The Corrupted Syndicate

Even with all her strength, and her resilience, the dream had unsettled her in a way she couldn't ignore.

Her hand instinctively brushed the place where Zenos had held her just moments before as if seeking some assurance in the warmth he had left behind.

But the room was quiet now, save for the steady breathing of the Viceroy, and the dragoness was left alone with her thoughts—the weight of the dream pressed on her, heavy and foreboding.

She had faced countless battles, and weathered storms of blood and fire, yet this—a simple dream of her own end—unraveled her more than any sword or claw could. Was this... A premonition to the future?

Mavislin shook her head, as though the simple motion could dislodge the haunting vision of her own grave from the dream. With a soft sigh, she glanced over at the blonde figure beside her, his breathing steady in the dim light.

She hesitated for a moment before lying down next to him, seeking comfort in the quiet presence. Gradually, the heaviness of sleep pulled her back under, though unease still lingered in the shadows of her mind.

Before the first light of dawn touched the horizon, the trio had already gathered, ready to leave Valokia behind and venture into the dangerous depths of Lunaris' domain.

They met atop the palace rooftop, the air crisp with pre-dawn chill, each preparing for the infiltration ahead. Unbeknownst to the males, Mavislin had chosen to bring along the sniper rifle but had hidden it underneath her long, blackish-purple coat.

"So, how shall we get to Midnight Subterrane of Lunaraveil?" asked Mattheos as he stretched.

"The usual way, taking flight. We are lucky, it won't even be half an hour," answered Mavislin, transforming into her medium-sized dragon form.

While they soared through the air, Zenos seized the moment to question Matt about the previous day's encounter with the unknown enemy. His voice was calm yet edged with curiosity, a sharp contrast to the winds whipping around them.

"Tell me, rabbit... What exactly transpired during yesterday's skirmish? This enemy—what did you see?" began Zenos, eyes narrowing at the bunny,

"Heh, I guess you aren't one to fool. But you are right; something did pay me a visit while I was in the comfort of my room. But it isn't anything worth your care as I've dealt with it promptly," explained Mattheos, sighing.

"It shall be, soon enough... That creature, it was a familiar of Lunaris, was it not? I surmise as much, given that your little companion has so graciously confirmed it for me." replied the Viceroy, with a voice that carried its usual calm arrogance.

He then pointed to the little flame, who was trying to disappear into the bunny's hair.

"What have you-"

"Calm yourself. I did not harm your little pet," drawled the blonde, a hint of amusement curling at the edge of his lips.

"Though it did provoke my ire by snatching a piece of my supper while I left Mavislin to her rest. In exchange for my restraint, the little flame saw fit to offer me something of value—details about that peculiar falcon," recounted Zenos, resting his head on his knuckle.

Suddenly, the 'ground' beneath them started to shake, as if Mavislin was giggling. The trembles nearly tossed the poor rabbit off balance.

"You can hear us?" quizzed Mattheos, peering to look at the dragoness.

"My dear boys... I can hear you better than seeing you when in my normal form. Anyways, I find it amusing that the almighty, bloodthirsty, and war-hungry Viceroy would be ticked off with his dessert being stolen," laughed Mavislin, going slightly higher.

"According to the little flame, Lunaris has sent a few of those 'creatures' to wreak havoc across the nearby nations. The troops I dispatched met swift, untimely ends, ensnared by the wires of these so-called 'animals.'"

"I had anticipated it to be the same one, but it seems I was mistaken," said Zenos, ignoring Mavislin's words.

His tone sounded so cold and detached as if he was addressing his troops like they were easy flies on a tangled web.

"Creation Magecraft. Where you channel mana into an inanimate object to form a living creature. A very good example would be Mavislin's hair turning into snakes," explained Matt, closing his eyes.

"Have you learned about that certain Magecraft?"

The rabbit shook his head as he gestured to the beads that held his braids.

"These beads are embedded with my mana as a self-defense against an enemy. It was because I had fought against a user of Creation Magecraft that I had these little weapons in my hair."

"Because if the caster is a well-trained and powerful one, then they can manipulate objects that aren't on their bodies. I learned that the hard way, although not much would do so."