Standing there in the street, Erebus found himself without the white metal uniform, deciding to go without it for the time being. The time of day was hinging on late afternoon and night. So an orange hue painted the skies from one end changing into a lavender with pink clouds on the opposite. The town was just as he remembered it growing up. The attacks led against Era had transpired some few days ago, and thanks to methods on the Ark, Grimoire as well as Phantom Lord were fixed back into shape.

Well, he wasn't sure what happened with Phantom Lord-- but on command of Icarus the Lycan was tasked with meeting up and getting to know one of the stronger members of that guild. It was a direct order, so he'd act as representative and all. If anything Erebus was the one link of no magic on the Ark so if Phantom Lord was going to drop the alliance anytime soon Icarus would rather have not lost one of his more magically gifted men. Not that it was even assured they'd do such a thing, but their infamy came from their chaotic nature.

Erebus was ready to be the blow dealt if anything happened between the two groups. Even though that character had been unsuccessful, he was a hardened, talented, individual. So it would be in the best interest not to push for questions. Nor be a liability in even this minor mission's endeavors.

Erebus waited outside the information broker's office. Though was curious to find the blonde man missing. He could've already been inside or on his way, but the white-haired Lycan had no worries regardless. They weren't scheduled to meet until very shortly. Crouching down, the Lycan picked up a thumbtack. He relived that stab wound that kid Finn landed on him days prior. Wondering just where exactly he fell on the table if some random guy could deal him damage like that. In terms of actual ability, Erebus had a measly amount it seemed. Truth is, he might've only defeated those mages on the bridge due to Yumi's distraction. So was he really any good? He tried to believe so. He needed too.

The boy flicked the tack away. He was bored so he decided to let himself into the room early. Upon the door swinging forth. The werewolf lifted a hand. "I'm here about the con-man." He sounded off, somewhat akin to a husk seeking a task. Not exactly like a robot. But monotonous because of his creeping annoyances in basically being useless prior. He needed to get to work. A busy mind was rehab for a man like him. Might as well make use of any assets.

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Gaud rose from his office desk at the first sight of Erebus. Lanky, slender, and tall. The snowy-haired terrorist just oozed ambiguity in terms of what he wanted to do. He was on he verge of being indifferent to this quest either way. Though-- he didn't like going much into detail with that or what was in his head usually. Regardless, the quest-giver's eyes widened at the sight of the dark mage. Apparently he hadn't been much of vengeful person in the past. Though, it was also immediately recognized the boy from the tournament a few months back. Chances are this guy must not have known Erebus lacked magic and wasn't super incredibly dangerous like the others in that tournament were. His ferocity however, it was inhuman. But that was not what stretched Gaud's surprise, it was the fact Erebus had a stronger looking body now; versus how he did back then, he'd even seemed to grow some inches. It terrified the broker, truthfully! However, the next employer should really be the spook to the office man.

"I see. So those connections lent to me really do work... And yes, I'm looking to get my money back. A snake from the streets going by the n-"

The quest giver was interrupted by bells jingling outwardly betwixt the climax of his sentence. Decked in feathers and sunglasses was a blonde man. Not just any man, but a strong one even in leagues against other mages. A spine-tingling chill struck the broker, the differences in personality compared to the original boy, Erebus, to this guy; were so immense that it greatly sunk his formal confidence. Afraid but with nothing to do. Gaud gulped, raising his hand and chuckling to relieve his shaky breath. He tipped his head, bowing to the mage. Gaud had always been the type to have the answers, but never the man used them for personal gain til now. Which must've contributed to his personal fear of the mighty criminals. The broker's knees buckled, he motioned hands to the chairs in front of his desk. Hoping for them to sit.

Erebus however, didn't move. He only blinked, his head bobbed to the left. A perfume of smells entered his nostrils. Roman would mark his scent, and surprisingly enough, Erebus would do the same. He couldn't distinguish anything such as race like the Slayer. But he could definitely manifest a remembrance for the Phantom. He grinned, lifting a hand in hello. Having completely ignored Gaud's offer for a chair Erebus spoke. "It's no trouble. You must be Roman Astoria, I've heard of you. I go by Strategist. The pleasures' mine. While you were getting here I was just getting the general run-down from Guad ."

Erebus' neck tilted back into place; he made a facial expression of both curiosity and annoyance at the fact Gaud had stopped speaking to begin with.The change of attention now back on the quest-giver; he searched himself for the courage to answer again.

"Yes... yes. As I was saying, the target's name is Jarjar. He operates in the black market underworlds. You'll find him there at a cage fight," Gaud opened a drawer, sliding a map before the two-- red highlighter marked the destination point. The two dark mages were approximately five or so feet away from the table. So Erebus stayed still and allowed the broker to continue, if Roman wasn't to grab the map right now. The Lycan would do it before exiting. "I also have this item for you to bait him outside with. It's of fine design, but alas, it's just a replica. Worth nothing, Jarjar shouldn't be able to tell the difference though. Just show it to him." Gaud paused, breathing. His eyes closed, he brought out a dagger from the same drawer. It glimmered of a ruby in the hilt. The blade being gold and finely sharpened. "One last thing... Don't kill him. I have a business to uphold you know. The funds he owes me should equate to five-hundred thousand. Take it from him, I'll pay you handsomely afterwards."

That was all of it. Not too difficult from the sound of it all, but there would 'for sure' be some violence to attend too.

Erebus stopped to rub his chin, thinking. His eyes drifting from the table back onto his partner. Assuming Roman would want to take lead here out, the Lycan nodded to the instructions. He wasn't exactly thrilled by the quest, but the chance to pick on fellow scum such as this con-artist should be fun. Erebus had done worse things than beat people up anyways. He was the type to care about the causalities last, even if he wasn't the one who sought them on intentionally. The success rate first of course, because his training had turned hi into that. He was a man of ambition, opportunity, and goals-- victory over death. Had Roman been equipped similarly in mind, this quest should be easy as apple pie. In fact, Erebus ventured out for the thought that this could be done within the next two hours at most. Maybe sooner. "Okay Tellar, keep your hat on. We'll be back soon, also... Don't talk so much. Your voice gives me a headache." Erebus was to make his departure whenever Roman was ready to go. A joint assignment between their factions. The alliance seemed still closely intact. A good first start. Erebus was hoping to see a Phantom Lord in action tonight. If the stories were true, this event would be wild.

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Erebus clenched the map, Roman studied the blade. They exited the room and when they were outside the silence broke with Roman urging they try and hasten their mission. Erebus obliged to this, "Sure. by the way, it's nice finally meeting you." The Lycan pointed out his interest in Roman without outright saying it. He was busy looking down at the map thereafter and his hand extended pointing. They were to head downtown. Deep downtown. Jarjar was at a club, supposedly. The information detailed his habits of being there to promote magical drugs and rare items at tables, sadly that was now where he'd also be scheduled to get a bloody beating for his foolish errors. The two dark mages had their target on lock after all. Hot in pursuit, they would not fail their subjected goals, it was time to show ol' Jar a lesson in good business. Strategist chuckled nonetheless, grinning as he pushed his hair back. "I hate working. But what can you do, right? Best we get moving. These kinds of missions get old real fast."

Minutes passed, a steady pace across the night-line city. It took some forty-minutes or so. But once they were there. The bouncers halted both dark mages. Asking for name or I.D.-- Erebus instead pointed at the priceless dagger in Roman's hands. Whispering that a rumor had surfaced it was of unique rarity. As such, it could make the bearer invisible. The bouncer eyed the weapon. Licking his lips, apparently trade of such wealthy luxuries around Era was a big black market business. It made Erebus skeptical about his own sword, which was holstered at his side. Had he been in his armor, he'd have carried it on the back. No matter, he probably wouldn't sell it anytime soon.

Moving along into the party, Erebus and of course, Roman with the weapon in hand would make there way around ravers drifting about in their loose state of ecstasy or whatever else the hell they had managed to get a hold of tonight. Once the two dark mages were in front of Jarjar, the ugly man leaned in grin with a cocky. A groggy voice speaking up to them made Erebus glare through his tired eyelids. Two larger men than even the Lycan himself stood around the table in suits. Black sunglasses hiding their eyes even despite being inside the building. Much less fashionable than Roman's vintage versions though, apparently sunglasses were back in style or something. Strategist hadn't noticed until tonight, then again. He spent his days doing trivial matters rather than paying mind to trend.

"Can I see your item or what? I was told you boys had something for me? Or were you just some bastards trying to get in here free of cut?"

Erebus allowed Roman to do the talking from here. Whenever needed of course, Erebus would lunge for the far left body guard. Aiming a fist first for the gut of one, and wrapping him in a sleeper hold as soon as a valid opening was given. obviously, Erebus would react in due, and hopefully counter reversals or etc. While the other hired arm most likely wanted Roman.

After those two were done, should Roman not have lept to attack or harm the man, Erebus would. Or in contrast to that, would help kick the petty con-man into the ground. Breaking more than just his nose in the process. Until the cash or jewel were delivered. "If you go to the Rune Knights about this, we'll do more than just give you a few cuts or bruises. We'll fucking kill you man. Anyways, thanks for your most humble offer at our dagger, but we'll be keeping it anyways. My man Roman here is a hard shark to crack ya know? I doubt Gaud will have you either, if you retaliate we'll come back here to end it. Clear of conscious." After that the duo made hasty return to Gaud Tellar's place for payment. Having met the blonde dark mage and spent the night hustling a con-man, Erebus had a pretty decent first impression and respect for his ally. He'd drop the man a few compliments afterwards and be on his way back to the ark. Maybe they could work together again in the coming future. Erebus wouldn't be against it.

-exit-

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