The Corrupted Syndicate

The Viceroy stood before her, an embodiment of unyielding authority and might, and Mavislin knew that the delicate reins she had over her own power were slipping dangerously.

The Gorgon's magic, which had once felt like an invincible shield, now seemed like a double-edged sword. Its grip on her strength was beginning to fray, and with it, her control over the Guardian that lurked within her began to wane.

The Viceroy's presence was an oppressive force, a stark reminder of the overwhelming challenge that lay ahead. Mavislin's resolve hardened as she fought to regain her composure. Her thoughts raced—this confrontation was no longer just about vengeance or triumph.

It was about maintaining her very essence and the control she had so painstakingly built. She could feel the Guardian's restless stirrings within her, and the threat of losing control was both imminent and terrifying.

The battle that was about to unfold was not only a clash of wills but a struggle to retain the mastery she had fought so hard to achieve.

"I promise Matt that I would be alright…" whispered Mavislin as she sighed and let go of both her blade and Alter form.

Zenos was slightly puzzled as he lowered his weapon and eventually kept it behind his back.

"My apologies… If I extend my usage of my Alter form, I will lose control of myself. I usually am open to doing so but not against you. For you, I want to fight you as myself and no one else."

"At least, I feel like you deserved it. After all, you made time to spy upon us in person instead of asking the tea lady to report to you," smiled Mavislin as her original look returned.

"Is that so? How amusing. I had assumed you were unaware of my little ploy. How clever of you to notice."

"It's pretty awkward for someone like me, who's supposed to be great at reading people if I missed the mark with you. And I wouldn't be in the Covert Ops Division, I'd be gone on day one."

"So, what's your game? Why'd you even save me? I am your enemy and you could've easily sliced me with that spider," questioned Mavislin as she slowly walked towards the Viceroy.

"It would be neither thrilling nor entertaining… I'd much prefer to face you at your peak rather than waste time on crippled prey. And your little rabbit? Do you truly believe he stands a chance against a member of the Legion?"

"Hmph… Just because you've made him your new pawn doesn't mean he's weak. Just like me, I bet he's got some surprises up his sleeve. But let's not stray from the matter at hand… You know why we're here right?"

"Yes, I am well aware. But I am no base savage, ignorant of the nuances of hospitality. The Legion, in its arrogance, has chosen poorly in making enemies. Unlike my father, I am no mere puppet, free to choose my own battles."

"And frankly, I would relish crossing blades with someone like you, rather than wasting my time on that pitiful spider. Besides, the Northern Cartel would much rather forge bonds with the Syndicate than sully themselves with the Legion's barbaric filth."

Mavislin raised an eyebrow as a smile crept up to her face.

"Now that's something I haven't heard… To forge bonds with the Syndicate instead of the righteous and more powerful Legion. But I do appreciate your praise, even if it was for a negative purpose," replied the dragon girl, with her tail swaying happily.

"Righteous? Hah! Sure you jest…"

Mavislin's head tilt made the Viceroy sigh as he knew she might not be aware of what she had seen. He inched closer to the young girl, placing a gloved hand on her head. The poor girl felt flustered as she slapped his hand away.

"I didn't recall giving you permission to touch me so familiarly."

"I didn't recall ever needing it."

Mavislin pouted as she folded her arms across her chest, earning a small but genuinely curious smile from the blonde.

"I did that because you cling to a naive belief that the Legion still stands among the righteous, even after that battle. Either you failed to grasp the truth laid bare before you, or you simply refuse to see it."

"Regardless, the reality remains unchanged—the Legion hides far more skeletons in its closet than we ever anticipated. And I, for one, have little tolerance for deceit masked behind closed doors," the Prince of Darkness explained as he looked at Mavislin.

"I was aware of the experiments but I didn't know it would take effect after death and deliver such a drastic change to a physical being. Her transformation, if done when she was alive, would surely be pure agony."