Hours had passed in the library, the last rays of sunlight bled into darkness, leaving only the lamps to fight the dark.
Flip... flip... pages were turned as Vergil studied what knowledge he could from the librarian.
He started with the simple fire spell, one of the simplest elemental incantations. Idiot-proof according to the book. Closing his eyes, he allows the mana through his veins, from his heart and pushes it toward his palm.
Nothing.
Not even a hint of warmth to his cold fingers.
Vergil frowned, he flipped once more through the instructions, scanning the text again. Flow, shape, visualise the circle and actualise it. In theory, it was easy enough. Once more, he shoved the energy into his palm, visualising the circle.
Fsshh! A tiny spark crackled, then died leaving only a pitiful hiss.
His grip tightened on the book, until the leather itself creaked. His jaw twitched. It wasn't that he lacked mana, he could feel it. But no matter how hard he tried, it wouldn't manifest. The book explained it well, but magic isn't just theory, it was a lot more than that.
He exhaled hard through his nose, leaning back against the chair with a dull thunk. This wasn't just swinging a knife. It required finesse instead of brute force. Something that the current him did not possess.
Still, he tried again. Mana rushed down, unstable, wild, his fingers tingling. Light flared... then fizzled out like a dying ember.
Silence.
Vergil shut the book with a thud. His expression stayed blank. But inside, frustration gnawed at him.
"So that's how it's gonna be," he muttered, voice low enough for the empty shelves to judge him in silence.
Vergil stared at his hands for a brief moment, before curling them into fists. His path was never an easy one. If books wouldn't teach him, then he'd find another way.
And he knew exactly who to ask.
Sliding the book back into place, he strode out. Mind already turning to Elvira.
Outside, the village glowed under the warm moonlight. Shadows split long across dirt paths. People drifted about. Voices hushed and doors closing with soft clicks. Vergil didn't care. His thoughts stuck to magic, to Elvira's sharp tongue and even sharper knowledge.
The inn's wooden sign squealed on its hinge as Vergil opened the door. The smell of food along with the rowdy hum of its drunk patrons. "Too much laughter. Too crowded. Too loud. Vergil hated it."
His eyes landed on her immediately.
Eleanor was seated close to the rear. She looked at him while a half-cooked stew cooled in front of her. Sharp and steady, her blue eyes met his perfectly.
"You took your time," she said dryly, tilting her head. "Was starting to think you ditched me."
Vergil slid into the chair opposite her, without speaking a word.
His gaze flicked over the plate. Bread. Broth. Plainly, she brought it for him. It was enough.
"You got the room?" His tone was flat.
"Mm." She nodded. "Not much, but it'll do." Then her eyes narrowed, pinning him.
"Where were you?"
"The guild."
"And after?"
"Library."
Her brows rose, amused. "You? Reading?"
He didn't bite. Just met her gaze until she looked away, lips twitching.
He'd learned something already, she filled the silence when curious.
Vergil ignored the jab. "I was studying magic."
Her smirk thinned into curiosity. "And?"
"It didn't work."
She leaned forward, her hand pressed on her chin. "So you can't use magic."
"Not properly. I can strengthen my body after experimenting, but…" He paused, clicking his tongue. "Theory's not enough. I need someone to teach me."
Her expression sharpened. "And I guess you have someone in mind?"
"Elvira." The name hung in the air like a note gone flat.
Eleanor blinked once, twice, then smiled. "Who?" But her fingers had tightened around her spoon.
"A person I know. Tomorrow, I'm going."
Eleanor studied him, then shook her head with a small laugh. "You really don't hesitate."
"I don't have time to waste," Vergil said, tone cold. "Every second spent struggling is better than wasting time."
A faint smile played at her lips. "Efficient."
Vergil didn't respond and rose up. "Get some rest. We'll deal with this tomorrow."
Eleanor leaned back, amused. "Fine, fine. Little choice, right?"
He turned to go, but paused.
"We're sharing a room."
Her brow lifted, a spark of mischief lighting her face. "Oh? Didn't peg you for the type to suggest that."
"It's cheaper," he replied coldly.
She smirked. "Sure it is."
He didn't bother justifying it further. "Be ready in the morning." Without waiting for her response, he headed upstairs.
She let him go a few steps, then called lightly, "Sharing a room, huh?" Her tone teased, tapping her fingers against the table. "What about the bed?"
"Yes."
Her eyes widened slightly. A pause. Then she laughed softly, shaking her head. "Well, forward of you."
"It's just a bed," he said without turning. "Sleep early."
He disappeared upstairs.
Eleanor watched him go, lips curling. "Just a bed, huh?" she muttered, finishing her meal.
---
The room was dimly lit when Vergil shut the door behind him, dropping onto the bed and thinking about his new skills.
"I've got sword-related skills now. I should put them to use once I get a blade. And there are still plenty of other skills I can combine."
With that thought, he activated Combination.
Bzzt. A massive blue panel appeared before him.
"Which skills would you like to combine?"
"Combine Basic Sword Mastery and Basic Bow Mastery."
[Combination successful.]
Basic Sword-Bow Mastery (F+)
Grants basic proficiency with both sword and bow-type weapons, allowing for smoother transitions between melee and ranged combat.
"Good," he murmured as the text faded. Each word on the screen was cleaner, sharper, like a blade honed on instinct. Power that listened. Finally.
"Next, combine Lesser Pack Leader and Pack Instincts."
[Combination successful.]
Pack Commander (F+)
Enhances the user's ability to coordinate and lead small groups and sharpens instinctual teamwork and reaction to ally movement.
Vergil's gaze remained fixed on the screen.
'Very useful.'
"Now, combine Dim Vision, Night Hunter, and Night Prowler."
[Combination successful.]
Nocturnal Stalker (E)
Improves low-light vision while enhancing the clarity in dim environments, while boosting stealth and mobility after nightfall.
Aids in making the user's movement silent and blending in the shadows and tracking prey in the dark.
Vergil's lips curved into a smirk. "Fitting."
"Combine Guard Strike and Quick Parry."
[Combination successful.]
Swift Counter (F+)
A quick parry that allows for an instant counterattack while boosting reaction speed.
Vergil exhaled lightly. He was nearly done.
"Finally, combine Venomous Bite and Ravenous Bite."
[Combination successful.]
Voracious Fang (E)
Depending on the target's tolerance to poison, this vicious bite inflicts severe physical harm and poisonous effects leaving the target with persistent agony, numbness, or a slight paralysis.
Vergil let out a satisfying sigh, closing the screen.
"That should do for now. I need to switch to a sword soon with these new skills... but for the time being, I'll keep using the dagger.
I want to sleep." Lying down on the bed. He sank into the bed as exhaustion pulled him in, eyes closing shut.
---
The door creaked minutes later as Eleanor slipped inside. Quiet as a shadow before sliding beneath the covers. She paused as her eyes traced his face.
Unremarkable. Ordinary. He could disappear into a crowd and never be seen again. Yet maybe that was what made him extraordinary.
Her fingers brushed a stray strand of hair from his eyes, she froze and then stilled.
"He blends in so easily... but there's so much more than he lets on."
After everything that transpired, sleep was restless even after she closed her eyes. There was an underlying tension between the two. Not strangers, but not exactly allies. Just... something.
Vergil stirred faintly in his sleep, his brow creasing as a shade of pain flickered on his features.
"A bad dream." She whispered.
She rolled onto her side, away from him. Slowly, she drifted off. The night held them in silence.
Creaaak… the window shifted under the wind.
Eleanor stirred first, the morning light spilling into the room from the window. She stretched lazily, her gaze shifting towards the bed.
To her surprise, Vergil was still sleeping. His expression was peaceful. Too peaceful.
'And here I thought he was an early bloomer.' A smirk tugged at her lips.
Her eyes softened, amusement flickering.
"So defenceless... like a lamb."
She nudged his shoulder gently.
"Hey. Wake up."
His eyelids fluttered open. "Mm… morning." His voice rasped, thick with sleep.
"…Morning," he murmured, voice still thick with sleep.
She sat up, stretching with a feline's grace. "Lucky for you, I didn't draw on your face."
He blinked, sighed. "…You might've if you had the chance."
She laughed. "Smart boy."
Rising, she rolled her shoulders. "You don't move much so it's easy to share a bed with you."
Vergil groaned, rubbing his face. "Whatever you say."
"Come on," Eleanor chirped. "Maybe today'll be fun."
"Breakfast, then Elvira's," he muttered. "And let me talk."
She smirked, already heading for the stairs. "Whatever you say," he repeated his words.
'Something's got her in a good mood,' he thought.
After a quick meal, the two stepped into the morning air, the road waiting beneath the sunlight as they set off for Elvira's.