From the vortex, one found themselves free of their isolation. In a grand open room, albeit, abandoned except by those denizens which called it home. The shadowy figure known as Erebus peaked from one lit cell chamber, into the next.

The ceiling was opened up, like a hole to hell, the only difference, was that it aimed upward, as if to promise an escape that could not truly come for those banished to the pits of the ocean surface, within a confined prison such as this. Occasional waling from the sea monsters and the sounds of churning chains behind walls made the place extra scary, a creepy world meant only for those who deserved it.

Erebus, was on a quest to escape this world. This place truly was a hell, and it carried a sea of surprises. He stepped up onto a platform, taking his arm over a side rail, and with that-- flipped over in one short movement back to his legs, which stomped against a steel flooring and echoed down a path as his finger tips drag with every step.

Cell chambers, stairwells, and narrow steel bridges between the room. It was like a society here, and in some shortness of work hands, showed that perhaps monsters had already taken this level of the prison.

After his short words with Ozart, he had an idea of whom had done it, and with his small militia of other criminals, it didn't surprise the lone shadow of Erebus. However, he hadn't an idea of fostering ties with Ozart. He would defeat the man later, when he could reassess the Hellsea, and retrieve his items one by one.

He pressed onward, stopping and peering into rooms as he walked, eventually, he'd find some token of merit in the act. Fate should be more clear, and not keep one hidden in the darkness such as this. Then again, after long thoughts and time itself, he understood where he had turned against himself, and his personal ethics. They haunted his mind, luring him further into the unknown.

It wasn't until Erebus heard the noise of another come into his head.

"Warmer," it teased with a chortle. "You're getting warmer."

The Hellsea Bastille, a hellhole if ever he had seen one, a place which he hoped never to end up and yet there he was for the third time in under a year, each time as a visitor rather than a prisoner. Each time for different reasons but this instance had been for more selfish reasons. Ever since returning from Sin, Kon had felt something was off with the Rune Knights whether it was his imagination or something truly had changed within the organization was unclear but he could all but sense that there was movement in the background setting the stage for turmoil. His extended absence and the more recent dismissal of his leadership role were just signs of this, but could equally be seen as the only recourse that the Magic Council held to ensure relations with Sin. He had after all been the chief instigator for a major disturbance within Tianjing and he was meant to be a mediator to relief tensions not worsen them. Despite this, he could only feel disillusionment with his superiors as a result he felt trapped and needed to plan for things to come. Many were still supportive of his actions but what was ahead required assistance from someone whom he had rightfully wronged. None other than Erebus, a notorious criminal who Kon had arrested months before his trip to Sin. A man who he had a complex relationship with that dated back to years long since past.

Despite whatever deep-seated resentment the duo had toward each other, Kon suspected that the allure of freedom from the prison albeit being bound to Kon in the prison's stead would be enough of a carrot to dangle in front of him. Still holding sufficient authorizations to place prisoners in his custody, depending on the situation, he might be at liberty to address the ongoing torment that Erebus must undoubtedly be experiencing whilst in this damned place. Whether he needed Kon's assistance was another matter entirely as it seemed the man was now running amok through the building itself. With an almost audible groan about the realization that they would likely need to fight each other once more, Kon left the entrance and began the lengthy search for the former Eternal Nightmare member, drawing his dominator with his left hand. Owing to his mechanical frame, Kon hijacked the prison's network and utilized the coms system of the prison to directly call out Erebus removing a portion of his face. "Erebus, it's Konstantin Sokolov, put down your weapons, I've come to talk, your efforts to escape will be in vain, you've already attempted to escape this prison already, it's time we set the stage for the future."

Yel’s heart raced as he and Lo navigated the dimly lit corridors of Hellsea Bastille, the oppressive silence broken only by the distant sound of muffled voices. Each empty cell they passed felt like a ghostly reminder of the prison’s dark history, the cold metal bars casting long shadows that danced ominously in the flickering light.
“Do you think anyone’s left in here?” Yel whispered, his voice barely above a breath. He glanced nervously at the cells, half-expecting a pair of eyes to peer back at him.
Lo shrugged, his lavender eyes glinting with mischief. “Who cares? We’re not here to babysit the inmates. We’re here to find allies.” He paused, tilting his head as the voices grew clearer. “Listen.”
Yel strained to hear, his anxiety spiking. “What if it’s a trap?” he asked, his voice trembling. “What if they’re just waiting to ambush us?”
“Then we’ll ambush them first,” Lo replied, a wicked grin spreading across his face. “But I doubt it. Sounds like they’re having a conversation, not a party.” He stepped forward, his curiosity piqued. “Come on, let’s check it out.”
Yel hesitated, his instincts screaming at him to turn back. “Lo, I don’t think—”
“Stop whining, Yel!” Lo snapped, his tone sharp. “We need numbers. If they’re friendly, we can use them. If not…” He trailed off, his eyes glinting with a dangerous excitement. “Well, we’ll deal with that when it happens.”[/color]
With a reluctant nod, Yel followed Lo down the corridor, the sound of their footsteps echoing against the cold stone walls. As they approached a heavy door

Erebus listened as the voice of a familiar mage made it's grandiose call to his name. He looked up to the endless pit over his head, and began taking to a flight of steel stairs in a hurried run; by that point he was right under an intercom speaker. Hearing the metal bolts rustle under his weight, providing information into the current situation of the ward, that this place has been neglected, for some time, and now that Erebus mentioned it to himself. It didn't seem so hard to get out of now, as it did when he was first put in here, drugged, and continuously beaten for months by those he has undoubtedly robbed, swindled, or scathed in his adventures

Where were all those same criminals from before? Where were the officers, was this the same Hellsea he left before, or some deeper pit of the abyss that he couldnt wuite fathom just yet as the Void was taking Earthland? Had new leadership taken over this box prison?

Erebus didn't know if Konstantin was able to actually listen or hear what Ere had to say, but he leaned over the railing and spoke as loud as he could. "You jest with me Commander... You can take whatever offer you're pitching, and save your words. I know you better than most... Yet you may be right," Erebus proceeded to rip the guard rail off its hinges and break it down it's middle, bent inward from his knee between two hands, before pitching it over the other side and making it bounce and skid away against the stone below, flying off in the distance.

"I have an empire to run, the likes of which is dealt in macabre, death sentences. Let's make a few things clear, I have saved this world, a few times over, I should be able to do what I please, when I am pleased to do it. Joya's empress destroyed their own continent, long before my ground forces had arrived. I'm here for a fallacy, this nation is in shambles. Let's not point any fingers, shall we? l showed up for my paycheck, this bastardized government just doesn't want to see the rogue dog win..." Erebus lamented, before a short sigh escaped his breath. He tilted his head, reminiscing the fact that his entire time behind these walls had been in a lucid state between madness and something else.

He had spent numerous attempts to bust out of this hell-hole. Each time, something supernatural, out of his control had reset the turn table, preventing him from fully grasping the conditions or obstacles in his way.

It was like dying in a video game, with no clear GAME OVER and a reminder that he had failed, each and every time. No one there to see how many times the ghosts would come back and haunt, or the torment, even torture on his mind and body would stop. If Erebus weren't so strong in his will to refuse it's management-- he would not have the resolve to risk for his opportunity, he was sure he'd have been butchered already or executed in the shadow of light. But being such a high profile name, he assumed it was more valuable to keep him alive. Something to bring out when needed against monsters; an inhuman treatment, a shepherded bio-weapon.

Erebus pondered whether he still had the narco-subs in the waters surrounding this place, as directed before his departure some months ago, but waiting outside of the Hellsea, if he could at most get out of the door, there was always the chance he could escape back into the day and age of his treasure hunting escapades.

Then again, perhaps it was foolharty to believe these vessels, he had taken and collected off other criminals, should still belong to him, a fallen underworld don. He had been here now, for what must have been at least a year, he no longer heard from Akudama affiliates, and his reach over society was tattered and stained blood red.

So begging an even larger question, "If your intentions aren't sinister... Why are you helping me? Get off the radio, come meet me down here in this pit, prove yourself capable of integrity. I'm willing to bargain you a wager-- it'll be life-changing." Erebus finished, with his words tinged behind threat, and contradiction. The truth was, Erebus quite literally needed Kon's help, even if the man put him behind bars, there could be no faster way outside of here then by going through the same person who sheriff'd the Law. Then again, he was in no shape for a physical battle with Kon, and so-- would rather have to depend on a cordial discussion, or the magical persuasion of his right eye. "Does this prison of your kingdom's designs' scare you, Captain Commander? Let's talk business." Erebus said, noticing that down below, two characters were trailing the empty underbelly and trench of this places deepest levels.

Erebus figured he were here alone, but now... his curiosity has been piqued again. He decided to turn around and meet these two, after a short few minutes, Erebus would be overlooking them, from a guard rail, fifteen feet overhead of what direction they were heading. He caught tail of their conversation and decided to bring them along in his journey should they be particularly interested.

"It seems as though you two might be the last decent ones' here. I am surprised that you haven't been forced under the thumb," Erebus chanted with a short chuckle. He then lifted his finger up, having hoped they may have heard Kon speaking earlier. "I have a feeling that I might be busting the walls outta this place real soon, at any means necessary even. Why don't you boys come along for the ride? This place is old news," Erebus finished with a long faced smile, hidden under the matte black finish of his concealed face.

Very much like Lo, Erebus looked and gave the aura of a black shade, a wraith, with little human qualities left to the imagination. Yet, like Lo, his intents and purposes remained very grounded in human interest. Such as the love for a fight, a reason to make his statements, and his stakes on the world when it came to jewels, riches, and treasures.

If there was ever a character one could call a bandit king, it had to go back to Erebus. Where he wasn't the most powerful, he always made sure that he didn't quite lose either. Something that had inspired and given way, to a new world of idealists and criminal Interlopers since before Eternal Nightmare and into the era after it had fully broken apart at the loss of his Guild Master all those years ago.

"There isn't much in it for you, but I do think... Getting free of of here would please us all."

Once more Erebus had proven himself to be a curious individual who had seemingly attempted to enter a dialogue with Kon under the assumption that he was perhaps capable of hearing everything within the Hellsea Bastille, an amusing guess which while true did show just how well Erebus knew Kon. Though the two could certainly talk with one another in this position with each being outside of eyesight, Kon favoured direct contact for what he was planning. Thanks to the new upgrades that were installed into his artificial body from the Talaz Lagaar mechanics, Kon was presented with a scaled-down holographic map of the Hellsea Bastille revealing himself, Erebus alongside the countless prisoners, guards and a handful of Rune Knights that littered the area. The latter which he needed to avoid lest he wanted to start asking some awkward questions, keeping Erebus away from the Rune Knights to ensure he didn't kill them, an assumption on Kon's part but one that had been rightfully earned.

Admittedly Kon was anxious about seeking out Erebus's aid which had been affirmed by him greeting the Rune Knight as first Command and then Captain Commander, neither titles which he held or had held save for many years ago, had his information been so lacking that he was not aware of the information that his jailers had undertaken. It was certainly true that he had been in the Bastille for a long time, but Kon could have sworn he was a General at the time of Erebus's incarceration. Holding his tongue, he was curious about the vague mentions of Erebus holding control of an empire, something of which Kon was the one to hold no knowledge. Perhaps Erebus was inflating some overstretched crime organization just as he had done so years ago with the Sentinel Syndicate, a guild where they shared ties.

Holding in the form of a retort from Erebus's long-winded speech of sorts, Kon revealed his hand drawing Hirota's Katana before removing the distance between him and the would-be prisoner in an instant through the Dhivir's Thunderous Stride sending bursts of lightning across the metal room licking at the ground. Blade danced upon Erebus's neck encouraging the crimson fluid to leak out. "Believe it or not, I think you have the potential to redeem yourself, fortunately for you and perhaps unfortunately for me, I need your help, but do stay your tongue, speaking so boldly when there's so many around us is not advisable." Shifting his attention for the slightest of moments over to the hologram Kon saw a brief opening from which they could leave without a trace, an opening that would only linger for a few minutes. "First we need to leave this prison, so either yield to me for now so we can get out or fight me here and now without anything to support you as further guards and Rune Knights draw upon us."

Before Erebus could speak, the sound of frantic footsteps echoed from the stairwell, followed by a sharp thud and a pained groan.

"Ow! Ah, wait—I'm coming!" Yel’s shaky voice preceded him as he stumbled into the room. His face was pale, and his eyes darted nervously between Erebus, Konstantin, and the sword at Erebus' throat. "Oh no, oh no, this—this looks really bad,"he muttered, wringing his hands. "Are we in trouble? We’re in trouble, aren’t we?"

Lo stepped into the room behind Yel, his entrance much quieter but far more unnerving. His expression was calm, almost eerily so, as he adjusted the sleeves of his coat with delicate precision. "Now, now, Yel," he drawled, his voice a chilling mixture of amusement and cold calculation. "No need to fret. This is all just... a misunderstanding, I’m sure."

"Misunderstanding?" Yel squeaked, his anxiety spiking. "Th-there’s a sword, Lo! A sword at his neck! How is that a misunderstanding?"

Lo barely glanced at Erebus, his attention more focused on Konstantin. He approached with a slow, deliberate pace, examining the scene like a surgeon preparing for a procedure. "A sword, a blade, all instruments of coercion," he mused aloud. Yel, still nervously fidgeting in the background, let out a whimper. "Please don’t hurt him! I-I mean, he’s kind of—uh, well, he’s not that bad! Usually... when he’s not making deals or... or dragging us into situations like this."

Lo waved a dismissive hand at Yel. "Hush now, Yel. You’ll embarrass yourself—more than usual." His attention remained locked on Konstantin.  Yel, meanwhile, tugged at Lo's sleeve. "Please, Lo, can we just—leave? This doesn’t look good at all. I don’t think we’re supposed to be here."

Lo ignored Yel’s pleas, his eyes gleaming with a mix of arrogance and curiosity. "Let’s not be rash. There’s always a deal to be made... and I specialize in making sure everyone gets what they deserve."

Yel swallowed hard, his knees practically knocking together as he looked helplessly between Erebus and Konstantin. "I-I really think we should leave..."

The tip of the blade, poked against the skin, at his neck. The vein bulged and a small stream of red liquid dropped from the silver glint under a light above. Something that dangled over the steel balcony. Yel and Lo arriving soon after, it seemed as though they were already on their way up those stairs, to this bridge of sorts, the moment Kon had flickered and made a triumphant appearance. "Nostalgic, Konyo, I wonder if you tempt all your adversaries with such fun time," Erebus smiled behind the shrouded hood blanketing his face, his hands left unmoving and dangling at his sides, still staring forward; no context was needed to address the hostility, Erebus was use to it by now. He gently tilted his neck off the tip of the sword, two eyes drawing to the side with the arrival of the other guests. In a childish way, this excited Erebus, who didn't get guests very frequently in his pit, buried in the ground.

The first of which, was someone quite familiar there to Erebus. A business colleague, though somehow, he'd found his way down here. Lo! Just like so many other criminals consorts, from Kana and Koe, even Zariya had made a temporary visit only to disappear when he was alerted of arrivals that seemed to bolster the prison guards and get him sedated once more. Oh well, it was nothing he could really blame her for, nothing he probably should not have expected.

None would be able to truly escape, if they had decided to take Erebus with them, long ago this place might have been simpler to escape, but not after names such as Caius, Jikan, and even Knuckles had succeeded in their own breakouts. Hence why the old dog Erebus was still down here, crowing for his freedom! It was painstakingly difficult for him, trying to remember all corridors and paths he had already taken and undergone, all alone.

Even now, the memory of those three witches, the Fates, with their black strings and thirsting irritation, were clear on his afflicted mind. And that ghost, with snow white hair, what was her name again? The Pale Horse, who visited him through the mists...

"Welcome, boys. Have you enjoyed your time in this pit, what this place really offers, terrible isn't it? A real horror show. I hope it was worth all the time, you must have spent here, but I think I'm in a position to make some favors happen for you at my case-worker here's discretion. Tell me Lo, just who's this friend of yours... He must be special?" Erebus asked curiously, a subtle air of malevolent force seemed to chill the room, having quietly pled the fifth to the General at his back until he was finished with much more, with his shank readied on the rogue's jugular, there could be nothing but a little honesty spared for the expense of these two newcomers. "First there was that ogre, who took over this floor, and then there was the witch doctor who kept making me forget my way around the building... Perhaps of course, unmistakenly... We wouldn't have ran right into each other here, my old friend. If it hadn't collapsed upon itself without an attentive leader. Maybe I will go beat that out of Zariya for you, I really do miss the old girl." Erebus chuckled, play-hardly with the Cyborg at his back. The daring end something he seemed unafraid of.

Assuming that Erebus was a lone leader, was far out of the question-- he was simply one face at a table of associates, but selling his lick off to Phantom Lord was nothing short of treachery on the Witch's part, causing Helmutt, Erebus, even Lo to be down here dealing with enemy's of their organizations affairs. "I was sure he was here to kill me, but oh am I splendid by this surprise." he mused with the cowardly Yel, and the curious Lo in the corner who awaited by the steel stairwell.

Erebus finally decided to offer the man his own answer, after some thought and a bit of the run around regarding his affairs here, it seemed just and due. "And what could the General of Fiore's Rune Knights, want with someone like me, doesn't involve something foul does it? I really did drag you out into some deep waters here, didn't I? Tell me, have you finally discovered who you really are? I've done so much for you and your troops, really gave you what you needed to grow in this world. I guess you finally see me for what I am, huh?" Erebus said with a smooth tongue, he laced these friendly words with a ruthless double meaning, behind his already deep voice, a word choice that must be resurrecting a forlorn, or perhaps age old question as to Kon's alignment, his syndicate days. Most had forgotten who Kon truly was, under that metal frame, behind the guise of his past shell, but before that, Erebus had never forgotten the ambitious agent of the Rune Knights. Someone who truly played the system until he was at the very top, in a way, that maintained a level of respect, that Erebus just couldn't ignore. Even if they were enemies, and this man was responsible for foulplay against his master. He was simply another master of his trade, manipulation and subterfuge. Erebus might even have been the only one who studied Kon, as hard as Kon must have studied Erebus in turn, to finally catch the wanted man in those holy grounds shocked his numerous consorts. Peering into records that were not his to see, that was a little too daring, he reckoned.

But all information should be shared, that was simply how the criminal felt and chose to see things. So what if he had been caught, at least he took a risk and what better reads than to be needed by his captor! Good show, Erebus thought. He wasn't going to be told no at any level anyways, under most circumstances he would laugh this question away, but since it was Konstantin himself. They both had roles, and both had jobs, that required force at any measure necessary.

"You know Kon, I am feeling a change of heart. Tell me what it is you desire, and I'll tell you if it's worth my time, or my friends here. Because, well, I guess I have more of a heart than I thought, I can't stand to leave anyone else in here. Look at them, they are starving for some fresh air. If you need me, release all of us. More numbers, more possibilities, what say you to this? Sounds exciting to me." Erebus mentioned, regarding Lo and Yel, as he casually laughed. He was so very pleased by this turn of events, Erebus hardly ever laughed anymore, however-- now? He was just full of excitement. If he were about to make off, he could use some help out there, troubling as it was, Erebus was in a position to beg the question of whether Konstantin would fully acknowledge such a negotiation.

Of course, this was a daring agreement. Erebus stakes it for a very real reason. Would Kon really give in to a life of crime, and side with criminals, or was he simply playing everyone and expected them to agree out of mercy for themselves.

As it is said, “Curiosity killed the cat.” A reflection of what reality almost brought for Lo and Yel, two expected elements to an equation that was removing Erebus from this hellscape, who the pair were was an unknown even to Kon. When they came into view, his first thought was to bring forth a swift death upon them and yet as they spoke, he recognized the potential behind them, both in strength and their affiliation with Erebus as opposed to being associated with the Rune Knights. “What were so many prisoners doing outside of their cells?” He thought to himself as he reflected upon the worsening state of the Hellsea Bastille that was only reinforcing his thoughts of things to come. “A failure to maintain what is meant to hold the worst of the worst is a poor presentation of what the Rune Knights are meant to protect against.” He spoke out aloud to no one in particular inadvertently speaking into Erebus’s ear predominantly owing to their proximity. Whilst Kon was sorely outnumbered at this point, his perceived position still held him at an advantage, a current member of the Rune Knights within their prison, the strongest of the trio at his mercy blade ever ready to splay his neck in two whilst he was still left feeling uncomfortable with the presence of Yel and Lo, despite their naive back and forth bickering like a couple of children.

Refraining from responding to the unexpected guests, Kon found himself taken aback when Erebus referred to him as “Konyo.” A name that stunned him for a moment as Miharu and Hirota began to probe his past to uncover the truth buried behind the mountain of lies that lay within his consciousness. “There are few who know me by that name anymore, Erebus as you know.” Spitting venom back. “I will warn you only once, be careful, this offer is not something that I give lightly and will bind both our fates if we are to succeed.” The relationship between the two had always been mixed, to say the least, they had wronged each other more often than not and yet here Kon was working to facilitate his escape. And yet despite Erebus’s inescapably vulnerable position, he entered a dialogue between the unexpected guests in what could only be compared to a friendly chat. An insult perhaps? Or the realization that Kon wasn’t here to hurt anyone merely show his hand.

An assumption made reality as Erebus acknowledged Kon desired not for murder but something else. In recognition of a perceived truce, He stayed his hand returning his blade into the ether shifting his hand from its silver to gold as the Midas Gauntlet reincorporated into his prosthetic. Suspecting little intent for conflict, Kon distanced himself a healthy distance from Erebus as the two could finally begin a proper conversation as equals even if he were a Colonel, something Erebus was either aware of or had purposefully misconstrued referring to him as a General. A bitter pill to swallow whenever he heard the distinction and needed to correct whomever misspoke. “Colonel, I’m a colonel now, the Magic Council saw fit to revoke the title despite the effects I made to rebuild their dying, previous Rune Knights, I wish I could say that I don’t harbour any resentment towards them but I would be lying.”

Whilst they had their disagreements, Erebus was funnily one of the few people he could openly speak to after all who within the ranks of the Rune Knights would listen to a criminal of the highest calibre about the questionable fealty of a former General. “You ask me what I want, I want to see those that wronged me beneath my foot, law and order were something I had sought to serve and yet here I am in this hellscape that is Hellsea Bastille seeking your aid.” He was prepared to release Erebus, a single criminal easy to remove from the books, bribe a few officials and create a rift between here and elsewhere but so many, so quickly would cause problems. “I can take all of you, however, it won’t be easy nor clean, you’ll need to wear these collars at least until you are outside of the facility and garnered by my favour.” As he spoke, a break in reality itself appeared above Kon's outstretched hand bringing forth a series of collars whose innocence was mistaken only by a single blinking green light.

With a curt smile, Kon’s otherwise concealed emotions behind his scarred face were on full display as the facade that hid reality broke away, his poking and prodding had finally led to results, but not in the manner in which he had expected. Before them, an individual with radiant power resembling those of old replaced the quivering character only referred to as Yel. A curious individual to be sure harbouring a strength that was in sharp contrast with his rank and station, blurring the lines between what they could do and where they held status within the Rune Knights. Their name was an unmistakable certainty, this was none other than Zerutod, a rumoured fledging of the organization and yet the power, the energy within him showed so much potential. Whether it was to impress or garner some amusement by their reactions, the newcomer bounced around the room, close and far, flicking between what was here and there. Admittedly it did make conversing with them, replying directly somewhat of a challenge as parts of their comments missed his ear leaving Kon to infer much of what Zerutod spoke of.

An interesting parallel of conversation between Zerutod and Kon broke out, much in what he expected Erebus would reply in kind to his original offer to collar the trio. Recognizing the stunned, shocked Lo as likely nothing more than a prop for Zerutod’s story, something to help further his false identity, he wasted no time mincing his words nor proposing a ploy that wouldn’t work on either Zerutod or Erebus. Best illustrated by the collars reducing to slag in his hands slipping through his heated fingers and falling upon the damp, chemical-ridden floors bringing forth caustic smoke that rose around Kon. Hopes were that this would be sufficient to shift their perceptions, but Erebus and Kon’s relationship was long, sordid and mixed with betrayal and bitterness. He’d need far more than just one act to garner their trust, respect was definitive, but that came only from power rather than admiration or harbouring a shared vision something he hoped to change in due course. One definitive thing that was shared between them all was a deep-seated hatred towards the organization that he had helped reform from the ground up, Zerutod desired his skills in way of a partnership, a curious prospect, Erebus, however, was another matter entirely, Kon had come for him, but now he might be leaving with someone else entirely in toe.

Containing himself no longer as Zerutod continued to bounce around and spoke honey-coated words of Kon’s prowess and recognition of his position within the Rune Knights, Kon let out a restrained laugh, mixed with a combination of sadness and excitement before raising his char-covered hand in the hope to prompt Zerutod’s demonstration of his powers and bringing a sharp end to the aftermath with a simple finger-snap of his golden hand. “It’s good to finally meet you too, Zerutod, I’ve heard many good things about you, I must concede I’m not looking for a partnership to challenge the Rune Knights, no I’m seeking to destroy the influence that the Magic Council has over the global, ripping out its control root and stem, they have been a dominating force for far too long, peace has made us weak and it must come to an end.” Gesturing to Erebus with an ever-increasing smile, Kon continued. “I came to see him in particular in the hopes to mend ties between us and have them the shared banner of what will be the driving force to strike at the Magic Council, the Rune Knight Headquarters in Era directly.”

A calculated risk to be playing his hands so openly, but he made a quick assessment of this Zerutod character, a person who held the magic council with contempt and Erebus who were enemies of the Rune Knights as a criminal directly. Were the Magic Council going to take the word of a lowly private and a criminal who had spent more time in jail than they had outside of it over a Colonel? While unlikely, his openness to them and others was ever-increasing the risk of punishment, likely corporal with his proposal for treason and effectively declaring what upon the Magic Council at large. Holding his tongue no longer than needed, Kon continued. “I do have one request however if you join me in this endeavour, there is a building in Era, you might be familiar with it Zerutod, the floating construct near the headquarters, I want it unharmed, untouched ideally, if you join me that is my only request as of now, this extends to you as well Erebus…”

Zerutod, the guy he had head about. An interesting invasion of one or two criminals down here, leading gangs, and you could get the name of any correctional officer with a penchant of gusto. This guy was someone Erebus had been interested in for some time, however he seems more curious about Kon. With an exceptional bit of emphasis, he almost crossed Erebus as fanatic. Personally, Erebus could not see it, although the realization that Kon was abandoning his post gave Erebus a bit of respect for the man. Seems his idea of treachery was contagious, and other strong mages he'd influenced were beginning to shape in his image of the model soldiers. Erebus couldn't deny that a leader was strong, with trust or even force, and Kon seemed to jump rope with the musings of force and trust. He wondered how much Zerutod really knew about the creature in front of him.

"So the kid had the guts all along, don't doubt what I tell you next though Yel. The three of us will end up on the chop table, you like those arms? Those legs? Well then be careful around this guy-- he's mutilated himself for power!" Lo said frantically moving to see the transformed state of his friend. A man he has been trying to help, along with Erebus.

The chilling laugh which escaped Erebus became apparent last, as he answered back to the hooded interloper. "Indeed. He is the definition of a weapon first and a conscious after. If it weren't one I know so well, I wouldn't even stand so close. But if you're going to explore the darkness, I suppose I'd be amused to see your old boy express it as well. You can consider me impressed with you both... But as for you Konstantin, just try to make me wear that, it will be the end of our negotiations right here, and right now." Erebus said teasing the worrisome General, who was beginning to be surrounded by dangerous characters all at once, Erebus invited Kon to remark on the collars again, one golden eye flickering with an ominous light from the shrouded dark hood hiding his expressions. He seemed the very opposite of Kon in that moment, who was more machine, with his own form demonstrating that of a shadowy spirit; simply hiding, retreating, to the comfort of anonymity. For Erebus, the dark was his veil, and he could leave no skin  to show under his dark clothes and armors.

The criminal  hadn't put mana behind his ocular power, but it left a hint on the air that the same chaotic engine, was still tugging at the back of his my mind. He could only jump to the adrenaline when the blood began to rush, and he was already dying to unleash his fury-- long contained and ready to blow. A true God of War, he was constantly driving the conquest in oneself, whatever that may be exactly was still a bit unknown. "First of my demands, I am not going to follow anyone's word but my own, if you dare to call me, expect me to laugh first and load up second. Secondly, if you find yourself favorable to Fate, I will be there when needed. One warning I wish to share with you both, this road has taken me no where, to share it, is to share the tragedy of it's ending. In your quest to dismantle the organization causing you issues, I believe we may all be killed." Erebus had assessed Zerutod, and watched the character Yel provoke his transformation moments ago, his eyes moved to find the character in his burst of reappearances.

He and Kon seemed to be ready to ride into the sunset together, but Erebus couldn't quite place why it seemed so strange to him in reaction. Had he been in jail so long these rune knights had lost their mind? The thought certainly crossed his mind, and became apparent when Erebus moved, stepping away from the blade at his neck quickly.

In a safer situation, at a safer distance, Erebus decided to interject after listening to them both. "Zerutod, so your goal in all of this is like Kon here, you wish to destroy the mages in the council?" Erebus finally said, curious as to the man's soul directive in partnering with the Cyborg before them. In short, he would better be able to sort this out when he knew more information. Personally Erebus was skeptic. If there were no magic council, there was quite literally only the king and his subjects, as the Nobles had already been killed in recent years. What was the bigger picture here? Erebus then caught sight of a peculiar rodent, approaching from the darkness. It placed a crimson ring down and nudged it, until the ring was rolling towards him, narrowly avoiding steel holes in the bridge.

Erebus scooped it up in his hand at the last word in his sentence.

Influenced by the sway of the two spirits contained within him, Hirota and Miharu, Kon’s emotions and direction were muted albeit amusement continued as Zerutod bounced around the room in an attempt to display his abilities. Kon was thoroughly impressed by the feats which the trio here capable of travelling vast distances in the blink of an eye would prove a fearful talent against the Rune Knights who had been relying upon sheer numbers to control the areas which they were assigned to protect. While he had already revealed part of his plan to them, Zerutod’s own goals seemed more personal with a burning desire to not just rip out the influence of the Magic Council from Fiore but that was purely reading between the lines of what he spoke of. Despite all of the hesitation that was put forth by the colourful man before him, they ultimately agreed upon a partnership for Zerutod to fight under his banner.

Affirming his delight with the approval, Kon’s half-smile grew with his artificial skin flexing against the mechanical elements of his lower jaw causing them to stretch and bleed around the tight edges. It seemed, however, that Zerutod was not overly familiar with the kind of man, he truly was, a man brutal enough to slaughter by the dozen unblinking in the carnage and conflict, but time would reveal this to the private and those around during the Chaos. Erebus’ own tongue was far more liberal with his approach towards revealing the truth of the former general, their shared background was bleak to put it lightly with betrayal and conflict being core components of their relationship, while Kon had strode back and forth between the good and evil, legal and illegal activities the same as someone going from the ocean to the land, Erebus’ own history was bathed in the abyss.

Reflecting the better parts of Kon’s physique rather than his own moral compass, Erebus was almost complimenting him. “Despite all the shortcomings between the two of us, were we really that different?” He thought to himself while Hirota and Miharu whispered with words of caution and venom towards supporting a criminal such as Erebus. They were ultimately supportive of his goals to attack and destroy the Rune Knights, an organization that neither spirit supported with each holding the body in contempt, as Hirota felt no comfort in a group who proclaimed themselves to be the arbiters for the law and everything that was good whilst being afflicted by all the suffering that transpired towards them so many years ago. Miharu’s own distaste towards the Rune Knights was far deep seeded and compounded by Kon’s own zeal against them, They were definitively aware of the torment she had experienced as the vessel of Qinglong and yet done nothing to retain diplomatic ties with Sin, a foolhardy endeavour as without Kon’s own interference Sin would have been left to ruins.

While Zerutod had been swayed to side with Kon, Erebus was far less forthcoming owing to their strained relationship, layers of concessions were listed by the shrouded man which he would be happy to accommodate. He would not hold anyone to a standard that he would not maintain himself, however, Erebus did reflect on the painful futility of going after the Rune Knight Headquarters with the high prospect of their demise bringing an end to the joy contained within Kon’s face allowing the skin to smooth out and self-inflicted wounds upon his jaw to stem. “My friend, the Rune Knights are not as strong as appear to be, I have already sown the seeds of discontent, many of the members who might have otherwise impeded us have either been assigned across the continent beyond reproach or will side with us in the attack.” As if to draw the matter to a close, Kon reaffirmed the need for them to leave as soon as possible lest complications truly occur with the presence of guards becoming an ever-looming threat. A threat to conceal the truth of his presence within the jail and the planned escape. "This has already gone far longer than anticipated we really should be leaving before someone comes to spoil things, you don't want to go out in chains that's fine, we'll just have to think of something else..." Glancing around them as he trailed off, Kon peered deeply at one of the walls rusted beyond repair. "Can everyone swim?"

Erebus deliberated over what Zerutod said. Everything seemed to point to a secret and naturally that made Erebus ponder the lavender eyed renegade. He turned back to Konstantin. "Aren't their creatures encircling this prison?.. heh. Hahaha.." Erebus chuckled, remembering how he held off those sea serpents back in Hargeon so many times with Caius and Nana. Though, they weren't miles under the sea, he was still naturally a human. "Like Zerutod, if there is no other way. I would manage. Per chance though, can we not just leave the way you came in. What is holding up the Machine Man I wonder? Not ready for a full blown war with the Rune Knights?" Erebus slipped his concern for both the sea monsters that were stationed on the hellsea, which were known to have tendrils; pulling prisoners to their deaths and Kon's lack of a clear plan in this life or death decision.

Sense was out of the window, Erebus simply would have to keep up with the robot's inhuman regard for survival-- a truly arborist task and training in and of itself, Kon was the obvious war machine of ingenuity that was technology. Whereas the rogue had grown his strength from the grit of mankind, they were two separate beings all together, and Zerutod, while as cold as Kon-- was more like Erebus himself. A younger, dare he even think nostalgic soldier of abandon. Beginning to come to grips with his own rebellious legend.

He spoke up again, following up on Zerutod own disinterest in swimming. "All that, and you're still going to make us swim? You never cease to amaze me, old friend..." Erebus words reflected or suggested little faith with trusting Kon just yet, a creature far removed from the daily aspects of life like breathing for example. Irritably chuckling the disrespect away. "I suppose... If we can make contact with the surface, my Akudama's connections can get us back to land... Lead us as far as to the water, I'll make sure we're on a straight course for our intended goal." If Kon and Zerutod made their exits, Erebus would follow in suit. Escaping the prison that had held him for so long.

“Quite a conundrum we’re facing really, none of us favouring the clearest option, sabotaging this prison setting back the Magic Council as prisoners make their escapes away, before making our way to Talaz Lagaar via the seas.” Reflecting upon the circumstances that they faced inside the metal coffin, Kon raised a point with Zerutod, a private within the Rune Knights, merely cannon fodder to the organization compared to a former general. Kon had already made steps with other current Rune Knights in the hellscape and his continued presence there was already beginning to raise questions. “With swimming out of the question, I can only really take one other person through my abilities, my best bet is that I take Erebus right now to somewhere safe and outside of the influence of the Magic Council. I won’t make any assumptions on your own, regardless I don’t think you will have any problems convincing the guards to let you go, though you certainly seem zippy enough to evade their attention, What to do with this quivering rogue is that other question, Lo was it?”

Scratching his roughly formed prosthetic jaw with his golden gauntlet, Kon was at a loss, he was thankful to have another arrow to add to his quiver but so many bodies made it impossible to juggle around, the pains of creating a shadow network within one of the largest organizations in the world. Gone were the days when he could form a guild in the back alleys in Sieghart Mountain and influence the realm without the frays of law and order interfering. Perhaps this constraint was why a name began to grow within his thoughts if they were to establish something of more permanence something to better illustrate the intentions of the group he was establishing, mirroring the name of his previous guild from almost a decade ago, he wanted the initials to be SS, however what would be the full name that was something else entirely.

Opting to refrain from answering Zerutod’s comments upon the destruction of the Magic Council until now, Kon remarked how his goal was akin to theirs leaving Miharu and Hirota mixed as a result. “Law and order has done me little good over the years, yes it encourages peace and harmony but it also encourages a malignant rot within everything as this safety lulls people into a false sense of security how are we supposed to fight against threats from beyond this plane of existence if we indulge ourself in the luxuries beyond consumption?” He wasn’t here to debate philosophies of peace, but rather to recruit prospective combatants something he was reminded of with Erebus interjecting, questioning his moral fibre and readiness to launch an attack on the organization that he had helped rebuild from the ground up. “Ensuring that all of the pieces are in place, that’s all Erebus, attempting what we are about to do is not something we can do lightly and without proper foresight, members to re-assign away from Era, discontent to sow amongst the general community, without these elements we can not hope to achieve the destruction of the headquarters.”

Failing anything else to discuss amongst the trio before him, Kon offered one final comment before opening a tear in reality once more. “If you’re coming with me follow me, Erebus, You do not want to get lost within the void from here and there.”