After returning to the mansion, Vergil wasted no time heading to his study. Settling into his chair, he pulled out a sheet of fine parchment and began drafting a letter. His handwriting was precise and elegant, each stroke of the quill reflecting the weight of his thoughts. The letter was addressed to Empress Eliza II, formally requesting a royal decree for Captain Lucia to assist in the capture of Lady Eleanor Drakemont.
Vergil detailed the importance of the operation, emphasizing the scale of the threat posed by the Drakemont family's criminal activities. He underlined the need for the Britalienne Empire's support, noting that this would be one of the largest operations undertaken by the Royal Force in recent history. Satisfied with the letter, Vergil sealed it with his personal crest and called forth a falcon perched near the window.
"Take this to the Empress," he instructed, tying the letter securely to the falcon's leg. The bird gave a sharp cry before taking off into the night sky, its silhouette disappearing into the moonlight.
Vergil leaned back for a moment, but his work was far from over. Pulling out another set of parchment, he began crafting three more letters. Unlike the first, these letters were written in a code only a select few could decipher. Once completed, Vergil infused them with a unique magical seal, ensuring they would only open for their intended recipients.
Aeka entered the study just as Vergil activated the spell to send the letters. The magic caused the letters to shimmer before vanishing into thin air, carried to their destinations by unseen forces.
"Where did you send those?" Aeka asked, her arms crossed as she leaned casually against the doorframe.
Vergil smirked, his eyes glinting with a mix of nostalgia and resolve. "It's time for the Ragnaros Special Force to assemble."
At the mention of the Special Force, Aeka's expression shifted, a flicker of pride crossing her features. She nodded knowingly, understanding the gravity of the situation.
Freya, however, stood nearby, her brows furrowed in confusion. "Ragnaros Special Force? What is that?"
Aeka turned to Freya, her tone playful yet cryptic. "You'll find out soon enough. Trust me, it's worth the wait."
Vergil chuckled softly at Freya's bewildered expression. "Patience, Freya. For now, focus on your training and assisting Morgana with the girls. When the time comes, you'll see why the Ragnaros name carries such weight."
Freya sighed, still curious but willing to set the question aside for the moment. The study fell silent, save for the faint crackling of the fireplace. Outside, the falcon carrying Vergil's letter to the Empress soared steadily toward its destination, while the magically sent letters would soon reach the hands of their recipients—elite individuals who had long awaited the call of their master.
The calm in Vergil's study was shattered by the muffled sound of a small explosion from outside. Startled, Freya quickly moved to the window, peering out into the dimly lit mansion grounds. Vergil and Aeka followed suit, glancing out to see a small plume of smoke rising from the training area in the garden. A shallow crater marred the otherwise pristine lawn.
"Mina and her sisters," Aeka said with a soft chuckle, recognizing the result of a magical mishap.
Vergil's lips curled into a wry smile as he leaned against the window frame, watching the faint outlines of his daughters surrounded by faint glimmers of magical light. "It seems their training with Morgana is starting to bear fruit," he remarked, his tone equal parts amused and proud.
Freya tilted her head, curiosity evident in her expression. "Is it normal for magic training to cause so much... destruction?"
Aeka laughed, crossing her arms. "When it comes to raw talent like theirs, absolutely. A little explosion here and there is a good sign—it means they're pushing their limits."
Vergil nodded in agreement. "Magic is like a blade. Without practice, it's dull and useless. But to sharpen it, you need friction." His voice carried a note of pride as he watched his daughters regroup with Morgana, already preparing for another attempt.
Freya looked back at Vergil, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "You seem more relaxed than usual when it comes to them."
"They've inherited more than I expected," Vergil said, his gaze softening. "Strength, potential, determination... Watching them grow, even through mishaps like this, reminds me of why I do what I do."
Aeka glanced at Freya with a knowing smirk. "He's proud, even if he won't outright say it."
Vergil rolled his eyes, though a faint chuckle escaped him. "I'm their father. Of course, I'm proud."
The three shared a moment of quiet laughter, the tension of the day momentarily lifting. Outside, another faint flash of light illuminated the training area, followed by a triumphant cheer from one of the girls.
"They're improving," Freya observed, her tone filled with genuine admiration.
"They'll surpass us someday," Vergil said, his voice low but filled with certainty. "And that's how it should be."
As the trio returned to the study, the faint sound of laughter and encouragement from the training grounds served as a reminder of the strength and bonds being forged in Avalorne—a sanctuary preparing for the battles to come.
Three weeks passed in intense preparation. Every morning, Vergil arrived at the Avalorne Knights' barracks before dawn, dedicating hours to teaching advanced sword techniques from the Ragnaros lineage. Capt. Lucia and her knights quickly adapted, their skills and discipline sharpening under Vergil's rigorous training.
Meanwhile, Morgana focused on nurturing the magical potential of Vergil's five adopted daughters. She worked tirelessly, marveling at their rapid progress. During nightly dinners, she shared her observations with Vergil, Aeka, and Freya. "Your daughters are prodigies," Morgana said one evening, pushing her empty plate aside. "Not only are they mastering foundational magic at an incredible pace, but their adaptability to close-quarters combat is astounding. If they wish, they could easily earn spots at Aetherion Academy, the finest magical institution in the empire."
Vergil smiled proudly but responded modestly. "Their success is a testament to your guidance, Morgana."
Morgana shook her head. "Talent like theirs doesn't come often. You should be very proud."
Vergil's days remained full. After morning training with Lucia and her knights, he returned to his clinic, accompanied by Freya, to tend to the townsfolk of Avalorne. The townspeople were delighted to have their dedicated leader and healer back, flooding the clinic with smiles and gifts.
Aeka, meanwhile, fully launched the Youth Revival Essence to the public. Her careful planning paid off as the product sold out within weeks, bringing Avalorne both wealth and recognition.
When Morgana's contract concluded, Vergil handed her a hefty pouch of gold coins and a sealed letter. "This is a recommendation for Aetherion Academy. You've more than earned it," he said warmly.
Morgana's eyes widened. "Thank you, Lord Ragnaros. This is far more than I expected."
Vergil smiled. "Consider it an investment in someone who has become family."
That evening, as the final touches for their operation were laid out, Vergil gathered Aeka, Freya, and Lucia in his study. A detailed map of the Drakemont estate sprawled across the table.
"Here's the plan," Vergil began, his tone firm. "The Ragnaros Special Force will infiltrate the auction as participants. Once the signal—a controlled explosion—is triggered, we'll move to neutralize key targets inside. Lucia," he turned to the captain, "your knights will engage the external guards. Capture or eliminate, I leave that to your discretion. Inside, it's capture-only. We need Lady Eleanor Drakemont alive."
Lucia nodded. "Understood. My knights will be ready."
Freya, sitting beside Vergil, added, "This operation depends on precision. No mistakes."
Before anyone could reply, a sudden commotion interrupted the meeting. The sound of hurried footsteps and Mina's voice echoed from the hallway. "Father! There are people here to see you!"
The door swung open, revealing three figures. Two men stood tall and imposing, one bearing an uncanny resemblance to Vergil, the other with striking, sharp features. Behind them, a woman with long hair tied in a ponytail entered, her presence commanding but warm.
Vergil's eyes lit up. "You're finally here." He strode forward to greet them, shaking the hand of the man who looked like him. "Dante," he said with a grin.
The ponytailed woman didn't wait for formalities and threw her arms around Vergil. "It's been too long," she said softly.
"Takano," Vergil replied, his tone affectionate.
Aeka quickly joined, embracing the woman tightly. "You made it!"
Freya, standing nearby, felt a pang of jealousy at the warm reunion. Her lips pressed into a thin line, but she stayed silent, knowing Vergil would have his reasons for not sharing more about these newcomers.
Vergil, noticing Freya's expression, placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Freya, meet Dante and Takano, key members of the Ragnaros Special Force."
Dante gave a polite nod. "It's a pleasure," he said, his voice calm but firm.
Takano smiled warmly. "Vergil has spoken highly of you, Freya."
Freya's jealousy faded slightly at their welcoming demeanor. "It's... nice to meet you both," she replied, though her tone remained cautious.
Vergil stepped back, his voice taking on a commanding edge. "Now that we're all here, it's time to finalize the plan. The Drakemont family won't know what hit them."
The group gathered around the table, the weight of the mission palpable. Freya stood closer to Vergil, silently promising herself that she would prove her worth to the formidable Ragnaros Special Force.
Vergil stepped forward, gesturing toward the man who shared his appearance. "Allow me to introduce Dante, my second twin brother and the best commando I've ever trained. Just don't bother asking what he plans to bring for this operation—it's better that way."
Dante gave a slight smirk, his piercing gaze scanning the room.
Vergil then turned to the woman with the ponytail. "And this is Takano, my younger sister and, technically, Aeka's elder sister."
Freya's eyes were drawn to Takano's armor, which seemed to cling to her like a second skin. Its glossy surface glimmered faintly, and there was something strikingly unnatural about it. "Your armor… It's different. It almost looks like it's part of you," Freya remarked cautiously.
Takano's unique voice, metallic yet melodic, answered with a faint smile. "That's because it is. This body is my armor."
Aeka stepped in to elaborate. "Takano decided to enhance herself by transforming her body into a living armor. The process had a few side effects, including altering her voice."
Freya couldn't hide her astonishment, but Takano's calm and confident demeanor made it clear that she had no regrets about her decision.
Vergil then approached the third guest, a man with short, fiery red hair and a distinctive "X"-shaped scar across his face. He wore a short-sleeved black shirt beneath an unusual tactical vest. Before Vergil could introduce him, Mina, standing near the doorway, tilted her head. "Your outfit is… kind of strange," she commented bluntly.
The man chuckled, shaking Vergil's hand. "And you must be Mina. I like her honesty," he said before turning to the group.
"This is Axel," Vergil said with a grin. "Our cousin and an irreplaceable member of the Ragnaros Special Force."
Freya, her curiosity piqued, pointed to the scar on Axel's face. "That mark… How did it happen?"
Axel shrugged nonchalantly. "A past mistake. Back then, when i was young and patriotic to a fault, and it got me into trouble during one of my missions. This scar is a reminder of that."
With introductions complete, Vergil gestured for everyone to move to his study. Inside, the atmosphere shifted to one of focus and strategy. The map of the Drakemont estate lay spread across the desk, surrounded by reports and documents.
Vergil began, addressing Dante, Takano, and Axel. "Here's what we're dealing with. The Drakemont family has been operating under the guise of legitimacy while orchestrating heinous acts. Our mission is twofold: create chaos from within the auction to save every captive girl and neutralize their operation entirely."
He motioned toward Capt. Lucia, who stood near the map. "This is Captain Lucia. She leads the Royal Knights stationed here in Avalorne. Her task will be to take down the Drakemont guards outside the estate during the operation."
Lucia nodded firmly, her posture radiating confidence. "I'll ensure no one escapes the perimeter. My knights are ready to move as soon as the signal is given."
Dante gave a curt nod to Lucia, his sharp gaze assessing her. "I look forward to seeing the Royal Knights in action. We'll handle the rest inside."
Takano crossed her arms, her voice cutting through the room. "We'll need precision and timing. Failure isn't an option."
Axel leaned casually against the wall, a confident smirk playing on his lips. "Sounds like a party. Count me in."
Vergil allowed himself a small smile. "This is the Ragnaros Special Force, Freya. Each of us has a role, and we've never failed a mission."
Freya watched the group, her earlier doubts about the newcomers fading as she witnessed their confidence and synergy. She clenched her fists, silently vowing to prove herself alongside them.
Vergil's tone grew serious as he concluded. "Three weeks of preparation have led to this. We move during the auction. Everyone knows their role. Let's bring the Drakemont family to justice."
The night of the operation arrived. Vergil, accompanied by Freya and the Ragnaros Special Force, entered the grand estate of the Drakemont family. Handing over the official invitation, Vergil explained to the servant at the entrance that those accompanying him were all family members and that they intended to bid on specific items at the auction.
The servant, oblivious to their true intentions, escorted them to the auction hall. As they walked, Aeka and Takano excused themselves, claiming they needed to use the restroom. Instead, they began placing small, concealed explosives at strategic locations throughout the estate.
Meanwhile, Vergil, Dante, and Axel took their seats near the stage. Their expressions remained composed, scanning the room and observing the other attendees. After completing their preparations, Aeka and Takano discreetly returned and sat with the others.
Outside, Lucia and her knights waited at the edge of the forest bordering the Drakemont estate, hidden under the cover of darkness. They were poised and ready, awaiting the signal from Vergil's team.
Simultaneously, Aeka pressed a concealed detonator. Explosions echoed from the second floor, targeting areas where the Drakemont family's inner circle was known to reside. Vergil, having carefully studied the room, confirmed that most of the Drakemonts were present in the auction hall.
The moment the chaos began, the team sprang into action. Axel manifested twin magical handguns in a flash, their arcane energy crackling with power. Dante summoned a massive, enchanted greatsword, the weapon gleaming ominously in the dim light. Takano's hands ignited as flaming gauntlets materialized, their heat distorting the air around her. Aeka raised her magic rifle, its runes glowing faintly as she took aim. Lastly, Vergil summoned his iconic twin swords, their blades shimmering with deadly precision.
The Ragnaros Special Force moved like a synchronized storm, launching their assault on the Drakemont guards and the other corrupt nobles attending the auction. Each strike was calculated and lethal, fulfilling their objective to cause chaos from within.
Outside, the sound of explosions and the rising plume of smoke signaled Lucia and her Royal Knights to begin their assault. Drawing her sword, Lucia raised it high and shouted, "By order of Empress Eliza II, capture Lady Eleanor Drakemont alive! She is charged with crimes of human trafficking!"
The Drakemont guards stationed outside, caught off guard by the explosions and the sudden attack, were ill-prepared for the ferocity of the Empire Royal Force. Lucia's knights stormed the estate, capturing or eliminating any opposition they encountered.
Inside the Drakemont estate, Lady Eleanor Drakemont, seated in the VIP section, watched the chaos unfold with fear etched across her face. Her composure shattered, and in desperation, she bolted from her seat, attempting to escape unnoticed.
Dante, standing amidst the skirmish, noticed her movement. He placed a firm yet silent hand on Vergil's shoulder, signaling that their primary target was making her escape. Vergil nodded in understanding, and without hesitation, he and Freya broke away to pursue Lady Eleanor.
Meanwhile, Dante, Aeka, and Axel continued their onslaught. They systematically eliminated most of the remaining Drakemont family members—those who had traveled from other regions to attend the auction. The estate guards inside quickly mobilized in response to the attack.
Dante, watching the reinforcements arrive, smirked. "Looks like the party's just getting started," he said, adjusting his grip on his greatsword.
Takano stepped forward, her fiery gauntlets crackling. "You ready, Axel?" she teased.
Axel grinned, twirling his enchanted handguns. "Oh, I've been waiting for this. Let's light it up."
As the three launched themselves into battle, Vergil and Freya chased Lady Eleanor through the estate's winding corridors. Guards loyal to the Drakemont family attempted to slow them down, but Vergil dispatched them effortlessly, his twin swords a blur of precise strikes.
Spotting an opening, Vergil hurled a dagger at Lady Eleanor's leg. The blade grazed her, causing her to stumble, but she managed to keep running. More guards appeared, forcing Vergil to engage them.
Freya, however, seized the opportunity. Springing out of the shadows, she leaped over the guards and tackled Lady Eleanor to the ground. The Drakemont matriarch shrieked in fear as Freya secured her, ensuring there was no escape.
Vergil quickly dispatched the remaining guards, his movements calculated and ruthless. He regrouped with Freya, nodding in approval as Lady Eleanor squirmed under her grasp.
Elsewhere, Aeka had separated from the group and made her way to the estate's dressing rooms. There, she encountered more guards and swiftly subdued them. She found the magical key to the enchanted shackles binding the auctioned women and proceeded to the underground cells.
In the prison, Aeka unlocked the cells, freeing the captives. The women, terrified and confused, hesitated until Aeka reassured them. "You're safe now. We're here on behalf of the Royal Palace to rescue you."
Lucia's forces, having successfully breached the estate's perimeter, began sweeping through the grounds. They captured the remaining Drakemont family members and their allies who attempted to flee.
As Aeka emerged from the underground chambers, she encountered Lucia and her knights. Together, they escorted the freed women out of the estate. The knights provided support, helping the women to safety and securing the area.
Aeka turned to Lucia and said with calm resolve, "We've freed the prisoners. Make sure they're taken care of." Lucia nodded, signaling her forces to prioritize the captives' safety.
Lucia descended into the underground chambers of the Drakemont estate, following the directions Aeka had given her. Upon reaching the auction hall, she was greeted by a surprising sight. Dante, Axel, and Takano were casually lounging amidst the chaos, sipping red wine. Around them lay the unconscious bodies of the guards and the remnants of the Drakemont family who had attended the auction.
Lucia could hardly believe her eyes. Their calm, almost nonchalant demeanor contrasted sharply with the destruction around them. She thought to herself, Just how strong are they to be able to relax like this after such a battle?
Moments later, Vergil and Freya entered the room, dragging the unconscious Lady Eleanor Drakemont with them. The group convened at the center of the hall.
"This operation is officially complete," Vergil declared.
"For you, maybe," Dante quipped, taking another sip of wine. "But for me, Axel, and Takano, our part is done." He set his glass down and gestured at Axel, who nodded.
Dante then summoned a dimensional portal. Its shimmering edges pulsed with magical energy, revealing a swirling void leading back to Magnacarta VII. Axel stepped through first, followed by Takano, who waved a casual goodbye as she disappeared into the portal.
"Don't keep Father waiting too long, Vergil," Dante said, his tone half-serious. "He'll want a full report once this is over."
Vergil gave a faint smile. "I'll handle it once my work here is done."
Dante nodded, exchanged a brief glance with Aeka, and stepped into the portal. It closed behind him with a soft hum, leaving the hall eerily quiet.
Lucia, watching the scene unfold, broke the silence. "What kind of magic was that?"
"It's a direct teleportation technique," Aeka explained. "It allows someone to open a portal to a specific location and instantly travel there."
Lucia raised an eyebrow, impressed. Vergil merely smiled faintly, his eyes lingering for a moment on the spot where the portal had been.
With the portal gone, Lucia focused on the task at hand. Her knights had already begun preparing the carriages to transport the captives. Lady Eleanor Drakemont, now bound and unconscious, was placed securely in one of the carriages along with the other captured members of the Drakemont family.
Once everything was in order, Lucia mounted her carriage. "We'll deliver them to the royal court for trial. The Empress will be pleased with the outcome of this operation."
Vergil nodded. "Be thorough. There's no room for error."
Lucia gave a sharp salute before signaling her knights to depart.
Vergil, accompanied by Freya and Aeka, climbed into their own carriage. As they began their journey back to Avalorne, the weight of the successful operation began to settle. Despite the challenges ahead, for now, they could savor the victory they had achieved together.
As the carriage swayed gently along the road back to Avalorne, Vergil reached into a small compartment and retrieved a bottle of wine. With practiced ease, he poured the rich, crimson liquid into two goblets, handing them to Aeka and Freya in turn.
"To a mission well-executed," Vergil said with a faint smile, raising his own goblet in a quiet toast. Aeka and Freya clinked their glasses against his before taking small sips, the tension of the operation finally beginning to ease.
While the two enjoyed their drinks, Vergil retrieved a blank parchment and inked quill from his satchel. He began writing a detailed report addressed to Empress Eliza II, describing the success of the mission. He emphasized that Lady Eleanor Drakemont had been captured and that the operation had been carried out under the guise of royal agents working in disguise. He also ensured to commend Lucia and her knights for their diligence and hard work throughout the operation.
After carefully rolling up the parchment, Vergil let out a soft whistle. Moments later, a pure white owl glided down from the night sky, landing gracefully on the carriage window.
Freya's eyes lit up with admiration as she leaned closer to the bird. "You never told me you trained owls too, Vergil."
"They're excellent couriers," Vergil replied as he gently tied the scroll to the owl's leg. Stroking its feathers lightly, he gave a simple command: "To the palace."
The owl hooted softly, spread its wings, and took flight, disappearing into the moonlit sky.
As the carriage continued its journey, Aeka leaned back, sipping her wine with a satisfied expression. "What's next, Brother?"
Vergil smirked faintly, his sharp eyes focused on the horizon. "We regroup, rest, and prepare for what's to come. This is only the beginning."
Freya, watching the owl disappear into the distance, felt a sense of pride and relief. Despite the chaos and danger they had faced, Vergil's careful planning and unyielding resolve had brought them through once again.
For now, the night was quiet, and the road stretched ahead, leading them back to Avalorne and whatever awaited them next.