Within moments, Viper revealed Tartarus' location. Unlike Ashton's belief, the facility was nowhere near Fright City. Hell, the site wasn't even on the mainland like the rest of the facilities.
Since the experiments conducted there could harm the general populous of the city, it was constructed on an island south of the city.
Tartarus was an island prison, which was later turned into a research facility roughly half a century back. According to Viper, the place was filled with twisted individuals who knew nothing but to kill their target.
Viper further stated the corpsification gas was tested there before being deployed over Lycania. However, he wasn't sure as he wasn't involved in the project and only heard about it through walls.
Finally, Viper revealed the reason behind Nirvana's twisted love of conducting experiments, and the reason was not pretty.
"Since nuclear weapons couldn't harm the mutants, the then king decided to create a new weapon of mass extinction, which they did in the form of this corpsification gas you talked about."
He mumbled softly, "However, they couldn't do it alone, so they requested help from outworldly species. While the weapon was in the developmental phase, they needed something to keep the rest of the planet in check. Therefore, they decided to make an army of mutants to force their will on the world if deemed necessary."
"Pretty smart of them," Ashton nodded, "While the rest of the world was busy rebuilding their nations, Nirvana said fuck everything and focus on the future domination plan."
[A quiet and unique approach to shaking the world without anyone noticing.]
Ashton had a few more questions he needed answers to, but their chat had already taken more time than anticipated. The woman who brought Ashton to clean the room returned before he or Viper had the time to react.
"Oh, you did a good job- What is going on here?" The woman blurted out once Viper entered her field of vision, "Security- mmhmm! HMM!"
Before things could get any more complicated, Viper launched a tentacle at her. Within moments, the tentacles wrapped around the woman like she was sushi. Her mouth was covered, her limbs tied to the side, waiting for her fate to be decided by two strangers.
"I thought she was with you?" Ashton's remark confused Viper.
"Why would you think that?" He questioned, "I'm an assassin; I work alone."
"She was the one who lured me inside the office, and with all this security, I thought it was a trap to catch me."
Viper began laughing as soon as Ashton revealed his reasons for doubting the woman.
But in Viper's mind, a single question popped: Why would someone think the undead would go to such an extent to capture one man?
When the President or some other official wanted things done, they did it secretly. Making a show of such a scale wasn't their style, as they preferred taking a swift and smooth approach to 'disposing' of unwanted presence.
It didn't make sense, and Viper conveyed the real reason why the office was so crowded.
"A new Governor has been appointed to take care of the mess left behind by the now-deceased Governor." Viper explained, "As for the force, all of them have gathered here for the Governor's first oration, nothing more."
At that moment, Ashton could hear Astaroth laughing his ass off. For hours, Ashton had been acting as if all the preparation he had witnessed was for him. The presence of the guards, the weapons, everything was a mere coincidence, nothing more.
[They organised a party for me, I'd have to attend it. The confidence in your voice when you said that... haha!]
'Alright, alright, it's enough. No need to act immaturely-'
[Like hell it is enough!]
Ashton decided it was better to ignore Astaroth because he wasn't stopping any time soon, and he couldn't blame him. He knew if their roles were reversed, he wouldn't just be laughing.
A forgotten thought reemerged in Ashton's mind through the echoes of his laugh.
"Wait, if that's true, then..." Ashton got lost in his thoughts.
"What's wrong?" Viper asked, concerned with Ashton's silence.
"I came here because I was supposed to get a clue about Tartarus here." Ashton replied, "At least that's what I got to know after hacking through countless servers. So when you attacked me, I thought either you or someone else planted the 'leak' to capture me."
Viper's expression was everything Ashton needed to know: the Octuri had no idea what he was talking about. However, if it wasn't Viper, then who could have possibly planted the bait?
"Where is this new Governor of yours?" Ashton inquired.
"She's right here." Viper replied, shaking his tentacle, "Though I don't think she is capable enough of doing what you're thinking."
"Uncover her mouth for a minute."
"You know she'll scream the second I let go, right?"
"No, she won't," Ashton smiled, "I have a trick up my sleeve."
Viper sighed but did as he was told, and just as he had predicted, the moment the woman was free, she opened her mouth to scream. However, much to Viper's astonishment, she closed her gaping mouth and sat down like an obedient puppy.
Having no idea what was going on, Viper turned towards the only man who could rid him of his doubts.
"Why the surprised look? I told you I had a trick." Ashton winked at him.
"You can control the undead too! What the fuck are you?" Viper exclaimed in disbelief, "Why didn't you use it since the beginning? Things would have been a lot easier for both of us."
"There's a time for everything, and it's now." Ashton shrugged before turning his attention towards the new governor, "Who do you work for?"
"The democratic country of Nirvana-"
"Let's try a different approach. Who assigned you this post?"
"The President."
Ashton looked at Viper for confirmation, and he nodded, "The president personally selects and trains the candidates to take over important posts as these."
"Good. Since you're close to the President, you must know a way into Tartarus, don't you?"