil," one of the guards greeted, opening the gate. "Captain Lucia is expecting you."
Inside the outpost, Lucia stood waiting, her sharp eyes scanning the perimeter before softening at the sight of Vergil and Freya. "Lord Ragnaros, Lady Freya," she greeted, inclining her head. "I assume you've come regarding the earlier commotion?"
Vergil gave a small nod, his expression calm. "Indeed. I wanted to inform you that the explosions earlier were part of a magical training exercise for my adopted daughters. They're displaying extraordinary potential, which led to an unintended display of power."
Lucia visibly relaxed, a small smile tugging at her lips. "That's a relief. Some of my knights were on edge, wondering if Avalorne was under attack."
"They have nothing to worry about," Vergil reassured. "The situation was completely under control."
With formalities addressed, the three retreated to Lucia's office. As the door closed, Vergil shifted the conversation. "I wanted to discuss the situation surrounding the Drakemont family. During my time in Silvermere, I uncovered enough evidence to connect them to numerous illicit activities, including banditry and human trafficking."
Lucia's expression darkened at the mention of the Drakemonts. "Their reputation precedes them, but they've always been slippery. What's your plan, Lord Ragnaros?"
Vergil's eyes narrowed as he leaned forward, his voice cold and precise. "I want your assistance in apprehending their entire network of operatives, sparing only the 'distant relative' I've designated for a specific purpose."
Lucia raised an eyebrow. "That's ambitious, even for you. The Drakemonts are well-connected. Such an operation would require Empress Eliza II's approval."
Vergil's lips curved into a knowing smirk. "That won't be a problem. In three weeks, the Drakemonts are hosting their infamous auction—one that includes selling off kidnapped women. I plan to use that event to expose their crimes and dismantle their influence entirely."
Lucia's eyes gleamed with determination. "If that's the case, I'll gladly lend my support. This is the kind of justice the Britalienne Empire stands for."
Freya, who had been quietly listening, chimed in. "Captain Lucia, this operation will require coordination and discipline. Are your knights prepared for what's to come?"
Lucia nodded firmly. "My knights are skilled, but if you're suggesting additional preparation, I'm open to it."
Vergil leaned back, his demeanor as calm as ever. "Tomorrow morning, before dawn, I want your knights ready for training with wooden swords. It's time they learned techniques that go beyond standard drills."
Lucia's expression brightened with interest. "Training from the Ragnaros family? They'll be thrilled. Consider it done."
With their agreement sealed, Vergil and Freya took their leave.
As they walked back to the mansion, the atmosphere between them lightened. Freya glanced at Vergil, a small smile playing on her lips. "You're putting a lot of effort into this operation. It's almost... fatherly."
Vergil chuckled softly, the sound rare but genuine. "They're my daughters, Freya. It's my duty to ensure they grow strong and capable, just as it's my duty to protect Avalorne."
"And the knights?" Freya teased, raising an eyebrow.
Vergil smirked. "Every ally strengthens the Brotherhood of Shadows. Besides, training them will only benefit Avalorne further."
Freya shook her head, her tone laced with admiration. "You always think five steps ahead."
By the time they reached the mansion, the moon hung high in the sky, its pale glow illuminating their path. Though the night was serene, both Vergil and Freya knew the calm was only temporary. The storm they were preparing for would soon be upon them.