Two months had passed, and the adventurers who had chosen to work under Vergil had not only received their promised salaries—a stable 10 gold per month—but also underwent rigorous training in the arts of assassination.
Vergil personally taught them the fundamentals of being an Assassin, ensuring they mastered stealth, precise strikes, and battlefield awareness. However, he was not the only instructor.
Freya and Aeka provided in-depth lessons on Assassin history and philosophy, shaping the disciples' minds as much as their bodies. Lira and Sylvy focused on refining their combat techniques, improving their speed, precision, and adaptability. Training sessions often combined practical combat with deep discussions about the ideology behind assassination—teaching the recruits that an Assassin was more than just a killer but a weapon of purpose.
Aeka had returned one week after escorting Mina to Umbrellis for her Rite of Choice. She had fully entrusted the Umbrellis branch of Aeka Touch to Mina, allowing her younger cousin to manage it as her own.
During these months, Vergil and Freya also made sure to fulfill their promise to Anna's grandmother. With proper care and treatment, the elderly woman had fully recovered, regaining both her strength and spirit.
Meanwhile, Mina had intensified her training with Anna, pushing her toward her full potential. The more they worked together, the more Mina became certain—Anna would be her greatest ally, her strongest teammate.
The adventurer recruits also underwent extensive training in shadow movement, learning how to blend into the darkness and strike unseen. However, their combat training did not stop there.
Vergil arranged for them to spar with the Black Shield Mercenary Company, a battle-hardened force that had been hired by Empress Elisa II.
At first, the recruits were terrified—not only because they were facing battle-hardened warriors but because the leader of the Black Shield Mercenaries was an Ogre.
Rumors had spread that the mercenaries were involved in dark dealings, and some of the trainees feared they would be used as sacrifices in some twisted ritual.
However, Vergil and Apollo quickly dispelled those fears.
"You are under the service of Empress Elisa II," Vergil reminded them. "No harm will come to you under her watch—nor under mine."
With those words, doubt turned into determination. The trainees pushed themselves harder, absorbing everything they could from both Vergil's teachings and the mercenaries' combat expertise.
In two months, they had evolved from aimless adventurers to disciplined assassins-in-training.
The following afternoon, Empress Elisa II arrived at Vergil's vineyard estate, escorted by the elite members of the Black Shield Mercenary Corps. At the forefront of the guards was Appolo, personally summoned by the Empress for this urgent meeting.
Vergil, accompanied by Freya and Aeka, stepped forward to greet Empress Elisa II and Appolo. Despite her regal demeanor, the Empress's expression was grave, a clear sign that she carried troubling news.
"There is a crisis," the Empress stated without preamble. "Near the Elven village by the border of Grisveil Town and the Francia Magna Kingdom."
Vergil's sharp blue eyes narrowed. Conflicts between humans and elves were exceedingly rare—almost unheard of in recent years. "What exactly happened?" he asked, his tone calm but laced with curiosity.
Before the Empress could answer, Aeka spoke up, her voice carrying an edge of skepticism. "What's going on with Francia Magna Kingdom?"
The Empress exhaled and folded her hands in front of her. "The elves possess a medicine—an extraordinary one. It has the power to cure all diseases." She paused before adding, "But their laws forbid them from sharing it with humans."
Both Aeka and Freya sighed in near unison. They understood the elves' strict traditions well enough; even though their race was known for their wisdom, their unwillingness to compromise often led to friction with other nations.
Freya, ever the sharp thinker, tilted her head slightly. "Something must have pushed the Francia Magna Kingdom to such extremes. They wouldn't launch an attack without reason."
The Empress's gaze darkened. "Indeed. Their Crown Princess has fallen gravely ill. The disease she suffers from has a 99% mortality rate."
Silence settled over the group for a brief moment. Even Vergil, whose usual demeanor was unreadable, felt a flicker of intrigue.
"The Francia Magna Kingdom is desperate," the Empress continued. "I had hoped to send you, Vergil, to examine the illness, determine what it is, and perhaps find a suitable remedy. However…" She let out a quiet sigh. "Instead of seeking negotiation, the kingdom, along with its allied forces, has chosen to attack Grisveil Town in an attempt to seize the elven medicine by force."
Vergil's expression remained neutral, but his mind was already calculating possible outcomes. "And what of Grisveil's defenses?" he finally asked.
The Empress's lips pressed into a thin line. "A battalion of royal troops is already on its way."
Aeka crossed her arms, deep in thought. "So it's a race against time, then."
"We will request the Black Shield to negotiate with the Elves," Empress Elisa II declared, her voice calm but firm. "Any trade or transaction must go through them to ensure that tensions do not escalate into war between our two kingdoms."
Lira, who had been quietly listening to the conversation, furrowed her brows. "Is it even possible to avoid war?" she asked, directing the question toward the Empress.
Before Elisa could answer, Vergil leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. His icy blue eyes reflected the flickering candlelight, unreadable as ever. "That depends," he said, his tone measured. "The first move of the Francia Magna Kingdom will be crucial. Whether they seek permission or attempt to negotiate first will set the course for what follows. War… is like a game of chess."
Aria, sitting beside Aeka, tilted her head. "A game of chess?" she echoed, curiosity evident in her voice.
Vergil nodded. "Strategy and tactics are everything. Each move before and after an engagement influences the war's direction. A single miscalculation can turn the tide, and those who fail to plan ahead are doomed to be outmaneuvered."
Aria's eyes widened slightly before she nodded in understanding.
Aeka, who had been quietly observing, added with a smirk, "And don't forget—assassins are an element that can never be fully accounted for in any strategic calculations."
Freya, standing nearby, folded her arms and gave a firm nod. "She's right. Assassins operate outside conventional warfare. They can slip past battle lines, eliminate key figures, and shift the balance before the enemy even realizes what's happening."
Vergil's four adopted daughters exchanged glances, immediately grasping the significance of what was being said.
At that moment, Empress Elisa's expression darkened slightly. "From what our scouts report, Francia Magna Kingdom is deploying its full military strength. Among their ranks are several high-ranking nobles, serving as war commanders. Some of them… are women."
Vergil and Aeka subtly shifted their gazes toward Appolo, who merely blinked in confusion before meeting their stares. He hesitated before finally speaking. "Black Shield will conduct a night raid," he stated. "We'll send a vanguard of skeleton warriors to lead the charge, drawing enemy attention before we strike from the shadows."
Vergil narrowed his eyes. "Skeleton warriors?" he asked, his voice carrying a hint of curiosity. "Does that mean you can summon the Undead?"
A slow grin spread across Appolo's face. "More than that," he admitted. "I can even summon Undead Ogres if needed."
Freya exhaled sharply, tapping her fingers against the table. "In that case, I'll need intelligence on every commander leading Francia Magna's forces," she said. "I want to know their strengths, weaknesses, and whether they hold any value from an intelligence standpoint."
Appolo crossed his arms. "Once we capture some of their men, we'll interrogate them for answers."
"I will handle diplomacy personally," Empress Elisa II declared, her voice unwavering. "Francia Magna Kingdom will think ten times before daring to strike against the Britalienne Empire. If they provoke us, our full military strength will crush them swiftly."
Vergil, Aeka, and Freya exchanged glances before nodding in agreement. The Britalienne Empire was no minor force; its might was well known across the continent. Francia Magna's leaders were surely aware that a direct confrontation would spell their downfall.
Freya, ever the tactician, folded her arms and spoke. "I will deploy courtesans to Grisveil Town. They will gather intelligence using their... particular methods." Her crimson eyes gleamed with sharp cunning. "The right whispers in the right ears will yield invaluable information."
Empress Elisa II did not hesitate. "You have my full authority to proceed with this plan."
A sly smirk tugged at Freya's lips as she bowed her head slightly. "Then it will be done."
Meanwhile, Appolo, who had been listening intently, straightened his posture. "I will focus on rallying the various races of Black Gate Forest," he declared. "We'll need every ally we can muster." He paused, his grin widening slightly. "In fact, most of the Kobolds and Goblins residing there have already pledged their allegiance to the Black Shield Mercenary Company."
Vergil leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers as he observed the ongoing discussion. A calculated decision was forming in his mind. "It's time," he finally said, his voice low but firm. "The young assassins must step onto the field. This will be their first true mission—a chance to prove the fruits of their training."
Empress Elisa II tapped her fingers on the armrest of her throne before nodding. "Agreed."
Vergil's gaze darkened slightly as he continued. "Additionally, I will begin forming an intelligence network—an elite corps of spies. Their sole purpose will be to gather information, monitor logistical needs, and report directly to their assigned bureaus."
At this, Empress Elisa II raised an eyebrow. "You intend to expand the Assassin Brotherhood?"
Vergil's expression remained unreadable. "No," he replied calmly. "The spies will be a fusion of the Assassin Brotherhood and the Imperial Intelligence network. They will operate under the joint command of the Assassin Guild and the Empress herself."
A thoughtful silence settled over the room as Elisa II considered his words. Then, a slow smile graced her lips. "Very well. Once this mission is complete, you will have my official approval to establish the Imperial Spies Agency."
Vergil inclined his head slightly, his voice carrying an edge of quiet confidence. "I will not disappoint you, Your Majesty."
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting an amber glow over the sprawling vineyards, Empress Elisa II and her personal guards mounted their horses and departed. Their departure left behind an air of anticipation—uncertainty thick in the evening breeze.
Meanwhile, within the dimly lit war room of the Assassin Brotherhood, Vergil, Appolo, Freya, Aeka, and Vergil's four adopted daughters stood around a large wooden table, surrounded by assassins clad in white garb. The faint scent of aged parchment and candle wax filled the chamber, mingling with the scent of steel from the blades resting at their sides.
Vergil reached for a wooden board set at the center of the table. Pinned onto it was an image of the King of Francia Magna Kingdom, his sharp features and regal bearing frozen in ink. Below the king's portrait were several silhouettes marked with three ominous question marks—unknown figures whose identities had yet to be uncovered.
Drawing his dagger, Vergil tapped the empty space just beneath the king's portrait. "There's one more piece missing from this puzzle," he murmured, his icy blue eyes scanning the room.
One of the assassins, his face partially obscured by a hood, stepped forward. "What do you mean, Master Vergil?" he asked cautiously.
Vergil's gaze remained fixed on the board. "This blank space below the king," he explained, his voice low yet firm, "belongs to the Supreme Commander leading Francia Magna's forces." He paused for a moment before adding, "Rumors suggest that the Crown Princess of Francia Magna is set to marry a prince from another kingdom… and there's a strong possibility that this prince will be the one leading their army."
A flicker of uncertainty crossed Lira's face. "Is that even possible?" she asked, her silver hair catching the candlelight as she turned to face Vergil.
Vergil nodded, his expression unwavering. "It's possible," he affirmed. "From what we know, this prince isn't just a political pawn—he's a Hero of his own kingdom. If the Francia Magna Kingdom wants to strengthen its military presence, placing a powerful Hero in charge would be a logical move."
Appolo exhaled sharply, arms crossed. His instincts screamed caution. "A Hero, huh? That complicates things…" he muttered, his usual confidence flickering for the briefest moment.
Vergil's eyes glinted with something unreadable. "If it comes down to it," he said slowly, "I will deal with the prince myself."
The room fell silent for a beat, the weight of his words settling over them like a heavy fog.
Appolo's lips curled into a half-smile, though there was no amusement in his eyes. "You might not be fighting alone, Vergil. There's a chance they also have a Brave among them."
Lira furrowed her brows. "Brave?" she echoed. "What's the difference between a Hero and a Brave?"
Vergil's gaze sharpened, his expression turning calculating. "A Hero possesses overwhelming personal strength. Their combat abilities far surpass ordinary warriors. But a Brave… a Brave has the power to uplift and empower their allies."
He stepped back slightly, his fingers lightly tracing the hilt of his dagger. "I once fought a Brave who could enhance an entire battalion—over 500 soldiers at once. Even if their individual strength isn't on par with a Hero, their ability to turn an army into an unstoppable force makes them just as dangerous."
A heavy silence followed, as Lira, Sylvy, and the others slowly absorbed the implications. The realization settled in—this war would not be fought with swords alone. It would be a battle of strategy, assassination, and knowing when to strike.
Freya leaned forward, her crimson eyes gleaming with intent. "I will dispatch several courtesans to infiltrate key locations," she announced, her voice unwavering. "Their task is twofold—gather intelligence and, if possible, steal any vital documents."
At her words, Appolo smirked and crossed his arms. "Good. While they work from the shadows, I'll send some of my mercenaries into enemy-occupied areas, posing as sellswords looking for 'work.'" His tone carried a subtle hint of amusement.
Vergil, standing at the head of the table, nodded approvingly. "A solid plan. Both methods have their strengths."
However, a murmur of protest rippled through the assembled assassins. One of them, a seasoned operative, stepped forward. "With all due respect, Master Vergil, why would we allow mercenaries to approach the enemy directly? Won't that draw unwanted attention?"
Vergil's sharp blue eyes flicked toward the speaker. He remained silent for a moment, letting the tension settle before he spoke.
"Sometimes, an assassin must understand the importance of coded exchanges," he said evenly. "It's not about simply gathering information—it's about knowing how to read between the lines." He exhaled, shaking his head slightly. "Forgive me. I have yet to properly teach you the art of coded communication."
Appolo took the opportunity to elaborate, his grin never fading. "Mercenaries like mine can slip into enemy ranks under the guise of offering their services. Even if they're rejected, that alone tells us something. It means the enemy has enough confidence in their own forces… or they already have hired swords of their own." He tapped his temple. "Either way, we gain valuable insight."
Lira nodded in understanding. "That makes sense. Even a failed negotiation can reveal something about the enemy's situation."
Aria, who had been listening intently, folded her arms. "At this stage, the Assassin Brotherhood still lacks intel on the enemy's strength," she pointed out. "We need to change that."
Elen, ever the strategist, added, "Assassins can also use their positioning within enemy camps to identify key commanders. Even something as simple as learning their chain of command could give us an advantage."
The gathered assassins exchanged glances before slowly nodding in agreement. The pieces of the strategy were beginning to align.
Vergil placed both hands on the table and leaned forward, his voice low but firm. "Assassins may be shadows, but we move with precision. Every fragment of information, no matter how small, has value." His gaze swept across the room, meeting the eyes of each assassin in turn. "This war will not be won by strength alone. It will be won by knowing our enemies better than they know themselves."
Vergil's sharp gaze swept over the gathered assassins and mercenaries. His voice, calm yet commanding, cut through the tense air.
"It's time. Execute the plan."
Without hesitation, Freya nodded and set to work. She swiftly penned a letter to the courtesans, instructing them to depart immediately for Grisveil Town. To ensure their safety, two of Vergil's elite assassins would accompany them, blending into the shadows as their silent guardians.
Meanwhile, Appolo wasted no time. He left the vineyard estate and rode straight toward Dark Gate Forest, where the Black Shield Mercenary Company was already gathering. His orders were clear—mobilize every available member, bring their full arsenal, and prepare for the journey to Grisveil. This wasn't just a scouting mission; they needed to establish a strong foothold in enemy territory.
By dawn, word arrived. A messenger delivered a sealed letter to Vergil and Freya—confirmation from the courtesans that they were en route. More importantly, they had devised a secondary plan. Under the guise of expanding their network, they intended to open a branch in Grisveil Town, allowing them to operate freely while gathering intelligence on Francia Magna Kingdom's movements.
Vergil read the letter, a small smirk forming on his lips. "Smart."
Freya, standing beside him, tapped her finger thoughtfully against her chin. "They're moving fast. We should be ready to support them."
However, there was no time to respond to the letter just yet. Preparations for their own journey were underway. The Assassin Brotherhood was mobilizing, and Vergil and Freya would be leading them personally.
As expected, Aeka remained occupied at Aeka Touch, her growing business empire demanding her attention. She had been finalizing proposals for expanding into other Trading Cities, ensuring that their influence reached beyond just the battlefield.
Vergil and Freya, however, had other matters to attend to. Accompanied by Vergil's four adopted daughters, they would be moving into the field alongside the Brotherhood's assassins. This was more than just reconnaissance—it was a test of their young operatives' skills in a real war.
The wheels of the plan were in motion. The pieces were falling into place.
And soon, Grisveil Town would become the first battlefield of the unseen war.