The Hunter of Vampire(part 3)

Shadow observed the main hallway while following the monk, noting the numerous statues of saints adorning the corridor. Many corridors branched off from the main hall, each leading to different sectors.

"Saint Peter Monastery is over 2,000 years old and has always been a gateway and post for those heading to the Dark Wood District," said the monk.

"Dark Wood District?" Marrie asked curiously.

"The Dark Wood District was once known as a rather frightening swamp area. Rumor has it that a long time ago, an evil witch lived in the swamp," said the monk.

"And the rest is history. The Heart Royal Family bravely fought the witch and established the district there," said Shadow, sighing.

Marrie chuckled softly at Shadow's reaction. Without realizing it, Shadow and his entire party had arrived in the main hall. Master Vergil was examining a star map and the surrounding area, while the Abbot looked perplexed.

"It seems we need to launch a full-scale attack on Red Sabath Night at Red Meadow Hill," said Vergil, pointing at the map.

Shadow, who had just entered, heard what his uncle said. "Red Sabath Night?" he asked, looking confused.

"Shadow... welcome. Let me explain what Red Sabath Night is," said Vergil, noticing Shadow's curiosity. "There are certain phases of the full moon that turn blood red. The Heart Royal Family calls this night Red Sabath Night because all monsters and the undead gain immense power, including vampires," explained Vergil, pointing to a document depicting the blood-red full moon.

Shadow took the document and examined it closely. "It says here that Red Sabath Night only occurs once every one hundred fifty years... and the last Red Sabath Night happened 45 years ago," said Shadow.

"I've heard that the movement of the moon can be slightly manipulated by the Sages," said Marrie.

"More precisely, they can force a Red Sabath Night through a ritual that sacrifices someone," said Vergil.

Luciana, hearing this, remembered something. "Ah, that's right. I heard rumors about young women aged 15 to 18 being kidnapped. This news started spreading a few weeks ago, and even the Adventure Guild began investigating it," she said seriously.

"The Assassin Guild has been investigating since the news spread. That's why I asked you all to come here because the Talarian Bureau of the Assassin Guild discovered the ritual's location," said Vergil confidently. "They will conduct the ritual in the Valley of 100 Eyes. However..." Vergil's tone became slightly worried.

"What's wrong, uncle? Is there something unpleasant we need to hear?" asked Shadow curiously.

Mistral pointed to the map. "The location of that hill is quite difficult, and also..." Mistral pointed to the vampire notes on the table. "They can easily turn into bats, but there's also good news."

"Huh? What's the good news?" asked Shadow.

"Based on calculations, if everything goes right, the ritual can only be performed in one month, and they have to move at night," said Mistral.

"Hmm, that's true. The distance from the prison where the women are held to the Valley is quite far, and the women must remain alive," said Vergil calmly.

"And don't forget, I can easily cast a portal spell to get us there in the blink of an eye," said Marrie.

"Ah, I forgot you're a Mage from the Arcana Guild, but casting a Mass Teleport Spell requires significant concentration," said the Abbot.

"Let that be my concern. Through the Assassin Guild's connections, whatever you need can be provided quickly, including some mana potions for Marrie so she can fight immediately," said Vergil casually.

"Uncle, why didn't you help my father in the war?" asked Shadow.

"I will answer that privately. Can the rest of you give us some time?" Vergil requested to Marrie, Luciana, and Mistral. The Abbot also left the room due to other obligations.

Once they were alone, Vergil sat in a chair. "It seems it's time I tell you this... I offered the services of the Grey Knight Chapter that I trained to your father. I even demonstrated the abilities of the Grey Knights in detail," said Vergil.

"Grey Knights? Chapter?" asked Shadow, confused.

"A Chapter consists of a thousand personnel, more than enough to conquer a country within a week. The Grey Knights are troops I personally trained, wearing very thick armor yet moving with incredible agility," Vergil explained, sighing.

"But why didn't my father accept your help?" Shadow asked, still puzzled.

"Your father was a man of principle. He believed that accepting such powerful assistance would undermine the strength and independence of his own forces. He wanted to win the war on his own terms, with his own troops," Vergil continued. "He thought that relying on the Grey Knights would make him seem weak and overly dependent on external help."

Shadow processed this information, understanding the weight of his father's decisions. "So, in the end, it was his choice to face the battle with his own strength."

"Yes, and I respected his decision, even though it was difficult to stand by and not intervene. Your father was a great leader, and he wanted to preserve the honor and integrity of his people," said Vergil.

Shadow nodded, absorbing the truth about his father's choices and the underlying reasons for Vergil's restraint during that critical time.

"Uncle, you taught me tactics like this. Why didn’t you..." Shadow began, but Vergil interrupted him.

"Your father was bound by tradition and the principles of the Azeroth Kingdom. He knew Azeroth wasn't ready for what I could bring, and neither was the Belarus Kingdom," Vergil explained. Shadow fell silent.

"As a contingency plan, I am preparing the Grey Knights. We don't know what will happen during Red Sabath Night," Vergil said, sighing.

"Are the Grey Knights part of the Assassin Guild?" Shadow asked.

"More accurately, they are a special unit that only the Assassin Master can command, alongside the Guiltenoin Cross troops and the Sharp Shooters with crossbows," Vergil clarified.

"Alright, we will make preparations then," said Shadow.

"Ah, yes. I forgot to give you something for fighting the first vampire," said Vergil as he stood and took out a box. "Do you have any weapons more effective than wooden stakes?" asked Shadow.

Vergil opened the box and handed Shadow several silver crucifix necklaces. "Vampires are famously afraid of anything made of silver and shaped like a cross. Additionally, they fear sunlight."

"I understand that. I've handled numerous requests and jobs from the Adventure Guild, so..." Shadow started, but Vergil also handed him a bottle of water. The bottle was thin and fragile.

"This is also effective against vampires. It's Holy Water, blessed by the Archbishop of St. Angelous Cathedral," said Vergil.

"So, technically, they fear anything related to holy magic?" Shadow asked.

"Technically, yes. Any magic, even healing magic, can inflict significant damage on them," Vergil replied, smiling.

"So..." Shadow looked confused.

"You need party members who can use healing magic or nuns skilled in Holy magic," Vergil said, smiling as he left the room.