The Corrupted Syndicate

"My own is already a hassle to remember and it hurts to do so, as you've seen on the first night," explained Mavislin, refusing to look at Zenos' face.

"When memories become too painful, the mind tends to shy away, locking them deep within, never to see the light of day. But that does not render them useless. At the right moment, those emotions can be wielded as a weapon."

"I have no concern for the opinions of others and will go to any lengths to achieve my goals—even if it means watching the world burn."

"That is why I take an interest in understanding my enemies, ready to turn their own strengths and weaknesses to my advantage when the time comes."

"So you think I should take the time to learn more about my younglings? That's going to take years... I might be dead before I even finish half of it..." grumbled the dragoness, taking a leap of faith and resting on the Viceroy's shoulders.

The blonde simply did not care as he allowed her to be on him, his hand caressing her thighs.

"I'm not suggesting you delve into everyone's backstory... but you could start with the bunny. After all, a leader who does not understand the hearts of others will never be able to lead."

"That doesn't apply for the Syndicate either since we command soldiers and not civilians. It's a do-or-be-killed situation. Plus, if met with resistance, each First Seat has the capacity to get rid of everyone in their department."

"We just don't do so because getting new personnel is rather difficult..."

Mavislin paused before looking up to Zenos.

"Don't stray away from my initial question. How do you know about Mattheos?" asked Mavislin, poking the blonde's chest.

"The Northern Cartel had kept their eyes on certain adventurers long before I claimed Valokia. Most were utterly tedious, but then a particular rabbit caught my interest—case study: Mattheos, though back then he went by the name Wald."

"A notorious scourge of brothels and bars, yet his prowess as a tank and combatant rivaled that of a high-ranking officer of my caliber. Had he not been perpetually inebriated, he might have posed a genuine threat to me."

"Though, let us be clear—not against the power I wield now, especially without my Guardian by my side at the time," told the Viceroy, thinking back at how fun it was to find individuals to fight against.

"So you're telling me my bunny was a rowdy drunk and playboy?"

"Essentially yes but also a good fighter. And not just because he started brawls in bars but because he went up against different monsters. He took up arms against rampaging entities even if there was a power difference between him and the enemy."

"He never backed down from a fight when lives were at stake. A noble bunny, minus all the drinking and women," continued the Viceroy.

"A daft rabbit in my eyes... I simply cannot comprehend what makes lives so worth protecting that you would have to die for them..."

"Perhaps it wasn't the souls themselves that he cared for… Rather, it served as an excuse to throw himself into the line of fire. After all, you did mention he had a slight fatalistic streak."

The dragoness nestled against Zenos' chest, lost in a whirlwind of conflicted thoughts and unease. Was that why Matt had joined her so willingly? To escape the burden of living? No, that couldn't be it.

If he wanted an easy way out, he would have let her take his head without a fight. So, why had he joined her? Zenos' words echoed in her mind—something about understanding the hearts of her younglings.

It was an odd sentiment, especially from someone like him, a ruthless warmonger. Why would he care about backstories or the hearts of others? Perhaps Zenos wasn't as cold-blooded as he appeared.

But then again, understanding your subordinates' needs could be the best way to keep them obedient and docile.

Her thoughts drifted back to the day she first met Mattheos. She couldn't deny his skill, but it had barely been enough to scratch her. She hadn't even needed her spells; the dance of her blade alone was sufficient to subdue him.

She remembered how eager he'd been to take her hand and join the Syndicate as her underling. At the time, Abyss and Void were her Third Seat, and neither qualified to fill the vacant Second Seat. In the end, Void had to be her Fourth Seat, after a round of arguments.

Mavislin had initially planned to make Mattheos her Second Seat, but when she saw how he crumbled after taking a life—nearly derailing the entire mission—she had no choice but to place him below Abyss and Void.

"Mavis... You are spacing out."