Crius

His body, frail and fragile, had been no match for the weight of his past. It was Mavislin who had carried him from the dense forest and through the war-torn village, while Raven focused on bringing the enemy forces to their knees.

Now, the once-weak youth had undergone a remarkable transformation. Spider—now a striking figure—wore a blue-grey coat that framed his toned physique, complemented by a deep purple, skin-tight leather shirt that accentuated his sculpted muscles and abs.

His black breeches completed the look, giving him an air of quiet power. At his waist hung an unfamiliar blade, its grip and trigger integrated into a single weapon, blending the functionality of a sword and a gun.

His once-dusty silver hair was now tied back in a loose ponytail, the ends held together by a snowflake hair tie that draped gracefully past his shoulders. His porcelain skin, which had once been marred by wounds and bruises, now gleamed with vitality.

When Mavislin's gaze fell upon him, Spider quickly looked away, his cheeks flushing with a shy discomfort—an expression that spoke volumes of how much he had grown, and yet, how little of the boy he once was had truly changed.

Venom smirked, watching as the dragoness's eyes scanned Spider from head to toe. With a playful pat on the boy's head, Emmett beamed at Mavislin, his pride evident, before giving Spider a firm shove toward her.

The young man looked as if he might crumble under the attention, his nerves on edge, while Mavislin remained motionless, her gaze fixed on the awkward scene before her.

Why... Do all the males I've come across all look so good-looking... I honestly need a break, thought the dragoness, sighing.

"Ah, how time has transformed him. It's almost unrecognizable, isn't it? The same feeble boy you carried out of the outskirts of Akhaten. Has it really been years? Half a decade, perhaps? Regardless, I took it upon myself to shape him into what stands before you now."

"I trust my efforts haven't gone to waste. Now, boy, don't be so shy. Show some respect to the First Seat of the Covert Ops."

"How am I supposed to address..."

"You may call me Shadow. Until you've earned a higher position, then you can address me as Lady. I am aware you know my gender but others in your rank don't so do keep it hidden. Anyways, Venom has requested me to supervise you in dispelling the protesters in Al'Dhale."

Spider looked confused before spinning around to search for an answer from his boss. Much to his dismay, Emmett merely shrugged his shoulders.

"I've said it before, and I'll say it again: when it comes to field operations, I am the last person you should turn to for guidance. While I don't bear the title of Shadow, I do excel at working from the shadows."

"I've imparted all I can, and now it's time for you to put it into practice. Fail, and you may find yourself erased from the Syndicate," explained Venom, nodding at Mavislin.

The dragoness returned the gesture as Spider awkwardly nodded before walking over to stand beside her.

"Very well, I will take my leave to handle the main event. Ensure you're back by evening. And Shadow, should he falter, don't waste your time rescuing him. Complete the mission in his place, and I'll see to it that you receive the bounty.," commanded Emmett.

"Are you implying that I'm not getting paid if he succeeds?" asked an irritated Mavislin.

"No. You should be fully aware of what awaits you. The protesters will vanish from the face of the earth, and in their absence, the bounty once reserved for him will now be yours. Consider it a reward for your efficiency. And your time."

"That's... Satisfactory. Come on then, Spider. If you are ready to proceed, I do mind heading out now. You can relay your plans to me on the way," instructed the dragoness, strolling in the opposite direction of Venom.

"I'm geared up. My plans aren't too profound; I'm just told to take down the protesters before they reach the city square," replied Spider, shyly following her.

Crius, despite the weight of the situation, was doing his utmost to maintain composure. Within the Syndicate, only Serpent's Division boasted females—an arrangement that had its reasons, particularly given the Research Division's hold over the continent's brothels.

Both Beast and Raven had decreed that Mavislin's gender must remain concealed from all but a select few, insisting she wear male armor or large overcoats to maintain discretion.

When faced with a wave of protests from the higher ranks, Beast deemed it necessary to let the young girl prove her worth to lead the Covert Ops, and so, she would do so through strength alone.

Even Venom, usually so stoic and weary, found himself impressed by her resolve.