When Vergil's carriage arrived at the Avalorne estate late that night, the five adopted daughters rushed out to greet him, their faces lighting up with joy. Freya and Aeka stepped out afterward, immediately tending to the equipment and supplies they had brought back.
"Welcome back, Father!" Mina exclaimed, her excitement mirrored by her sisters.
"Did everything go as planned?" Sylvy asked, curious but with a hint of concern.
Aria, however, was quick to ask the question on everyone's mind. "Where are Uncle Dante and Aunt Takano? I didn't get the chance to talk to them properly."
"They've already returned home," Vergil replied with a soft smile. He glanced at the moonlit sky, remembering Dante's words before he left. "Your Uncle Dante reminded me that I'll eventually need to return to Magnacarta VII to report what I've accomplished here in Lunafama. When that time comes, you'll all get to meet the rest of the family."
Mina's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "The rest of the family? How many aunts and uncles do we have besides Aeka and Takano?"
Vergil smirked faintly, folding his arms. "You've met two of your uncles so far, Dante and Shadow. That leaves one more uncle and three aunts you haven't met yet."
Elen blinked in surprise. "I didn't realize our family was so large."
"What are they like?" Sylvy asked eagerly, her natural inquisitiveness shining through.
Vergil's expression softened as he described them. "Dante is nearly on par with me and excels with any type of weapon you can think of. Creed, on the other hand, is unmatched in hand-to-hand combat. He's so skilled he's earned the title God of Destruction Without Weapons. As for Shadow... he's rarely home. As the Grim Reaper, his duties keep him constantly busy escorting souls to the Nether World."
Aria's shoulders slumped slightly, her enthusiasm waning as she mumbled, "I guess I'd get along best with someone who's into magic..."
Aeka, noticing her disappointment, stepped in with a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, Aria. Your Aunt Shiroyuki and Aunt Kazumi are two of the most powerful Archmages in Magnacarta VII. When the time is right, I'll make sure you get to meet them."
At this, Aria's eyes lit up again, her excitement restored. "Really? That's amazing!"
Turning to Elen, Aeka added, "And as for you, I'll bring back some advanced alchemical equipment from our labs. You'll get the chance to learn techniques far beyond what you've practiced so far."
Elen's face brightened instantly. "You will? That's incredible! Thank you, Aunt Aeka!"
Vergil and his family entered the mansion and retired for the night, enjoying some much-needed rest after the recent events.
The next morning, a special delivery arrived from the Empress herself. A large chest filled with gold coins, accompanied by a letter, was escorted by the royal palace guards to the mansion. Vergil received the delivery with his usual calm demeanor and placed the chest in his study.
Freya, noticing the commotion, entered the room and asked curiously, "Who's the letter from, Vergil?"
Vergil unfolded the letter, his expression unreadable as he read its contents aloud:
To Vergil Ragnaros,
I have received your report and Lucia's. Excellent work in capturing the majority of the Drakemont family members.
Lucia's interrogation revealed that their illegal activities have been ongoing for quite some time. I have contacted their distant relatives who have always opposed such unlawful practices, and they are relieved to hear that you have put an end to this disgrace.
Additionally, Romero and Julietta will begin governing the Ravencourt territory effective immediately.
This is a token of appreciation for your exemplary work. Keep up the good work.
Note:
I much prefer this white owl over the last one you used.
— Empress Eliza II
Freya chuckled softly as Vergil folded the letter. "The Empress has a surprising sense of humor, doesn't she?"
Vergil smirked faintly, placing the letter neatly on his desk. "She always has. But this gift…" He gestured toward the chest of gold. "It's a reminder that even the smallest victories come with their own rewards—and responsibilities."
Freya nodded thoughtfully. "Shall I help organize this, Vergil?"
"No need. Focus on our patients at the clinic today," Vergil replied. "We'll let this gold rest here for now. We have other priorities to attend to."
Freya smiled and left the room, leaving Vergil alone with his thoughts. He glanced at the white owl perched on the windowsill, its intelligent eyes meeting his.
"Looks like you've won the Empress over," Vergil mused, allowing himself a rare, quiet chuckle before returning to his duties.
Vergil and Freya made their way to Avalorne early in the morning, resuming their routine at the clinic. As usual, a line of adventurers had already formed outside, their diverse armors and gear glinting under the morning sun.
Inside, Freya glanced out at the waiting crowd and remarked, "It feels like it's mostly adventurers these days. The townsfolk hardly seem to visit anymore."
Vergil, busy preparing remedies, looked up with a slight smile. "That's a good sign. It means their overall health has improved. A healthy town is a quiet clinic."
Freya nodded thoughtfully, impressed by Vergil's perspective.
The next patient stepped forward, a young adventurer clad in worn brown leather armor. His expression was one of concern mixed with embarrassment. "Doctor, I think I might've made a mistake. I ate some strange mushrooms in the forest, and now I'm feeling... off."
Vergil raised an eyebrow, motioning for the adventurer to sit. "Describe your symptoms."
As the patient listed his nausea, dizziness, and stomach pain, Vergil conducted a quick examination. "You've ingested a mildly toxic mushroom. Fortunately, the effects aren't severe."
He retrieved a small vial from his shelf, expertly measuring out an antidote. "Take this. It will neutralize the toxins. Stick to safe rations for the next couple of days."
The adventurer looked relieved, taking the vial with a bow of gratitude. "Thank you, Doctor. I'll be more careful next time."
Meanwhile, across the bustling city of Châteauclair, Aeka was immersed in her growing empire of beauty and wellness. Her Youth Revival Essence had become the talk of Britalienne's nobility, with demand skyrocketing among lords and ladies alike.
In her workshop, Aeka worked tirelessly with her team of specialized staff. Only they were privy to the precise formulations of her products, ensuring that competitors and their spies gained nothing but scraps of knowledge. Rival companies managed to steal fragments of raw materials or glimpses of production techniques, but the complete formula remained an elusive secret.
Beyond her cosmetics, Aeka had gained a reputation as both a beauty physician and a general practitioner in Châteauclair. Noble clients booked appointments weeks in advance for personalized treatments, while Aeka maintained a separate practice for general care, following Vergil's philosophy of fair pricing for all.
Late at night, Vergil sat in his study as the warm glow of a single lamp illuminated the room. He stared at the documents on his desk, his mind preoccupied with Dante's words. Is it truly time to return home? The thought of facing his family—especially his father and mother—brought a wave of unease. How will they react when they learn I've made a family of my own?
The quiet creak of the door broke his thoughts as Aeka entered, carrying a neat stack of reports. She placed them on his desk before pulling up a chair. "Still thinking about it?" she asked, her sharp gaze meeting his. "Are you ready to face Father?"
Vergil sighed, leaning back in his chair. "I don't know. What would they say? What would he say, knowing I've created a life here, far from theirs?"
Aeka folded her arms, her tone firm but understanding. "You know as well as I do that Father always told us to find our own path. He gave no guidance because he wanted us to shape our destinies." She gave him a faint smile. "This is your path, Brother. You've done well."
Vergil nodded slowly, her words resonating with him. "You're right. I suppose it's time." He rose to his feet, his decision finally made. "Tell Freya and my daughters to pack. We'll leave for the Kainaldia Empire at dawn."
Aeka nodded, standing as well. "I'll let them know," she said before leaving the room.
By morning, the group was gathered in the mansion's courtyard, bags packed and ready. Vergil stood at the front, ensuring everything was in place, while his five adopted daughters stood to the side, chattering with excitement. Freya and Aeka joined shortly after, each carrying their own belongings.
Vergil turned to his family, a calm resolve in his expression. Before opening the portal, he cast a spell over Freya and his daughters.
Freya frowned curiously. "What kind of spell is this?" she asked, tilting her head.
Aeka, catching on quickly, began to speak in a strange, unfamiliar tongue. Her words seemed incomprehensible at first, but then Freya's eyes widened as realization dawned.
"It's a linguistic spell," Aeka explained, now in Kainaldian. "It allows you to understand and speak Kainaldian fluently, both written and spoken. And not just Kainaldian—it works for other languages too."
Vergil nodded. "It's a necessity where we're going. This spell will also amplify the effects of similar enchantments you might encounter in the future."
He extended a hand, summoning a glowing, swirling portal into existence. The intricate patterns of Kainaldian magic shimmered like golden threads in the air. Aeka gestured toward Freya and the girls.
"Go on," she said. "You're first."
Freya stepped forward, taking a deep breath before leading the way through the portal with the five daughters following close behind. As they disappeared, Aeka glanced at Vergil.
"They'll manage," she said with a reassuring nod before stepping into the portal herself.
Vergil took a moment to compose himself before stepping through, the portal closing silently behind him.
The group emerged into the grand hall of the Kainaldia palace, the air rich with power and formality. Freya's breath caught in her throat as she took in the towering golden pillars and the gleaming marble floors. The regal splendor was unlike anything she had seen.
Before she could fully process her surroundings, a soldier clad in shining golden armor approached her, his expression stern but composed. Freya tensed instinctively.
Aeka, who had arrived moments earlier, swiftly raised her hand in a specific signal. "A31<4," she stated clearly.
Vergil stepped forward, presenting his own identification in response. Only then did the golden-armored soldier nod, signaling acknowledgment.
Just then, a man with striking gray hair approached, his aura commanding yet strangely familiar. His eyes scanned the group, and upon recognizing Aeka and Vergil, a faint smile crossed his face.
"It's been a while, uncle." the man said, his voice steady yet warm.
Vergil smiled, a rare softness in his expression. "Shiroi," he greeted, inclining his head slightly.
Freya looked around, confused by the grandeur of their surroundings. The golden pillars, intricate carvings, and the sheer size of the hall left her speechless. "Where are we?" she finally asked.
Aeka smiled and answered matter-of-factly, "The Kainaldia Imperial Palace." She gestured toward the gray-haired man who had greeted them. "And this is Emperor Shiroi, the grandson of Shadow Ragnaros."
Freya's eyes widened in shock, and she quickly bowed, along with Vergil's five adopted daughters. The act was a gesture of respect, but Shiroi raised a hand to stop them.
"No need for such formality," Shiroi said, his tone polite but firm. "Especially not after hearing uncle Dante's report about your accomplishments. You've done well."
Freya, still unsure how to navigate this sudden shift, turned to Vergil. "Why does he call you Uncle? Technically, you're his grandfather, aren't you?"
Vergil chuckled lightly, his usual calm demeanor breaking into a rare moment of humor. "It's better this way," he said with a grin. "It makes me sound younger."
Shiroi laughed softly, then gestured to a nearby attendant. "Take our guests to the guest quarters," he ordered. "Ensure their comfort."
Freya and the girls were ushered away, with Aeka following close behind. Noticing Freya's concerned expression, Aeka leaned in and whispered, "Don't worry, I'm coming along to make sure there are no mix-ups."
Freya blinked. "Mix-ups?"
Aeka smirked. "Let's just say there was once a rather foolish soldier who mistakenly led some important guests to the dungeons instead of the guest rooms. I'd rather not take any chances."
Vergil stayed behind, watching them leave before heading to his own quarters to change into something more relaxed. Aeka did the same after confirming Freya and the girls had settled in comfortably.
Later, Vergil walked to the guest quarters to check on his daughters. As he approached the room, a familiar voice called out from beside him.
"How was your journey, Brother?"
Vergil turned to see a man with short, silver-gold hair and a confident smile standing beside him. His sharp features mirrored Vergil's own, but there was an air of wild in his demeanor.
"Creed," Vergil said, recognizing him immediately. A rare smile crossed his face. "It's been a while."
Creed raised an eyebrow. "And you're here with... family?"
Vergil nodded, gesturing toward the door. "Come and meet them."
Together, they entered the guest room, where Vergil's five adopted daughters greeted him enthusiastically. Mina, ever observant, noticed Creed standing beside her father. She tilted her head in curiosity before asking, "Who's that? He looks just like you, Father!"
Vergil gestured toward the silver-haired man beside him and said, "This is my third twin brother, Creed."
Freya's eyes widened. "Is he the one you mentioned before? The one who can destroy a mountain with a single touch when he's serious?"
Creed let out a hearty laugh, his voice echoing warmly through the room. "That's an exaggeration," he replied with a grin. "Moving a mountain takes immense power, and I'm not that strong. It's just a metaphor."
Aria and Sylvie, intrigued, pointed to the intricate dragon tattoos on Creed's arms. "What are those?" Aria asked curiously.
Creed held out his arms, letting them see the elegant designs more clearly. "Every one of the four eldest sons in the Ragnaros family bears dragon markings," he explained. "They symbolize our connection to our true powers. Mine represent strength and resilience." He glanced toward Vergil. "Your father, however, has three dragon tattoos on his back."
The girls' eyes lit up with curiosity. Mina, ever inquisitive, leaned forward. "Can we see them?"
Vergil chuckled and shook his head. "There will be a time for that," he said cryptically.
Changing the subject, Vergil suggested a tour of the palace. He led Freya and his daughters through the grand halls, pointing out key areas: the family quarters, the training grounds, the royal guard's facilities, the armory, the family lounge, and the dining hall.
As they explored, Mina noticed the royal guards' uniforms. "Their armor looks like Uncle Axel's, and their weapons... they're strange."
Lira chimed in, "And their carriages—those aren't pulled by horses. What are they? They're so loud!"
Axel, noticing their curiosity, approached with a grin. "You've got sharp eyes," he said. "What you see are examples of advanced military technology. They're far ahead of what you're used to, but we only deploy them in extreme circumstances."
Suddenly, the temperature in the air dropped sharply, sending shivers through everyone. The girls huddled together, sensing something unusual. Aria turned her head and gasped softly as a woman in a white-blue gown walked gracefully toward them. Her long silver hair shimmered like frost, and she carried an elegant staff of clear, crystalline white.
Vergil, sensing the icy aura, sighed. "Shiroyuki," he called out, his tone a mix of exasperation and familiarity. "How many times have I told you not to cast Snow Field indoors?"
The woman stopped and looked at him, her cool expression softening into a gentle smile. With a wave of her staff, the frost dissipated, and the warmth returned.
"My apologies," Shiroyuki said, her voice as soothing as a winter breeze. She turned her attention to Vergil's daughters and Freya. "You must be Vergil's family. It's a pleasure to meet you."
Her smile was warm, but the regal air around her remained. The girls stared in awe, captivated by her ethereal beauty and presence.
Vergil gave his daughters a reassuring look. "Girls, this is Shiroyuki, one of my sisters. Don't let her icy magic field scare you—she's family."
Shiroyuki nodded, her icy elegance giving way to a welcoming demeanor as she knelt slightly to meet the girls at eye level. "You're in good hands with him," she said kindly, her frosty blue eyes twinkling.
Despite the chill of Shiroyuki's magic, Mina and Sylvy could sense the warmth in her personality. She felt almost as comforting as Aeka, with an air of gentle kindness beneath her frosty demeanor.
Suddenly, a loud explosion echoed through the palace halls. The sound came from one of the nearby rooms. Vergil, Axel, and Shiroyuki exchanged knowing glances and immediately headed toward the source, with Vergil's daughters, Freya, and Aeka close behind.
Vergil pushed open the door, releasing a cloud of thick smoke that billowed into the hallway. As the haze began to clear, a woman stepped forward, wearing a peculiar face shield adorned with intricate mechanical details.
Axel laughed heartily. "It's always you, Izumi," he said, shaking his head.
The woman removed the shield, revealing her silver hair cascading to her upper back. Her piercing yet calm eyes locked onto Vergil, who sighed heavily, his expression a mixture of relief and exasperation.
"Are you hurt?" Vergil asked, his tone filled with genuine concern.
The woman waved dismissively. "It's just a minor miscalculation," she said casually.
Vergil turned to his daughters and Freya. "This is Izumi Ragnaros," he said. "One of my younger sisters and the greatest technician and inventor in Kainaldia."
Aeka chimed in with a proud smile. "She's not just an inventor—Izumi is also an Arc Magus. She combines magic and technology seamlessly, which is why she's so revered here."
Aria's eyes widened with curiosity. "Wait... does that mean those horseless carriages we saw outside were her inventions?"
Izumi grinned. "Those are based on my early designs, yes," she admitted. "But the current models involve advanced collaboration and plenty of modifications. The most complex designs often come from things Vergil or Dante bring back from their adventures. They always manage to find the strangest contraptions."
She gestured toward a nearby table cluttered with blueprints, half-finished mechanisms, and mysterious glowing components. Mina and Lira stepped closer to examine the intricate weapon designs.
"What kind of weapon is this?" Lira asked, pointing to a sleek device sketched on one of the papers.
"It's an experimental multi-purpose firearm," Izumi explained. "It uses both magic and physical ammunition. I'm still refining it, though—there's a lot to optimize."
Aria furrowed her brow, her mind racing with questions. "Is it even possible to combine magic and technology like that?"
Izumi smiled warmly, picking up a wand-like object from her workstation. "Of course," she replied. "Take this staff, for example. It's essentially an instrument designed to channel and control magical energy. That's what Technomages do—we integrate magic as the energy source and use technology to regulate and direct it."
She set the staff down and turned back to Aria. "Think of it this way: Magic is the raw power, like a storm or a river. Technology is the dam or windmill that harnesses and channels it into something productive."
Mina, who had been quietly studying the designs, glanced at her sisters. "So... you're saying that even the most basic magic tools, like a wand, are already a form of technomagic?"
Izumi nodded. "Exactly! And the possibilities are endless when you start thinking about what else can be created. If you're interested, I'd love to teach you more about it."
The girls exchanged excited looks. Even Freya, who usually focused on practical skills, seemed intrigued. Izumi's enthusiasm and expertise were infectious, sparking a newfound curiosity in all of them.
Vergil, standing nearby, crossed his arms and smiled faintly. "Just don't let her rope you into testing her experiments. Trust me, I've learned that lesson the hard way."
Izumi pouted playfully. "Hey, they were perfectly safe... most of the time."
Everyone chuckled, the atmosphere lightening as the smoke fully dissipated. Izumi's unique blend of genius and warmth was undeniable, and she had quickly won over Vergil's daughters and Freya with her charm and knowledge.
As the group adjusted to the aftermath of Izumi's latest explosion, another figure entered the room. The woman had long silver hair cascading down her back and carried a pristine white staff adorned with intricate carvings. Her piercing gaze exuded an icy calmness that reminded Freya of Vergil's demeanor.
Freya instinctively tensed, sensing the woman's intimidating aura. The five adopted daughters of Vergil exchanged uneasy glances, unsure how to react. The woman surveyed the room briefly before letting out a soft sigh.
"Ah, Kazumi," Vergil said, breaking the silence as he addressed the newcomer.
Freya's eyes widened. "Kazumi? Wait... she looks exactly like Izumi!"
Kazumi's cold gaze briefly softened, though her expression remained composed. Creed, standing nearby, smirked and offered an explanation.
"They're twins," Creed said. "But they couldn't be more different. If you see someone with a serious face, that's Kazumi. If there's an explosion or her face is covered in soot, that's Izumi."
The room erupted in laughter at Creed's playful comment, with Shiroyuki, Aeka, and Axel joining in. Even Izumi chuckled, though she was still wiping soot off her hands. Kazumi, however, simply sighed again, her demeanor unchanging.
Vergil approached her with a knowing smile. "Still as calm and collected as ever, I see."
Kazumi gave him a faint nod. "Someone needs to be," she replied curtly, though there was a trace of fondness in her tone.
Vergil then turned to Freya and his daughters. "Let's head back to the family room. There's more of the family you should meet."
The group followed Vergil through the palace halls until they reached a grand yet cozy family chamber. Inside, two more figures were just arriving—a man and a woman, both radiating an aura of authority and strength.
The man had short silver hair and wore a regal purple outfit that reflected his commanding presence. Beside him stood a tall woman with flowing silver hair, her elegant dress shimmering like starlight.
As the pair entered, Vergil and his siblings immediately straightened and bowed their heads in respect. "Father. Mother," they said in unison.
Freya froze as realization struck her. The man and woman before them were none other than Vergil's parents.
The man smiled warmly and stepped forward. "Welcome home, my children," he said, his deep voice carrying a tone of affection. "I am Ragnar Ragnaros."
The woman beside him inclined her head gracefully. "And I am Eva Ragnaros," she added, her voice soothing yet firm.
Freya's heart raced as she processed the scene. These were the parents of Vergil and his formidable siblings—the heads of the Ragnaros family. Their presence alone was enough to command the room.
Vergil introduced Freya and his five adopted daughters to Ragnar and Eva. The couple greeted them warmly, their expressions softening as they acknowledged the newcomers to the family.
"It's a pleasure to meet all of you," Ragnar said, his gaze kind yet piercing. "Any who are part of Vergil's life are part of ours as well."
Eva smiled gently. "You've all done well to reach this point," she said. "I look forward to getting to know each of you."
Freya felt her nervousness begin to melt away under their reassuring words. Meanwhile, Aeka leaned in and whispered to Freya, "This is just the core family. We haven't even introduced you to our cousins yet."
Freya's eyes widened in surprise. "Wait, there are more of you?"
Aeka nodded with a sly smile. "The Ragnaros family is quite large. This is only the beginning."
Freya glanced around at the gathered siblings, each of whom exuded a unique strength and charisma. It was clear that the Ragnaros family was no ordinary lineage. Despite the initial intimidation, Freya couldn't help but feel a growing sense of belonging.
As the family settled in the grand hall, Vergil stepped forward, holding a stack of neatly prepared documents. He handed them to Ragnar, bowing slightly as he addressed his father. "Father, Mother, I have a report prepared and a few requests to make."
Ragnar raised an eyebrow in curiosity, and Eva leaned forward slightly, her serene expression attentive. "Speak your mind, Vergil," Ragnar said.
Vergil straightened his posture, his voice steady. "First, I request advanced training in swordsmanship and magic for my five adopted daughters. I want them to surpass their current capabilities and be able to stand on their own in the face of any threat."
The room was silent for a moment before Vergil continued, his tone resolute. "Second, I wish to marry Freya."
The silence broke as gasps echoed through the room. All the Ragnaros siblings, except Aeka—who already knew of Vergil's intentions—and the absent Shadow, turned to stare at him in disbelief. Freya, seated near Aeka, froze in place, her face turning a deep shade of red.
Ragnar and Eva exchanged a brief glance before chuckling softly. Ragnar leaned back in his chair, a wry smile on his face. "Are you certain about this, Vergil? Marriage is no small matter."
Vergil met his father's gaze without hesitation. "I am completely certain. Freya is someone I deeply trust and care for, and I believe she will be an excellent partner in life and purpose."
Freya's blush deepened as she fidgeted nervously. Aeka, having anticipated this moment, simply sighed in exasperation.
Ragnar and Eva burst into light laughter, clearly amused by the reactions of their other children. Ragnar gestured toward Freya. "What do you think of this, Freya? You've heard Vergil's intentions directly."
Freya stammered, trying to find the right words. "I… I didn't expect this, but… I…" She took a deep breath and looked at Vergil, her expression softening. "If this is truly what you want, then I… I'll stand by you."
Eva smiled warmly at Freya. "Welcome to the family, my dear."
Vergil then made his final request. "Lastly, I wish to remain in Lunafama and continue serving as its protector. That world has become my home, and I believe my work there is far from finished."
Ragnar nodded, a knowing look in his eyes. "Do what you must, Vergil. I've always trusted your judgment, and I know you won't return to Kainaldia permanently until your wanderlust is satisfied."
Ragnar's gaze swept across the room, his tone shifting to one of playful authority. "Now, as Vergil has decided to take this step, I expect the rest of you—Dante, Creed, Shiroyuki, Izumi, Kazumi, and even Aeka—to follow his lead. Shadow, too, whenever he decides to stop avoiding us."
The room filled with groans and resigned sighs. Aeka shook her head, muttering, "As if that's going to happen anytime soon." Dante crossed his arms, looking mildly annoyed. "Do you know how impossible it is to find someone who can keep up with me?"
Ragnar's smile didn't waver. "Excuses, excuses. Need I remind you that you're all over 600 years old? It's time to stop delaying and build lives beyond the battlefield and your individual pursuits."
Freya and Vergil's daughters exchanged stunned glances. Mina, breaking the silence, asked, "Wait, did you say 600 years old?!"
Ragnar chuckled at their astonishment. "Indeed. The Ragnaros family undergoes the Rite of Immortal. It's a tradition passed down through our bloodline. Each member becomes immortal, but not without effort."
Freya, still processing everything, hesitated. "Immortal…?"
Ragnar nodded solemnly. "Yes. It is both a blessing and a challenge. We've learned that debating with death itself is no easy feat." He smiled at her kindly. "I trust Vergil has explained this to you. If not, you will need to prepare yourself."
Freya swallowed hard, her hands clenching her lap. The idea of immortality, while surreal, felt daunting. Yet, seeing Vergil's unwavering expression, she resolved to face whatever trials awaited.
Eva placed a comforting hand on Freya's shoulder. "You're stronger than you think, Freya. And you'll have Vergil and all of us to support you."
Freya nodded slowly, her determination growing. For the first time since arriving at Kainaldia, she felt not just like a guest, but like she belonged in this extraordinary family.
The grand dining hall of the Ragnaros family estate was filled with the sound of laughter and conversation. Plates were piled high with an array of exquisite dishes, and the warm, golden glow of the chandeliers illuminated the faces of the gathered family. This was a rare moment when the Ragnaros family could come together in full, even if it was only for one evening.
Vergil sat at the head of the table, flanked by Freya and his adopted daughters. The young girls were awed by the grandeur of the occasion but found themselves quickly adapting to the lively atmosphere.
Between bites of his meal, Vergil spoke proudly. "My five daughters are incredibly talented in magic. Even in the short time I've trained them, their progress has been nothing short of remarkable."
The siblings nodded in acknowledgment. Axel added, "I noticed during the tour earlier. They seem eager and quick to learn."
At that moment, the sound of the hall's heavy doors opening drew everyone's attention. Shadow Ragnaros entered, his cold death aura instantly recognized. As always, he carried himself with quiet authority, his piercing gaze scanning the room briefly before he let out a sigh and took a seat near Ragnar and Eva.
Vergil raised an eyebrow at his elder brother. "Shadow, you're late. What's wrong?"
Shadow leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temples. "It's nothing new. Just the usual issues with souls refusing or being unable to drink the Elixir of the Grandmother Meng."
The room fell silent for a moment as the family processed this. Vergil frowned slightly. "A third-party intervention?"
Shadow nodded. "Yes. Certain entities seem to have their own agendas when it comes to the souls meant to pass through the cycle. It's not entirely disruptive, but it complicates the process."
Vergil's eyes narrowed, a flicker of recognition crossing his face. "So, that's why one of my former students managed to reincarnate in Magnacarta VII with the skills I taught them?"
Shadow smirked faintly. "Precisely. It's a rare occurrence, but not impossible. In fact, there are currently about 35 individuals classified as 'heroes' who retain both their memories and skills from past lives. They're scattered across Magnacarta VII now."
Shiroyuki, always intrigued by such topics, leaned forward. "And these individuals… are they all exactly as they were before?"
Shadow shook his head. "Not always. All of them immediately or later retain their original identities, but there is some unpredictable… let's say the process doesn't discriminate between physical forms. It's possible for a soul that was male in its previous life to reincarnate as female and vice versa."
A laugh escaped Vergil's lips. "So you're telling me Ignis, who was once a proud swordsman, could very well have reincarnated as a woman?"
Shadow gave a slight shrug. "The Elixir affects the soul, not the body. Such anomalies are inevitable."
Freya, seated beside Vergil, glanced up in confusion. "Wait, reincarnation? Is this something that happens often in the Immortal world?"
Before Vergil could respond, Aeka chimed in. "It's not uncommon. In the Immortal world, souls can undergo reincarnation if their journey isn't complete. However, in rare cases, individuals retain memories and abilities from their previous lives, which makes things… complicated."
Freya sighed, rubbing her temples. "This world of yours seems more and more troublesome the longer I stay here."
Takano, Vergil's enigmatic younger sister, nodded in agreement, his tone as flat as ever. "Troublesome indeed."
The table erupted in laughter, even Shadow cracking a rare smirk. Ragnar, who had been quietly observing, raised his glass. "To the chaos that binds us all together. May our family always find its way through the storm."
The toast was met with raised glasses and cheers. For a brief moment, amidst the discussions of immortality, reincarnation, and cosmic complications, the Ragnaros family was simply that—a family.