[ Prestor leers, both at the derision and the presumption that whatever he desires is beyond his reach. There is nothing, nothing he cannot have, nothing he cannot acquire, and part of him longs to spit it in this man's face, wring his neck and drill it into him that I get what I want when I want it, you meaningless wretch, but he has the foresight to restrain himself, though his false skin bristles beneath his clothes, shoulders tensing. Once a dragon, always a dragon. ]

I'm afraid you vastly underestimate my resources, sir.

[ Shaking his head, Prestor rises from his chair, striding past the fireplace with his hands behind his back, its flames crackling higher as he speaks. ]

I can shower you in wealth, if such is your wish. But what I desire is setting the world on its proper course. Who is to say if the Initiative or this United Earth is most fit to rule? I need to discover it, the truest ambitions and intentions that lie within the human heart. I must judge for myself which path is most appropriate for Exsilium to take.

And to do that, I need people like you. People who can cut through the deceit and operate where my eyes cannot take me. Do you understand what I am saying?

[ The flames die down, quieting to a mild smolder as he glances over his shoulder at Adam. ]

This is a victory I will achieve at any cost.