"Ahh, thank you for waiting. I have your contract right here. I'll give you an overview, but it's your responsibility to find the target."
I grabbed the contract from the barman's hands, giving it a brief scan.
The Two Footed Annoyance
Marcus Tealfoot, a wealthy merchant and real estate owner. Many people have tried and failed to take this man's hand, exactly 28 if you wish for specifics.
He is always guarded with a group of highly skilled mercenaries, the man leading them being behind all the failed attempts. His name is unknown; all our scouting efforts have ended in death.
The reason for the man's marked death is posted by a family who lost their two children thanks to his narcissistic and greedy acts in the slave trade.
If you can successfully kill this fiend, then you'll be rewarded with 18 golden coins and 35 silver coins.
That was all I got from the barman's lackluster explanations; the eye bags on his face kept growing larger as he finished his sentence.
Liliana nodded along with his words, acting as if she understood every word. I knew her better; she wasn't good at listening to anyone. Her own voice was her favourite melody.
"So, what exactly does this Grandmaster think he's doing assigning us a contract that'd kill the average group of assassins?" I asked.
The barman's gaze towards me despite my effort to lace some hostility into my question, he didn't falter, merely shrugging his shoulders.
"I don't know. He's a grumpy old timer; he probably doesn't like you because you killed one of his workers."
"So you don't give normal newtimers these types of contracts?"
"Nope. It's usually theft or a simple assassination, like some scout nosed merchant. Things like that."
"Hm. Okay, this works out well for us anyway. We need to boost our reputation quickly, I suppose obliterating arrogance is the first step."
I grabbed the contract, putting it in my pockets before jumping out of my seat and beckoning for Liliana to come. As her hair floated down to her ankles, she turned towards the barman. A mischievous glint in her eyes.
"I failed to see where we'll find this Two-Footed Annoyance. We're new in the Underworld, how about you spill his location and I won't stir any more death."
"Can't help you there. If you kill someone now without a contract, you'll be removed, and a bounty will be placed on both of your heads."
"Ooo. I like the sound of that. How about we just slaughter the whole Underworld until Mister Silas shows himself, Masked Rabbit Number One?"
"No. We can't do that; it's a last resort. Not the first world, you know that."
My voice was uncontrollably growing more strained and authoritative. Liliana was causing problems, and I didn't want to take that route. A part of me wanted to experience the guild life, but I didn't have this little manic to ruin that.
Liliana put her hands up in surrender, playing into the innocent act, a frown growing on her.
"You can't act like a wounded puppy when you just wished murder on the whole Underworld."
Liliana swiftly dropped the act, huffing and puffing as she walked to the doorway.
"Ugh. Let's just go if you're not going to be a man."
Just as I was about to follow, I did not acknowledge her last insult, as it made no sense in my head. I felt a sudden shove knocking my shoulder backwards.
"I'm sorry, how clumsy of me. If you'd allow me, I'd like to make up for my disrespect by guiding you to this Two Footed Annoyance. It was rather quiet, so I overheard everything."
The man standing in front of me, his cheeks rosy, had a pungent smell of alcohol spewing from his. He had an unknown metal tag on his brown cloak. I guessed it was a higher rank than Ash.
His hair was completely white, much like my own, but I doubted it was from divinity. Now that I looked closer, he was clearly from the older tree, wrinkles littering his face.
He outstuck his hand, my golden eyes locking with his ashy brown set.
"I'll accept your help. But who exactly are you?"
I didn't shake his hand; a drunk has no claim to touch my skin.
He awkwardly withdrew his hand, brushing it slightly. I couldn't tell if my refusal annoyed him. His emotions were hidden by layers of alcohol.
"I'm Voss Halvek, a Phantom Class Assassin. It's nice to make your acquaintance."
"Yeah, a pleasure. I'm Masked Rabbit Number One and over there is my friend, Number Two."
"I'm always open to helping out the rookies. It seems the old man stiffed you with quite the challenging one."
I didn't really speak much to Voss, just stepping out of the guild. The piercing glares of the others were starting to ring all sorts of alarm bells in my head. I couldn't take much more.
Voss rushed out of the door with me, but stopped deep in his tracks as he locked eyes with Morgrave. Liliana was currently ruffling Morgrave's fur but quickly tried to hide it, stepping away from the terror.
The tankard in Voss' hand dropped to the floor, a small flood of beer soaking his boots. His whole body shook, and his eyes went wide, the colour returning to them. It appeared that Morgrave's malice had sobered Voss up.
It was quite the scene. I suddenly had a plan run through my mind to use Morgrave for all the drunks in this place. His presence could breathe some fresh air into the dirt-filled Underworld.
"If I may, what is that?"
"My dog. I won't bite if you don't touch it."
"A dog…? I'm sorry, but I've never seen a dog like that before."
"New breed brought in by the Custodian, stop gawking and lead the way."
I broke the pillar binding Morgrave and grasped hold of his chain once again.
Voss' body shifted awkwardly, his feet dragging along the unpaved streets. As we followed Voss, we began to take all sorts of twists and turns in the streets of the Underworld. The streets were littered with homeless people, and rats scurried all over the place.
Multiple stalls were set up along the path, often blocking many people's home doors. Just by the few brief minutes we walked along the streets, I'd already seen two arguments and three physical fights.
This was certainly not a land of order, but decay.
From my view on the stalls, they sold mainly jewelry and trinkets. By their chips and dull shine, I severely doubted that anything on the wooden stalls was real or even of high quality. I'd managed to catch a glimpse of a price tag, one gold coin for a chipped emerald bracelet.
I'd definitely not be visiting this makeshift market ever again.
"So, Rabbits of Calamity, have you visited the Underworld before?" asked Voss.
He turned his head to us, trying in vain to put on a charming smile.
"No. I noticed the wrinkles on your face. How old are you?" I asked.
I wasn't trying at all to appease Voss; a ruffian was just a ruffian in my eyes. I didn't believe such a man deserved any respect. Becoming a killer in search of money wasn't something I respected. I'd seen the price of greed and pleasure in England, many serial killers running amok, preaching the same values. Jack the Ripper was the first to appear in my mind.
"I'm over 1500 years old, I've been in these streets since I was a little boy. Death is the only currency I've known."
The man's two wings were downturned, and their frame looked weakened as if they were slowly losing their strength.
"You must have been killing since you were young. Was it for survival or for something else?" I asked.
"Hm. I don't remember much about my early life, but I've always had a knack for killing. I suppose it's kind of like my hobby. I'm sure you understand where I'm coming from, wearing those robes of Order."
All my strength was required to stop myself from voicing my displeasure at his words. I've never once thought killing was anything close to my talent; it is simply a means to an end for survival. How anyone can take pride in their killing truly enrages me.
"No, I can't say I do."
"You'll eventually come to share the same opinion as me. You're still young after all, you must have killed someone in the Order to get those robes, right?"
"That's right."
Liliana went along with the convenient lie, nodding her head while walking next to Morgrave.
"Once we get to the mansion, where your target says, would you like my aid? It may be challenging for the two of you to face that many mercenaries. But my help doesn't come cheap."
"Hehe. It's quite insolent for you to ask such a question; we have no need for help from weaklings. These mercenaries will die like all the rest, simply," exclaimed Liliana.
Liliana's face was riddled with mockery, her eyes practically gleaming with unbridled pity while looking at Voss. I motioned for Liliana to stop. If he were displeased, we wouldn't get any more guidance.
"You're quite the band of curious people, especially for wingless. But that's okay, I like interesting people."
Although Voss spoke words of acceptance, he didn't seem totally pleased with either of us. Ever since his eyes landed on Morgrave, a stiff and sharp look had been plastered to his face.
"I'm glad Masked Rabbit Number Two didn't displease you. Don't mind her attitude."
"Haha. It's okay. If I may, I'd like to spill my own thoughts on this Two Footed Annoyance," said Voss.
His laughter rang out throughout the streets, but there was no warmth in his voice; an awkward, almost strained atmosphere appeared.
"Very well. I'll be happy to hear you out."
"Good. I've tried to take on this Two Footed Annoyance, but was unsuccessful. Despite my best efforts, their commander is a four-winged angel with incredible power. I couldn't do anything; he interrupted my every flashstep. I stress that you must be careful."
"What is the background of this commander? Is he some kind of ex-military official?"
"I'm sure about that. But I believe he does have ties to the Prized Star. Whether they are friendly or not, I can't tell you. No one has been able to dig up any sort of info on him."
"Is that odd?"
"Very. Everyone in these streets at least has some info that can be used against them. And it's usually not difficult to find, but this commander is an anomaly."
Liliana yawned dramatically, bringing Voss' wary eyes to her.
"It doesn't matter, he'll die all the same. No one can beat us in this pit of filth."
"I'd suggest that you don't call my home a pit of filth, woman. If anyone hears you, they'll surely start a fight with you. Watch your mouth," roared Voss.
It seemed his strings were officially spanned. I couldn't blame the man; neither of us was exactly welcoming to his presence. I couldn't ever say that I wanted to see the man breathing.
Liliana turned around swiftly, still causing all of us to stop as well. She glared at him through the mask before Morgrave started to snarl at Voss, most likely sensing the hostility in the air.
This time, Voss didn't falter; he felt safe with Morgrave chained, but his judgment was misplaced.
"Do you want to pick a fight, old crone? Don't think I won't kill you because you're our guide," spat Liliana.
"You little bitch, who do you think you are? You're nothing but wingless pests; the others have no reason to fear you two. I'll teach you a lesson in manners!"
Voss suddenly disappeared from my view, reappearing behind Liliana, a dagger swiftly coming down on the nape of her neck. I went to intervene, but apparently it wasn't needed.
Just before the dagger sliced through her neck, a sharp clanging of metal colliding rippled throughout the silence. Liliana held an elaborate dagger of crimson and gold in her grasp before Voss had any time to react; she slashed his femoral artery.
She was too small to reach his neck; despite this, Voss would still die in quick succession if he didn't get treatment.
Voss stumbled backwards, completely dumbfounded by Liliana's strength. I was frankly quite surprised as well. I would have to reevaluate Liliana's combat strength.
"What! That's not possible, you're just a wingless mutt. How can you react to my flashstep!?"
"I don't need wings to beat the likes of you. You shouldn't have attacked us based on such unfounded prejudices. Now, tell us where to find this Two-Winged Annoyance."
"You better hurry, I won't lend you my power if you don't spill. My power can heal wounds." I said.
"You lie!"
"Do you really want to take that chance?" I asked.
"Tch! Fine, it's just down at the end of this street. It's a silver mansion with guards posted everywhere, you can't miss it."
Voss was quickly beginning to become deathly pale. I honored my agreement with the man, sending a small burst of light to purify and heal the man's wound. Although I didn't use much divinity, it would reopen at the slightest movement.
"You'd better run along to a medic or else it'll reopen. Well, I suppose you shouldn't run." I exclaimed.
Voss soon slowly walked away, doing his best to avoid reopening the wound on his strained face. I doubted my treatment had offered him much relief.