Daniel's group walked towards Don Veneziale and Volkov, who were in the midst of a heated argument. The two underworld bosses noticed Daniel's approach, along with the entourage of beautiful women following behind him, and the little girl cradled in Wrath's arms. While Don Veneziale knew Wrath was Daniel's girlfriend due to their previous interactions, he was unaware of the identities of the other two women and the little girl.

Observing Ardito's inquisitive gaze, it became evident that he was curious about the identities of Envy, Greed, and the little princess nestled in Wrath's arms.

"Don Veneziale, Mr. Volkov," Daniel nodded politely to the two underworld bosses, displaying his gentlemanly demeanor despite his role as their protector and his higher authority. He then continued with the introductions.

"Allow me to introduce this little troublemaker, Sylvanna, my daughter with Koyuki." Daniel referred to Wrath as Koyuki, choosing to use her real name instead of her Witch title, as she had lost her ability to use magic. He also didn't refer to Sylvana as his adopted daughter because while on the way here, Daniel already knew about the physical defect that they can't have a child with humans from Greed and Envy. So he decides to regard Sylvana as his and Koyuki's real daughter.

Apologies for the oversight. Here's the revised version, including Don Veneziale's inner monologue:

Seeing this, Greed walked confidently to the forefront and began introducing herself without waiting for Daniel.

"I am Victoria Goldwyn, the CEO and founder of the Golden Empire Group. It's a pleasure to meet you, Don Veneziale and Mr. Volkov," Greed introduced herself using her Mundane World identity as the wealthiest woman on Earth.

Upon hearing Greed's introduction, both Don Veneziale and Volkov were left dumbfounded and shocked. They had never imagined that their powerful benefactor had connections to the most dazzling and wealthy woman on Earth—the CEO and founder of the Golden Empire Group. This revelation brought with it the promise of immense possibilities. They marveled at the power and influence their backer, Mr. Magitek, wielded.

"And I am Isabella Kingsley, the Duchess of Somerset. It's a pleasure to meet you, Don Veneziale and Mr. Volkov," Envy introduced herself with a graceful curtsy befitting her noble heritage.

Don Veneziale's mind raced as he processed the significance of Envy's noble title. He thought to himself, [Holy shit! The Duchess of Somerset!? Isn't she the young duchess who inherited her title at such a young age? She's a bona fide noble with a hell lot of influence!] He realized that the Duchess held sway, even if not as a mage, due to her connections within the Hightower. England, where the Hightower HQ was located, held a significant position in the magical world.

"Oh! It's nice to meet you, Duchess comrade!" Volkov exclaimed, extending his hand towards Envy with a smile and a heavy Russian accent.

Observing the interaction, Don Veneziale swiftly swatted Volkov's hand away, reprimanding his partner. "You idiot! She's a noble! Bow! Don't you know about noble etiquette?"

Volkov let out an awkward laugh before attempting to bow, his posture far from refined. He clumsily performed what he considered to be a gentlemanly bow, much to the chagrin and embarrassment of Don Veneziale, who wished he could find a hole to bury his head in.

"Haha, it's okay, Mr. Volkov. I don't mind," Envy giggled, her political smile causing Volkov and Don Veneziale's faces to flush with embarrassment. However, as they caught Daniel's gaze, they quickly suppressed any ungentlemanly thoughts that had started to form in their minds.

"Hey... Wrath, she's at it again. If those two knew how old she..." Greed began whispering to her friend, intending to comment on Envy's peculiar habit of acting younger than her actual age. However, she abruptly halted her words as she felt an intense pressure building up, sensing the overwhelming killing intent emanating from Envy's gaze directed at her.

"Ugh... You know she hated it, and yet you continue to poke at her sore spot," Wrath remarked, admonishing her friend for bringing up Envy's true age.

"By the way, how many uninvited guests did you catch today?" Daniel asked Don Veneziale.

Don Veneziale's face turned solemn, and he bowed in apology to Daniel, accompanied by Volkov.

"I must apologize, Mr. Magitek. We caught about ten uninvited guests today. It was an oversight on my part. I never expected them to be so shameless," Don Veneziale said apologetically.

"I, too, must apologize, Mr. Magitek. Some of the guests I invited tried to interfere and pry into restricted areas. We will teach them harsh lessons they will never forget," Volkov added.

Daniel nodded in understanding. He knew it was wishful thinking to expect strict adherence to the rules from the underworld. He had made it clear that anyone found within the laboratory area of the building would be shot on sight, and a golem was stationed there 24/7. 

However, the area within a 10-meter radius of the laboratory was still considered restricted, although the penalties were less severe. Daniel couldn't shake off the concern that if these individuals were equipped with devices capable of scanning the building's internal structure, it could pose a significant problem.

"Mr. Veneziale, find those who have repeatedly offended more than three times and teach them a harsh lesson. Take James with you to pay a visit to their gang. If they refuse to pay 50% of their yearly income as compensation, you have my permission to obliterate that gang. Whatever you gain from that operation, whether it's successful or not, consider it a reward for both of you," Daniel commanded.

"Yes, Mr. Magitek," both Don Veneziale and Volkov accepted Daniel's command and quickly left to carry out his orders.

Daniel then turned to the Witch group and gestured for them to follow him towards the large building ahead.

"Please, follow me," Daniel said, taking the lead and guiding the group towards the secret base.

As Daniel's group entered through the building's door, they were greeted by a golem that resembled a mobile turret, patrolling the area around the large dry dock, which currently lacked any floating ships. Adjacent to it stood a spacious elevator capable of accommodating two or three trucks.

Daniel made his way towards the side elevator cleverly disguised as a door to a cleaning equipment storage. He pressed the button labeled "B3" with the word "Plaza" inscribed beside it.

As the elevator descended, the walls transformed into transparent panels, revealing the vast expanse surrounding them. Though the area remained dimly lit, the sight that unfolded before their eyes was awe-inspiring.

Before them stretched a colossal docking area, capable of accommodating up to four battleships. It hummed with activity, as workers and engineers, driven by a shared purpose, moved with precision and determination. Their combined efforts created a symphony of productivity, as they meticulously maintained and transported essential supplies to the waiting vessels, including provisions such as food and water. Alongside the human workforce, construction golems tirelessly aided in the tasks, their mechanical prowess enhancing the efficiency of the operations.

Machinery whirred and clanged, seamlessly integrated into the workflow, as if an extension of the workers themselves. The ground beneath them bore the unmistakable markings of the Docking Area, with the large inscription "B1 - Docking Area" painted prominently.

Amidst this industrious scene, three remarkable vessels commanded attention. One Atlantean Battleship with four imposing turrets with large triple barrels and two Atlantean Destroyers, crafted with the mystical craftsmanship of the long-lost Atlantean civilization, stood as magnificent testaments to their advanced technology.

These ships, considered magical artifacts, exuded an aura of power and enigma that transcended conventional understanding. Their sleek and intricate designs hinted at an otherworldly origin, captivating the imagination of all who beheld them.

Envy's eyes widened in astonishment as she beheld the majestic Atlantean battleship before her. It was a sight she had only encountered in pictures within the confines of the secret library.

Sylvana, on the other hand, was filled with wonder and awe. Having been peacefully slumbering in her mother's embrace during their journey, she had missed this awe-inspiring sight until now.

"Wow! Look at that big ship!" Sylvana exclaimed with childlike wonder, her eyes wide with excitement. As a 5-year-old, she was easily fascinated by the sight of the Atlantean battleship, her imagination sparked by the grandeur and size of the magnificent vessel.

As the elevator descended from the B1-Docking Area to the B2 level, the shaft passing by in mere moments, another breathtaking sight greeted their eyes. Painted on the ground was the word "B2-Hangar Area," indicating the purpose of this section.

Within the hangar area, mechanics and engineers were diligently maintaining and constructing various aircraft, aided by their trusty construction golems. The atmosphere was filled with the hum of machinery and the focused determination of the workers.

Currently, there were five aircraft present. One of them was the VTOL used in the assault operation at the Willow Family Estate, while another was a heavily modified VTOL, transformed into a formidable heavy assault gunship capable of unleashing a barrage of high-explosive shells and bullets from above. The remaining three aircraft were still under construction, their smaller size suggesting that they were intended to be fighters or interceptors.

 

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