"Why are there no guards stationed here? One would think even the most meager intellect would grasp the necessity of placing a watch, especially for a facility of such import."
"Or perhaps they believe their work so unassailable, so untouchable, that they've grown complacent," questioned the Viceroy.
"Those bats are Venom's familiars and they pack enough power to send soldiers like Matt flying back to wherever they came from. Though Venom does not have a Guardian like all of us, he has done some research into harnessing powers with the help of incantations."
"His power comes from words that invoke the tales of other realms or summon the weakened powers of the entities from the Seat of Valour. For those bats, he invokes the power of Camazotz, a bat-like creature with an aspect of death and sacrifice."
"Only after copious amounts of experimentation would warrant such a feat despite Venom being a third-rate Mage. If anything, he is worse than Zenos."
"If you intend to insult me, then at the very least, refrain from coupling my name with that warmonger in the same breath!" argued a very angry male voice.
As the trio turned their attention to the figure leaning against the wall beside a black door, Mavislin couldn't help but let out a small chuckle. The figure bore a striking resemblance to her, featuring the same draconic traits that defined her lineage.
His scales, tail, and horns were a deep navy blue, while his skin shimmered with a subtle purple tint. His hair was shoulder length, black with silver tips. He opened his golden eyes, framed by crimson limbal rings, and unfolded his arms as he strode toward them.
A closer look revealed that beneath his black robe with a stark white collar and matching boots, his physique was notably more muscular than Mattheos's, yet slimmer than Zenos's.
"While I may lack your innate proficiency with mana, Shadow, I assure you that should we engage with firearms, your defeat is all but guaranteed," continued Venom, as he opened his robe slightly to reveal a maroon tanktop with dark green trousers.
His hand then reached for his beloved shotgun that hung by his left side, held by a brown belt and holster.
"That would be true if it was a few years ago."
"Regardless, the truth remains unchanged. But that's beside the point. I trust you've informed your two pets about the situation at hand; I have little patience for repetition," spat Venom as he shot a look of disdain to the two males behind Mavislin.
"I usually don't bring visitors but they are quite stuck to my tail so you have to bear with it. It has been some time, Venom."
"Let's get this over and done with before Beast finds out two First Seats are in the same country, let alone a vicinity," complained Mavislin as she sighed.
Venom remained silent as he snapped his fingers, causing the black door before them to swing open. As the group made their way through the bustling hallways, Matt couldn't help but notice the vibrant life surrounding them.
People from all walks of life filled the space, each absorbed in a myriad of activities, oblivious to the presence of the two First Seats, one of whom owned the establishment.
Some individuals engaged in lively discussions with their peers while jotting down notes, while others quietly examined substances using lab instruments. Everyone moved with effortless confidence, including those honing their marksmanship in dedicated practice.
The atmosphere buzzed with purpose, a testament to the skills and commitment of those within these walls.
"Has your little bunny never glimpsed your headquarters? Why does he look as if he's encountered something utterly alien? Surely he must comprehend that the Syndicate does not solely harbor mindless tools of war."
"We are not savages, after all," asked Venom, tilting his head back to look at Mavislin.
"I am just not used to seeing a place of harmony like this. Everyone looks different yet they are all communicating and working together as if they were family," answered Matt, as honest and polite as he could.
Deep down, the rabbit understood that he stood no chance against Venom, who could effortlessly end his life even on the most serene of days. Yet, Matt found Venom to be more intimidating than Mavislin and far more irritating than the Viceroy.
After navigating several winding staircases that led down to the tower's cellar, Venom came to a stop before a silver vault door, its surface gleaming ominously alongside a massive padlock.
With a single snap of his fingers, the lock clicked open, and the enormous door swung wide.
"While Mavislin has suggested that your prowess as a Mage leaves much to be desired, I cannot deny your ability to manipulate physical objects with naught but a snap of your fingers," remarked Zenos.