The Warlock of East(Part 1)

Shadow watched as the Night Hag's body lay lifeless, her head rolling to the ground. Shadow Master Vergil, along with the Lunavara troops and the Hunter Team, had successfully slain most of the goblins and demons that were under the Night Hag's command.

"The Night Hag's terror ends here. She has been defeated permanently," Xen declared, holding up the Night Hag's head.

"A rather interesting opponent," Lisa remarked.

"And tonight, Lunavara is free from the Night Hag's terror," said Shadow.

"Another mission accomplished!" Marrie said happily.

"Luciana had it easy, just watching from afar," Xen said, pointing to Luciana who was sitting under a tree.

"There wasn't much left to do. The five of you were more than enough," Luciana replied, munching on an apple.

"Is everyone alright?" Vergil asked as he approached Shadow.

"We're fine. How about you, Uncle?" Shadow replied.

"We're used to fighting in the worst conditions," Vergil said.

"In that case, let's head back," Shadow suggested.

"I need to write a report about this case at the Assassin Guild first," Vergil added.

Everyone agreed to return. Shadow and the others headed back to the Lunavara palace while Vergil returned to the Assassin Guild to write his report.

A few days after the Night Hag incident, Xen announced that her adventurer lover and his party had successfully defeated the Night Hag, and the capital city had fully returned to normal. Not long after, a delegation from a country east of Lunavara arrived, the convoy marked by the royal insignia of their kingdom.

Shadow Master Vergil, Queen Xesinus, Shadow, and the rest welcomed the representatives from the eastern kingdom. The emissary appeared impressed with Lunavara, marveling at its splendor, but Shadow Master Vergil had already discerned the true emotions behind the emissary's expressions. Shadow had heard rumors that the kingdom to the east of Lunavara was preparing to launch an attack on Lunavara.

That evening, during a royal banquet, Queen Xesinus hosted the emissary with great opulence. As the meal progressed, she began to address the important matters at hand.

"So, what is the purpose and intention of your visit from the kingdom of Latvavia?" Queen Xesinus asked.

"Honestly, I feel uneasy saying this, but King Ivan demands that Lunavara surrender unconditionally and submit to Latvavia," the emissary replied.

"This is an outrage!" exclaimed one of the ministers.

"Calm down, let the emissary explain fully," Queen Xesinus said, raising her hand.

"I am uneasy because I am aware of Lunavara's military reputation, but King Ivan the Conqueror insists on conveying that if Lunavara does not surrender, there will be a great war," the emissary explained.

"You've heard of Shadow Master Vergil's secret forces, haven't you?" Queen Xesinus asked.

"Yes, and all the council members, including King Ivan's own son, have warned him about it, but King Ivan refuses to listen," the emissary replied.

"So, what do you think, emissary?" Queen Xesinus inquired.

"In my view, King Ivan's son is more fit to be the next leader. He is firm but still capable of thinking logically," the emissary said.

"Very well, then. I will only take action against King Ivan himself. You may return tomorrow with the worst-case scenario you can present, but inform King Ivan's son of what truly transpired here," Queen Xesinus instructed.

"Yes, Your Majesty, Queen Xesinus," the emissary replied.

The dinner resumed as usual, with Shadow enjoying the meal. The next day, the emissary returned to his kingdom to report the dire situation to King Ivan, while conveying the more favorable discussions to King Ivan's son.

Queen Xesinus immediately mobilized the full force of her military, ensuring that all Knight Houses and troops were prepared. Shadow was there alongside Shadow Master Vergil, assessing the situation.

"All units are ready and awaiting orders, Your Majesty," reported one of the commanders.

"We need to be prepared for any eventuality," Queen Xesinus said. "Vergil, how do you assess our readiness?"

"We're well-prepared, but we must remain vigilant. Latvavia might underestimate us, but we cannot afford to do the same," Vergil replied.

"So, as I mentioned yesterday... Ballasniskov, I am choosing you to lead the main army, while Shadow Master will carry out targeted attacks and assassinations on key commanders or officers crucial to their offensive strategy. Luciana and Lisa will stay with me and act as mediators and diplomats," said Queen Xesinus.

Ballasniskov nodded firmly. "Understood, Your Majesty. We will be ready to engage at your command."

"And what about me?" Shadow asked.

"You're my betrothed. What belongs to Lunavara belongs to you as well," Xesinus replied. "However, my rule stands firm: you are allowed to go anywhere except the highest tower. For me, that is a forbidden zone, and that includes you, Shadow."

Shadow nodded, understanding the gravity of her words.

"As for the kingdom's administrative matters, I leave those to Marrie and Mistral," Xesinus continued.

Marrie and Mistral both nodded in agreement. "We will handle it efficiently, Your Majesty," Marrie said confidently.

The next day, Queen Xesinus departed with the Lunavara forces, heading to the eastern border. Shadow watched from the palace window as the troops marched out. Feeling a sense of restlessness, he left the palace and began to wander through the city, particularly drawn to the blacksmiths' shops.

Shadow had a passion for unique and rare weapons, enjoying both viewing and collecting them. As he strolled through the bustling streets, he reminisced about his youth, when Shadow Master Vergil had rigorously trained him with every type of weapon imaginable. The training had been grueling, but it had shaped him into the skilled warrior he was today.

Approaching a blacksmith's shop, Shadow's eyes lit up at the sight of an intricately designed sword on display. He entered the shop, eager to examine the weapon more closely and perhaps add it to his collection.

"Ah, what is that, Uncle?" Shadow asked, pointing to a spearhead tied to a long cord.

"Good question. That's called a Rope Dart," the shopkeeper explained. "It's a weapon from a distant eastern country. Shadow Master Vergil mentioned that this weapon has a high-quality cord and can be used in many ways."

"Is it different from a whip? Can I try it out?" Shadow inquired.

"It's best if you buy it first. I trust Shadow Master's judgment," the shopkeeper said.

"Alright then... can I get a discount?" Shadow asked with a grin, handing over the money to the shopkeeper.

The shopkeeper chuckled. "For you, sure." He handed over the Rope Dart.

Shadow went behind the blacksmith shop to try out the Rope Dart. He started by spinning the weapon and then throwing the spearhead, attempting to control its movement with the cord. Despite his extensive training, he found the Rope Dart to be quite challenging.

An assassin, passing by on a rooftop, noticed Shadow struggling with the weapon. Intrigued, he descended and approached Shadow quietly.

"Ah, so you're Queen Xesinus' betrothed?" the assassin asked, eyeing Shadow curiously.

"Your attire... You must be from the Assassin Guild," Shadow responded, recognizing the assassin's garb.

"Isn't that... a Rope Dart?" the assassin asked.

"I just bought it and wanted to try it out," Shadow replied.

"May I borrow it?" the assassin asked.

Shadow handed over the weapon without hesitation.

The assassin took the Rope Dart and began to demonstrate its use, effortlessly spinning it and controlling the spearhead with the cord. His movements were fluid and precise, showcasing the weapon's potential.

"This weapon requires a blend of agility and control," the assassin explained while performing a series of advanced maneuvers. "It's all about understanding the balance and maintaining the right tension in the cord."

Shadow watched intently, absorbing the assassin's expertise. "You're quite skilled with this," he remarked.

The assassin handed the Rope Dart back to Shadow. "I've had plenty of practice. With time, you'll get the hang of it too."

Shadow nodded, grateful for the impromptu lesson. "Thank you. I appreciate the guidance."

"Anytime," the assassin replied with a nod. "Remember, the key is to move with the weapon, not against it."