The grunt of his voice as he pressed his cold hand over the window caused many to move away from the man. He was clad again under the metal mask and so his outward appearance looked like that akin to a seasoned knight. Yet in reality he was a criminal, simply posing for the image that he felt "shook" or would intimidate the others but also blend him into the environment; a fair combat tactic. Even if he wasn’t as scary as he was, the glimmer and glow that the white metal provided further escalated that fidgety feeling others would get when engaging him. It was like a panic which welled within their hearts. Triggering them to hesitate; something the uprising swordmaster could abuse when others could not. A significant piece of his brilliant tactics, see, characters like Erebus Cassiel were born to be innovative and take control.

However Erebus was simply a shadow. For the one named as Strategist was his villainous alter ego, the one who’d grown famous out in the world. Or rather-- was beginning to grow famous. It bothered Strategist little to kill others, where under the ego of Erebus, such a murderous feeling was not in top priority. The mask represented Strategist. The man under the mask; his husk. The Lycanthrope was strange in that way. He didn't suffer from multiple personalities, or any of those illnesses. Merely, he could adopt different patterns. Would a crazy man do that? He was unaware. But he knew his skills were testaments to his ability.

Not long ago he’d dropped Kaidou’s teachings to reassure himself of his powers. He was no man to linger and be patient, not when he felt the aroma of sweet victory around every corner. So it became fairly obvious he’d continue to go forward. Without The Southern Star to train him or not. In reality, he actually thought it better to do his own thing. It was his story, and he wished for it to be his story. His, no one else's… Just like revenge was his dream. Just like he’d make that dream a reality. Era was Erebus’s home prior to going rogue and becoming a mercenary under Grimoire Heart. Who’d have guessed it, he’d be preparing to attack the town in nights to come. Surely not his family, right?… Or his old friends? Or maybe they all had a feeling he was going to come. A lot of times, Erebus was predictable to them. But had time dulled their senses? He was willing to place jewels it had.

So what then…

Here he was, taking in the sights before all of it was leveled. Standing in front of a bakery at midday. He liked this store, this shop was his first job. Hm. He needed to get away, it brought a sense of guilt that he didn’t fancy all too keenly upon. From there, Strategist’s body turned to look out in the direction of a mountain to the other end of Era; he felt as if he were drawn back to it. He was like a bee, the mountain like a budding rose. It beckoned him to go pay homage. How was it that Erebus could sense this place disrupting his emotions? It angered him, but it fueled him to go forth anyways. So that’s exactly where he went-- he marched for it sternly. His weapon sheathed on his back, in a long red holster, The breezes picked up his helmet’s long tail of snowy hair. While he made off to visit the rocky monument, his attention drifted from many sights and people.

Time passed… He walked it's path up the hilly outer rims, sighed upon his entry, moved through the trees until he overlooked a twenty meter area that ended over the side of the mountain. Then, in that very same open space; the tall Lycan made his way over until he was staring out over the cliff side, admiring the town. It was annoying really. A shitty town, but a beautiful view. Guess he had to give it some kind of credit, after all. He came here didn't he?

"Era is like hell, the sooner it goes down in smoke, the better."

Dragged by the chain from his thoughts, the taller young man turned his frame to meet the blonde adventurer. Of course the smell was long since in the air; but Erebus had been focused. He cared not what came at him so slowly, he'd have easily flung it over the cliff if it were some monster. But he knew it wasn't. It was human. Despite no eye holes being evident in the faceplate-- Strategist could see fine. He stared ominously. A pause had occurred. Then he spoke again some seconds later, noticing fast a sword on the Pegasus. A duelist. Fancy.

"Hey."

His voice huffed, carrying a certain toxicity to it. Though-- maybe it wasn't initially apparent-- it was indeed there. When the Grimoire Heart spoke again, a much more relaxed tone escaped rather than the croak from before. His lips curling from under the shroud of metal. The man's right hand shot to the red sheathe on his back, with readiness. Clenching the golden handle before he broke in again. "You speak with your sword kid? Or do you speak with your mouth." He offered a tilt of his head to the blonde who'd approached. A bow motion of the neck only, a single simple nod. This was to tell Finn that an exchange of words was doubtful. They would have to greet each other the old fashioned way. Blade to blade.

Erebus was being generous really... It was laughable.

Normally he'd not have been so kind as to just offer a game, usually he'd force it down someone's throat. Although... Finn's personality made him see like such a victim really; that being so rude would be impossible with him... Who knows, maybe that's why he even spoke to begin with. Regardless, it was a challenge and no rising star could just turn down a fight. At least, not when they carried swords like men. Should Finn have obliged to the duel, Erebus would've already withdrew his own sword. His feet ready for any falter of movement.

There was no way to engage the opposition with no details just yet, at least not for Strategist. He was use to charging in first. He wanted to play the cards a little different this time. Because of Finn's body size in comparison to his own, the Lycan merely took the liberty of assuming his opponent was around his, if not lower, level in terms of strength. Though, as any wise combatant knew; you could never judge a book by it's cover. This kid likely had some skill. Best to test it early after all.

The sun was just getting ready to begin it's decline. Soon the ball of fire would lose it's perch amongst the clouds. In about an hour or so, the sky would commence it's orange-ish yellow tint. Though for the present--
it was an oceanic blue. The green leaves of trees rattled like a drum, wishing to see a blow of blade masters. This was the perfect setting. The standoffish arena for a good spar to commence. Should the Blue Pegasus wish to take up the game. He'd have the opportunity to rush in first.

Everything seemed to slow as the blonde made his venture. The knight braced for impact, and just as the adventurer came within a six meter radius a transformation took place. The knight bulged in muscle and under the mask his eyes glowed a yellow like the harvest moon. His strength, speed, and endurance... All had upgraded reasonably high. Now he stood there when the boy rushed in. He slowed even more when he reached the four meter marker.

One step. The Lycan inhaled, as his fingers danced across his golden blade. He knew his trick would come in for a successive attack. He had faltered few times in his training, and he'd defeated many warriors who'd rival him in speed and precision. Second step. Finn was here and his wrist moved in a way that looked as if he might come upwards. The tilt of the blonde fighter's body was enough for an accurate prediction to be made. Using his Lycan senses the werewolf allowed a brilliant flash to transpire while he would already be moving onto his predominate foot, to move under the swordsman's arm. A solar flare right in the eyes of the kid. Since the blade was already within the air, the slightest movement could release the spell. Which would stun and leave an burning in his face long enough to manipulate. The Lycan was ready to abuse the stun. Unless Finn was somehow able to see it coming, it would likely go through equating to a devastating combo. Based solely on the fact Finn was staring into his shoulder.

With Finn blinded, and with Strategist giving awareness only that his footing had braced for impact. He ducked and weaved to the close right. Being close enough to easily act first. Due to the blonde's sword being directed in a way, which the Lycan assumed, would come to slash him in the left pectoral. As they were both familiar with body reading. Any swordmaster was, or at the very least-- trained to be. Erebus took his blade inwards thrusting it under the armpit of the fellow warrior. With his body still moving, the taller knight attempted to fly around the warriors back. One hand still gripping the dawn sword. The other arm would tuck around the smaller male's sword hand. Erebus locked a leg under the light-weight and through all his momentum back. If successful it would submit them both to being on the ground.

A sword hopefully leaving Finn both in critical condition and unable to struggle with his slightly stronger base strength. Using this time to his advantage, Erebus would offer the boy the chance to surrender. Where he'd hold him until the consciousness in him diminished. Erasing this event, or rather any indication of where Erebus would go. In the meantime Erebus would get him to a hospital and be on his way. There was an attack on Era soon to commence. Healers around her could have Finn back in top shape by tomorrow. So Erebus wasn't afraid to deal he brutal damage as he had.

Had Finn looked away, or kept his eyes closed for the long flash. Erebus would still have acted fast enough to move. With the added leverage of his opponent losing sight in that time. He would act on his attack the same way. Dealing with any precautionary measures as they occurred. The kid's style was full of spunk. However Erebus played a game of tricks and intelligence. Finn's sword-craft was miles more dependent on raw power. So it was technically an even fight. They were the best at this. Perhaps fate was the reason they'd came to the same cliff side? Who knows.

Dawn Light:

[CD: 5]

Transformation:

Stats: STR-41 END-20 SPE-9
736/825

The Lycan's eyes raised from beneath the hood, as the blonde's physical strength put Erebus's blade back with sheer strength alone. He was much stronger than he appeared and a the boy's feather of a sword shattered and ripped into his chest. Throwing him off. He shrank in form. The metal stopped upon his rib and pierced thoroughly; grinding his bone like some hellish wood-chipper. Of course it wasn't really being broken down like that, but it was painful. Definitely something he had not expected. This was his luck, underestimating the short optimistic teenager.
He made a mental note not to do that again."Ah, what the fuck kid!" The words escaped him as did a seething from his throat. The pain was immense; a pierce from Finn was certainly an insane amount. It was wicked. He loved it. The rush of battle kinda fueled him for another dose. However when the sword was pulled out he immediately decided against it. That was packed heat, some power behind those swings. He preferred against any such retaliation.

Woah.

That did not go as planned, he remarked mentally. But when a fist pounded his wound Erebus stumbled backwards, his head bounced and another noise escaped his lips. The Grimoire was impressed. Though some of that went to the oceans of blood spilling out his open mouth. A thick liquid was choking his chest and in turn coming up now. A cough or two later and he was breathing. He probably needed medical attention. But for current moment, he took the blonde's hand. and pulled himself away from his near skydive fall. His sword then dropped to the ground from his other palm, he gripped the knight-like helm over his face to displace it on the ground. He was struggling for air. Half of him was laughing, whereas the other half dying. "Nice. Bold." Such a short battle, but now he knew someone would be here to protect Era. Part of him was happy for that. Even if he was a criminal now, Erebus had a family in this place. He wasn't dumb though. Many magicians weren't as talented as Finn. But, if he ran into this kid again. He knew it might fair unlucky for him. At least he could say his honor was in tact. After all. He wasn't expecting this. It was a good change of pace.

"Eh, help? I guess it might be a good idea. Finn, you crossed me as like.. A Ryan or a Timothy... My name is Strategist. Please, puh-lease, don't ask why." He emphasized. Choking again at the end of his words. A slight grin indented into his rugged demeanor. He took a seat on a log for a brief moment. He gathered together that he could probably die long before he even got off this mountain. A normal person would panic. Erebus was not normal. So no rush right?

Erebus turned his head to notice his sword was left on the ground. His eyebrow went up, eh... He'd return for it some time later. Staggering severity on his wounded chest needed him to get down the mountain or whatever pretty quick. It looked like Finn wouldn't let him get that break after all. The blood spilling into the pierce on his organs fueled more internal pain and he coughed red again. Though his speed was kept leveled with Finn's, he really didn't like how they had to go all the way down just to reach a hospital. "You think so? I don't think it'd have been my first pick if it were up to me. Nobody names themselves though I guess." The taller male spat a glob to the side as he was tugged along by the shorter blonde. "I'm from Era, I just wanted to see it before I left for uh, Hargeon or something. Not so good with goodbyes-- figured a distance would be better." Following down the narrow path the Lycan's vision became fuzzy. He was curious as to whether Finn could see straight either. "What about you Finn? Any reason for being here yourself?"