That night, after the grand family dinner, Vergil escorted his five adopted daughters to their chambers. Each of them clung to their respective pets—adorable puppies that had been entrusted to them by Vergil. He had ensured the animals stayed with their owners, both to comfort the girls and to avoid any potential mischief or illness the young creatures might cause.
Sitting on the edge of the large bed where his daughters had gathered, Vergil began telling them a bedtime story. His deep, calm voice recounted the tale of a prince and princess who fell in love despite the trials they faced. The girls listened intently, their expressions softening as they drifted into slumber one by one, their pets cuddled close beside them.
As the last of the girls closed her eyes, Vergil quietly stood and tucked the blankets around them. Turning toward the door, he found his mother, Eva, standing just outside. She had been passing by and stopped to check on her granddaughters.
Eva smiled warmly. "I couldn't help but watch. You've grown so much, Vergil."
Vergil glanced at her, his usual stoicism tempered with a hint of vulnerability. "What do you mean?"
Eva's eyes softened. "You've changed from a man who once seemed so cold and distant into a father who tells bedtime stories and protects his daughters with all his heart. It makes me proud."
Vergil fell silent, her words resonating with him in a way he wasn't prepared for. After a moment, he replied, "I'm just trying to be better than Father."
Eva chuckled lightly, placing a hand on his shoulder. "And you've succeeded in ways he could never imagine." With that, she left him alone in the hallway, her smile lingering in his thoughts.
Vergil returned to his chambers, but he wasn't surprised to find Freya already there, waiting for him. She stood near the window, gazing out at the moonlit gardens below.
Vergil raised an eyebrow. "Freya? Why are you here?"
Freya turned to face him, her expression calm but curious. "I wanted to keep you company… and to learn more about you."
Vergil crossed his arms, a faint smirk playing on his lips. "And what, exactly, do you hope to learn?"
Freya gestured around the room. "For starters, every other chamber in this palace is grand and spacious, yet yours feels so small. Why is that?"
Vergil chuckled softly. "Your senses have grown sharper, I see." Without further explanation, he walked to the bookshelf on the far wall. Selecting a specific tome, he pulled it outward. A soft click echoed through the room, and a hidden door slid open, revealing a secret armory.
Freya's eyes widened as she stepped closer to the doorway. Inside were weapons, armor, and artifacts of varying designs—some ancient, others impossibly advanced, and all meticulously organized. Many resembled the gear Vergil used during his time in Lunafama.
"This," Vergil began, "is what remains of my past adventures. Before I came to Lunafama, I traveled through countless worlds, each with its own dangers and treasures. Everything here is a reminder of those journeys."
Freya glanced at him, her curiosity evident. "And this collection? What's its purpose now?"
Vergil leaned against the doorframe, his expression thoughtful. "It serves as preparation for the trials to come. Father has already planned a small test for my daughters."
Freya tilted her head, intrigued. "What kind of test?"
Vergil's eyes gleamed faintly as he answered. "It's called the Rite of Armory. It's not a test of physical strength or magic, but something far more significant. And the judge won't be me… or anyone in the Ragnaros family."
Freya's gaze lingered on the armory, her thoughts racing with possibilities. "Who, then?"
Vergil's lips curled into a mysterious smile. "You'll see soon enough."
Morning arrived with a sense of anticipation as Vergil gathered his five adopted daughters in the grand hall of the Ragnaros estate. Freya stood beside him, curiosity and determination etched on her face. Before them, Ragnar waited, his towering presence commanding the attention of everyone present.
Ragnar gestured to the large, sealed doors behind him, his expression both proud and expectant. "This is a small trial and a gift from me to my beautiful granddaughters—and to you, Freya." He glanced warmly at the Beastman.
Freya blinked in surprise. "Me?"
Ragnar nodded. "Yes, you are part of this family now, and you have as much right to this as my grandchildren. Inside this chamber are countless weapons of extraordinary power, each a 'Holy Relic' gathered by myself, Vergil, your uncles, and aunts over the centuries. Your task is simple: choose one."
The girls exchanged nervous glances, but Ragnar's tone remained reassuring. "There's only one clue I'll give you: trust your instincts. These weapons are alive in their own way, and they are highly selective. But if you listen carefully, you'll know when one has chosen you."
He paused, then added with a playful smirk, "Freya, you'll accompany them. Perhaps one of these relics will resonate with you as well."
Vergil leaned against the wall, arms crossed, a faint smile playing on his lips. "This trial is for you all. I'll be waiting here."
Ragnar pushed the heavy doors open, revealing a vast chamber bathed in an ethereal glow. The walls were lined with racks and pedestals, each holding a weapon or artifact radiating power. The room hummed with an almost tangible energy, and as Ragnar stepped back, the doors closed behind Freya and the five girls.
Inside, the air seemed to vibrate with whispers. Mina was the first to notice something—a faint voice in her mind, guiding her toward one corner of the room. Lira and Aria soon experienced the same, hearing voices beckoning them.
Sylvy wandered more deliberately, her sharp eyes scanning the relics with intrigue. Meanwhile, Freya stood still, overwhelmed by the cacophony of voices debating in her head. She took a deep breath, calming herself, and focused on the faintest whisper amidst the noise.
Mina approached a large sword that shimmered with shifting light, its shape fluid. When she reached for it, the weapon morphed slightly, transforming into a more compact, versatile blade. Mina held it with awe as it hummed in resonance with her.
Aria found herself drawn to a unique combination of a spellbook and staff. The book floated in midair, and when she touched it, the staff's runes glowed, linking the two as a single magical conduit.
Lira's steps led her to a massive battle crossbow. Its size was intimidating, but when she lifted it, the weapon felt surprisingly light. She realized it required no ammunition, instead drawing from her magic to fire.
Elen gravitated toward an ornate bracelet with four colored gemstones. As she slid it onto her wrist, the gems pulsed with power, aligning with her magic and promising versatility in casting.
Sylvy's discovery was the most unusual. She found two sword hilts with barely visible blades, almost like needles. As she picked them up, the blades extended slightly, their edges gleaming with a deadly precision.
Freya remained seated, her ears twitching as she tried to discern the quietest voice. Slowly, she followed it to a simple, elegant katana resting on a plain pedestal. The blade exuded a subtle but profound aura, and when she touched it, the voices in her head fell silent.
One by one, the group emerged from the chamber, each carrying their chosen relic. Ragnar's face lit up with pride as he saw the weapons they held.
"Good," he said, his deep voice filled with satisfaction. "Each of you has made a bond with your relic. These are not just tools but extensions of your will and spirit. Treat them well, and they will serve you faithfully."
Vergil stood before his five adopted daughters and Freya, scrutinizing the relics they had chosen with a practiced eye. He gestured for Mina to step forward first. She proudly presented her blade, and Vergil's expression shifted to one of recognition.
"So, you've bonded with the Sword of Greed," Vergil remarked, his tone tinged with nostalgia. "This weapon is unique. It can transform into any melee weapon you desire. When I last wielded it, I favored turning it into a spear."
Mina's eyes widened with excitement. "Any melee weapon?"
Vergil nodded. "Yes, but remember—it responds to the user's ambition. Its full potential lies in how far you're willing to push yourself. Don't let it control you, and it will become your greatest ally."
Next, Lira presented her oversized crossbow. Vergil examined it with a curious grin. "This is the Froztalium Magic Crossbow. A masterpiece. It doesn't require physical ammunition; instead, it draws on your elemental magic to create bolts of pure energy. With practice, you'll be able to imbue it with advanced elemental techniques."
Lira hefted the weapon, feeling its balance. "So, it adapts to my magic?"
"Exactly. Experiment with it, and you'll find its limits—or perhaps surpass them."
When it was Aria's turn, she hesitated, clutching the Rod of Yggdrasil and the Book of Summoning. Vergil's eyes gleamed with surprise as he carefully inspected them. "It's been a long time since I've seen these together," he admitted. "The rod is made from the branches of the World Tree itself—a material so rare that even obtaining a fragment is nearly impossible. And this book... it's a summoner's tome, designed to call forth magical creatures."
Aria tilted her head. "Summoner? What's that?"
Vergil smiled patiently. "A summoner is a mage who specializes in invoking and commanding magical beings. When I last used this book, I summoned an Ancient Void Dragon, a creature born before the universe was fully formed. But that's not all it can summon—its possibilities are vast, though the toll on your mana and focus will be immense. Be prepared."
Aria stared at the book and rod with newfound awe. "So… I can summon anything?"
"With time and mastery, yes. But always respect the creatures you summon, or they may turn against you."
Vergil turned to Elen, who held her bracelet adorned with four colored gemstones. He smiled warmly. "The Elemental Philosopher's Bracelet," he murmured. "This relic was once wielded by Kazumi during her travels. It allows the wearer to control the four basic elements—fire, water, earth, and air—with ease. More than that, it accelerates your ability to learn elemental magic, making you a master of the craft in no time."
Elen's face lit up. "Kazumi used this? I'll make sure to honor it!"
Finally, Vergil approached Sylvy, who displayed her two small hilts with pride. At first, Vergil chuckled softly, prompting Sylvy to frown. "What's so funny?"
Vergil shook his head, a playful glint in his eyes. "Nothing, Sylvy. It's just that you've chosen the Mana Hilt—an artifact I didn't expect anyone to resonate with so strongly. This relic is as adaptable as its wielder. You can shape the mana blades into anything from daggers to a two-handed greatsword, depending on what you need. It's perfect for someone with creativity and precision."
Sylvy grinned. "So, it's basically a weapon for every situation?"
Vergil nodded. "Exactly. But don't forget, the strength of its mana blades depends on your control and focus. If you push it too far, it could drain you dry."
As Vergil stepped back, Aeka entered the room, her sharp eyes scanning the group. She gasped upon seeing the relics in their hands, especially those of Aria and Sylvy. "The Rod of Yggdrasil and the Mana Hilt? These are relics even I struggled with in my time!"
Aeka turned to Sylvy. "Did you know this hilt came from one of my adventures in another world? You've chosen wisely, but mastering it won't be easy."
To Aria, she added, "The rod is notoriously difficult to repair, but not impossible. Treat it with care, and it will serve you well."
Vergil gazed at the Kusanagi Katana in Freya's hands, his eyes filled with a mix of admiration and wonder. "So, that katana chose you…" he said, his voice heavy with memories of the past.
Aeka, standing beside him, was equally astonished. "Freya, you were truly chosen by Kusanagi? That's incredible. This katana doesn't choose its wielder lightly."
Freya tilted her head, staring at the katana with curiosity. "Kusanagi? What's so special about this katana?"
Vergil gave a faint smile, as if reminiscing about a legendary battle he once fought. "That katana didn't just appear out of nowhere. Long ago, during my adventures, I faced a legendary creature—a nine-headed giant serpent called Orochi. Unlike a Hydra, whose heads grow back when severed, Orochi's heads didn't regenerate, but each one was immensely powerful and deadly."
Freya was silent for a moment before asking, "How did you defeat it?"
Vergil replied in a serious tone, "It was one of the toughest battles of my life. It took a long time to bring Orochi down. I targeted the weak points at each of its necks and finally delivered a deep slash to its body. Orochi died from blood loss. When the fifth head was severed, the Kusanagi Katana emerged from its body, as if it was the core of its power."
Aeka added, "I was there at the time, assisting my brother with a Long Bow. Orochi was enormous, and its scales were nearly impenetrable. Even with my arrows, only a few could pierce through. The katana became the key to our victory."
Vergil nodded and continued, "This Kusanagi is no ordinary weapon. The katana has a unique ability to cut through anything, even the strongest armor. It's not just physical strength—it's the energy within it that slices through obstacles on an essential level."
Freya gripped the Kusanagi more tightly, feeling the subtle yet powerful energy emanating from the blade. "It feels almost alive," she murmured.
Vergil smiled. "That's because the katana has chosen you. It's not a weapon that can be stolen. If anyone tries to take it, the katana will vanish, disappearing from the world and automatically return to rightful owner. Moreover, even if an enemy disarms you and tries to use it against you, Kusanagi will never harm its wielder."
Freya looked both awed and touched. "So, it truly trusts me?"
Aeka gently patted Freya's shoulder. "It doesn't just trust you; it recognizes your strength and potential. Don't waste this opportunity, Freya."
Vergil added in a calm but respectful tone, "Take good care of it, Freya. Kusanagi will be both your shield and your sword, and I believe you two will become an inseparable pair on this journey."
Freya nodded with determination. "I'll honor it and prove myself worthy."
With that, the Kusanagi Katana seemed to emit a soft glow under the room's light, as if responding to Freya's silent vow. Meanwhile, Vergil and Aeka exchanged smiles, watching as a new generation prepared to carry the Ragnaros family's legend into the future.
Aeka immediately directed her five nieces to test their newly acquired gear in the training room. Meanwhile, Ragnar cast a glance at Vergil and Freya, a silent cue Vergil understood. He gently gestured for Freya to follow him as Ragnar went to prepare something important.
In the private chamber, Vergil spoke calmly but firmly. "Freya, the time has come for you to undergo the Rite of Immortal. Prepare yourself."
Freya tilted her head curiously. "What exactly does this entail?"
Vergil looked at her solemnly. "It is a trial that will challenge your resolve and determination. While I will stay with you physically, the battle is one you must face alone."
Moments later, Ragnar entered carrying a vial of glowing green liquid that seemed almost alive, radiating a faint hum of energy. "This," Ragnar began, holding up the vial, "is the Elixir of Immortal. It is brewed from the essence of the elements, a dragon's heart, a phoenix's tail feathers, and a dragon's fangs. It is the same elixir I gave Vergil and all my children."
Freya looked at the glowing liquid apprehensively. "And what happens after I drink it?"
Ragnar's expression turned serious. "The true trial begins. You must debate Death itself."
Freya's eyes widened slightly. "Debate… with Death?"
Vergil nodded. "It's not just about drinking the elixir. The essence will pull your spirit into the plane of mortality, where you'll meet Death. There, you must prove your worth to become Immortal. It's not easy, but I have no doubt in your strength."
Ragnar stepped forward, offering her the vial. "Drink this when you're ready."
Freya took a deep breath and looked at Vergil. He gave her a reassuring nod. "I'll be right here, Freya. Trust in yourself."
With steady hands, Freya took the elixir and drank it in one gulp. A wave of warmth surged through her, and soon, her vision blurred, and she slipped into unconsciousness.
Freya awoke in a surreal, misty realm. Before her stood a hooded figure draped in black, holding a massive scythe that shimmered with an otherworldly light. A grand chessboard lay between them, its pieces glowing faintly.
The figure's voice was deep and resonant. "Sit," it commanded, gesturing toward a chair opposite him.
Freya cautiously took her seat, her eyes narrowing as the figure lowered its hood. To her astonishment, it was Shadow.
"You?" Freya said, startled.
"Yes," Shadow replied with a faint smirk. "I am Death, at least for this trial. Now tell me, Freya, why do you seek immortality?"
Freya met his gaze firmly. "I want to stay by Vergil's side. No matter what happens, I want to be with him, supporting him in his journey."
Shadow tilted his head. "A noble sentiment, but is that reason enough to defy the natural order of life and death? Do you truly understand what it means to become Immortal?"
Freya hesitated but spoke resolutely. "I may not know everything about being Immortal, but I know that Vergil has given me a purpose, a home, and a family. If I can extend that bond for eternity, I'm willing to take that step."
Shadow leaned forward slightly, his eyes glinting. "You speak of bonds, yet do you know Vergil's secret? The power he carries within?"
Freya shook her head. "No, but it doesn't matter. Whatever burdens he carries, I'll face them with him."
Shadow's voice turned grave. "Within Vergil lies the power of three dragon souls—beings capable of creating or destroying entire worlds. This is the legacy of the Ragnaros bloodline. My own power comes from the Dragons of Darkness and Death. Do you understand what you are binding yourself to?"
Freya straightened in her seat. "Yes. And I accept it."
Shadow's lips curled into a faint smile. "Interesting. Do you also realize that this power will pass on to our descendants? I've already sensed a dragon's soul in Shiroi, though he has befriended it since childhood."
Freya smirked slightly. "Then I'll tame Vergil's dragons, just as I've tamed him."
Shadow chuckled, a rare sound that echoed through the ethereal realm. "A bold claim, Beast Tamer. But words alone won't suffice."
He gestured to the chessboard. "Your trial isn't over. We've been playing since you sat down. Let's see if your strategy can outmatch mine."
Freya glanced down, realizing the game was nearly at its climax. With careful thought, she made her next move, her confidence unwavering. Finally, with a decisive play, she cornered Shadow's king.
"Checkmate," she declared.
Shadow leaned back, his expression unreadable for a moment. Then he laughed softly. "Well done, Freya. You've proven yourself. Love, determination, and strategy—these are the tools that have earned you victory over Death. You have passed the Rite of Immortal."
As he spoke, the realm began to fade, and Shadow's voice echoed one last time. "Remember, Freya: the power of love is the only force that can truly defeat death."
Freya's eyes fluttered open to see Vergil sitting beside her, his expression calm yet relieved. "You're awake," he said quietly.
Freya sat up, her body still tingling from the effects of the elixir. "I did it. I passed."
Vergil smiled faintly. "I knew you would."
Ragnar entered the room, his grin broad. "Welcome to the ranks of the Immortal, Freya. You've earned it."
Freya looked at Vergil and Ragnar, feeling a renewed sense of strength and purpose. She was no longer just a follower or an assistant. She was now truly part of the Ragnaros legacy.
After emerging from the room, Freya looked around and asked, "Where are the children?"
Vergil replied calmly, "They're in the training room, testing out their new weapons." He paused briefly before adding, "But there's another secret I want to show you."
Freya tilted her head, curiosity lighting up her expression. "Another secret? What kind of secret? I've already learned a big one from Shadow."
Vergil nodded, his tone measured. "What Shadow told you is true, but it's not the whole story. There's something else, something of mine. It's hidden in the forest behind the palace."
Freya's curiosity deepened. "What is it?"
Vergil gave her a small, knowing smile. "You'll see."
Without further explanation, Vergil led Freya through the dense forest behind the palace. The trees grew thicker and the air cooler as they ventured deeper into the wilderness. After a while, they arrived at the mouth of a massive cave, its entrance looming like a dark secret.
Freya hesitated slightly, her instincts on high alert. She could sense a presence within—something powerful, something alive.
Vergil broke the silence with a sharp whistle. The sound echoed through the forest, and moments later, a pair of massive white wolves emerged from the shadows of the cave. Their fur gleamed in the dappled light, and Freya's breath caught when she noticed each wolf had five tails, each tail radiating a distinct elemental energy.
The male wolf approached Vergil with deliberate grace, sniffing him before nuzzling and licking him affectionately. Vergil chuckled softly and let the creature's massive tongue brush against him, as though this interaction was entirely natural.
"These," Vergil said, gesturing toward the wolves, "are mine. The male is named Shiro, and the female is Yuki."
Freya stared at the wolves, awe and amazement clear in her wide eyes. Before she could respond, Shiro lifted his head and spoke in a deep, resonant voice, "So, this is the one?"
Freya stumbled back a step, startled by the wolf's speech.
Yuki stepped forward, her sharp eyes locking onto Freya. The great wolf sniffed the air around her, circling slowly before speaking in a voice that was softer yet commanding, "I smell Vergil's scent on you."
Freya, regaining her composure, replied, "I am his fiancée."
Shiro tilted his head, his expression one of mild surprise. "Vergil has chosen well," he said, his voice carrying a hint of approval. "You have courage, young one. Most would have fled or pretended to be brave in our presence."
Yuki chimed in, her gaze flicking between Freya and Vergil. "Not only courage. She has already tamed three dragons."
Freya blinked in surprise at Yuki's words, then glanced at Vergil for confirmation. He smirked but said nothing.
Shiro let out a low, approving rumble before speaking again. "Our son has been born, but he is far too mischievous for us to handle. We've decided it's time for him to leave us and join you."
Vergil raised an eyebrow, a mix of curiosity and amusement in his voice. "You want us to take your son?"
Yuki nodded. "Yes. He needs guidance and discipline, and you, Vergil, along with Freya, are the right ones to provide it."
Vergil turned to Freya, his expression serious yet gentle. "Freya, are you ready to train an Elemental Snow Wolf?"
Freya nodded firmly, her resolve unwavering. "I'll do it."
Shiro let out a long, sonorous howl that echoed through the forest. Moments later, a small white wolf pup bounded out of the cave. The pup had bright blue eyes and fur as pristine as snow. His five tails swayed behind him, though they lacked the full elemental radiance of his parents' tails.
Shiro leaned down and nudged the pup forward. "This is our mischievous son," Shiro said with a touch of humor. "He's yours now. Take good care of him—but remember, he must address both of you as Uncle and Aunt."
The pup looked up at Freya and Vergil, his eyes wide with curiosity. He tilted his head before letting out a playful bark and wagging his tails. Freya knelt down, extending a hand toward him. The pup sniffed her fingers before licking them, a sign of instant acceptance.
Vergil smiled faintly. "Welcome to the family, little one."
Freya lifted the pup into her arms, feeling his warmth and energy as he nestled against her. She looked at Vergil with determination in her eyes. "I'll make sure he becomes as strong and disciplined as his parents."
Shiro and Yuki watched with satisfaction as their son settled into Freya's embrace. Shiro's voice carried a final note of approval. "Good luck, Freya. You will need it with this one."
With that, the great wolves retreated back into the shadows of the cave, leaving Freya and Vergil to begin this new chapter with their newest companion.
Vergil and Freya returned to the palace, where they found Vergil's adopted daughters finishing their training. The girls were in the midst of cleaning themselves up after an intense session.
As they entered, Aeka noticed them and raised an eyebrow. "Where have you two been?" she asked curiously.
Vergil gave her a calm smile. "I ran into an old friend...and added a new member to our family."
Aeka's eyes shifted to the small white wolf pup trotting alongside Freya. She instantly recognized the pup and gasped. "You've met Shiro, haven't you?"
Vergil chuckled softly. "Yes, I met Shiro and Yuki again. They entrusted their mischievous son to us."
Aeka sighed, shaking her head with a faint smile. "Of course, you would. Bringing back a piece of your old adventures."
Vergil turned serious. "Aeka, start packing. Freya has completed the Rite of Immortal, and it's time for us to leave. Get the girls ready and ensure all our essentials, including the lab equipment, are prepared."
Aeka nodded, her expression shifting to one of focus. She immediately gathered the girls, relaying Vergil's instructions. The palace bustled with activity as everyone prepared for their departure.
By late afternoon, everything was ready. Vergil, Freya, Aeka, and his five adopted daughters stood in the palace courtyard, their belongings packed and neatly organized. The small white wolf pup was busy chasing the other puppies around the courtyard, their playful antics drawing occasional laughter from the girls.
Ragnar and Shiroi joined them, standing near the center of the courtyard where Vergil prepared to open the portal.
As he concentrated, Vergil extended his hand, his fingers tracing an intricate pattern in the air. A shimmering, swirling portal materialized, leading directly to the mansion in Avalorne.
Freya gently guided the five girls through the portal first, helping them carry their luggage and calm the energetic pups. Aeka followed closely behind, carrying a hefty pack filled with her laboratory equipment and personal belongings.
Inside the portal, Freya quickly began assisting the girls in unpacking and settling back into their home. The young wolf pup, along with the puppies, wasted no time exploring the expansive courtyard of the Avalorne mansion, their boundless energy filling the air with excitement.
Back at the palace, Ragnar placed a firm hand on Vergil's shoulder. "Take care of yourself. And avoid getting tangled in unnecessary danger."
Shiroi smiled warmly, her eyes reflecting genuine happiness. "It's good to see you returning to Avalorne. And, more importantly, to see you with Freya. I'm glad you've finally taken this step, uncle Vergil."
Vergil gave them a small nod, his expression calm but resolute. "Thank you."
With those parting words, Vergil stepped through the portal, the swirling energy enveloping him as it closed behind him.
He exhaled deeply, his gaze sweeping over the familiar sight of the Avalorne mansion and the lively courtyard where Freya, the girls, and their new companion were already making themselves at home.
Vergil knew—this was Lunafama, his true home.