The Training and Test of Assassin

The rain hammered down in relentless sheets, turning the forest paths into trails of mud. Vergil with Freya and Aeka emerged from the shadows of the trees, their black cloaks soaked and clinging to their bodies. Each step squelched softly as their boots hit the wet ground. The familiar silhouette of Avalorne's mansion stood ahead, its lantern-lit windows glowing dimly through the misty night.

By the time they reached the entrance, all of them completely drenched. Water dripped from Vergil's hair, his white locks plastered against his face, but his sky-blue eyes remained sharp, calm, and calculating. Beside him, Aeka wrung out her cloak with a sigh, her breaths visible in the cold night air. Her crow perched on her shoulder, its feathers ruffled from the rain.

"Go on, Aeka," Vergil said as he pushed the heavy mansion doors open, a gust of warmer air rushing out to greet them. "I'll show you where you'll be staying."