Vergil, Aeka, and Freya returned to Avalorne after nearly a week in Silvermere. Though some part of their mission had been successful, Vergil's nerves had been on edge since the third day of their absence. His five adopted daughters, despite being under the care of their skilled household staff, still needed his presence and guidance. As they approached the gates of their estate, the sight that greeted them was far from ordinary.
The five girls ran toward Vergil as soon as he dismounted, their expressions filled with relief but also fear. Clinging to him, they nervously pointed toward a figure standing by the entrance of the manor—a person with grayish-black hair and piercing blue eyes that mirrored Vergil's own.
The figure exuded an aura of deathly cold and overwhelming menace, wrapped entirely in a black hooded cloak. In his hands, he held a massive scythe, the blade gleaming with a ghostly light. The very air seemed to chill as their presence loomed over the courtyard.
Freya, reacting on instinct, drew her blade and stepped protectively in front of Vergil and the children, her wolf-like ears flattened and tail bristling. However, Vergil merely sighed heavily, while Aeka let out an amused chuckle.
Without hesitation, Aeka approached the figure and embraced them. The cold, foreboding aura surrounding the individual didn't faze her in the slightest. The figure didn't resist but remained as still and silent as a shadow.
Vergil placed a hand on Freya's shoulder to lower her guard. "Relax, Freya. That's no enemy."
He turned his attention to the figure, his tone light but teasing. "Shadow Ragnaros, you've really outdone yourself this time. You scared my daughters half to death—and my future wife here isn't far behind."
The figure finally moved, lifting their hood slightly to reveal their striking resemblance to Vergil, but with an expression that was even colder and more unyielding. Their voice was low and resonated like a distant echo. "oh brother..... please..... I wouldn't need to be here if you weren't so insistent on making my job more difficult, dear brother."
Vergil smirked and introduced him to Freya. "Freya, meet my fourth twin sibling, Shadow Ragnaros. The True Grim Reaper of our family and a constant thorn in my side."
Freya lowered her weapon but remained cautious. The aura around Shadow was unlike anything she'd encountered before, as if death itself had taken human form.
Meanwhile, Aeka broke into laughter, her bright demeanor contrasting the tension in the courtyard. "Honestly, big brother, you could at least try not to terrify your nieces. They're braver than most, but even they have their limits."
The five girls peeked nervously at Shadow from behind Vergil, their fear evident yet tinged with curiosity. Mina whispered, "Uncle Shadow feels scarier than Papa when he's mad…"
Shadow's cold gaze softened ever so slightly as he glanced at the children but said nothing. A faint sigh escaped his lips, and he rested the scythe against the ground.
Vergil, amused by the scene, shook his head and muttered under his breath. "This is going to be interesting."
Once everyone was inside, Vergil invited Shadow, Aeka, and Freya to his study. They sat around the table, with the door intentionally left open, allowing the distant sounds of his children playing to set the atmosphere. Freya, though trying hard to focus on the conversation, was distracted by Vergil's earlier comment about his "future wife." She knew Aeka was Vergil's biological sister, but if not Aeka, could it be... herself?
Aeka, on the other hand, immediately began the conversation in a relaxed tone. "So, big brother Shadow, why did you suddenly show up in Lunafama? You must have a big reason, right?"
Shadow, his cold expression unchanging, nodded. "There's been news about someone from Magnacarta VII arriving here. This person is said to possess a power similar to Lunafama's Guardian Goddess and claims to offer something called 'shadow.' I met with the Guardian Goddess to investigate."
Vergil leaned back in his chair, raising an eyebrow slightly. "And what did you find?"
Shadow continued calmly but with a hint of sharpness in his voice. "It turns out the Goddess had already sent someone to give something even Goddess her self not dare to given to Lunafama. That person… has the exact same face as mine."
The statement made Aeka burst into laughter, covering her mouth to keep it from being too loud. "So you thought it was yourself, huh? And it turned out…"
Vergil raised his hand to stop Aeka's laughter. "Don't tell me… You think I'm going to make your job harder, Shadow?"
Shadow looked at Vergil expressionlessly, as if trying to gauge whether his twin brother was joking or serious. "Of course you make it difficult, Vergil. Have I ever expected otherwise?"
Aeka slapped the table, still amused by the situation. "Honestly, this is funnier than I expected. Even the Guardian Goddess of Lunafama couldn't tell you two apart."
Freya, who had been silent all this time, found it hard to follow the banter between the siblings. But the mood shifted when Shadow began to discuss something more serious.
"The main issue here is something I discovered in the Nether World," Shadow explained. "The Nether World is a dimension where all dead souls gather. There, they are determined whether they will reincarnate, become creatures as human or another race, or be punished in hell. One soul that recently arrived there caught my attention."
Vergil straightened up, staring at Shadow intently. "Whose soul?"
Shadow let out a short sigh. "The soul of Lord Andrew Farmana."
The room fell silent. The name made Vergil pause for a moment. His expression remained calm, but Aeka and Freya could see the subtle tension that emerged.
Shadow, who knew his twin well, continued in a deeper tone. "His soul bore a very distinctive wound on the head. That wound... couldn't have occurred naturally. And I know you were behind this."
Vergil neither denied nor immediately admitted it. He simply gazed at Shadow with a meaningful look before attempting to change the subject.
However, before Vergil could speak, Shadow glanced toward the door, where the faint sound of children's laughter could be heard. "Those five children… They're very intriguing."
Vergil tensed for a moment but quickly softened into a small smile. "They're your nieces, Shadow. Of course they're intriguing."
Shadow didn't respond, merely observing from a distance with a rare curiosity visible in his demeanor. His icy aura seemed to thaw slightly, and Aeka noticed the change with a small smile on her face.
"You may be the Grim Reaper, big brother, but even you can't escape the bonds of family," Aeka teased, glancing at her most somber brother.
Shadow glanced at Aeka, his eyes carrying an unspoken weight, before turning back to the group. "Have Vergil's five step daughters and his future wife completed the Rite of Shadow and the Rite of Immortal?" he asked, his voice low but commanding.
Aeka responded without hesitation, her tone matter-of-fact. "Freya has already passed the second stage of the Rite of Shadow. But as for Vergil's daughters, none of them have completed even the first stage yet."
Shadow let out a deep sigh, his expression unreadable. The Rite of Shadow was a crucial step in training, and seeing Vergil's daughters unprepared struck a chord with him. The legacy of the Assassin carried weight, and he understood the price of success in this world.
Freya, curious but still unsure, asked, "What's the difference between the first and second stages?"
Shadow's eyes turned cold, as if reflecting the harshness of the trials themselves. "The first stage requires the courage to take a life. Even if that life belongs to a prisoner sentenced to death. It's a test of your ability to end a life without hesitation. The second stage is different—it requires you to fight your mentor, to challenge someone who knows you better than anyone else. It's about proving that you have truly mastered yourself."
Freya's brow furrowed. "Does everyone need to undergo the Rite of Shadow?"
"No," Shadow answered quickly, his tone hardening. "Only those who train to become Assassins. The Rite of Immortal, however, is a duty for every member of the Ragnaros family. It is the price we pay because our father, Ragnar Ragnaros, is an Immortal from another world."
Aeka, standing beside Vergil, added her thoughts. "The Rite of Shadow is only for those who are meant to be Assassins. Big brother Vergil, however, has transcended that. He's not just an Assassin. He's something far greater, something beyond the limits of ordinary training."
Vergil, hearing his name, glanced toward the door where his five adopted daughters were cautiously peeking in, the weight of their gaze heavy on the room. Aeka's words rang in his mind. She was right, of course—Vergil had long since surpassed the role of mere Assassin. But the path he had walked was not one anyone else could follow easily.
Shadow continued. "The Rite of Shadow is for those with the strength to endure. But the Rite of Immortal? That is the responsibility of all of us, because our family is built on the foundation of immortality."
Freya, her mind racing, asked, "But is it only for Assassins? Do we all need to take the Rite of Shadow?"
"No," Shadow replied, his eyes now cold with the knowledge of the truth. "It's not for everyone. The Rite of Shadow is for Assassins, for those who will walk the dangerous path of death and darkness. But it's a path that will shape you, break you, and force you to face what lies deep within your heart."
As he spoke, his gaze shifted again, his eyes narrowing at the door where Vergil's five nieces continued to watch them. Shadow's tone softened slightly, though it still carried the weight of someone who had seen too much of the world's cruelty. "The Rite of Shadow will show you what you are made of. And when you face it, you will see how far you are willing to go to embrace the darkness. Because to take a life is not a simple act—it's a part of you, a piece that you will never be able to return once it's gone."
Vergil placed a hand on Freya's shoulder, his grip firm but not unkind. "You will understand when the time comes," he said, his voice steady but carrying the weight of his own experience. "Not everyone is ready for the Rite of Shadow. But you will know when you are."
At that moment, the door creaked slightly as the five daughters stepped into the room. Each one had their own look of quiet determination, their eyes filled with questions yet to be asked. They knew the Rite of Shadow was coming for them, and they each felt the pull of destiny, though none of them truly understood what that meant yet.
Shadow's gaze sharpened as the girls stepped closer. "You will all face the Rite of Shadow when the time comes. But remember, there is a price for everything. If you fail, the consequences are severe."
One of the girls, a sharp-eyed young woman with short, silver hair, stepped forward. Her voice was steady, though she could not hide the tremor of uncertainty in her words. "And if we succeed? What will we have gained?"
Shadow's eyes narrowed as he looked at her. "You will gain something far greater than strength. You will gain the ability to look into your soul and know what it is truly capable of. You will gain the power to become something that others fear and respect."
Aeka looked at Vergil, her expression unreadable, as the weight of Shadow's words sank in. "The Rite of Shadow will change you. It will force you to confront the darkest part of yourself. Are you ready for that?"
Freya hesitated, her thoughts a whirlwind of uncertainty and resolve. But before she could answer, Shadow's voice cut through the tension. "When you take a life do you know what you'll give?"
Freya opened her mouth, but before she could speak, Vergil's hand gently stopped her. He turned his gaze toward Shadow, then back to his daughters. The question was not for Freya to answer—but is for her step daughters.
Aeka, silent as ever, knew who the question was meant for. And she remained still, knowing that this moment—this question—was meant to test more than just her niece, she know what meant to be Assassin, Vergil also know that Shadow try teach his five step daughter some time to be Assassin you must keep simple thing as secret.
Shadow stood up with a sudden, decisive movement, having already sensed the core of the problem. He didn't waste time in unnecessary words. With a calm but purposeful stride, he approached Vergil's five adopted daughters. Without a word, he gently placed his right hand upon each of their heads, one by one. The act was solemn, deliberate—each touch seemingly carrying an unspoken weight.
Vergil and Aeka exchanged a quiet smile, watching with an understanding born of years of experience. However, Freya stood frozen in confusion, not fully understanding the significance of Shadow's actions. Why was he doing this?
Vergil, noticing Freya's puzzled expression, explained in a soft but steady tone, "Shadow is giving them the Blessing of Grim Reaper."
Aeka nodded in agreement, adding, "The Blessing of Grim Reaper is similar to the blessings bestowed by gods and goddesses, but it is far more practical. It grants protection—not just from the normal threats of life, but from death itself. It's a safeguard for those who walk dangerous paths."
Freya's eyes widened as the realization hit her. Shadow's blessing wasn't a mere gesture. It was a form of protection, something that could ensure survival through even the harshest of trials. This was not just a ritual—it was a shield, an acknowledgment of the immense danger the girls would face in their future.
As Shadow approached Freya, he extended his hand to her head, his expression unreadable. Freya flinched slightly, not expecting the touch, but the moment his hand rested upon her, she felt a surge of cold energy, followed by a sudden warmth that seemed to spread through her entire being. It was not painful, but the sensation was intense, as though something within her was being reinforced, made stronger.
"Freya," Shadow spoke, his voice low, "the Rite of Immortal will be the most difficult challenge you'll face. But with this blessing, you will have a fighting chance. Remember, survival is not guaranteed, but this will give you a better shot."
Freya nodded slowly, feeling the weight of Shadow's words settle in her chest. The Rite of Immortal was a trial unlike any other, but now, she felt more prepared to face it. A sense of resolve began to form in her heart.
After the final blessing was given, Shadow stood upright, his figure now partially obscured by swirling black mist that seemed to form from nothing. His figure became less tangible, more ethereal. Within moments, the mist thickened around him, until his body was completely concealed. And then, with a final glance toward Vergil and Aeka, Shadow was gone, his presence vanishing into the darkness.
Vergil, watching the disappearing figure, let out a soft chuckle. "That's Shadow for you. No time for pleasantries. But I must admit, it's hard not to appreciate his directness. He gets to the point without all the unnecessary words."
Aeka smiled slightly, her voice tinged with a hint of admiration. "He's always been like that. Efficient and precise. But his actions speak volumes. The Blessing of Grim Reaper is a rare and powerful gift—one that will serve them well in the challenges ahead."
Freya stood silently, absorbing everything that had just happened. The gravity of Shadow's actions wasn't lost on her. She had just received a blessing that would protect her from death itself, and that meant more than she could truly understand at this moment. The Rite of Immortal would be her ultimate test, but now she had something to hold on to—an assurance, albeit a fragile one, that she wouldn't face it alone.
That evening, Vergil prepared a special dinner, something he did on rare occasions. As usual, Freya and Aeka assisted in the kitchen, both of them chatting and helping with the meal. The atmosphere was light, filled with laughter and warmth, but it was Mina who eventually asked the question that had been lingering in her mind.
"Papa," she started, her voice filled with curiosity, "what exactly did uncle mean by the question you asked earlier? The one about taking a life."
Vergil paused, setting down the cooking utensils as he met her gaze. His expression softened for a moment before he answered. "Tonight, I will find out the answer with Aria. But as for you, Mina, I've decided that you and Aria will take part in the Rite of Shadow, the first stage."
Mina's eyes widened at the mention of the Rite of Shadow, the gravity of Vergil's words sinking in. Freya, standing nearby, glanced at Vergil, silently understanding his reasoning. "It's a heavy test, and I want to be there to support you both. This is not something to be taken lightly."
Vergil continued, his voice steady but carrying a quiet authority. "Before we begin the Rite of Shadow, though, I need to make a quick stop at the Adventure Guild branch here in Avalorne. There's something I need to take care of first."
The rest of the dinner continued as usual, filled with lighthearted conversation, but the weight of the upcoming Rite of Shadow loomed in the background. Once the meal was finished, Vergil, Mina, and Aria, accompanied by Freya, made their way to the nearby Adventure Guild.
Upon entering the guild, Vergil approached the receptionist, pulling a small pouch of gold coins from his cloak. The receptionist, an older woman with a no-nonsense demeanor, looked up at him as he placed the pouch on the counter.
"How can I assist you?" the receptionist asked, her eyes glancing at the sizable pouch of gold.
Vergil didn't hesitate. "I wish to make a request. I need a magic teacher for my five adopted daughters. I'll be paying for the services."
The receptionist raised an eyebrow at the mention of such a specific request. "A magic teacher for five? Quite an undertaking. With this amount of gold, I can arrange for one teacher for three weeks of instruction, though accommodation isn't included."
Vergil nodded, unfazed. "That's fine. The teacher will stay at the mansion, so the accommodation will be provided there. Three weeks is enough to begin their training, and we can extend the contract as necessary."
The receptionist made a few notes, her fingers moving swiftly across the paperwork. "Understood. We will send a suitable instructor to the mansion tomorrow. I'll ensure they are prepared for the task."
Vergil handed over the pouch of gold, ensuring that everything was set. As the exchange was completed, he turned to Mina and Aria. "This will give you both a head start in your training. A magic teacher will help unlock your potential in ways I cannot."
As they left the guild, the night air felt heavy with anticipation. The Rite of Shadow awaited them, and the path ahead would not be easy. But Vergil knew that it was the only way to truly prepare them for the challenges they would face in the future.
Freya, walking beside Vergil, gave him a look of quiet understanding. "You're doing this to help them grow stronger, aren't you?"
Vergil's expression softened slightly, though his voice remained firm. "Yes. The Rite of Shadow is only the first step. They need to understand what it means to take a life, to face their fears, and to come out stronger on the other side. But they also need the skills to survive, and magic will be crucial in their future."
Vergil, accompanied by Mina, Aria, and Freya, continued their journey. This time, their destination was the Avalorne Prison. Mina and Aria exchanged nervous glances, their apprehension growing with each step. Neither of them had done anything wrong, yet the ominous atmosphere of the prison filled them with dread.
Sensing their unease, Freya spoke up softly, "The Rite of Shadow doesn't mean you're being imprisoned."
Vergil added with a serious tone, "That's true. You're not here as prisoners. But the hardest test lies ahead."
As they descended deeper into the prison, they reached a dimly lit area reserved for death-row inmates. Freya grew silent, her usual confident demeanor subdued by the gravity of what was about to happen. In the middle of the room were two men bound to chairs, their mouths gagged with special restraints to muffle any sound.
Vergil stepped forward and addressed Mina and Aria, his piercing gaze settling on them. "When you take a life, do you know what you'll give in return?" His words hung heavy in the air.
Before Mina or Aria could respond, Freya, standing to the side, quietly answered, "Death."
Vergil turned to her and shook his head slightly. "Correct, Freya. But it's not just death. Taking a life is never just about ending it—it's about what you give of yourself in doing so."
He gestured to the two men before them. "These two are bandits. Two weeks ago, they kidnapped Godfrey Montclair and his family, causing immeasurable harm. Their crimes are beyond forgiveness."
Vergil raised his hand, and with a subtle spell, two blades materialized in the air. Their edges shimmered with an ethereal blue glow as they floated toward him. He handed one blade each to Mina and Aria. Then, stepping back, he declared, "This is the first stage of the Rite of Shadow. Deliver death to these men as you see fit."
Mina and Aria hesitated, their hands trembling as they gripped the knives. The weight of the moment bore down on them, and it was clear that fear was taking root. Vergil stepped further back, joining Freya, who stood behind them. He discreetly summoned his own blade, preparing himself. If Mina and Aria faltered, he would not let the prisoners leave alive.
From behind, Freya could see Mina's and Aria's hands shaking uncontrollably, the blue blades quivering in their grip. The tension in the air was palpable, and for a moment, it seemed like they wouldn't be able to go through with it.
Then, Mina inhaled sharply, steeling herself. With a sudden burst of courage, she stepped forward and plunged her blade into the first bandit's chest, aiming for his heart. The man let out a muffled gasp before falling limp. Aria, trembling even more than Mina, hesitated briefly before swinging her blade in a swift motion, severing the second bandit's throat. Blood sprayed across the floor, and the second man slumped forward in his chair.
As the deed was done, both girls dropped their blades to the ground. Their hands trembled, and tears began to stream down their faces as the weight of their actions sank in. Vergil moved quickly, sheathing his own blade before stepping forward to embrace them both.
He held them tightly, his voice calm and soothing. "It's natural to feel afraid. The first time is always the hardest. What you did today wasn't easy, but you've proven your strength."
Mina and Aria clung to Vergil, their tears soaking into his cloak. He held them until their trembling subsided, his presence a steady anchor in the storm of emotions they were experiencing.
Stepping back slightly, Vergil looked at them with pride and understanding. "You've passed the first stage of the Rite of Shadow. You've faced death and carried its weight. Now, we'll see if Elen and the others can do the same when their time comes."
Freya, who had watched silently throughout the ordeal, couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for the girls. She knew this was only the beginning of their journey into the shadows—a path that was as unforgiving as it was necessary.
Vergil led Mina and Aria, accompanied by Freya, back to the mansion. Throughout the journey, Mina and Aria still trembled, their earlier ordeal weighing heavily on their hearts. Vergil kept his arms wrapped around them both, providing comfort and reassurance.
As they walked, he shared a story from his own past. "When I trained under my father, he was more strict than I am now. But let me tell you something—i am trembled too, just like you are now. And yes, i even cried too." Vergil's voice was gentle, but his words carried the weight of understanding. "It's not weakness to feel this way. It's part of the journey."
He paused, letting his words sink in before adding, "Tonight, it will be Elen's, Sylvy's, and Lira's turn. Tomorrow, they'll begin their magic training, and they'll need to complete the first stage of the Rite of Shadow before that."
When they reached the mansion, Aeka immediately stepped forward, guiding the emotionally shaken Mina and Aria to their rooms. Vergil, meanwhile, turned his attention to Elen, Lira, and Sylvy.
"It's your turn now," he said simply. Freya approached the three girls and led them to the waiting carriage, leaving Mina and Aria in Aeka's care.
The ride to the prison was silent, the atmosphere heavy with anticipation. When they arrived, the same test awaited Elen, Lira, and Sylvy as it had for Mina and Aria. The three girls faced their bound prisoners, and the weight of the moment settled heavily on their young shoulders.
Sylvy was the first to act. Despite her hesitation, she stepped forward and drove her blade into the prisoner's neck with precision. But as the man slumped lifelessly, tears welled up in her eyes, and she collapsed into Vergil's arms, trembling uncontrollably.
Elen and Lira, who had been paralyzed with fear, finally steeled themselves. Each girl approached their respective prisoner and plunged their blades into the men's chests, their hands shaking the entire time. As their captives' lives slipped away, they, too, broke down into tears and found solace in Vergil's embrace.
Freya watched from behind, her expression unreadable. She let out a deep sigh as the three girls clung to Vergil for comfort. She knew all too well the emotional toll of this ritual, though she had experienced it under very different circumstances.
On the way back to the mansion, Vergil reassured the three girls. "You've done well. Passing the first stage of the Rite of Shadow is no small feat. It takes immense courage to do what you've done tonight."
Back at the mansion, Aeka was still comforting Mina and Aria, who hadn't yet recovered from their own trial. When Vergil and Freya returned with Elen, Lira, and Sylvy, he announced, "They've passed the first stage of the Rite of Shadow. All of them."
Even so, the five sisters were far from at ease. That night, none of them dared to sleep in their beds, the memories of what they'd done still fresh in their minds. Freya, noticing their unease, sat down with them in the family room and spoke softly.
"I understand what you're feeling. When I was just starting out as an adventurer, I had to face something similar. But it was different for me. There was no one to hold me when it was over. I had to face it all alone."
Vergil nodded, his expression somber. "My father was harsh when he trained Aeka and me. There were no comforting embraces, only punishment if we failed. That's why I'll never let you face this without support. You're not alone in this."
He looked at them kindly. "Tonight, all of you will sleep in the family room. Aeka, Freya, and I will stay with you. You're safe here. Rest."
As the girls huddled together, surrounded by the warmth and support of their makeshift family, the heavy burden of the night began to lift, even if just a little.
Vergil stayed with his five adopted daughters, who were beginning to calm down after completing the first stage of the Rite of Shadow. He gently stroked their heads, whispering words of encouragement. "You've become so strong," he said softly, his voice full of pride.
Aeka was there too, though exhaustion had overtaken her, and she had fallen asleep while holding Mina close. The warmth of their shared presence brought a sense of comfort to the room.
Freya approached Vergil, her curiosity piqued. She lowered her voice, not wanting to disturb the others. "When we met Shadow, you mentioned something about me being your... future wife. What did he mean by that?"
Vergil paused for a moment, as if carefully choosing his words. "When you first joined me, my only intention was to train you—to make you stronger, to help you find your potential. But as we spent more time together, something changed. Living with you, seeing how you care for me and my daughters... I began to feel something deeper."
He glanced at Freya, his usually stoic expression softening. "I plan to take you—and all of them—to my world one day, to meet my father. To show you where I come from."
Freya's cheeks flushed slightly at his confession, but she didn't look away. Instead, she leaned her head gently against his shoulder, her tail flicking lightly behind her. Vergil responded by stroking her head, his touch reassuring and kind.
They sat in a comfortable silence, the weight of the day easing as they shared a moment of quiet understanding. Though unspoken, their bond had deepened, a connection forged not just in companionship but in trust and affection.