Silence.

Silence was all that echoed through the empty streets of Grairstein.

The flickering lamps hover above the paved stone paths. Surveillance orbs scanned the barren roads, picking up the movement of stray Grimalkins that swiftly pounced from one cottage to another with their nimble bodies.

A figure, shrouded in the shadows, leans against the cold stone wall of an isolated corner of an alleyway, hidden from the view of the surveillance orbs that couldn't peer through the narrow crack formed by the buildings.

His arms are folded as he awaits the arrival of his guests.

Fortunately for him, It wasn't long before they came.

The subtle sound of metal plates hitting against each other. The glint of a silver blade mostly concealed in its hilt. The imposing aura. All of that belonged to the people he was familiar with.

"Waiting here long?" A deep voice asked. His armor-clad hand clutching tightly onto his hilt. Ready to move when necessary.

"Cautious as always, I see." The figure against the wall chuckled. "There's no need for all of that. After all, it's no secret to either of us. The orbs can't find us here."

A glowing green Symbol materialized in midair.

The eyes of the deep-voiced figure wandered. His hand wrapped around his hilt even tighter.

"I've got us covered. Anyhow, shall we conclude our arrangement?"

"Of course." The latter replied, dangling a pouch in the air. "Cold hard cash, I presume."

"Perfect."

The armor-clad figure tossed the pouch over. The metal coins inside it clash against each other.

A satisfying sound.

The figure in the shadows caught the pouch, its weight pushing down on his hand. He glances inside. The gold disks with crowns stamped in the middle made his eyes widen with glee.

He'd caught a big fish!

"This is much more than what I asked for. I presume you have another favor."

The armored figure walked over, his eyes glowing from underneath his hood.

"Reading me like a book."

"How ironic of you to say that."

"Anyways, I need you to help me." The armored figure requested, handing the other an image.

The figure in the shadows gasped. His client needn't say anymore. He hesitated for a moment, but the risk could be his opportunity.

"Sure, but you sure are ambitious."

"Of course." The client gleamed, pointing a silver finger up in the air. "I don't intend on remaining content with what I have."

"Well, I suppose a few more of these gigs will do the both of us well. I'm looking forward to our journey together."

"My pleasure."