The garden seemed to stretch endlessly, a paradise of greenery and tranquility. Mavislin's eyes widened in awe, taking in the opulence and beauty of the space.
It was a haven far removed from the stark, cold halls of the palace, offering a rare glimpse into the Viceroy's more serene side.
As Zenos stepped into the garden with a subtle, satisfied smile, Mavislin followed, her heart fluttering with both wonder and admiration.
The lush surroundings seemed to beckon them into a world of peace and splendor, a stark contrast to the cold feeling of the near-empty Arcadia.
"Welcome to the Imperial Enclave. The previous owner of this garden filled it with otherworldly creatures before I consigned him to history. I found their presence rather... inconvenient."
"Thus, I removed them all, save for one," said the Viceroy as he walked into the middle of the overbearing garden, wearing a smile.
Mavislin felt a shiver race up her spine, instinctively reaching for her scythe and flaring her aura in a defensive stance.
The Viceroy's smile, which had seemed benign moments before, now revealed a much darker undertone.
It was a smile not born of genuine affection or joy, but something far more unsettling. Zenos's grin was twisted with an eagerness that bordered on unsettling, an impatient hunger that suggested he was far from the usual courteous host.
It was the kind of smile one might expect from a predatory creature, delightedly presenting its latest catch to a new master.
The intensity of his gaze and the cruel anticipation in his demeanor made it clear that he was not merely pleased, but rather, exhilarated by the imminent confrontation.
Mavislin's heart raced as she recognized the glint of dark excitement in Zenos's eyes. It was a look that spoke of a ruthless anticipation, a readiness to engage in a battle of wits and wills.
The once enchanting garden now seemed to pulse with an ominous energy, the tranquility overshadowed by the Viceroy's menacing demeanor. The dragoness steeled herself, preparing for whatever twisted game Zenos had in mind.
"What have you done, Zenos?" questioned Mavislin, her eyes flashing red.
"I ensnared it when I was still a mere youth. Until now, it has remained contained, awaiting the right moment. I am certain you are the one destined to overcome it."
"Why do this? Didn't you promise a friendly bout?" asked Mavislin, her voice wavering as she stepped back from the Viceroy.
"I intend to witness the full extent of your power. Bring this beast down, exerting every bit of strength you possess without restraint. Rest assured, I shall remain here throughout, observing your battle against the second of my most cherished trophies."
"Second?" squeaked Mavislin as Zenos snapped his fingers, causing a huge door from beneath him to spring open.
The Viceroy leaped away and to the side of the Enclave while the opened hatch revealed a huge monster, one belonging to the flip side of the Seat of Valour. Where Mavislin's Guardian had resided…
Really? Her?! Of all the horrors of the realms, you choose her?! Mavislin could barely believe what Zenos had imprisoned. She could feel her Guardian stirring within her.
"Yes… The sole reason is that you have taken the first spot. Demonstrate to me the full extent of your power, Shadow of the Corrupted Syndicate. And then I will fight you on this fine stage," thundered Zenos as he severed the monster's chains.
The monster was colossal, glowing with an eerie amber light that hovered above the ground—a clear sign that it was not the genuine article but a mere imitation. The real creature would never float; this was a failed summoning.
The beast's upper body resembled that of a slender, veiled woman, her form graceful yet foreboding. Her lower half was a grotesque contrast, a massive bulbous mass adorned with thick, writhing tentacles.
Her long, flowing hair, reminiscent of tangled seaweed, framed her face and cascaded down her back. The veil she wore draped elegantly to her hips, adding an unsettling contrast to her otherwise nightmarish appearance.
She might have been mistaken for an angelic figure from afar, but the true horror lay beyond her waistline. Her hands were clasped together in an unnervingly serene gesture as if in eternal prayer to the heavens, a stark contrast to the menace she embodied.
"The legendary man-eating monster, Scylla. She was infamous for her partnership with Charybdis, the sea-swallowing beast, and together they wreaked havoc on the oceans."
"You've managed to subdue and capture her, this once-beautiful maiden transformed into a nightmarish creature. It's quite the feat, taming such a monstrous force. You really are not right in the head, Zenos," said Mavislin as she gripped her weapon tightly.
"Even if it was an imitation or a failed ritual, it's torture to keep something like this for so long..."