"The most loved world, huh. I wonder about that."
Vergil exhaled, listening to the coins in his pouch.
"Five gold coins. Not much, but enough to start. How to use them wisely…"
He stood amidst the moving crowds, before moving to sit on one of the empty, wooden benches.
The laughter from residents reached his ears, but it sounded hollow and distant.
"What do I even do now?" he muttered to himself. "Survive? Grow stronger? Or just… drift through the norm?"
The silence lingered.
Weever had given him another chance, but now it was given to him. He had no plan or direction to follow. Just the pain of existing again.
Then the familiar hum brushed into his thoughts.
[You seem lost.]
He exhaled, closing his eyes. "That's one way to put my situation."
[Then allow me to offer a suggestion.] The voice was calm,
[Why not become the strongest?]
He frowned. 'What's the use in becoming the strongest. I can barely even hold a knife. How do you expect me to even fight?"
[Then would you prefer to remain what you were? Remember that you have me now.]
Vergil hesitated, looking to the sky. "What is a god, something like Weever.' He pointed up.
The system didn't respond.
'So he exists right?'
[Yes he does.]
'To he honest, I couldn't care less what the cruel God does. I want his place.'
[If that's what you want — then do it.]
Everything around him began to blur. The shouts of the market. The aroma of food and the sunlight's glow–all gone.
He blinked, and suddenly the endless plane returned. The land beyond heaven and earth.
Weaver's faint smile flashed in his memory. "Yeah... since I have you," Vergil smirked.
Replace God.
The idea was ridiculous and preposterous. But he couldn't care what others would think if he told them.
But his mind was set on his purpose.
His reflection shimmered faintly in the black surface beneath his feet. Eyes hollow, yet burning.
"Why not?" he whispered, voice cracking into a quiet laugh. "I'll replace God."
The darkness pulsed once, like a heartbeat.
[Then let's do this.]
The voice faded, leaving behind a silence that felt different and heavier, but sharper.
When the world of Eternia blinked back into focus. The chatter, the cobblestones, the motion of life in Vergil's eyes were now steady.
[How about heading to the blacksmith?] The system suggested.
Listening to the idea, it was a good place to start. 'Let's see who I can ask for directions.'
His eyes found an old woman on a bench.
"Excuse me, ma'am. Is there a Blacksmith around here?"
She blinked, muttered. Words bent and broke against his ears that felt like utter nonsense.
What? His stomach dropped. I don't understand a thing. Perfect. There's even a language barrier.
"System, can you give me the language at least?"
[Integrating language of Eternia now.]
His tongue flexed as strange syllables pressed against its tip. They felt foreign and heavy, as if they never belonged there.
The old woman hurried closer.
"Young man, are you alright?"
'Alright? Hardly. The language barrier's just another problem to solve.'
'But he swallowed hard, forcing a calm tone.
"I… I'm fine," he said, forcing his voice steady. "Thank you.
Her expression softened. "You had me worried there." Her face moved closer. "You don't seem to be from around here — your looks..."
Vergil stumbled backwards instinctively. His hands remained on his head before regaining his composure.
"Do you know where I can find the blacksmith?" he tried sounding as polite as his mouth could pronounce.
"Head down the street and you'll see it," she replied softly.
"Wait, could you tell me your name?"
My name, huh.
"Vergil,"
She chuckled, a soft, warm sound. "A unique name if I've ever heard one. If you need anything. I'll be here.
Advice, huh? Could be a trap. Or simply caution. Either way, I'll remember her words.
"I will, if the time comes," Vergil murmured, already making his way.
Step one: find the blacksmith. Step two: learn about this goddamn world.
Making his way down the path, the rhythmic hammering of metal grew with each step.
The blacksmith's workshop came into view, and so did the man behind the anvil.
A towering man, almost double Vergil's height with a broad chest and eyes that burned like embers.
Clank. Clank. Bang.
Each strike of the hammer formed a unique rhythm, before coming to a close. He looked up at his customer, setting down his hammer.
When he moved, the wooden floor trembled. His voice rumbling deep. "Young blood, eh?"
"Young blood?"
The man laughed. "It's just a saying, boy… though judging by your looks, it fits just right."
'I mean, I guess,' Vergil thought.
He turned and spotted a mirror. His reflection stared back.
He was slender and soft–a boy
ill-suited to survive here. 'I will adapt. I will survive. And I will grow stronger.'
[You're so scrawny-looking.] The system spoke in his mind at the reflection. Vergil's lips twitched, half in annoyance and half amused that this system had such tact, thinking it was just a machine.
'What did you just say?' Vergil muttered, eyebrows furrowing.
The blacksmith asked curiously, "So, kid, what are you looking for?"
"A dagger," Vergil replied confidently, brushing off the system's jab. He wanted a weapon practical for him, and a dagger would do.
"A dagger, eh? No weapon training, I presume?"
"Yeah."
The blacksmith moved towards the back before returning shortly after.
In his hands was a dagger which he handed to the young boy. Vergil's fingers closed around the handle, sharp and steady.
No words were needed. It was more than enough.
As Vergil inspected it, the system began analysing the weapon.
[Metal Dagger]
Attack: +5
Worn but well-maintained since its making. A faint engraving is still visible at the base—an insignia of a beginner craftsman.
The blacksmith exhaled. "This dagger's been in the inventory for a while. It was my first creation, back when I was just starting. I've used it myself a few times and kept it in good condition. But because it's just... normal, adventurers don't usually want it. Not their type of weapon."
"..." Vergil stood there silently looking at the dagger.
"The name's Gilbert," he said with a smirk on his face. "And it's on the house."
"But if you want. You can pay it back someday," Gilbert said, eyes steady.
'Free? That doesn't happen. There's a reason.'
"Then thanks, Gilbert," Vergil chuckled, but on guard. He wouldn't let himself be duped.
"You taking on a monster subjugation by any chance?"
"I am. But... I've got no clue where to go," Vergil admitted.
Gilbert sighed. "You're new to this, huh? Just head straight from the entrance… you'll see the Guild."
Vergil paused, frowning. "Why are you helping me so much? I'm a stranger. You've got no reason to go this far."
No one gave something for nothing. The info was fine, but giving me the dagger for free? Either he's just a good man… or he has a reason.
Gilbert only smiled. "Think of it as a blacksmith's intuition."
Vergil smiled and handed over a gold coin. "Take it."
Gilbert's eyes widened. "That dagger's only worth 30 silver at best!"
Vergil fastened the weapon to his waist. "Think of it as my way of showing gratitude."
In his old world, the saying was to repay gratitude twice–and revenge tenfold. But to him, all he wanted was to make sure he was never in debt.
Making allies along the way wouldn't hurt. Before facing the realms above, I need to conquer this one first.
[System Notification]
[Your relationship with Gilbert has progressed to ★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ (1/10 Stars). You can now view your relationships in the 'Confidants' section. Say 'Confidants' to access it.]
"Is he someone who can grant special effects if I improve our relationship?" Vergil asked.
[No, he isn't.]
"Please explain."
[To gain system effects such as stat boosts, synergy skills, and more, the target must either be or have the potential to become the pinnacle of their 'Path'. I will inform you of such individuals. However, it is up to you to form relationships with them.]
"Huh. What an interesting system," Vergil murmured.
Vergil walked through the doors of the Adventurer's Guild. The many seats around the place were occupied by adventurers — shouting and whispering their stories as Vergil made his way towards the reception.
She looked up and smiled politely. "How can I help you?"
"I'd like to register as an adventurer."
"That'll be three gold to get your ID and start taking requests."
The moment he heard the price, Vergil felt like he'd been stabbed in the chest.
'Five coins spent, and already I'm nearly broke. This world wastes nothing.'
He handed it over, his knuckles turning white.
"Can I get your name as well? It will be used as your identity when you visit other guilds in this kingdom."
"It's Vergil," he replied.
She nodded and disappeared into the back. A few minutes later, she returned with a card embedded with a glowing mana crystal.
---
[Adventurer's ID]
Name: Vergil
Rank: F – Adventurer
---
Seems about right. It wasn't impressive, but it would do.
"You can raise your rank by completing requests of your level or one rank higher," she explained. "Right now, you're only allowed to take on E-rank requests at most."
A safeguard, no doubt. It was prudent, but frustrating all the same.
"What requests are available right now?" he asked.
"The only subjugation request currently available to you is an F-rank goblin hunt in Rotroot Forest."
Vergil gave a slow nod. "I'll take it."
"Bring back proof of your hunt–those crystals, preferably."
So crystals are the proof, huh?
He turned from the reception desk. His first step was here. It was time to hunt goblins.