"With all of that out of the way, I suppose it's time to return to topic."
There really was nothing left to discuss. Scylla knew that much already.
Rebal and Kara already knew they were screwed, and her plan was already marching into its completion. To be honest, finishing them off at this point would simply be the end of it.
But no… that wasn't satisfying enough.
'I want to see it… the despair on their faces as they lose everything!'
She had always been looked down on, being one of the last to join the Triumvirate, so being in such a position of power—looking down on the founders as they burned to the ground—brought her great satisfaction.
She was already salivating as she imagined them squirm.
'Before the execution… let's fatten them up a little.'
And was there a better way to do that than to completely sully their confidence with tragedy?
"The Merchant City is currently under siege. You must have seen that, with the Alliance's soldiers heavily patrolling the area and investigating the stores around."
Of course, since she already knew all of this would happen, Scylla had ensured to hide the valuables in secure locations.
Her personal properties were also kept in the safest location possible.
None of this affected her whatsoever.
"As such, the Royal Capital's security has thinned considerably. That means your only line of defense has been removed." She narrowed her gaze on Rebal.
"What are you implying?" The old man asked, narrowing his gaze as well.
"It's simple, really. The five remaining Heads of Destruction, as well as the army under them, are going to lay siege on that city and destroy everything you hold dear."
Their Mansion, their Warehouse, their Stores—everything would come crashing down.
"Is that so? Did you really think I didn't expect something like that before coming here?"
Rebal's response was calm, but Scylla knew he was just putting up a front. He was simply trying his hardest to hold on to his pride as a man.
But it was all useless!
"From the reports, I have asserted that you have three powerful aids who are assisting your enterprise despite it being destined for destruction." Scylla raised her finger in amusement.
"I'd assume two of them are here, standing as your entourage, but the last one is probably still in the Capital. Am I wrong?"
Rebal's brow creased, almost as if he was a little confused—or rather, taken aback by her question.
"I have no idea about what you're talking about." He finally responded.
"Hahaha! There's no need to play dumb! I already know!"
Scylla's hysterical laughter sent a chill spreading all across the hall as her gaze remained on Rebal's stunned face.
"I always knew there had to be three, though at some point I suspected just two. However, with this arrangement, and all that has happened thus far, I am convinced that there are three."
Scylla already knew Rebal would deny it even more, so she decided not to argue with him on the matter.
Instead, she decided to focus on the despairing aspect of her grand plan.
"No matter how strong your aid is, they can't take on five Heads of Destruction at the same time." Her glossy lips curled upward, almost in an unnatural way.
It made Scylla appear as a demon would.
"Your legacy within the Royal Capital is as good as lost… not that you'd be alive to witness all of it as well."
This was the best part! The part that she had been giddy about all day.
"You two…" Scylla looked at both Kara and Rebal with sheer amusement. "… You're going to die here, surrounded by nothing but your enemies."
She proceeded to point at them, and then gestured their demise by running her finger through her neck.
"Once you're gone, everything you have will belong to the New Order that I've created. Which means everything will become mine."
"That's not how business works."
"Maybe not in the past. But only the winners get to define history and reshape the world in their image." Scylla instantly responded to Rebal's words, almost flippant in her mannerisms.
To her, victory was already a long-held conclusion.
'I was still cautious at the start, thinking they'd be able to challenge me somewhat. But… it turns out I was worried for nothing.'
This hall—no, the entire building—was protected from the outside world, so there was no chance they could get reinforcements.
The Royal Capital was also going to suffer the same fate.
"So what will you do now, Rebal, Kara?" Scylla's tone took on a mockery in her delivery.
"Will you beg? Who knows, I just might spare your lives."
In response to her question, both parties merely frowned and said nothing. Their answer was already obvious in their silence.
"I see. Very well, then." She shrugged, raising her thin hands above her head.
"Your choice."
Then… she snapped.
~CREAK!~
From all over the room, the walls began to open, as if they were doors all along.
Emerging from within the walls were men who donned armor or certain apparels that made it obvious just what kind of people they were.
They trooped inside the hall in their hundreds, their faces depicting nothing but savagery and an insatiable hunger for violence.
Fenrir's grin was especially wide as he looked at all the men who showed up for the show.
They were about one-third of the Mercenary Gang's members—
an approximate number of nine hundred and ninety.
… Nearly a thousand.
Their savage appearances and bloodshot eyes showed a primal instinct to kill, ravage, and utterly decimate any who stood in their way.
As soon as they popped out of the walls, the doors closed, and they filled the room in their number.
"Looks like everyone is present." Fenrir chuckled, his arms folded as he looked at Rebal and Kara.
All eyes were on them now, eagerly waiting for what they would do given the new development.
"It's your turn."