Rebirth-Transcending All Beings-Chapter 55: Departure [2]

It had been two long days since the village had burned. Two long days since Elvira faded away like a dying star in front of his eyes.

The memory clung to him like smoke, haunting him as the days went on.

But he had only one goal now.

To attend the academy.

Yet fate had other plans — Vergil was completely, utterly and infuriatingly lost. The forest thickened around them like a living maze.

The deeper they walked the more confused Vergil became.

Roots sprouted from the earth’s crust like skeletal hands, curling around the many paths — some led to a cliff, others to dead ends.

’And that mist—goddamn, the mist.’ Vergil cursed. It clung to the ground like a curse, distorting and swallowing his vision. Every step felt like it didn’t want them there.

And then the map. Vergil held it with confidence as if he knew exactly what he was doing. His eyes narrowed and his posture was firm.

But the truth was painfully simple.

He had absolutely no idea how to read it.

The only things he had gained from the village were some potions at Osric’s, the map, and the two recommendation letters Elvira had prepared.

The letters were now the most valuable thing he owned.

Vergil stood in a grove of trees, staring at the parchment more intensely as if it would start explaining itself. His brown hair was messy from the wind — clothes stained with both blood and rain.

Even with the Authority of Transformation masking his appearance, he couldn’t hide the truth.

He was exhausted, angry and had no idea where the hell he was going.

[You’re lost, aren’t you?]

’Be quiet, I know what I’m doing.’

[You definitely don’t, you clueless bastard.]

’You’re just being cruel.’

[Just trying to lighten the mood.]

Vergil ignored the system, continuing his journey. Behind him, Eleanor finally stopped in her tracks — breathing heavily, her gaze lingered on the unconscious girl on Vergil’s back.

Elena had still not woken up since they started walking.

"Vergil," Eleanor spoke between breaths. "Are you sure this is the right way?"

"... No."

She blinked. "...What?"

"I, really don’t know where we are."

"You’ve been walking yourself with so much confidence and you tell me — now!?"

"That’s how I always am," Vergil replied with a straight face. "But that doesn’t mean I know where I’m going."

"You’re unbelievable," Eleanor said, leaning on a tree.

Vergil sat on a half-rotten log, gently placing Eleanor to lean on his shoulder. "I’m going to be honest," he sighed. "This is starting to piss me off."

Eleanor didn’t respond — simply just watching him. The fire that once burned had dimmed to that of a dying ember. The ambition she once saw, still rested, but something heavier sat on top of it.

Something quiet. Guilt.

She sat beside him. "You need to slow down," Eleanor spoke. "You’re moving, but you don’t know where."

Vergil remained silent. His hair was damp with sweat and his chocolate-brown eyes stared at the trail ahead.

"Give me that," Eleanor spoke, snatching the map from his shaking hands — scanning the paper. "We passed the ridge near Wyrmroot Forest two hours ago..."

"The academy is north."

Vergil closed his eyes. Already knowing what she was about to say.

"We’ve been walking east."

His jaw stiffened — there was no more use in pretending.."I’m tired," he muttered. "Let’s rest a bit and after, you can lead the way."

"You shouldn’t blame yourself," she mumbled. "You couldn’t have predicted this would happen."

His gaze focused on the mass of trees that surrounded them, until he finally erupted into a hollow laugh that made Eleanor flinch.

"I didn’t know?" Vergil repeated twice. "Of course, I knew it would happen."

"Obsession over power is good," he continued slowly. "But to what extent. To the point where I sacrifice all those close to me?"

His brows furrowed. "I gained power overnight, but I also lost — so much.

Crack! A sound tore through the air.

Eleanor’s hands had met his face.

[Damn. You got bitch-slapped.] The system laughed.

Vergil’s hand instinctively moved towards his reddened cheek, rubbing it. "The hell was that for?" He tilted his head slowly towards her.

"Wake up, you moron," she snapped at him for the first time since they met. "Do you think you’re the only person who has suffered.

Vergil flinched at Eleanor’s changed attitude.

"You were confident, so what," she continued. "You did whatever it took to get stronger, so what?"

"So stop sitting around like a defeated ghost and plan your next step."

Despite the middle change, Vergil almost smiled, letting a chuckle — Eleanor embraced him in a hug. "You told me yourself, you wanted the world." She whispered. "Then take it."

Vergil hesitated before slowly returning the hug. "Never in a million years, would I think you’d be the one comforting me."

Eleanor pulled back. "Did it help?"

Vergil smirked. "Hmmm, not really — still a bastard.

’Maybe, but you did save me." She stood up from the log. "So this time, let me take the lead.

Vergil rose up after her, picking up Eleanor once more before placing her on his back.

Resuming their walk, rays of light began to break through the thick canopy ahead of them. "Carrying her is destroying my back."

His grip on Elena tightened.

Eleanor just smirked "Next time, leave dead weight behind."

"And next time, you’ll be carrying her."

"Not a chance."

This time they headed north, the treeline of the forest nehan thin, before giving way to an open land and a long dirt road that stretched before them.

[Primal Awareness has been activated]

Vergil’s senses sharpened as a moving object approached in the distance.

A caravan.

Several wagons rolled along the dirt trail at a slow pace — pulled by horses and a few guards that rode nearby, scanning the immediate area.

Vergil approached cautiously, as a merchant on horseback noticed them.

"Also on your way to the capital i suppose?" he shouted from a distance. "You look like you’ve come a long way."

"We are on our way," Vergil spoke carefully. "How much is a ride?"

The merchant studied the three carefully. "Ten copper each."

Vergil immediately handed over the money. A journey where he didn’t have to carry Elena was better than having to carry her.

The guards inspected them before nodding. "Back wagon, and keep your weapons sheathed."

Vergil slowly climbed aboard, leaning against the wood. It had been a while since he could finally relax as the wagon rocked gently as it paced towards the capital.

Elena laid beside him, still breathing evenly.

[At least now we know, trust Eleanor for navigation.]

[Not you.]

Vergil’s face twitched. ’You shouldn’t be talking — you ditch me every time I fight.]

[Does it look like I’m going to fight for you.]

Vergil could only breathe. "You really piss me off sometimes." He muttered, barely a whisper.

Eleanor climbed in after him, moving to sit opposite him. ’"How are you holding up?"

Vergil looked at her. "Better than before," he yawned.

She studied him carefully. "Remember our deal," she said. "You help me. I help you."

Vergil nodded.

"I know and I will honour our deal."

She said nothing more, but something about her presence was comforting, whether he wanted to admit it or not.

------

The next morning came quick as beams of light shone through the wooden gaps.

And something began moving, eyes stirring awake before landing on Vergil.

Confusion flashed across her face

"Finally, you’re awake Elena." Vergil yawned loudly.

Her gaze sharpened, moving away from the boy. "Who are you?"

"It’s me." Vergil titled his head. "Vergil."

Elena frowned slightly. "You look nothing like him."

Vergil sighed. "This is going to be another to explain." He leaned forward slightly. "The villahe was destroyed by demons, and you were the only survivor we found."

Her eyes widened at the statement, the wagon creaking as the words began to settle in.

"The caravan is heading to the capital," Vergil spoke. "However we’re going to the academy."

Elena frowned. "The academy?"

Vergil shrugged. "Its the place I need to be."

She lowered her gaze."I... have family in the capital."

Vergil tilted his head."Family?"

"An uncle."

Her voice grew quieter. "I haven’t seen him in years... but if anyone survived... it’s probably him."

"And if he’s not there?"

She didn’t answer. 𝗳𝗿𝐞𝕖𝘄𝗲𝕓𝗻𝚘𝚟𝕖𝐥.𝚌𝕠𝕞

Eleanor suddenly spoke up. "There is another option."

Elena looked up. "What do you..."

"The academy allows students to bring a servant."

Elena blinked.

"You could come with us."

Vergil stared at Eleanor "I didn’t know that."

[Of course you didn’t. Your one dumb fucker.]

’So rude.’

Eleanor continued. ’Of course, it wouldn’t be real servitude — just a legal way to stay at the academy, and if you pass the entrance exam for potential candidates — you can attend as an actual student."

Vergil nodded.

"It’s safer than chasing someone who might not exist."

Elena exchanged uneasy glances between the two. She had recognised Eleanor and Vergil although different in appearance — his voice remained the same.

"You have a week to decide," Eleanor said calmly.

"... ok, I’ll think about it."

The night overtook the sky as the caravan stopped to rest. The merchants and began to set fires that flickered beneath the starry blackness.

Vergil leaned against a wagon wheel, chewing his rations he had stored in his inventory.

Across the fire, Eleanor and Elena talked quietly.

But Vergil wasn’t listening to the sounds of the world anymore — his mind began to refocus on the goal he was keen on reaching.

Power.

His growth had been rapid since his beginning. From nothing to D-rank in less than a month.

But how he would fare to the academy — only time would tell

’Status.’

Name: Vergil

Level: 16

Title: Commoner, Bastard, Burden Carrier

Race: Human

Lifespan: 65 years

Strength: 47

Constitution: 49

Dexterity: 48

Intuition: 17

Magic Power: 3

Mana Capacity: 4

Demonic Energy: 50

Authorities: Authority of Predation (???) Authority of Transformation (A)

Special Eye: God’s Demonic Left Eye

Available Stat Points: 18

Active Skills: 52

Passive Skills: 44

Vergil frowned. "That’s... a lot."

Then a thought surfaced, back to Morvax. He was able to regenerate limbs without a skill. Which could only mean one thing

’Demonic energy.’

Vergil closed his eyes.

"System, what is Demonic Energy"

[I’ll tell you what I can.]

[Demonic energy can enhance regeneration but increases the user’s desires to uncontrollable desires.

Vergil frowned. "Desires?"

[Usually related to the Seven Sins.]

"Example?"

[Morvax becomes more violent.]

Vergil thought quietly.

"Then perhaps my sin..."

He smirked slightly.

"Probably gluttony."

[That sounds about right.]

Vergil ignored the jab, opening his skill menu. ’Let’s clean up some useless skills.’

"Remove Fungal Armor."

"Remove Rotlash."

[50 F-Rank evolution points obtained]

"Good."

Then he looked at another skill.

Limb Burst.

A last-resort attack.

"Combine three of the four."

The system paused.

[Combination successful]

Trinity Rupture (D-)

By sacrificing three limbs simultaneously, the user triggers a massive acidic explosion that pours from the exploded limbs.

Vergil stared at the description. "...Absolutely not."

He immediately converted it.

[10 D-Rank evolution points gained]

[What a pussy.]

Vergil rolled onto his side.

"Three limbs is ridiculous."

[If you ever use it...]

[I can call you special.]

"Shut up."

Moments later he drifted to sleep. Still muttering one final thought.

"...Three limbs is way too much."

A/N

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