The Hunt of Night Hag(Part 1)

"I am fully prepared for any risks," Shadow said.

"Good... In that case, put on your armor and go meet your future wife," Vergil replied.

Shadow quickly donned his armor, which had been repaired and adorned with additional ornaments.

Shadow stepped out of his room, accompanied by Vergil. He saw Marrie sitting in an elegant ranger outfit, Lisa in a sophisticated knight's armor, and Mistral in a beautiful wizard's gown. Shadow took a seat in the chair prepared for him, waiting to see what would happen next.

Not long after, a queen with red hair and blue eyes entered the room. She had short, shoulder-length hair and smooth, fair skin. Vergil, sitting next to Shadow, immediately stood up along with the others. Shadow, captivated by the queen's appearance, remained still until Vergil subtly nudged his arm, signaling him to stand. Realizing the cue, Shadow quickly stood up.

Queen Xesinus arrived, wearing an elegant and modest white gown. Her accessories were minimal, reflecting her focus on military strength and the welfare of her people rather than personal adornment.

"You may all be seated," Queen Xesinus said, and everyone sat back down.

"I welcome my fiancé and his party. I hope you find comfort here," she said, looking at Shadow and the others. "Shadow Master, thank you for looking after Prince Shadow Blackheart," Queen Xesinus added, and Vergil bowed respectfully.

"I'll get straight to the point. I've heard that the capital city was attacked by demons. There are many reports of a demon terrorizing the city, specifically a Night Hag," Queen Xesinus stated.

"A Night Hag? Didn't Shadow Master already..." one of the high priests began.

"Banished the Night Hag? I did mention before that the Night Hag could return because of its status as a demon," Vergil explained.

"In that case, for the next hunt, I will join in. High Priest Romanov and Shadow Master Vergil will gather more information. Shadow and the rest of you, you're not just accepted as my guests," Queen Xesinus continued. "I accept you as part of the family because you are with Shadow," she said. Shadow nodded in acknowledgment.

"For the hunt, I suggest Shadow lead. He is the best adventurer we have right now," Vergil recommended.

"I agree. I am also applying for membership in the Adventurer's Guild," Queen Xesinus said.

"In that case, I'll take my leave now. The sooner we start, the better," Vergil said, standing and bowing to Queen Xesinus.

"Do what must be done, Shadow Master," Queen Xesinus replied, watching Vergil leave the room. "That's all for now. Shadow, you will start your mission once Shadow Master has gathered the information," Queen Xesinus said before leaving the room herself.

Shadow and everyone else began to leave the main hall when suddenly Queen Xesinus ran and embraced Shadow. Lisa and Mistral were instantly surprised, while Luciana and Marrie could only sigh.

"Your Majesty..." Shadow began.

"No need to be so formal, just call me Xen," Xesinus said softly, hugging Shadow.

"Yes, Xen..." Shadow replied, still a bit confused.

"You are all free to explore the palace. Consider this place your home," Queen Xesinus said. "However, I have one warning: do not go up to the palace tower. It is a forbidden place," Queen Xesinus added with a serious tone. Shadow nodded in understanding.

Shadow walked around the palace with Xen, who was fully embracing his left arm. Lisa, feeling jealous, quickly grabbed hold of Shadow's right arm tightly. Luciana, seeing this, chuckled softly.

"Oh my, someone’s in love," Luciana teased playfully.

"Come on... someone's going to get even more jealous," Marrie added.

"Tonight there will be a party, in my room, if you all want to join," Xen invited.

"Sure, and maybe it can get a bit wild," Mistral quipped.

"Oh my..." Shadow sighed, shaking his head

After leaving the palace, Vergil headed straight to the main headquarters of the Assassin Guild and donned his esteemed assassin armor. He then set out to gather information, visiting the homes of those attacked by the Night Hag. The residents welcomed him warmly, knowing that the Shadow Master was seeking information to protect them. Vergil inquired about the incidents and the characteristics of the Night Hag. Armed with the details he gathered, Vergil returned to the Assassin Guild and began compiling his report.

"Night Hag, huh..." Vergil murmured, his tone flat. "I banished that demon thirty years ago. Why is it back?" he wondered aloud.

"Shadow Master, are you inside?" asked an assassin from outside.

"Come in," Vergil replied.

An assassin entered Vergil's room, handing over a report.

"As per your request, this is the investigation report from some members who patrolled the mountainous area that was the former lair of the Night Hag. They found that the place is becoming active again," the assassin said.

"I see... anything else?" Vergil inquired.

"We found a pentagram made with animal blood, specifically sheep's blood. We suspect that the Night Hag was summoned to disturb the peace of the capital city," the assassin explained.

"Or the Night Hag might be trying to gain more power. Alright, I'll go there and investigate tomorrow," Vergil decided.

"Ugh... morning..." Xen murmured, waking up and wrapping her arm around Shadow.

"Morning," Shadow replied.

"You were quite wild last night," Xen teased in a playful tone.

"Morning..." Lisa greeted as she woke up next.

"My head still hurts. Is it because..." Shadow started.

"It seems you drank too much last night," Xen said.

"I better get ready," Shadow said, quickly putting on his clothes and heading to the bathroom.

Shadow cleaned himself up and quickly donned his armor. He noticed a fountain in the palace garden and walked over to it, enjoying the refreshing morning atmosphere. The sound of birds singing reminded him of the palace in Azeroth when he was a child. Lisa and Xen, now fully dressed in their armor, approached Shadow. Lisa, familiar with Shadow, knew that he rarely smiled.

"Enjoying the morning?" Xen asked, standing beside him.

"It's peaceful here," Shadow replied, his gaze fixed on the fountain.