"But these shouldn't be a problem for any of us, just make sure to conserve enough for the main fight, which could be tougher than our solo enemies," warned Mavislin, glancing at her two members.
"Of course, I won't overexert myself against such a weak foe..." said Mattheos, confidently.
"Are you sure? Those were the same words I heard before you got world rocked by Huanglong," smirked the rabbit's boss, sipping on her tea.
"I'm not mentally challenged, I get what you mean..."
"I'm not so sure about that. That yellow dragon played you like you were her new ragdoll," spat Mavislin, noticing that the Viceroy was stifling a chuckle.
"And what's so funny?" snapped the rabbit, angered at the blonde's action.
"No, I was just amused thinking that you couldn't even handle Huanglong. And what rank are you, dear little bunny?" quizzed the Viceroy, leaning towards Matt.
Mavislin widened her eyes as she caught a glimpse of Zenos' expression. Does he swing both ways? Then again, she was sure that the rabbit had also liked both sides of the coin...
"First of all, I ain't your dear little bunny so stop trying to get chummy with me. Second, I am Shadow's Fifth Seat."
"Fifth? I would have expected you to be ranked higher, given your association with her. I'd keep someone of a higher rank close to me. So, Mavislin, why is it that you're in this position?"
The dragoness sighed, anticipating that she would eventually be questioned about this arrangement. Mavislin knew the rumours that flew but she paid no attention. Even Raven and Venom were unaware of Matt's presence by her side.
She wondered if Beast knew, though she doubted he would care, considering how trivial it seemed. That was the nature of the Corrupted Syndicate: most rules were disregarded unless absolutely necessary.
The First Seats wielded their power with impunity, often abusing their authority over juniors and even turning them into personal slaves. Each member was allowed to eliminate anyone blocking their rise through the ranks, and Beast was indifferent to it all.
The First Seats retained their power largely due to their formidable kill counts, which surpassed the number of juniors at any given time.
Raven, the master of the skies, oversaw everything related to aerial operations—weaponry and defenses in the sky were his domain. He also managed the food trade between the Eastern Front and the Syndicate.
Despite not being as unhinged as Venom or Mavislin, Raven was a force to be reckoned with, having single-handedly destroyed three entire nations without any help from his men.
Venom, the Poison Maker, was the First Seat of the Research and Development department. He was responsible for all substances and the creation of biological and chemical weaponry against the Syndicate's enemies.
Though considered a backline figure, he frequently stepped into the battlefield to test his new 'concoctions', resulting in the annihilation of several hundred villages by the time Mavislin earned her title of First Seat. He also controlled the brothels in the Southern regions.
Mavislin shook her head, reminding herself that Zenos was not the type to judge or concern himself with the hierarchical structures of the Syndicate's departments.
"He is traveling with me because he is my prisoner. I've spared his life in exchange to swearing obedience to me. It is as simple as that," stated Mavislin, with an aura of dominance.
"Is that so? Then why has the bunny not run off yet?"
Both dragoness and rabbit widened their eyes and stared at the Viceroy.
"What are you suggesting?" asked Mavislin, slightly irritated at the blonde.
Zenos smirked, clearly pleased with himself for managing to irritate his trophy. He then stood up and approached Mavislin, the room falling into a tense silence. Without warning, he lunged at her, prompting Mattheos to spring into action.
However, he was too slow; the Viceroy's movements were precise and swift. In a calculated maneuver, Zenos captured Mavislin in a chokehold, his other arm wrapping around her waist, leaving her feeling weak and vulnerable once more.
"What the hell do you think you're doing?!" roared Mattheos, knuckles turning white from clenching his fists.
Mavislin wanted to say something but the Viceroy gripped her tail, causing her to bite back her tongue. Maybe her snakes could get her out, just...
"Why didn't you run? You had the perfect opportunity to escape from your kidnapper, yet you fought to come back and retrieve her."
"Now, with her at a disadvantage and you poised to take me down instead, what's your reason for this?" questioned Zenos, increasing his hold on the dragoness' neck.
Mattheos stood frozen, grappling with his confusion over the Prince of Darkness's actions. He questioned why he hadn't abandoned Mavislin and fled. Was it fear or something deeper Why was he defending his captor?