The Palace of Royal Lunavara

Vergil entered the room, assisting the medics from the Assassin Guild as they began evacuating Shadow first, followed by Marrie, Mistral, Luciana, and Lisa. The assassin medics who had arrived at the palace quickly left, leaving only Vergil and the 2nd in command of the Assassin Guild.

"It's done. Inform Her Majesty, Queen Xesinus, that the dracula has been defeated," he said to the person.

"At once," replied the person before vanishing.

"Guarding the Heart Royal Family is truly a difficult job..." Vergil sighed deeply and then exited the palace.

A few steps after Vergil exited the palace, it vanished without a trace. The other assassins were shocked, but not Vergil.

"What? Isn't it common for summoned objects to disappear when their summoner dies?" Vergil asked in a flat tone to the other assassins. "Quickly, take them to Queen Xesinus's palace. They are Her Majesty's honored guests," Vergil ordered. The assassin medics immediately began providing aid while escorting Shadow and the others to the palace.

Shadow tried to open his eyes. A female assassin was bandaging a wound on his left arm, but he soon fell unconscious again. Vergil, sitting beside Shadow, saw him briefly open his eyes and sighed with relief. He then urged everyone to hurry to the palace.

"Uncle... where are we?" Shadow asked softly.

"We've arrived in the Lunavara Empire. The Belarus Kingdom fears the Lunavara Empire because of its vast military strength," Vergil replied. Shadow fell silent and then slipped back into unconsciousness.

Several days passed as the journey from the border to the capital city of the Lunavara Empire, Valoria City, continued. Vergil and the group headed straight to Queen Xesinus's palace, where they immediately received the best medical care. Marrie and the others also received top-notch medical treatment.

"How are they doing?" Queen Xesinus asked.

"Shadow is still unconscious, and Marrie and the others haven't woken up either," Vergil replied with a worried tone.

"Master, I..." began Xesinus.

"I'm no longer your teacher. Don't call me that anymore," Vergil said to the red-haired, blue-eyed queen.

"Sorry, Shadow Master," Queen Xesinus apologized.

"It's alright... If they don't wake up by tomorrow, we'll have to perform the ritual," Vergil said.

"Shadow Master, are you sure about the ritual?" Queen Xesinus asked, concerned.

"It's the last option... I've consulted with the Sage of Eagle, Sage of Falcon, and Sage of Crow. They are physically prepared to undergo the Rite of Immortality," Vergil explained.

"But they..." Queen Xesinus began, her voice filled with worry.

"The rest is up to them, just as it was for you when you underwent the same ritual," Vergil said.

Vergil continued his duties at the Assassin Guild while coordinating with Queen Xesinus and the Sages who were tending to Shadow and the others. Unbeknownst to him, three days had passed, and Vergil decided to bring four dragon hearts and four bottles of green liquid into the palace.

"Sages, it is time to begin the ritual," Vergil said to the Sages.

"I have observed them all. The one most prepared is this woman," said the Sage of Eagle, pointing to Mistral.

"A High Moon Elf, huh? Very well, let's begin," Vergil responded.

Vergil immediately chopped up one of the dragon hearts and mixed it with other ingredients, combining it with the green liquid. He began administering the mixture to Mistral, ensuring she drank it, while allowing Marrie to continue resting. Vergil then prepared the remaining mixtures and carefully gave them to Marrie, Luciana, and Lisa in turn.

"The rest is up to them to fight," Vergil said, watching as Shadow and the others entered the transition phase.

Shadow entered a dark room where he encountered Thanatos, who held a scythe and had piercing red eyes staring intently at him. Shadow could feel an immense, ancient power emanating from Thanatos.

"Thanatos, it's been a while since we last met," Shadow said.

"It seems you've grown stronger," Thanatos replied.

"I failed to defeat Dracula. I don't even know where I am now," Shadow admitted.

"Shadow Blackheart, do you know who Shadow Master Vergil is?" Thanatos asked. Shadow shook his head.

"He has surpassed anything you can imagine. Even I can no longer touch him. You are now in the process of reaching that stage. The question is, do you truly want to become like Shadow Master?" Thanatos inquired.

"Shadow Master has been a teacher and a father figure to me. When my father died in that war... my uncle has always watched over and protected me. Maybe it's time I strive to become like him," Shadow declared.

"Very well then..." Thanatos said, drawing a sword. "Your task is simple: you must strike me. That's all."

Meanwhile, Vergil noticed Mistral waking up. He and the Sage of Eagle immediately entered the room where Mistral was lying.

"You've woken up, I see?" Vergil asked. Mistral nodded.

"This is the Lunavara palace. Queen Xesinus is preparing something for you all," Vergil said.

"Uncle... could this be..." Mistral began.

"I'll explain later. For now, rest. The others are undergoing their trials," Vergil replied.

"Trials?" Mistral asked.

"The Rite of Immortality... it will be explained in more detail later," Vergil said, leaving the room.

Vergil returned to Shadow's room and sat beside him, not interfering or leaving his side during the trial. He watched as the Sage of Falcon emerged from Lisa's room and escorted her to the main hall to meet Queen Xesinus. Shortly after, the Sage of Crow exited and escorted Marrie to the main hall, just like Lisa.

Vergil remained silent, waiting for Shadow, knowing he couldn't fully assist him. Shadow slowly awakened, a look of confusion evident in his eyes.

"Where am I?" Shadow asked.

"You are in Lunavara, more precisely in Queen Xesinus's palace. You've been unconscious for several days, and it seems you've just finished your trial," Vergil replied.

"Uncle... what's it like being immortal?" Shadow inquired.

"It's wonderful. You can travel the world without any worries. You can learn anything and take as much time as you need to master it," Vergil said. "You and everyone else can even venture into other worlds and learn many things," he added.

"Is that all?" Shadow asked.

"Actually, there is a price to pay... Are you ready to watch your children and grandchildren pass away while you, Mistral, Marrie, Lisa, Luciana, and Xesinus remain alive? Are you ready to eventually leave and explore the world with all your wives?" Vergil asked. Shadow nodded.

"Ah, yes, Uncle. I once saw a large silver knight with a spear that emitted lightning..." Shadow mentioned.

"I've never heard of such a knight. When we arrived at the location where you were injured, it was empty. Despite my long tenure as the leader of the Assassin Guild, I haven't encountered a knight like that," Vergil replied in a flat tone.

"Put on your armor and meet Queen Xesinus. She was deeply worried when she heard you were injured," Vergil said as he left the room.