Hours passed in the dim light of the library, pages turning as Vergil tried to force his way through the intricacies of magic. He attempted a basic fire spell first—one of the simplest forms of elemental magic. He focused, drawing on his mana, shaping the energy as described in the text.
Nothing.
His fingers remained cold, the air undisturbed.
Vergil frowned, flipping back through the instructions. Flow mana through the conduit organ, visualize ignition, and release. He tried again, forcing the energy through his hand.
A faint flicker, barely a spark, before it died instantly.
His grip on the book tightened.
It wasn't that he lacked mana—he could feel it within him, an untapped reservoir—but no matter how much he concentrated, it refused to manifest properly. The book explained the theory well enough, but magic wasn't just theory. Without a proper understanding of how to apply it, it was nothing more than empty words on a page.
Vergil exhaled sharply, leaning back against the wooden chair. This isn't working. He wasn't an idiot, but magic was different from wielding a blade. It required finesse, control—something he lacked.
He tried again. This time, he envisioned a simple arcane light spell, something even children could master. Mana flowed to his fingertips, unstable and erratic. The spell formed for a brief moment before fizzling out like a dying ember.
Silence.
He closed the book with a dull thud, expression unreadable.
So that's how it is.
Vergil sat there for a moment, staring at his hands, before pushing himself up from the chair. His path forward in magic wasn't going to be as easy as he'd hoped.
'If books won't teach me, I'll find another way, and i think I have know just the person'
He thought
Vergil returned the book to the place its belonged in the libary, and headed to Elvira remembering what the system said 'the retired mage.' Ill use analysis and check on her status window tommorow, for now I'll go check on Eleanor
Vergil walked through the village streets, the fading sunlight casting long shadows over the cobblestone paths. The air was cool, carrying the distant scent of burning wood and freshly baked bread from nearby homes. The town was settling in for the evening, but he paid little attention to the mundane routines of the villagers. His mind was elsewhere—on magic, on Elvira, on his next steps.
Soon, he reached the inn, its wooden sign creaking slightly in the evening breeze. Pushing open the heavy door, he stepped inside. The scent of ale and roasted meat filled the air, mingling with the quiet hum of conversation. A few patrons sat at their tables, speaking in hushed tones, but the atmosphere was calm.
His eyes immediately found Eleanor.
She sat near the back, a small plate of food in front of her, though she seemed to have barely touched it. Her violet eyes flicked up as she noticed him approaching, sharp as ever.
"You took your time," she remarked, tilting her head slightly. "I was beginning to think you ran off and left me here."
Vergil pulled out a chair across from her, sitting down without a word. He glanced at the plate—some bread, a small portion of stew. Basic but enough.
"You found thr room?" he asked, voice flat.
Eleanor nodded. "Yeah. Nothing luxurious, but it'll do." She studied him for a moment before her gaze narrowed slightly. "Where did you go?"
"The guild," he replied simply. "Got paid."
Her eyes flicked to his hands, noticing the small pouch of coins he had yet to store away. "And?"
"And then the library," he added, leaning back in his chair.
Eleanor arched a brow. "You? In a library?" A smirk tugged at the corner of her lips. "I wouldn't have guessed."
Vergil ignored the remark. "I was studying magic."
At that, her amusement faded slightly, replaced with something more curious. "And?"
His expression didn't change. "It didn't work."
Eleanor leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand. "So, you can't use magic?"
"Not properly, i can strengthen my body but." he admitted. "Theory isn't enough. I'll need to learn from someone."
She considered his words for a moment before speaking. "And do you have someone in mind?"
"Elvira."
Recognition but uncertainty flickered in her eyes. 'Is it that person' she thought to herself but fained knowing
"Who?"
"A person I know, i'll head their tommorow" Vergil said
Eleanor studied him for a moment before shaking her head. "You really don't hesitate, do you?"
"I don't have time to waste," Vergil said, his tone cold. "Every second spent struggling with something useless is a second lost."
A small, knowing smile played on Eleanor's lips. "Efficient."
Vergil didn't reply. Instead, he stood. "Get some rest. We'll deal with this tomorrow."
Eleanor leaned back in her chair, watching him for a moment before sighing. "Fine, fine. I suppose I have little choice."
Vergil didn't wait for a response. He turned and left, heading for his own room. Tonight, he would rest. Tomorrow, he would take another step forward.
As Vergil stood, he turned back to Eleanor. "We're sharing a room."
Eleanor raised an eyebrow, a flicker of amusement crossing her face. "Oh? Didn't peg you for the type to suggest that."
Vergil gave her a cold look. "It's cheaper."
She smirked, leaning back in her chair. "Sure it is."
He didn't bother justifying it further. "Be ready in the morning." Without waiting for a response, he turned and walked away, heading upstairs.
Eleanor watched him go, shaking her head slightly. "Cold as ever," she murmured, before finally turning to her neglected meal.
As Vergil turned to head upstairs, Eleanor leaned back in her chair, watching him with a smirk.
"We're sharing a room, huh?" she mused, tapping her fingers against the table. Then, with a teasing lilt, she asked, "Are we sharing the bed too?"
Without hesitation, Vergil glanced over his shoulder. "Yes."
Eleanor blinked, caught off guard for a moment. Then she chuckled, shaking her head. "Well, that's forward of you."
"It's just a bed," he replied flatly. "Get some sleep. We leave early."
With that, he turned and headed upstairs, leaving Eleanor behind, still smirking. "Just a bed, huh?" she muttered to herself before finally finishing her meal.
Vergil entered the room and immediately turned his attention to his newly acquired skills.
"I've got skills related to the sword now. I should put them to use once I get one. There are also plenty of other skills I can combine."
With that thought, he activated Combination.
A massive blue panel appeared before him.
"What skills would you like to combine?"
"Combine Basic Sword Mastery and Basic Bow Mastery."
— Combining skills… Combination successful.
New Combined Skill: Basic Sword-Bow Mastery (F+)
Grants fundamental proficiency with both swords and bows, allowing for smoother transitions between melee and ranged combat.
Slightly improves weapon handling, attack speed, and accuracy with both weapons.
Reduces the chance of fumbling or improper stance when switching between melee and ranged attacks.
Does not grant special techniques but makes learning advanced skills for either weapon easier.
Ideal for hybrid fighters, rangers, and versatile combatants who use both melee and ranged weapons.
Vergil nodded, satisfied with the result.
"Next, combine Lesser Pack Leader and pack Instincts
— Combining skills… Combination successful.
New Combined Skill: Pack Commander (F+)
Enhances the user's ability to lead and coordinate small groups of allied creatures.
Strengthens instinctual teamwork, allowing allies to react faster to each other's movements in combat.
Nearby allies gain a slight boost to morale and coordination, making group attacks more effective.
Vergil's gaze remained fixed on the blue panel.
"Now, combine Dim Vision, Night Hunter, and Night Prowler."
— Combining skills… Combination successful.
New Combined Skill: Nocturnal Stalker (E)
Enhances low-light vision, improving clarity in dim environments, though weaker than true Dark Vision.
Improves stealth and movement at night, making it easier to blend into shadows and move silently.
Boosts awareness and tracking abilities in the dark, aiding in detecting prey or lurking threats.
Slightly enhances reaction speed and agility when fighting in darkness or shadowy areas.
Ideal for rogues, assassins, beasts, or nocturnal hunters.
"Next, combine Guard Strike and Quick Parry."
— Combining skills… Combination successful.
New Combined Skill: Swift Counter (F+)
Allows the user to parry an incoming attack quickly and immediately follow up with a counter-strike.
Slightly improves reaction time and weapon control when deflecting blows.
Most effective with swords, daggers, and other melee weapons but less effective against heavy or magical attacks.
Ideal for duelists, defensive fighters, and agile warriors who rely on quick reflexes.
Vergil exhaled lightly. He was nearly finished.
"Finally, combine Venomous Bite and Ravenous Bite."
— Combining skills… Combination successful.
New Combined Skill: Voracious Fang (E)
A savage bite that inflicts both severe physical damage and venomous effects.
The venom causes lingering pain, numbness, or mild paralysis, depending on the victim's resistance.
The bite's feral nature makes it difficult for prey to break free once latched on.
Most effective for predatory beasts, venomous monsters, or savage fighters who rely on biting attacks.
Vergil closed the skill menu, feeling a sense of progress.
"That should do for now. I need to switch to a sword soon since I've gained skills that improve my mastery with it. But for now, I'll keep using the dagger… I should get some rest."
He lay down on the bed, exhaustion settling in as his eyes drifted shut.
—
A few minutes later, Eleanor entered the room. Quietly, she approached the bed before slipping under the covers beside him.
Her gaze lingered on his face, studying his features in the dim light.
Eleanor lay still beside Vergil, her eyes tracing the contours of his face. In sleep, he looked even more unremarkable—his features relaxed, his presence subdued, as if he could disappear into the sheets without a trace. Yet, there was something about him that held her attention.
Her fingers twitched slightly, tempted to brush aside the strands of black hair that had fallen over his forehead. Instead, she simply watched, her expression unreadable.
"He blends in so easily… but there's more to him than he lets on."
She closed her eyes, but sleep did not come easily. There was a quiet tension between them—one neither of them had addressed. Not quite friendship, not quite anything else. Just a lingering awareness.
Vergil shifted slightly in his sleep, a faint furrow forming between his brows as if troubled by some distant thought. Eleanor exhaled softly and turned onto her side, facing away from him.
"Whatever it is… he'll have to face it soon."
And with that, she allowed herself to drift into sleep, the quiet of the night settling over them both.
As the morning light filtered into the room, Eleanor stirred first, blinking sleep from her eyes. She stretched lazily, feeling the lingering warmth of the bed before turning her head slightly to look at Vergil.
To her mild surprise, he was still asleep. His breathing was slow and even, his expression peaceful in a way she rarely saw when he was awake. A small smirk tugged at her lips.
"He really does look defenseless like this. Almost like a lost lamb."
She let out a soft chuckle, then gave him a light nudge on the shoulder. "Hey, wake up."
Vergil's eyelids fluttered before he let out a quiet breath, his brown eyes opening slowly. He stared up at the ceiling for a moment, gathering his thoughts, before turning his gaze to her.
"...Morning," he muttered, his voice still laced with sleep.
Eleanor sat up, stretching her arms above her head. "Morning, sleepyhead. You're lucky I didn't draw on your face while you were out."
Vergil blinked at her, then sighed. "I'd say 'you wouldn't do that,' but I don't actually know that for sure."
She laughed. "Smart answer."
With a satisfied hum, she swung her legs over the side of the bed and stood up, rolling out her shoulders. "You don't move much in your sleep. Makes you easy to sleep next to."
Vergil sat up as well, rubbing his face. "I don't have much energy to move around, I guess."
Eleanor glanced at him, hands on her hips. "Well, come on then. Time to get moving. Maybe today will actually be exciting."
Vergil sighed but nodded, pushing himself off the bed. He wasn't sure what the day would bring, but with Eleanor in such a good mood, at least it wouldn't be dull.
"Lets eat breakfast and get going to Elvira, and please leave the talking to me."
"Whatever you say" Eleanor said
'Somethings got her in a good good' Vergil thought
Verhil heads downstairs and eats breakfast with Eleanor and head to Elviras house
Vergil knocks on Elviras door 3 times. Before she answers
"Its been sometime young lad, it's thought you died because you were gone for 2 days
"Don't worry I won't that die that quickly" he said smiling
"Well come in, im sure your seeking my advice
As Vergil and Eleanor stepped inside, the scent of parchment, dried herbs, and lingering mana filled the air. The space was cluttered yet deliberate—bookshelves lined with ancient tomes, scrolls stacked haphazardly on a wooden table, and faint magical symbols etched into the furniture. Eleanor glanced around, taking in the details with quiet curiosity, but her expression remained composed.
Elvira shut the door behind them, crossing her arms as she eyed Eleanor. "So, this must be your first time here. And yet, you don't seem particularly surprised."
Eleanor offered a small smirk. "Vergil wouldn't bring me somewhere useless."
Elvira let out a chuckle. "Fair enough." She then turned to Vergil. "So? What brings you two here?"
Vergil met her gaze without hesitation. "I want you to teach me magic. Eleanor too."
Elvira raised a brow but didn't look surprised. Instead, she smirked. "And what makes you think I'm the right person for that?"
Vergil's eyes flicked to the bookshelves. "The way your books are arranged. The top shelf holds the oldest tomes, but they're not just historical records—they're manuals. Some cover mana circulation, others spell theory, and a few focus on combat applications. The ones that have been read the most are worn down, and the mana control guides are tucked away behind the herb jars."
Eleanor glanced at him with mild amusement. "You really pay attention to everything, huh?"
Elvira studied Vergil for a moment before letting out a short laugh. "You've got sharp eyes, I'll give you that. But I suppose there's no need for pretense anymore." She leaned against her chair, arms still crossed.
"I'm Elvira Lorian. Former Vice Principal of the Vaeloria Academy."
Vergil absorbed the information without reaction, while Eleanor gave an approving nod. "That explains the way you carry yourself," she said casually.
Elvira raised a brow. "No shock? No awe?"
Eleanor shrugged. "You don't seem like someone who spent her life in a quiet village."
Elvira chuckled. "I like this one." Then, her smirk faded slightly as she turned back to Vergil. "Now tell me—why do you want to learn magic?"
Vergil's hands curled into fists at his sides. "Because I refuse to stay weak in this cruel world." His voice was steady, his expression firm. " I don't want to just survive in—I want the strength to carve my own path. Magic is one of the ways to do it."
Elvira studied him carefully before shifting her gaze to Eleanor. "And you?"
Eleanor's smirk remained. "Magic is strong, and I like strong things."
Elvira let out a short laugh, shaking her head. "You two are an interesting pair." Then, her expression turned serious. "Magic isn't just about power—it's about control, understanding, and discipline. If you're expecting shortcuts, you won't find any here."
Vergil met her gaze without hesitation. "I don't need shortcuts. I just need a teacher."
Elvira was silent for a moment before exhaling. "Alright. I'll teach you both. But don't expect me to go easy on you."
Vergil's lips curled into the slightest of smiles. "I wouldn't want you to."
Elvira grinned. "Good. Then let's begin."
Elvira tapped the wooden table, her sharp gaze settling on the two before her. "Mana exists everywhere, flowing through the world just like air. But not everyone can use it. Only those born with a Mana
can sense and control it. That includes both of you."
Vergil and Eleanor listened attentively.
"A mage's strength depends on three things: their Mana Heart, their affinities, and their mana efficiency. The Mana Heart serves as the core of their magic, affinities determine what elements they can use, and efficiency decides how much mana is wasted during spellcasting."
She crossed her arms. "Before we go deeper, let's determine your affinities."
Elvira retrieved two transparent crystals from a wooden box and placed them before them. "Touch the crystal and focus. It will reveal what elements resonate with you."
Eleanor went first. As she placed her hand on the crystal, it glowed with vibrant green, deep blue, and crackling yellow—Nature, Water, and Lightning.
Elvira nodded approvingly. "Nature magic allows for plant manipulation and healing, water is versatile and adaptive, and lightning is among the fastest and most destructive elements. A powerful mix."
Then came Vergil. He placed his hand on the crystal, and immediately, three distinct colors surged forth—brilliant red, icy blue, and a faint, shifting silver.
Elvira's expression shifted. "Fire, Ice, and… something unknown."
The silver glow flickered erratically, neither fully forming nor disappearing. A strange, lingering presence.
Vergil frowned. "You don't recognize it?"
Elvira exhaled slowly, tapping the table. "Not much is known about it."
Vergil narrowed his eyes. "What do you mean?"
Elvira hesitated before answering. "In rare cases, mages have exhibited affinities that arent known. This one is quite mysterious, to us. The records in the grand libary states that it's magic that interacts with the very essence of life itself, the soul. When mages form their 5th circle, the core merges with their soul strengthening and protecting it but nothing more."
"However, cultivators are able to use their soul to do... let's say extraordinary things when they reach a certain level."
She studied him closely. "I dont speicalise in the soul, but you should find yourself a mentor when the time comes."
Vergil clenched his fist. 'Not bad body, atleast you make up for it in being special'.
[More like special needs]
Shut up
System Notification: You have awakened Ice Affinity (A), Fire Affinity (B), and Soul Affinity (S).
'They are ranked differently'
[Of course, some are rarer than others, they allow you to be able to use the specified affintiies type of magic. You cant use other Affinity type magic unless you acquire it]
[Oh, just for your information, even if you get multiple of the same Affinity, nothing will happen , but you can combine different ones to form new type of affinites depending on their compatibility or turn them into evolution points]
'Not bad, ill check the descriptions of them later, especially the soul' Vergil thought
Elvira set the crystal aside. "With that settled, let's move on to the next step—forming your First Circle."
Elvira waved her hand, drawing a simple circular diagram in the air with mana. "Magic is structured in eight Circles, with the First Circle being the foundation. Advancing through the Circles increases your power, but forming the First Circle is the hardest step."
She pointed at the diagram. "The Circles represent the refinement of your Mana Heart. Every mage must shape their mana into a stable ring within their core. This allows you to use magic properly instead of just manipulating raw mana inefficiently."
Vergil leaned forward. "How do we form our First Circle?"
Elvira smirked. "Through training, meditation, and breathing techniques. And considering your affinities, your paths will be different."
She crossed her arms. "Now, tell me—what type of Mana Heart have you formed?"
Eleanor spoke first. "A Crystallized Core."
Elvira nodded. "A strong choice. Crystallized Cores are stable and refined, perfect for mages who focus on spellcasting."
She then turned to Vergil. "And you?"
Vergil hesitated before answering. "A Pulsing Core."
Elvira's eyes sharpened. "A rare one. Pulsing Cores have high mana regeneration and adaptability, but they can be unstable. If you master it, your magic will flow effortlessly—but if you lose control, it will overwhelm you."
Vergil absorbed the information carefully. His core suited him—unpredictable, ever-changing, and powerful if controlled properly.
Elvira then asked, "Now, what's the highest mana efficiency you've reached?"
Eleanor answered smoothly. "65%."
Elvira nodded. "That's excellent. Most trained mages are between 50-70%."
She turned to Vergil. "And you?"
Vergil paused. Should he reveal it?
…Hiding it would change nothing.
"100%."
Silence.
Elvira's eyes narrowed. '100%? The highest recorded at the Academy is 75%—and that belongs to the current genius of the Mage Kingdom, who will be attending in two months. You're telling me you've surpassed that?'
Vergil nodded. "I've never experienced waste. Every bit of mana I circulate moves exactly how I want it to."
Elvira exhaled slowly. "That's… beyond anything I've seen. If true, you're either incredibly lucky—or something far more dangerous."
She smirked. "Then let's see if you can back it up. Training begins now."
Forging the First Circle
Elvira led them outside to a quiet clearing behind the village. The air was still, the night sky casting a faint glow over the open space. Here, away from distractions, the energy of the world felt almost tangible—pulsing, waiting.
"Sit. Close your eyes and focus inward."
Vergil and Eleanor obeyed, settling into a meditative stance.
Elvira's voice was firm but patient. "Your Mana Heart is a vessel, but right now, it's formless. The First Circle is your foundation—it refines your mana, stabilizing it for controlled casting. Without it, you're just wielding raw energy inefficiently."
She turned toward Eleanor first. "You already formed your circle, so just meditate and gather mana from the surrounding area."
Eleanor nodded, already drawing her mana inward with careful precision.
Elvira then turned to Vergil. "Yours, however. A Pulsing Core is volatile—it thrives on movement, but if you don't control it, it will spiral out of control. You'll need to balance its rhythm instead of forcing it into shape."
Vergil exhaled, sensing the restless energy within him. His mana pulsed in waves, always shifting, never still. He focused, guiding it into a circular pattern around his Mana Heart.
For a moment, the flow stabilized. A ring began to form.
Then—something cracked.
A sharp pulse erupted from within his core, disrupting the process. His mana surged outward uncontrollably. His body stiffened.
[System Notice: Instability Detected.]
A cold sensation washed over him as the system's voice resonated in his mind, clear and mechanical.
[Pulsing Core Detected: Attempting First Circle Formation.]
[Warning: Pulsing Cores require controlled rhythm. Current flow unstable.]
'Seems like you finally cared' Vergil though smiling
Vergil gritted his teeth. He could feel it—his mana wasn't resisting him. It was overreacting.
The system continued.
[Recommendation: Do not force stability. Guide the flow. Synchronize with the pulse instead of suppressing it.]
'Got it'
Vergil steadied his breath. Instead of trying to contain his mana, he let it move—not restricting, but redirecting.
The difference was immediate. The wild pulses began to shift, forming a rhythmic cycle.
Elvira watched closely.
"Good. You're adjusting. Keep going."
Eleanor, who had been focused on her own formation, glanced at him. "You really don't hesitate, do you?"
Vergil smirked but didn't respond. He couldn't afford to.
The pulsing stabilized. A faint ring of mana took shape inside him.
Then—a sharp snap.
A shift. The instability was gone.
And just like that—the First Circle was formed.
[Magic power has increased by 5]
Elvira studied him for a long moment before nodding. "Not bad. But this is just the start."
She turned to Eleanor. "Your turn."
Vergil exhaled, feeling the structured flow of mana within him. This was only the beginning of his path.
Eleanor had also formed her first Circle
"To get to the next circle you will need a lot of Astralyth crystals that come from E rank monsters, and refining it would take a good month or 2even for prodigies without good resources. You should head back now, you guys have been here since noon and its already night. I would recommend you guys should come again another time and ill teach you basic spells
Vergil looked at the sky and his stomach rumbled
[Fatass]
'Shut it, but thanks for the assist'
[Anytime]
As the evening air cooled, Vergil and Eleanor stood at the doorway of Elvira's home, preparing to leave. But before stepping out, Vergil turned back, his gaze sharp.
"Elvira, how do I compare to the students at the academy?"
Elvira leaned back in her chair, giving him a long, assessing look. "If we're talking about potential, you could stand among the best. But in terms of actual strength?" She scoffed. "You'd be dead in seconds."
Vergil's eyes narrowed. "How strong are they?"
"To tell you the truth, they dont go by the adventueres ranking system, we only deal with monsters below a certain rank, although adventurers pay good, they only go up to C class can only take on a grade 3 rift at most with a party. They would have to switch to the main ranking system thats currently used.
Vergil confused furrowed his brow 'So there's a different ranking system, this is confusing as fuck'
[Tell her to explain and ill summarise and explain it if you still dont get it, dumbass)
'Yes sir'
"Can you tell me more
The system they go by starts from Fledgling, they just awaken their power, Horizon is next one, where they have started their journey this equivalents to around C rank. Then it's bloodforged they can take on tier 4 tears this is where most of the people in the acadmey are now.
Then there are a few exceptions with some of them being in the ascended, they can take on low tier 5 tears and …" She smirked. 'This time that monster is attending this year' she thought
Vergil's mind raced. A place filled with prodogies… a den of the strong. That was exactly where he needed to be.
"Elvira," he said, stepping forward. "Can you recommend Eleanor and me to the academy?"
Eleanor blinked in surprise. "Vergil, you really want to go? Knowing you'd be outclassed instantly?"
"I need to go," he said firmly.
Elvira raised an eyebrow before sighing. "Fine. Prove your worth in a month, and I'll send both of you."
Eleanor tensed. Vergil remained still. "What do we need to prove?"
Elvira smirked. "Fully refine your First Circle. Sharpen your combat ability. Show me that you can survive in a place where power decides everything."
Then, her expression darkened. "The academy isn't for the weak. If you go as you are now… you won't last a single day."
Vergil didn't waver. Instead, a slow grin stretched across his face.
Perfect.
Eleanor exhaled, shaking her head. "You're really doing this, aren't you?"
Vergil turned to her, his eyes burning with quiet intensity. "I will prove myself."
Elvira chuckled. "Then train hard. Because if you fail in a month, you're staying right here."
With that, Vergil and Eleanor stepped out into the night, the cool air brushing against their skin. The path was clear. Now, he just had to walk it.
Before leaving, Eleanor had turned back to Elvira, hesitating for a moment.
"…Do you have something I could borrow for the night?" she asked.
Elvira smirked knowingly and tossed her a soft nightgown. "Try not to get too comfortable, girl. You'll be back here training before you know it."
Eleanor rolled her eyes but muttered a quick thanks before following Vergil back into the village.
---
By the time they returned to the inn, the sky had darkened completely. After a quiet dinner, they headed to their room, the fatigue of the day catching up to them.
Vergil sat on the bed, deep in thought.
'I wonder what would happen if I combined affinities… but that's for later. First, I need all four basic elements. Right now, I only have one.'
His gaze drifted to the dagger resting on the table. It was time for a change.
'The dagger's range is too short. Its damage isn't enough. Tomorrow, I'll switch to a sword… maybe even a shield.'
The door creaked open, and Eleanor stepped out of the shower, steam curling around her. Her damp hair clung to her shoulders, and the nightgown from Elvira draped loosely over her form.
Vergil glanced at her briefly before looking away, returning to his thoughts.
"You going to sleep, Vergil?" Eleanor asked, drying her hair with a small towel.
"Yeah."
She climbed onto the opposite side of the bed, adjusting the blanket before turning to him. A moment of silence passed before she spoke again.
"I never asked," she murmured. "But what's your real goal?"
Vergil remained still for a moment, then exhaled. His voice was calm. Unwavering.
"To make the world mine."
Eleanor blinked, caught off guard by the sheer certainty in his words. Then, she let out a short laugh. "The whole world? That's… ambitious, to say the least."
Vergil's gaze remained steady. "I don't care if it sounds impossible. I'll do it. And I'll crush anyone who tries to stop me."
Eleanor studied him, her expression thoughtful. Unlike before, she didn't dismiss him outright. Instead, she let out a slow breath.
"…You're crazy, you know that?" she said, shaking her head.
Vergil smirked. "Only the mad can change the world."
Eleanor was quiet for a moment before a small, almost amused smile touched her lips. "Then I guess I'll have to stick around and see how far that madness takes you."
Vergil chuckled softly, closing his eyes