The Corrupted Syndicate

"I find your tale intriguing, but the conclusion warrants further scrutiny. A perfect leader for Covert Ops must command unparalleled strategic genius and adaptability, alongside the ability to inspire absolute trust."

"They must remain unshaken amidst the most intense pressure, expertly merge secrecy with decisive action, and guide their team with flawless precision through the direst of trials."

"While your combat skills proved to be more than capable, I cannot say the same for your leadership skills," explained Zenos, his expression changing to that of disapproval.

"She's more than a capable leader and you of all people have no right to say otherwise," sounded a familiar rabbit, opening the door.

"How are you able to do that, little bunny?" asked the Viceroy, slightly confused.

"The lock isn't fully functional, all it needed was a good knock and the entire thing was out from the frame," explained Mattheos, throwing the lock aside.

He then walked in, closed the door, and glared at the blonde with his hand on his hip. Mavislin shook her head, knowing Zenos would quickly put Matt in his place.

"I will say it once again; Mavislin is far more capable of a leader than you'll ever be," challenged the rabbit, staring directly into Zenos' pricing blue eyes.

"Oh? Then enlighten me... How does my beast govern her staff?" asked the Viceroy, resting his chin on his knuckles with a leg crossed over the other.

Matt straightened up his shirt and took a step towards the Prince of Darkness.

"None of us have ever left the Covert Ops, nor would we. It's not out of fear or inability. True, most of us come through the yearly selection process, but we're all given a choice to accept our placement," he began, his voice steady.

"Every successful applicant receives a unique contract drawn up by Mavislin herself. Each of the 84 contracts is different. For those of us she handpicked, including myself, leaving is not an option because she saved us."

"She took in a broken child no one wanted because of a deformity. She gave hope to one who would never mature. She extended her support to someone who was missing both legs and helped him walk again."

"She defied the odds by taking in a raging lunatic, barely able to communicate or behave, and transformed him into a functional member of society."

"And she gave a drunk and directionless rabbit a purpose and a reason to live. She turned us useless souls into useful ones, even if it isn't for the polite society," continued Mattheos, his voice softening at the last part.

The Viceroy barely acknowledged the rabbit's impassioned explanation, his eyes drifting toward the dragoness who, in a fit of pure embarrassment, had buried her face in her hands. It was evident to her that she would need to keep her errant bunny on a much shorter leash.

Explaining to Zenos Galvus, the Prince of Darkness, the very concept of redemption within an organization steeped in the underworld was a fruitless endeavor.

The Viceroy's cold, discerning gaze made it clear that Mavislin's attempts at justification would not alter his view. She understood, with a sinking realization, that no matter how eloquently she spoke, she couldn't undo the fundamental error that had led them here.

Matt tried to interject with another useless remark, likely aimed at further irritating or challenging the blonde. However, the moment the rabbit's mouth opened, the dragoness made her move.

With a swift, decisive motion, she sent her scythe soaring through the air. The blade slammed into the door beside Matt's face, embedding itself halfway through the material.

The handle crossed diagonally across his body, pinning him firmly against the door. The poor rabbit was left stuck in an uncomfortable and humiliating position, his eyes wide with shock and disbelief.

"Before I thoroughly shove your soul out of your lower end with my weapon, I suggest you keep your mouth shut. You've disgraced me enough to earn my ire," growled Mavislin, snapping her fingers for one of her girls to retrieve her scythe.

A deathly silence fell over the room as Zenos smirked, clearly amused by the unfolding drama. He rose from his seat, his curiosity piqued and moved closer to inspect the scene.

The shaken rabbit, now seated on the floor, stared at the semi-destroyed door with wide, horrified eyes. The Viceroy's gaze lingered on him with a mix of intrigue and satisfaction, savoring the unexpected turn of events.

He quickly lost interest in the rabbit's plight and strolled over to his dragoness. He paused midway, captivated by the sight of her opening her eyes to reveal blood-red orbs that gleamed with a fierce intensity, rivaling the brilliance of the North Star.

Mavislin cocked her head to the side, her expression shifting to one of pure, unbridled anger.