I AM COMMANDER ZANDER: Your Good Villain

0002-Mr. Death

At the Xanta Family Mansion, Venua City….

The house resembled a palace, grand and majestic, adorned with crystal chandeliers radiating luxurious brilliance from every corner.

That evening, the house was filled with formally dressed guests crowding the main hall, which was embellished with a red carpet and golden ornaments.

The clinking of glasses and soft laughter filled the air, marking the celebration of a major achievement by the Xanta family’s eldest grandson—Darren Xanta.

Darren stood in the center of the hall, clad in a perfectly tailored black suit that emphasized his aura as the family heir. His confident smile shone as he graciously received congratulations from the guests.

"Congratulations, Darren! Securing the contract with V-Tech is an extraordinary achievement," said an elderly man—Mr. Birru, a renowned jewelry tycoon in Venua.

"Thank you," Darren replied politely, a slight nod of his head reflecting the composure of a man who knew he had reached the pinnacle. "But this is just the beginning. We plan to take the Xanta family company even further."

Across the hall, a small group of guests huddled together in a private discussion. They spoke in hushed tones, ensuring no one overheard their conversations.

"I heard Darren’s success isn’t entirely his own doing," whispered a stout man with a curled mustache, the owner of a steel company. "Some people say he was helped by someone… someone incredibly influential!"

The man beside him, dressed in a navy-blue suit, nodded in agreement. "Yes, that rumor’s been going around. Apparently, Darren received support from someone they call… Mr. Death."

"Mr. Death?" one of them frowned, intrigued. "Isn’t that just a nickname? No one knows who Mr. Death really is."

"Yeah… but his influence is real," the mustachioed man replied in a lowered voice. "People say Mr. Death has controlled Venua for the past five years. No major business escapes his oversight. He’s like a god in this city—terrifying and untouchable!"

"So, does he control V-Tech too?" asked the man in the blue suit, his eyes narrowing as if piecing together fragments of information.

"I’m not sure," the mustachioed man shook his head. "But the fact that Darren managed to secure such a massive contract in such a short time… it’s hard not to suspect Mr. Death’s involvement."

Another man, younger and appearing to be a new entrepreneur, murmured, "But why would Mr. Death help Darren? What’s in it for him?"

That question left them all momentarily silent. No one truly knew the reasons or motives behind the mysterious figure’s actions.

Meanwhile, in the center of the hall, Darren conversed with several other prominent figures, receiving compliments and forging new connections. His smile broadened as a local tech billionaire remarked obsequiously, "You’re truly fortunate, Darren. Securing the V-Tech contract is every company’s dream in this city."

"I just worked hard and seized opportunities," Darren replied with feigned humility, further impressing his conversation partner.

In another corner of the hall, the conversation about Mr. Death continued.

"I heard Mr. Death also has strong political ties," said the man in the blue suit.

"He doesn’t just control business; he controls the city’s government. Every major decision… he pulls the strings!"

"True," the mustachioed man agreed. "Mr. Death even has a reputation for ruthlessly destroying anyone who stands in his way. Not long ago, there was a businessman who refused Mr. Death’s offer. Then, that company went bankrupt within a day!”

Their discussion paused as a server passed by, carrying a tray of champagne glasses. They each took a glass before resuming their hushed conversation.

"The real question now," the mustachioed man whispered, "who exactly Mr. Death is? I’m certain he’s more than just a rumor. He exists, and he’s watching all of us."

The grand hall of the Xanta house, brimming with formally dressed guests, suddenly fell silent as the main doors swung open.

A man dressed far from formal stepped inside. His outfit—a simple long-sleeved black T-shirt paired with dark jeans and a black cap—stood in stark contrast to the lavish surroundings.

Yet, despite his casual attire, his presence commanded attention, drawing every gaze toward him.

He is Zander Rhett Guezz.

Zander walked calmly, ignoring the disdainful stares and murmurs of the guests.