The Hunt of Night Hag(part 2)

Shadow, accompanied by Xen and Lisa, headed straight to the main headquarters of the Adventure Guild in Lunavara. Several soldiers patrolling the streets recognized the queen with her guests and had been briefed that Queen Xesinus was using the name Xen. Shadow, Xen, and Lisa entered the Adventure Guild and made their way to the reception area to register Xen as an adventurer.

"Welcome to the Adventure Guild. How can I assist you?" asked the receptionist.

"I want to register as an adventurer," said Xen.

"Alright, please fill out this registration form," the receptionist said, handing over the form. Xen, along with Shadow and Lisa, quickly sat down to complete it.

"So, this is how the process works?" Xen asked.

"Especially if you’ve previously been part of another guild, the process becomes much smoother," Lisa explained.

"And also, you get access to free lodging at any branch of the Adventure Guild if you have a membership card," added Shadow.

"Is that so..." Xen said as she filled out the form. Before long, Xen returned the completed form to the receptionist, who promptly began processing it.

"Here is your membership card, Miss Xen. Happy adventuring," the receptionist said, handing over a card bearing Xen's name.

"You’re officially an adventurer now. Remember one thing: Adventures are not escorted by troops..." Shadow said, noticing a few guards peeking through the windows of the Adventure Guild.

"Yes, sorry about that. They're a bit worried about their queen and future king," Xen said with a small laugh.

"Oh, before I forget, what weapon do you want to use, Xen?" Lisa asked.

"Hmm... I'm not sure," Xen replied, looking confused.

"In that case, let's go to the weapon shop," Shadow said, standing up from the table.

"I know the best place. Let's head there right away," Xen said, immediately standing up and heading towards the weapon shop.

Walking past several shops, Shadow, Xen, and Lisa arrived at a weapon shop. They entered, and Shadow noticed the vast array of weapon types sold by the blacksmith.

"Which one will you choose?" asked Shadow.

"Hmm..." Xen murmured as she looked over the shop's weapon collection.

"I've set up a practice target for you to try them out," said the shop owner. Xen immediately picked up a sword adorned with runes that radiated power.

"Are you used to swords?" Lisa asked.

"Actually, I can use all types of weapons. Shadow Master trained me to handle any weapon," Xen replied innocently.

"Is that so... WHAT?" Lisa reacted in surprise.

"Hahahahahaha, so my guest is the esteemed Queen Xesinus," laughed the blacksmith.

"Uncle, you knew she was the queen?" Shadow asked.

"The people of Lunavara already know that Queen Xesinus is the first disciple of Shadow Master Vergil," the blacksmith explained. "I've also heard rumors that the second disciple of Shadow Master hails from a kingdom conquered by the Belarus Kingdom, but their status is currently unknown."

Lisa and Xen glanced at Shadow.

"I'll take two daggers and a sword," Xen said, handing over a bag of coins.

Shadow, Xen, and Lisa then returned to the palace.

Meanwhile, in the forest, Vergil and several assassins arrived at the location specified by one of the assassins. Vergil kept a watchful eye on the place, observing an elderly woman with white hair and a heavily wrinkled face, yet she appeared remarkably spry. The woman laughed with a chilling tone. Vergil quickly retreated with the assassins and returned to the Assassin Guild. Once there, Vergil changed his clothes and headed to the Lunavara palace.

"We're back," Xen said happily.

"So, how did it go?" asked Luciana.

"Here it is. It turns out it was really easy to become a member of the Adventure Guild," Xen said, showing her Adventure Guild membership card.

"Your Majesty, Queen Xesinus, Shadow Master Vergil has arrived with important news," said a soldier.

"Alright then, I'll go meet the Shadow Master," Xen said as she headed towards the main hall.

Vergil immediately stood up from his seat as Queen Xesinus arrived, still clad in her armor.

"Shadow Master, I trust you have important news," said Queen Xesinus.

"Your Majesty, it turns out that the Night Hag has survived despite my efforts to eliminate her twenty years ago. This time, however, we have discovered her hideout and uncovered the secret to her survival," Vergil replied.

"What is it?" Queen Xesinus asked.

"The Night Hag has been using demonic power to carry out her acts of terror. Therefore, I intend to close the hell gate she uses as a source of her power," said Vergil.

"Very well, then. Tonight, we will begin the hunt for the Night Hag," declared Xesinus.

"I will prepare with the Hunters. Tonight, the Night Hag's reign of terror will end," Vergil said as he left the room.

In the evening, Shadow, along with his party and the palace troops, prepared for the mission. Shadow rode White Fang, while Marrie and the others mounted horses from the royal stables. Xen and Lisa also got ready, with the Lunavara soldiers positioned behind them. Shadow Master Vergil was already at the location with the Hunter Team from the Assassin Guild. Members of the Assassin Guild indicated the direction Shadow and his forces needed to go. Before long, Shadow and his troops arrived, and Shadow Master Vergil kept a close watch on the house.

Xen dismounted her horse and, along with the others, approached Vergil.

"So this is the place..." Xen said in a flat tone.

"Interesting..." Shadow remarked.

"So, what are we waiting for?" Marrie asked, preparing her bow.

"Alright, let's begin," Shadow said, walking towards the front of the house with Xen and their troops. Marrie took her position while Mistral readied herself. Shadow stood at the very front.

"Night Hag, you are surrounded!" Shadow called out. "Leave Lunavara or you will..."

"Or I will what?" the Night Hag interrupted, emerging from her hiding place. She appeared as a decrepit old woman with a hideous face, white hair, and long, sharp claws on her hands

Shadow immediately lunged at the Night Hag, who swiftly dodged. Lisa and Xen quickly moved in to assist Shadow.

"Is this all you've got?" taunted the Night Hag.

"ATTACK!!!" she screamed, and a horde of demons and goblins poured out from a cave behind the house, charging at Xen's forces.

Vergil drew his pair of katars, and the troops brought by Xen unsheathed their swords, engaging the goblins in battle.

Vergil signaled the Hunter Team to join the fray and assist the troops. Several assassins who had been lying in wait swiftly moved to help, cutting down goblins alongside the soldiers.

"Is that all you've got?" the Night Hag taunted, dodging Shadow's attacks.

"Not quite... NOW!" Shadow shouted, ducking as a Fire Arrow shot directly towards the Night Hag's chest.

"Mistral!" Shadow called out. Mistral chanted a spell, and the ground beneath the Night Hag turned to mud. Taking advantage of her destabilized footing, Lisa and Xen immediately lunged, stabbing the Night Hag, while Shadow swiftly beheaded her.