As soon as the name left Agamenon’s lips, Vlad’s expression darkened.
Now it made sense—why the man felt so familiar. Vlad quickly recognized certain traits that reminded him of Urion, the envoy of the Zanis Association with whom he had clashed not long ago.
Agamenon was well aware of the enmity between the Depravitas and the Zanis Association, but he had never considered it a problem. After all, the Zanis faction was not meant to be part of the five groups taking part in the expedition into the secret plane—or at least, that was what he originally believed.
Despite Agamenon’s evident displeasure, Valeria’s smile did not waver, nor did Decimus, the man from the Zanis Family, show any sign of discomfort.
It was clear that neither of them felt guilty about breaking the original arrangement.
"Brother Decimus does not come here as a member of the Zanis Family," Valeria stated, her voice smooth and composed—yet beneath it, there was an unmistakable mocking tone.
"He is part of my team, and according to our arrangement, I was allowed to choose whomever I saw fit to accompany me. So, I fail to see where the problem lies."
Her words were spoken casually as if the entire matter was insignificant.
Before Agamenon could retort, Decimus himself interjected, turning toward the bald martial artist and the golden-skinned man.
"Scipius and Cato both agreed to my presence as part of Lady Valeria’s group," Decimus added with a smirk. "So there’s no need to make a fuss over such a small detail."
Agamenon’s fists clenched tightly, his knuckles turning white as anger boiled beneath the surface.
He hated Valeria’s condescending arrogance, and Decimus’ superior tone only fueled his frustration further.
If it weren’t for the fact that they had discovered this place together, he would have never agreed to work alongside her.
Just as tensions reached their breaking point, Janus suddenly placed a hand on Agamenon’s shoulder, offering him a meaningful glance before stepping forward.
The Imperial Prince’s golden eyes locked onto Valeria with an icy sharpness.
"You did not technically break the rules," Janus acknowledged, his voice calm but firm. "But your actions are clearly those of someone unworthy of trust."
His words carried weight, and he did not wait for a response.
With a dismissive turn, Janus walked back toward his team, ignoring Decimus entirely—as if he were beneath his notice.
The cold indifference of the Imperial Prince caused a flicker of annoyance to cross Valeria’s and Decimus’ expressions, but neither of them responded. Instead, they merely sneered, their amusement waning slightly.
Just as it seemed that the argument had finally ended, allowing them to move forward, Decimus’ eyes suddenly sharpened, locking onto four figures clad in black armor.
His gaze burned with recognition.
"You are the Depravitas!"
Vlad sighed as he heard those words. It was clear that Decimus had recognized them, which only meant one thing—more trouble.
Of course, Vlad was not the type to cower or show weakness. Raising his head, he met Decimus’ gaze directly, his voice steady.
A cold glint flashed through Decimus’ golden eyes, and a smile curled at his lips.
The air inside the underwater cave grew tense, a silent pressure settling over everyone.
It was clear that Decimus held nothing but animosity toward Vlad’s group, and unlike his restrained demeanor with the Imperial Prince, here, he felt no hesitation in displaying his hostility.
Janus frowned, ready to intervene, but before he could, Agamenon threw him another glance, subtly shaking his head.
The message was clear—he should not interfere.
Agamenon knew that Vlad was not the type to need rescuing, especially not from another Sage.
Decimus’ smirk widened as he felt no opposition to his provocation.
"You people have caused a great deal of trouble for my cousin," Decimus mused, his tone casual yet laced with menace. "I truly wonder where a group that came from a godforsaken plane found the guts to talk back and attack an envoy of the Zanis Association."
The moment he finished speaking, Decimus’ hand moved, grasping the dagger hanging at his waist.
A powerful aura erupted from his body, surging like a raging tide, causing the underwater cave to tremble under its force.
Instead, he stepped forward, his expression unwavering, a thin sword materializing in his grip as his own energy surged forth.
Decimus grinned, sensing that his aura far surpassed Vlad’s.
Yet, just as he was about to mock the young warrior, his smile froze.
A series of runes began to glow across Vlad’s body, their intricate designs pulsing with power so intense that even his full-body armor could not conceal them.
Immediately, a somber, dreadful aura filled the cave.
A silence fell over everyone as the weight of Vlad’s energy pressed upon them.
Even those uninvolved in the conflict instinctively adopted solemn expressions—for what radiated from Vlad was no ordinary power.
The very air around him seemed to tear apart as if billions of invisible blades were forming a field of destruction around his body.
"The same guts that allowed me to attack your cousin..." His grip tightened around his sword, his voice carrying an ominous certainty. "... are the same ones I’ll use to sever your left eye."
As soon as those words left his lips, a dark wave of energy flooded through his blade, exponentially magnifying the destructive force radiating from it.
Decimus felt a chill creep up his spine, his instincts screaming a warning.
Despite his confidence in his own strength, a deep unease settled in his chest.
Somewhere, deep down, he knew the truth—
If they clashed, he would not walk away unscathed.
Yet, unfortunately for Decimus, backing down was not an option.
He had started this confrontation, and if he retreated now, he would become a laughingstock.
And so, despite the growing doubt in his heart, he tightened his grip on his dagger.
The battle line had been drawn.
And neither side was willing to be the first to step away.