Rebirth-Transcending All Beings-Chapter 20: The Third Subjugation [1]

Vergil and Eleanor walking along the path. The morning chill brushing against their clothes as Vaelmont began to sir aaake.

Distance voices, the clatter of wood and the occasional bark contributed to the liveliness.

Vergil pet his eyes forward as his thoughts wandered elsewhere.

’System, you’ve been pretty quiet lately.’

[Listening to you complaining about your stamina while throwing spells around is exactly entertaining for me]

’Wow. At least pretend to care about me. Some emotional support would be nice once in a while.’

[I’m not your therapist. I’m your System godammit. You want support? Go hug a tree or something.]

’Yeah, yeah. Whatever, at least I grow stronger without you nagging every two seconds.’

[And yet you still talk to me. You lonely or just that dumb?]

Vergil gave a blank smile.

’Probably both.’

[Glad we’re on the same page.]

"Why are you smiling like that?" Eleanor asked, her eyes narrowing on his blank smile.

Vergil blinked, changing his face to normal.

"Uhhh... nothing. Just remembered something funny."

"Very unlikely," she said flatly. "You don’t seem like the type to remember anything funny."

’Damn, she’s worse than you in some ways.’

[She’s got potential, I will admit.]

Gilbert wiped his hands on a cloth as Verhil and Eleanor stepped inside.

The air inside was hotter than usual, filled with smoke as sparks raged near the hearth.

A sword lay there, glowing red on the anvil. Ready to be hammered and be put to use.

’You’ve been through a lot, haven’t ya lad,"

Gilbert spoke, gruff but not unkind. "Did some training?"

Vergil nodded. "Yeah. I’ve pushed myself as far as I can. Figured it’s time for me to take the next step."

His expression grew more serious along with his tone. "If you keep walking this path, your gear must be at least up to par."

Vergil glanced at Eleanor. "That’s why we’re here. My friend needs a weapon."

Eleanor stunned, tilted her head. "I’m a mage."

"And like all humans, you can get stabbed," Vergil replied flatly. "Im not denying your potential, but if someone gets too close."

He paused breifly, taking a deep breath. ’You’re spells won’t save you. Pick something that works."

She hesitated, eyes scanning the racks of weapons lining the walls of the forge

Gilbert gestured with a thumb. "Take your time. I’ll watch your stance."

Eleanor stepped forward, picking up a short sword. A few careful swings. Both light, clean.

Swish.

Thunk.

She frowned. "Too heavy for me."

She swapped it for a dagger, flipping it between fingers. "Too short. Doesn’t feel right."

She switched to a curved saber, then a pair of knives. Her movement were graceful but she was unsatisfied.

Shaking her head before settling the weapon down.

Finally, her eyes landed on a slim rapier resting on a mounted rack. She drew it gently; the polished steel caught the light. Its balance was elegant, simple.

She gave it a few light thrusts. Her footwork smooth and measured. Then a quick spin. Both controlled with immaculate precision.

Swoosh.

"This one."

Gilbert nodded. "That’s a weapon for a duelist. Although fast and agile, it doesn’t forgive sloppy technique."

"Good for me," Eleanor’s tone turned colder than usual. "I don’t plan on being sloppy."

Vergil gave a faint smile. "It does certainly fit."

She shot him a sideways glance. "Don’t get too sentimental with me."

"My bad," Vergil coughed out.

Gilbert stepped forward. "I’ll tune the edge, make sure it’s sharp enough to pierce. I’ll make sure it’s ready for tomorrow."

"Could I get some arrows?" Vergil asked.

"Help yourself, they’re in the corner," Gilbert said.

Vergil grabbed twenty arrows filling his quiver.

As the duo began to leave, Vergil paused at the entrance.

Looking back at the man now hammering at the sword once more with rhythm

"Thank you–Gilbert." He murmured under his breath.

Clank. Clank.

The blacksmith nodded without looking up, focussing his efforts on his sword. "Don’t die."

Outside, the wind had picked up its pace.

Shhhk. Rustle.

Leaves moving along with it.

’She’s going to stab someone one day,’ Vergil thought to himself as he side-eyed Eleanor.

[Probably, you mate.]

’Whatever do you mean–she needs me and I need her.’ Vergil muttered inside.

[Spoken like a true fool in denial.]

Vergil could only role his eyes at the comment, as Eleanor walked beside in silence–making their way through the village

Before long they had arrived at the Adventurers Guild, Vergil pushed the front door open, heading to the usual spot.

Behind the front desk, a young woman with auburn hair tied in a braid looked up the moment she saw Vergil.

"Well look who it is," she said, folding her arms. "You’re back. And... not alone this time?"

Eleanor tilted her head. "Problem?"

"No, just surprised," Elina replied, her eyes narrowing. "I’m used to him brooding alone usually. Who’s the shadow?"

"Eleanor," Vergil answered flatly. "She’s with me."

"I can see that," Elina said, tone even. "Bringing someone on a quest makes you liable if they get hurt, you know."

"I won’t," Eleanor said coolly. "I’m not a liability."

Vergil sighed. "We’re looking for a mission at E-rank. Preferably something in the field."

Elina reached under the counter and pulled out a few parchments. "Lucky for you, we just got something in. Should suit your level."

She handed Vergil a dark-gray quest slip and Eleanor read it aloud.

Mission: Eliminate the Ashen Gravetalon

Location: Ashwood Forest

Rank: E

Details: Skyborne predator nesting in the dead forest ridge. Known to ambush travelers and livestock.

Reward: 3 silver. An additional pay for feathers, talons, or beak fragments collected.

Let’s take it," Vergil spoke.

Eleanor leaned in. "Flying, corrupted, territorial monsters... sounds lovely."

Elina rested her chin on her hand. "Be careful, they are quite fast."

Vergil tucked the quest slip in his pocket. "We’ll be back before sunset at the latest."

"And if you’re not?" Elina asked, testing him.

"We’ll still be alive," Eleanor stared flatly.

Elina just sighed and shrugged. "Whatever helps you sleep. Good luck."

As they stepped outside, Vergil muttered inwardly, ’I have no idea if Elina is warming up to me.’

[This is between me and you. In my opinion, I think she wants you dead.]