Epic Of The Demonic Sage

"The reason why we all know of this criminal is because he is an acquaintance of ours," Arius said.

"Just an acquaintance, though." Carlyle added.

"You can't help but end up knowing a lot of people in this field after all. Knowing who's who, who's a good person to work with, who doesn't play well with others and those who you need to avoid at all costs," Cohen said.

"Only a few you can really end up working with well," Arius said as he looked meaningfully toward Cohen and Carlyle.

"Sometimes, it's just circumstance or chance," Carlyle added with a shrug. "As Cohen said, one really needs to know who's the one dealing with."

Lucius raised a brow at their statement. Most of the time, it was usually Arius who conducted most of the speaking and he was quite upfront and blunt.

It was a straightforward transaction most of the time, but this time, the three men were a little more chatty.

'Now whether it is because they truly wish to avoid being linked to this particular acquaintance of theirs or they're feeling more relaxed with our agreement is up to anyone's guess. It's most likely a combination of both, something in between.' Lucius thought as he assessed the situation.

"Based on these criteria that you have given us, Cohen… where does this acquaintance of yours end up on the scale?" Lucius asked as he folded his hands together and leaned slightly in interest. "Would you consider him as someone who you can work with, someone who's not all that interested in working with others… or someone who you need to avoid?"

Cohen, Arius and Carlyle all exchanged looks.

All of them wanted to say something, but all of them were also weighing their words in their mind.

'An interesting reaction. This individual must be a strong one if they're hesitant to give an answer right away… which is quite intriguing. I've already upgraded all of their gifts and yet their reaction is still that of hesitance. Perhaps it is out of caution, but it's three criminals against one.'

Arius scratched his cheek and sighed deeply.

"Well… personally, I hope that these two agree with me, but Bordeaux is someone who you need to avoid. It's best to leave him to himself."

"I mean, you can work with him, but it's better to keep your eyes peeled open. You already do that when you're a criminal and working with new people or even old friends, but if you have extra eyes on your back, then keep them open." Carlyle let out a laugh.

"The man's frankly a mad one. It's no good trying to work with him," Cohen said.

"Alright, mad's… quite a good word," Arius said once he had heard the reaction from the other two. "We don't know if you are interested in recruiting him, Lucius. But he's not someone who we can really recommend."

"Nasty fellow, that one. And it's not because we're trying to keep this well-paying job for ourselves," Carlyle agreed with a nod.

"Consider it as a valuable information. Completely free of charge. But also because it's in our best interest as well," Cohen admitted.

"And what do you guys know of his past?" Lucius asked.

"Er, we haven't really bothered to get to know him that well. As we've said, Lucius. A mad one, that one. He's not someone you'd like to hold a conversation with, or else you'd get your own self stuck in a difficult position," Cohen said.

"I think he bragged about it before. Honestly, that's what he tends to brag about. Doesn't help with his image at all," Arius shook his head. "But as for the complete details, I think Leif's already got it all organized."

It was at this point that Leif returned with the document in hand. He passed it to Lucius, who immediately skimmed it with interest. When Lucius noticed that the three criminals were also looking in interest, he cleared his throat and read aloud.

"Bordeaux used to be a knight from a distant kingdom left his station, became a mercenary and then eventually gave up the life to turn to the life of crime. He is known as Bordeaux the Mad Blade, a man who's unafraid of anything… not even of the king of any kingdom," Lucius said aloud.

"Sounds about right. He frequently challenges anyone who gives him the time of day," Cohen shook his head. "I don't know why he even became a knight in the first place. I wonder if the folks ever noticed he was already wrong in the head."

"I think being a knight kind of already means challenging whoever comes in your way, so I don't think they're the best candidates in knowing who's right in the head." Carlyle rubbed his chin. "It might just mean that he bested everyone in his order and then left to go challenge others. Or maybe he found it restrictive? All the rules, so he became a mercenary? And then found that too boring so became a criminal?"

"While all of these speculations are nice, one thing we can know for certain is that Bordeaux the Blade came to Inanis City because he does not fear any king, so coming to Inanis territory is of no issue to him… but is there any particular reason? The reason why he came still stands, gentleman."

"Well, all of the recent changes in Inanis city might have made him curious. There's the Dionysia Brewery, the rehabilitation center, and overall the reduction of crime here. It's most likely that he came here on a whim, Lucius."

"It does get boring from time to time, but honestly, only Bordeaux would be mad enough to come here," Carlyle said. "Then again, he is strong… so he probably thinks that he can get away with it. Maybe."

"Do you honestly think he thought that far ahead? Mad Blade Bordeaux planned that much? Cohen scoffed a little.

"All three of you know his gift, then?" Lucius asked.

"Yes, it is a rare ranked gift called the Blade Fury. It gives him a high aptitude with bladed weapons and also an increased power when he uses them."