Chapter 14 - Madame Vex

After finishing his goals with Mikell's gang, which he forgot even to ask the name of, he returned home.

When he got home, he peeked into Ari's room only to find her fast asleep. He smiled with relief. He continued to his room, hopped back into the capsule, and suddenly slapped his forehead.

"I can go into the game with just a thought. How could I forget that when I just unlocked the ability to do that? I don't even need to be in my house when logging in. Although the privacy is nice."

In his last life, Enzo had seen why logging in where others could find your 'respawn point' was a bad idea. 'Poor Thomas and his impaled butt.'

No one wanted to see someone respawn with a sword inside them… it was not a pretty sight.

Enzo mentally willed himself to return to Beast Evolution without waiting any longer.

His consciousness seamlessly transferred into his dragon form beside Princess Kayla's bed. The princess was still asleep, oblivious to the danger that lurked so close to her in the form of her brother.

Enzo slipped out of the room, his reptilian form moving silently through the palace corridors. He had a plan that required careful execution and, more importantly, allies.

Enzo reflected on what he knew of Alveron's power structure as he exited the palace. While the royal family held official power, another group wielded significant influence behind the scenes: the Monster Elitists.

As one of the safe havens for Beasts in the Razzar Continent, it made sense that the Alveron Kingdom was a place for powerful Beasts to gather.

The Monster Elitists believed that Beasts were superior to humans in every facet of life. They held some radical views that even Enzo, being a beast, couldn't agree with.

Even though he disagreed with their views, he wasn't past exploiting their organization for some assistance.

These powerful Beasts ruled much of the city's underground. They were often at odds with human nobility, but their strength and the utility of their skill sets made them indispensable to the Kingdom.

Enzo's first stop was the home of Madame Vex, one of the most prominent Monster Elitists in Alveron. Her mansion stood out even in the wealthy district, its architecture a blend of human and bestial elements that reflected its owner's dual nature.

'No real Beast would deign to live in a human kingdom, even one friendly to Beasts.'

Enzo paused, assessing the thought that had come unbidden to his mind. His Dragon pride flared as he cast a quick look of disdain at the mansion.

He quickly snuffed out that line of thinking. 'No, the Razzar Continent is a human-run continent. Even if Beasts are strong, they are much fewer in number than humans here. It won't be until Update 2.0 that the real disparity between the races will be known.'

As Enzo approached, he ducked into an alleyway and shifted into his human form. He would draw less suspicion from outsiders this way, and if things go according to plan, it would give him an edge in achieving support from the Monster Elitists.

The guards at the gate tensed as he approached, hands moving to their weapons. Enzo stopped a respectful distance away and called, "I seek an audience with Madame Vex. Tell her: May the Universe illuminate your soul and brighten your path."

One guard slowly nodded and disappeared inside, while the other kept a wary eye on Enzo. Minutes later, the gate creaked open, and a melodious voice floated out. "Enter, young one. Come have a cup of tea with this old Fox."

Enzo passed the guards and stepped into a lush courtyard filled with exotic plants, many of which Enzo recognized.

"Ah, a Tier-1 Moonshade Orchid. Such a lovely healing plant that even has some uses in Tier-2 alchemy."

"A Tier-2 Sunburst Fern. Intriguing specimen that can boost one's physical attributes and offer insight into the fire element."

"Oh, a Tier-4 Dragonheart Vine! Quite rare, used to upgrade to the 4th Tier."

Enzo stopped looking at the garden and nodded.

"You have quite the collection, Madame Vex."

Madame Vex looked intrigued at Enzo's knowledge. 

"You seem well informed, and for once, I am at a loss when dealing with someone significant in the Alveron Kingdom."

Madam Vex smiled, amused. "That is not something that happens often, young one."

"I am honored, Madam Vex. This one is called Enzo." Enzo bowed low, a sly smile cresting his lips. "Or should I call you Mistress Vex of the Midnight Spa?"

"No one should know that information but my death-sworn." Madam Vex's smile faded, and a look of calculation appeared on her face. "Tell me, young one—no, Enzo, how did you come across this information?"

Enzo straightened his back, meeting Made Vex's calculating gaze. "I find that information is a currency, Madame Vex. And I've come here to trade."

The fox woman's tail swished thoughtfully. "Indeed it is. Come, let us discuss this over tea. I find that business conversations are best over a warm brew."

As they settled into an ornate tea room, Enzo took in his surroundings. 

The walls were covered with pictures depicting beasts in battles and triumphs. To Enzo's left, he saw shelves lined with ancient-looking books and small artifacts that spoke of Madame Vex's vast knowledge and influence. 

Madame Vex poured a steaming liquid that smelled of herbs. "Now, young Enzo, tell me what brings you here with such intriguing… currency."

Enzo smiled lightly. "Before I begin, is this room warded? I'm not of a high enough Tier yet to tell."

Madame Vex nodded. "It is."

Enzo stood before Madame Vex, who sat in her half-human half-beast form. At a quick glance, an onlooker would assume she was human, but a closer look would uncover her fox ears, sharp, pointed claws, tail, and a pointed, slightly upturned snout.

Enzo hesitated only a moment before he willed his body to change. 

A faint shimmer of energy rippled across his skin, starting from his core and spreading outward. His body began to change, the transformation smooth yet rapid.

His skin hardened and darkened, scales erupting in a wave from his spine outward. The scales were a deep, midnight black with a rainbow glow that hinted at the void's myriad possibilities. His face elongated into a draconic muzzle, razor-sharp teeth filling his growing jaw.

Enzo's limbs thickened and lengthened, his fingers fusing and extending into wickedly curved claws. His spine elongated dramatically, forming a powerful, serpentine tail that whipped through the air behind him.

From his shoulder blades, two wing buds emerged, rapidly unfurling into massive, leathery wings. The membrane between the wing fingers was so dark it seemed to absorb the light around it.

Enzo stood nearly three times his human height as the transformation was completed. His dragon form was sleek and powerful, with obsidian scales that seemed to ripple with shadowy energy. His eyes, now vertical slits, glowed with an otherworldly intelligence he still didn't quite have control over.

"Madame Vex, I come to offer you a deal that will change the fate of Beasts forever. Both in the Kingdom and throughout the Razzar continent."