The Training of Recruit

Several days had passed since Aeka and Mina returned from their meeting with Godfrey Montclair and Theo Cobblepot in Umbrellis City for Aeka Touch expansion. During that time, a new identity document had been prepared for Mina under the name Luciana Montclair, officially recognizing her as the daughter of Godfrey Montclair's younger brother.

That morning, Vergil informed his adopted daughters that later in the day, they would retrieve Mina's new identity documents and visit the estate. As usual, Vergil spent the first half of the day running his medical practice, with Freya assisting him in treating patients. However, once the clinic closed at noon, he and Freya shifted their focus to overseeing the construction of the new brothel in Avalorne.

Freya had taken the liberty of naming the establishment White Rose. When Vergil asked about her choice, she replied with a cryptic smile, "No matter how beautiful a rose is, it will always have thorns. And even if those thorns aren't poisonous, they still hurt."

Vergil merely smirked at her reasoning, recognizing the deeper meaning behind her words.

By midday, after completing the clinic's operations, Vergil returned to the mansion and gathered Mina, Sylvy, and the rest of his adopted daughters. Together with Aeka and Freya, they set off towards Châteauclair, their first destination being the Imperial Records Office.

Upon their arrival, the receptionist greeted Vergil courteously. Without wasting time, he inquired about the transfer process for the vineyard estate that he had submitted for acquisition a few days earlier. The receptionist, after verifying the request, handed over the finalized documents with an official seal.

"Everything is in order, Lord Ragnaros. The estate is now fully under your name."

Vergil took the documents, his cold blue eyes scanning them briefly before nodding. With the paperwork complete, he motioned for Freya, Aeka, and his five adopted daughters to follow him to their next destination—the vineyard estate.

The journey to the estate was quiet, each of them lost in thought. Upon arriving, they found the property to be vast and well-maintained, with rows of grapevines stretching as far as the eye could see. The grand house at the center of the estate was large enough to accommodate ten to fifteen estate caretakers, making it an ideal location for more than just vineyard operations.

Vergil led the group inside to inspect the interior. The structure was solid, with finely crafted wooden floors and high ceilings adorned with chandeliers. However, it wasn't the main halls that interested them—it was what lay hidden within.

As Freya and Aeka explored, their keen senses caught something unusual in the library. Aeka's sharp gaze narrowed at the massive bookshelf against the wall, while Freya ran her fingers along the edge of a particular section.

"This doesn't belong here," Aeka murmured, pressing against the wooden frame.

With a soft click, the massive bookshelf shifted slightly. A hidden mechanism had been triggered. Aeka and Freya exchanged glances before pushing it further, revealing a concealed passageway leading downward.

Vergil stepped forward, his expression unreadable as he observed the dark corridor before them. Without hesitation, he descended the hidden stairwell, the others following close behind. What they found below confirmed what he had hoped for.

The underground chamber was expansive, its stone walls lined with ancient torches that flickered to life as they stepped inside. The space was large enough to be transformed into a training hall, an arcane laboratory, and an assassin's armory. Along the far wall, old bookshelves stood covered in dust—likely an archival room, its contents still unknown.

A slow smirk crept across Vergil's lips.

"This place will do just fine," he muttered, his voice carrying a dangerous edge.

Freya crossed her arms, eyeing the chamber with approval. "A hidden sanctuary beneath a vineyard... No one would suspect it. You truly have an eye for opportunity, Master."

Aeka's gaze flickered with a rare gleam of satisfaction. "We'll need time to make it fully operational, but this will be the perfect foundation for what we have planned."

Standing in the dimly lit chamber beneath the vineyard estate, Vergil folded his arms, his piercing blue eyes surveying the hidden sanctuary. The foundation for their order was in place, but there was still much to be done.

"We will need new recruits," Vergil stated, his voice steady but firm. "I will seek out young men and adventurers who believe they have failed—those discarded by society. They will become our first initiates."

Freya, standing beside him, tilted her head in confusion. "Failed adventurers? Will they even be fit to serve as assassins?"

Vergil smirked. "Desperation breeds resilience. Those who have nothing left to lose often become the most loyal and determined."

Freya considered his words but then asked another question. "Do assassins have a ranking system?"

Vergil nodded. "Of course. The hierarchy is essential for maintaining order and discipline."

Mina, standing with her arms crossed, leaned forward with curiosity. "Then what are the ranks?"

Vergil began to explain, his tone carrying the weight of experience.

"At the very top is the Grand Master, or as some call it, the Grand Mentor. They are the highest authority, guiding the Brotherhood and shaping its future. Below them is the Council of Shadows, composed of advisors and Master Assassins—each specializing in their own field."

Lira, listening attentively, furrowed her brows. "And below the Council?"

"Next are the Mentors," Vergil continued. "These are assassins of the highest caliber, tasked with training younger assassins and handling the most dangerous assignments—ones that even seasoned assassins wouldn't dare attempt."

Vergil took a moment before continuing.

"Below the Mentors are the Assassins, the core of our order. Under them are the Adepts, those who have completed their first trials but are not yet full-fledged assassins. And finally, the lowest rank—Disciples."

Aria, ever the inquisitive one, raised an eyebrow. "What's the difference between an Adept and a Disciple?"

Vergil glanced at her before posing a question in return. "An Adept has undergone the Rite of Shadow, proving their worth. They are permitted to assist full assassins on missions. Disciples, on the other hand, are still in training—learning combat techniques, stealth, and other essential skills."

Elen, who had been silently absorbing the information, finally spoke. "So, if someone wants to become a full assassin, do they have to take another test?"

Vergil gave a slow nod. "Yes. There is an examination—one that all of you have witnessed before."

Mina, now fully invested in the conversation, narrowed her eyes. "What kind of test? Do they have to fight assassins? Or Mentors?"

"They must face a full-fledged assassin," Vergil clarified. "However, the rules are strict—assassins are forbidden from inflicting fatal injuries on Adepts under any circumstance."

As soon as those words left his mouth, Mina, Elen, Lira, and Aria all turned to Sylvy, their expressions shifting in silent understanding.

Sylvy, notorious for her speed and relentless fighting style, had a habit of forgetting to hold back.

Noticing the way the others were looking at her, Sylvy huffed and crossed her arms. "What?"

Mina let out an exaggerated sigh. "We all know how you get when you're fighting. Sometimes, you... forget who you're up against."

Sylvy clicked her tongue in annoyance but didn't deny it.

Vergil smirked at the exchange before speaking again. "The trials are harsh, but necessary. Those who survive and pass will earn their place among us."

With the combined power of their magic, Vergil, Aeka, and Freya swiftly began shaping the hidden sanctuary to match their precise plans.

The Training Hall was made the largest chamber, as it required ample space for assassin drills, sparring matches, and specialized training dummies reinforced with enchanted materials. Meanwhile, the Archive Room was much smaller, designated only for storing data, records, and mission logs—an essential but compact section of their base.

Vergil didn't stop there. Using his deep knowledge of both magic and metallurgy, he devised an enchantment for weapon forging, allowing them to create whatever arms they required. However, before implementing it fully, he turned to his companions.

"Freya, I want you and my daughters to try this magic yourselves."

Intrigued, Freya and the five girls followed Vergil's instructions, channeling their magic through the forging ritual. As the enchantment took effect, their weapons began materializing—each one uniquely crafted to suit their individual styles.

But what shocked them was the material itself.

Every weapon formed was made of titanium—a metal incredibly strong yet unnaturally light, allowing for both unmatched durability and effortless handling.

Vergil, examining the results with a calculating gaze, nodded in approval. Then, using the same method, he forged something far more intricate—a weapon of subtlety and precision.

A gauntlet materialized around his arm, sleek yet deadly. Within its frame, a hidden blade rested, concealed until activated. The mechanism was refined and secure, ensuring absolute safety for the user while maintaining lethal efficiency.

As he flexed his fingers, testing its responsiveness, he muttered,

"This weapon... It has a troublesome history."

Freya raised an eyebrow. "A troublesome history?"

Vergil smirked. "Yes. But the version I have designed is highly modified, ensuring both safety and effectiveness. This is no mere copy—it is an evolution."

Turning his attention to the others, he spoke firmly, "Now, it's time you all learn how to wield it properly."

With precision and patience, Vergil and Aeka began instructing Freya and the five adopted daughters in the deadly techniques of assassination—teaching them how to wield the hidden blade with stealth, speed, and lethal efficiency.

They practiced silent takedowns, rapid strikes, and advanced counterattacks, refining their movements until every action became fluid and instinctual.

To Vergil's satisfaction, he noticed that his daughters were exceptionally fast learners. Their natural talent combined with rigorous training allowed them to grasp the techniques with impressive speed.

As he observed their progress, his piercing gaze softened ever so slightly.

"Good," he murmured, watching as his family honed their newfound skills.

With their preparations complete, Vergil and his family returned to their mansion, gathering their belongings before setting off for Avalorne.

As the carriage moved steadily along the road, Vergil, Aeka, and Freya discussed the progress of their growing network—the mercenaries, courtesans, and assassins—all integral parts of the Brotherhood's foundation.

"The Assassin Brotherhood is nearly ready," Vergil remarked, his sharp blue eyes focused on the passing landscape.

Aeka, seated across from him, added, "I can also begin training spies—agents who can gather intelligence and move unnoticed."

Freya nodded. "The courtesans have also begun attracting noble clientele. Many of them seek 'companions' for business trips. Their mental endurance training will begin soon to ensure they can handle any situation."

Mina, who had been listening intently, leaned forward. "And what about the knights? Won't they interfere?"

Vergil smirked. "Officially, there will be letters of authorization for arrests and searches in locations where our targets can be legally detained. We will use the law to our advantage whenever possible."

The conversation then shifted to Aeka's business expansion.

"How is the preparation for the new branch of Aeka Touch in Umbrellis City?" Vergil inquired.

Aeka smiled with satisfaction. "Theo Cobblepot's wife and sister were impressed with the products. They are now setting up a factory with the same specifications as the one in Châteauclair."

Elen, who had been deep in thought, suddenly spoke up. "Actually, my aunt recently received an offer from Laurent Goldwick Trading Co. They have their headquarters in another empire."

Vergil's interest was piqued. "Which empire?"

Elen hesitated for a moment before answering. "The same one Empress Elisa II spoke of—the one where humans and monsters live side by side."

Vergil leaned back, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "That empire… It does intrigue me."

Lira and Mina exchanged glances before nodding in agreement.

"It aligns with your beliefs, doesn't it?" Lira mused.

Vergil's expression softened. "It does. A Doctor's oath is sacred—I will not discriminate against anyone, regardless of their race or nature. If that empire fosters such coexistence, then there is much I could learn from it."

Aeka chuckled before adding, "Mina demonstrated her skills as a young doctor while we were in Umbrellis."

Vergil let out a pleased laugh. "Good. The oath of a doctor is just as sacred as the path of an assassin. The two are like opposite sides of the same coin—one dedicated to eliminating those who would harm the innocent, the other devoted to saving those we protect."

Upon returning to the mansion, Vergil immediately made his way to his study. He took out a parchment and began drafting a recruitment notice for workers at his vineyard estate.

The requirements were simple:

Age range: 11 to 17 years old.

Experience as adventurers was not necessary.

Applicants must be willing to live on the estate.

Special bonuses and incentives would be provided.

With a flick of his fingers, Vergil duplicated the announcement using his magic, ensuring copies could be distributed across Avalorne and beyond. Satisfied with his preparations, he set everything aside and retired for the night.

Vergil lay on his bed, his thoughts still racing. What should be my next move?

Just as he was lost in contemplation, a soft knock echoed from his door.

Rising from his bed, he approached and opened it to find Freya standing outside, bathed in the dim glow of the hallway torches. Her expression was unreadable, but her golden eyes held something deeper—hesitation, perhaps longing.

"Can I stay with you tonight?" she asked.

Vergil didn't hesitate. "Of course."

As she stepped inside, he closed the door behind her.

They lay side by side on the bed, the silence between them comfortable yet heavy. Freya, despite her usual confidence, seemed uncertain, as if something weighed on her mind.

Vergil turned slightly, his piercing blue eyes gazing at her. "Freya... how ready are you to become my wife?"

Freya's breath hitched for a moment. "Honestly... I'm still scared," she admitted. "Not because I doubt you, but because I don't know if I'm fully prepared for what comes next."

Vergil's expression softened, and he brushed a strand of her silver hair behind her wolf-like ear. "Everyone in our family has already accepted you as my wife. There is nothing to fear."

Freya lowered her gaze. "But...?"

Vergil smirked slightly. "But I still want to find something special for you—something that will strengthen our bond even further."

Curious, Freya tilted her head. "What do you mean?"

Vergil gently ran his fingers through her hair before whispering, "It's a secret. But when the time comes, you'll understand... and it will be something truly valuable for both of us."

Freya remained silent for a while, before finally voicing a question that had been lingering in her mind.

"Can two assassins even get married?"

Vergil chuckled. "Not only is it allowed, but it's actually quite common. However, one thing is always clear—whether their children become assassins or not is entirely their own choice."

Freya exhaled slowly, as if reassured by his words. She then nestled closer, allowing herself to relax in the warmth of his presence. 

As morning light filtered through the mansion's windows, Vergil awoke to find that Freya was no longer beside him. He wasn't surprised—every morning, without fail, Freya and Aeka would be in the kitchen, preparing breakfast for the household.

Rising from his bed, he dressed swiftly and made his way downstairs, where the aroma of freshly baked bread and warm tea filled the air. The family was already gathered around the dining table, enjoying their morning meal.

Vergil's gaze shifted to Mina, who had finished packing her belongings. Tomorrow, she would leave with Aeka for Umbrellis, where she would officially begin her Rite of Choice—a personal journey that would define her path forward.

During breakfast, Vergil turned to Mina. "Before you leave, there's something important I want you to do. You'll need a personal attendant—someone you can trust completely."

Mina nodded, a hint of excitement in her eyes. "I've already thought about that. In fact, I believe I've found the perfect person."

Vergil raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh? And where is this person?"

"I'll take you there after we finish at the clinic," Mina replied.

Vergil smirked, satisfied with her initiative. "Good. But first, you'll be assisting me with today's medical practice."

Mina quickly straightened, clearly eager. "Understood! I'll get ready right away."

After finishing their meal, Mina prepared herself while Vergil and Freya set off towards the Avalorne Clinic.

The clinic was already busy when they arrived, with a line of adventurers and travelers waiting outside. Their expressions turned curious as they spotted Mina walking alongside Vergil.

As the doors opened, Freya stepped forward and addressed the patients. "Two at a time. Please enter in an orderly fashion."

The first two adventurers stepped inside. One of them, a rugged-looking man with a scar across his cheek, glanced at Mina and asked, "Who's the girl?"

Vergil, without missing a beat, replied, "Her name is Mina. She's a doctor, just like me. She also my daughter."

The man raised an eyebrow, clearly skeptical. But as Mina methodically examined and treated patients, the skepticism in the room gradually turned to admiration. She was meticulous, mirroring Vergil's own precision, and each diagnosis was swift yet thorough.

By midday, the final patient left the clinic, and Vergil turned to Mina with approval in his eyes. "You handled yourself well. Now, let's meet this personal attendant of yours."

Mina nodded eagerly and led Vergil and Freya towards the outskirts of Avalorne, where a modest house stood.

As they approached the small home, a young girl with blonde hair and blue eyes stepped forward. She recognized Mina instantly and smiled warmly before opening the door.

"Come inside," she said softly.

Inside the house, the atmosphere was humble yet peaceful. A frail elderly woman lay resting in bed. The young girl turned to them and introduced herself.

"My name is Anna. I've been a close friend of Mina's for a long time, though I never really knew much about her family."

Vergil studied her carefully. She was polite, well-mannered, and carried herself with quiet strength.

Anna continued, her expression darkening slightly. "I live here with my grandmother. My parents... I don't know where they are."

Vergil glanced at Mina, then back at Anna. "Mina will be leaving for Umbrellis in two years. She'll need someone to accompany her as her personal attendant. Would you be willing to take on that role?"

Anna hesitated, her hands gripping the hem of her dress.

Before she could respond, her grandmother spoke weakly from the bed.

"Anna, this is a good opportunity for you," the old woman said, her voice thin but firm. "With Mina, you'll have a better life. I won't be here forever, my dear. It's time for you to think about your own future."

Anna's expression wavered. "But... I don't want to leave you alone."

Vergil stepped forward. "You won't have to. I will take responsibility for your grandmother's care—including her medical treatment."

Anna's eyes widened at the unexpected promise. For a long moment, she remained silent. Then, finally, she nodded.

"Alright... I'll do it."

Her grandmother smiled, resting her weary eyes. "Then it's settled. Anna, prepare yourself for a new journey."

As they left the house, Vergil glanced at Mina.

"She's a good choice," he murmured.

Mina grinned proudly, knowing she had found the right person.

Vergil, accompanied by Freya, Mina, and Anna, set off on their way back to the mansion. However, midway through their journey, Vergil made a sudden decision.

"Before we return, let's stop by the Adventurer's Guild," he said.

Freya gave a small nod, understanding his intent. The others followed without question as they adjusted their course toward the bustling guild hall.

As they stepped inside, the familiar scent of leather, steel, and ale filled the air. Adventurers of various backgrounds filled the room—some gathered around quest boards, others engaging in idle conversation.

Approaching the reception desk, Vergil handed over a copy of his job recruitment notice.

The receptionist, a sharp-eyed woman with short brown hair, took the parchment and skimmed over its contents. "This is a job posting?" she inquired.

Vergil nodded. "It's an offer for young adventurers—especially those who feel like they have no future in the field or want a stable income. They'll be working on my vineyard."

The receptionist raised an eyebrow. "Interesting. And what about the payment?"

Vergil answered smoothly, "They'll receive a fixed monthly salary, without any interruptions."

Hearing that, the receptionist let out a small hum of approval. "A rare thing, stability… Adventurers usually only get paid per quest. A steady job might appeal to more than a few."

Without hesitation, she stamped the notice and pinned it to the quest board, allowing adventurers passing by to see it immediately.

Vergil nodded in appreciation. "Thank you."

"No problem. Let's see how many takers you get," she said with a knowing smirk.

With that settled, Vergil turned toward his companions. "Let's find an inn and have lunch before heading back."

The group soon arrived at a nearby inn, a cozy establishment that smelled of roasted meat and fresh bread. As they stepped inside, the innkeeper, a burly man with graying hair, recognized Vergil immediately.

"Ah, Lord Ragnaros! Welcome! What can I get for you today?"

Vergil offered a polite nod. "Lunch for four. Whatever's fresh today."

As they settled into a corner table, Anna suddenly stiffened. She turned to Mina, her blue eyes wide in realization. "Wait... You're the daughter of Lord Vergil Ragnaros?"

Mina, caught off guard, let out a small sigh. "Yes, but I don't go around announcing it. I prefer people to know me for who I am, not because of my family name."

Anna nodded in understanding. "That sounds like you… You've always been kind, no matter who you were."

Vergil, watching the exchange with quiet amusement, took a sip of water before speaking. "Innkeeper, would you mind if I put up a recruitment notice here?"

The innkeeper scratched his beard. "Depends. What kind of job?"

"I recently purchased a vineyard. I'm planning to set up a wine production facility alongside it."

The innkeeper's expression immediately brightened. "Now that's great news! We only have beer here in Avalorne, but wine? That's a luxury item!"

Vergil smirked. "I'll be making two types—one affordable for inns and taverns, and another high-quality batch for the nobility."

The innkeeper whistled. "Sounds like you've got this planned out. Where exactly is this vineyard located?"

Vergil leaned back slightly. "Right outside Black Gate Forest."

At that, the innkeeper's expression turned serious. "That area… There are rumors, you know. Some adventurers say there's a mercenary force led by an Ogre setting up camp there. Word is, they're recruiting goblins and other races to build up their numbers."

Vergil chuckled softly. "I know. In fact, Empress Elisa II herself hired them just recently."

The innkeeper visibly relaxed. "Ahh, that explains it! With everything happening between the neighboring kingdom and the elves, I heard the Empress was furious. Some even say she's ready for war."

Vergil nodded thoughtfully. "It's a real possibility. That's why I'll be keeping an eye on Black Gate Forest myself."

The innkeeper let out a hearty laugh. "Well, if someone like you is involved, I feel a lot safer already."

Lunch proceeded without further interruptions, and once they were finished, Vergil and Freya pinned up the job notice at the inn before heading back to the mansion with Mina and Anna.

The next morning, Vergil and Freya stood at the grand entrance of the mansion, bidding farewell to Mina, Anna, and Aeka as they prepared for their journey to Umbrellis.

Vergil placed a hand on Mina's shoulder, his expression calm yet firm. "Take good care of Anna. Make sure she receives proper training in Assassination Combat—you will be her mentor from now on."

Mina, already aware of the responsibility Vergil had entrusted to her, gave a determined nod. "Understood, Father. I'll train her well."

Anna, standing beside Mina, still seemed slightly overwhelmed by everything that had happened in the past day, but she remained silent, absorbing it all.

Vergil's gaze shifted to Aeka, his younger sister. "Keep an eye on them and ensure their training progresses smoothly."

Aeka smirked confidently. "Of course. Mina and Anna are in good hands."

With that, the carriage doors closed, and the three young women departed toward Umbrellis. Vergil and Freya watched until the carriage disappeared from view.

With their departure settled, Vergil and Freya turned their attention to their next task.

Before anything else, Vergil and Freya made their way through Avalorne's quiet streets to check on Anna's grandmother.

Upon arriving at the modest home, they found the elderly woman resting in bed, her frail frame wrapped in thick blankets. Though weak, she still had a sharp gaze, immediately recognizing Vergil as he approached.

Vergil conducted a thorough medical examination, ensuring her condition remained stable. "You're in no immediate danger," he reassured her. "But you need proper nutrition and rest. I'll make sure you receive whatever care you need."

The elderly woman gave him a weary smile. "You're too kind, young lord."

With that, Vergil and Freya arranged for a caretaker to look after her in Anna's absence. Once everything was in place, they set off toward their next destination.

Upon entering the Adventurer's Guild, Vergil immediately noticed a small crowd gathered near the reception area. Several young adventurers—some appearing seasoned, others clearly struggling to find their footing—stood waiting.

The receptionist, recognizing Vergil and Freya, gave a polite nod before gesturing toward the gathered adventurers. "It seems quite a few are interested in the offer you posted, Lord Ragnaros."

Vergil surveyed the potential recruits—there was hesitation in their eyes. Some were clearly eager, but others seemed uncertain about working at a vineyard.

One adventurer, a burly man with a scar across his cheek, finally spoke up. "We've heard about the job… but the location makes us uneasy."

Vergil folded his arms, his icy blue gaze unwavering. "I understand your concerns. However, I can guarantee the safety of the vineyard. It lies just on entrance the Black Gate Forest, and I personally ensure its security."

The adventurers exchanged glances, still hesitant but intrigued by his confidence.

Vergil smirked slightly. "Besides, this isn't just vineyard work. There's another aspect to this job—one that few get the chance to be a part of."

At that, the gathered adventurers leaned in with curiosity.

Vergil led the recruits out of Avalorne and toward his vineyard. Freya walked beside him, observing the adventurers' reactions as they entered the vast, fertile land that would soon become a fully operational winery.

Once they arrived, Vergil turned to face them, his tone growing more serious. "Listen well. This vineyard is not just a workplace—it is a training ground. You will not only cultivate grapes and produce wine, but you will also be trained in the art of Assassination."

A murmur spread among the group. Some looked uncertain, while others glanced at one another, as if trying to gauge their own readiness.

One of them hesitated before speaking. "Assassination? But… why? We thought this was just a stable job."

Vergil's expression darkened slightly, his icy gaze sharp. "This is an order from Empress Elisa II herself. You are not just laborers—you are future assassins who will serve directly under the Empire's command."

Silence fell over the group.

Some looked uncertain, but Vergil continued, his voice calm yet authoritative. "I will personally train you, alongside Freya. You will learn to move unseen, to strike with precision, and to eliminate threats to the Empire. Those who are not willing to commit may leave now—but those who stay will gain skills beyond their wildest dreams."

A long pause followed. Then, slowly but surely, the adventurers started nodding.

They had come seeking stability, but now, they were being offered something far greater—purpose, training, and the chance to become something more.

Vergil nodded in satisfaction. "Good. Prepare yourselves. Your training begins now."