The Corrupted Syndicate

Luckily for the group, the exit of the winter cave was on the ground, thanks to Void's field research. All they needed to do was find it.

"Allow me to expedite this endeavor. The cave system is far too extensive for our search efforts, even with all three of us. Bunny, erect a shield for yourself and your mistress," commanded Zenos, in an authoritative tone.

"And since when did I become his mistress?! Hold your tongue before I slap you to your next life," spat Mavislin, glaring at the Viceroy.

Zenos remained silent, his focus unwavering as he began to channel an immense surge of mana into his scythe. The weapon responded instantly, erupting with a brilliant blue glow entwined with dark ribbons that danced like shadows in the cavern's dim light.

With a powerful motion, he drew back, lifting the scythe above his shoulder as if preparing for a strike that could shatter mountains.

As he unleashed the force of his attack, a massive crescent slash of black and blue energy surged forward, cleaving through the air. The sound it made was like a thunderous roar, echoing throughout the cavern.

The magical wave swept across the rocky floor, obliterating any obstacles in its path and illuminating the dark recesses of the cave with an ethereal light.

Rocks and debris scattered in all directions, clearing a wide path that revealed a trap door not far from the group's feet.

As the dust settled, the Viceroy lowered his scythe, the radiant glow fading into a faint shimmer. He glanced back at Mavislin and Mattheos, who both had their weapons out to shield themselves from the blast and debris. Zenos then kept his weapon and sighed.

"If I ever need to take down a bunch of trees or destroy a mountain, I'll call you," stated the dragoness, impressed.

"My scythe is not for those purposes..." 

"I have to disagree. The scythe was always meant for harvesting crops, not combat. The only reason you both wield it so well as a weapon is due to your training and skill with it. And that your scythes are a part of you, vanishing and summoned at will."

"If you handed it to me, I'd be hopeless, barely able to land a single strike," explained Matt, opening the trapdoor.

"Can't your blade do the same?" questioned the Viceroy, helping Mavislin down the verticle tunnel.

The hole before them was engulfed in darkness, though that wasn't an issue for the trio. The real challenge came from the biting cold. Mavislin, forced to dull her enhanced senses—including sight and touch—due to the freezing temperatures, felt the strain.

Though slightly irked by the blonde's assistance, she had little choice but to rely on him, knowing her capabilities were significantly hindered in the hostile environment. The Viceroy went first, gently guiding the dragoness down.

"No? Have you ever seen my blade disappear like how yours and Mav's do? In fact, I don't even see your weapon on you," replied Mattheos, leaving the door open so that some light could lead the way.

As Zenos' boots touched the smooth stone beneath them, he wasted no time in pulling Mavislin close by the waist, maneuvering her away from the ladder and down onto the solid ground.

The sudden motion left her startled, a faint blush creeping across her face, though she was grateful that the darkness concealed her reaction.

Blushing? Since when did she react this way? The dragoness was slightly bemused. Mattheos had carried her countless times before—typically when his quick reflexes saved her from attacks she couldn't avoid, allowing her to strike back.

There had never been a moment for embarrassment then.

The Viceroy's lips curled into a knowing smirk as he lightly pushed her forward by the small of her back, his touch guiding her into the next area.

Moments later, Matt landed beside them, stepping onto the stone floor as the chamber illuminated with bright green mana crystals. These crystals-adorned torches mounted along the ceiling, casting an eerie glow over their newfound battlefield.

The walls surrounding them were made from pale white stone bricks, with tall stone columns supporting the structure at regular intervals. The floor beneath their feet was perfectly square, a stark contrast to the uneven surfaces of their previous battlegrounds.

The scene now seemed meticulously crafted, as if designed for something grander than mere battle. The scene was set, and the air thrummed with an ominous energy, foreshadowing what lay ahead.

As the mana crystals pulsed with their eerie green glow, the air vibrated with ominous energy, thickening the atmosphere with curiosity and wonder.

"It seems our next opponent fancies herself some manner of deity... Perhaps she once was. Regardless, this will mark the first time I set foot on hallowed ground with the intent to fight," noted Zenos as he looked around.