The sun was setting in the great country of Bosco. It was the nightlife that brought the Daemon back here. After being down on his luck after suffering a great defeat at the hands of Yuurei his chance had only fallen even further down. He had left the guild that had become his first real home after he left his family estate, feeling like a failure after his defeat he disbanded from Sleeping Calamity. News of the guild falling apart after made him feel even worse. He had made a mistake, or so he had thought when he had left their halls. He had sold all his equipment besides his hammer, his chest armor, and his magical ring.  His best friend Fang had died, coming down with a sickness he was not sure how it had contracted.  Now he was once again all alone. What did a Vice Daemon do when they were all alone and in self-pity? Well, in short, they would travel to a city where they had fought for a warring family, find cheap alcohol, and even cheaper company.  If there was one thing the Daemon still had it was his love of gambling.  So that is where he found himself, on his way to play the tables betting his last amounts of jewels in hopes of scoring big time so he could refit himself with proper equipment and hopefully start looking for a new dragon.

He was doing just that when he heard it. It was something a person heard almost every night in this area. The sound of some pompous asshat thinking everyone woman he saw was his and she should be happy that he was showing her attention as if their touch was enough to change their life forever.  Unfourchantly for the man the woman he had grabbed had self-worth. She did not shyly try to pull away, she did so with ease and in a fashion of step that Knuckles could easily see was a movement that came from practice and training.  At worst, she was going to hit this guy with some well-deserved magic that would kill him instantly, at best he was going to get kicked in the nuts.  

While Knuckles was not a hero type of guy he did have honor and he did NOT like to see women treated as something like an object.   Walking by them Knuckles reached into his coat pocket of his white suit as he placed an unfiltered scented cigar into his mouth.  Pulling a silver-coated lighter from the same pocket as he put his case of cigars away, he attempted to light the cigar. Making the lighter only spark he made it seem like he was not paying attention as he occupied the space between the two.  He might of over overdo it when he stumbled more into the man's side of the sidewalk as he bumped into him.

"Oh, oh my. I am sorry my friend.  This blasted lighter was not striking and I must have been too caught up in having my evening smoke to notice you.  I deeply apologize sir.  "

The hope was that he could draw all the anger from the woman's actions onto him so that the man would center it onto Knuckles.  His hammer would come to his palm if he called for it to be there.  Though Knuckles doubted he would need such a Mythic weapon to suck a low-life scum. One look and Knuckles could tell the man belonged on the street. A proper peasant in too strong perfume and an overpriced coat.    The man gritted his teeth as he took a break to speak or rather yell at Knuckles. Though as he attempted to speak his first word Knuckles purposely cut him off. "My dear lady please forgive me. I seem to be a bit clumsy this evening. " He said with a charming smile and tone of voice.

Knuckles couldn't help but let out a chuckle, a low and slightly gruff sound that contrasted with the elegance of the Boscan streets. The situation had de-escalated quickly, as he had hoped, and the unwanted suitor now seemed more interested in preserving his own dignity than pursuing any further confrontation.

With a wink, Knuckles replied to Zariya's playful remark, "Well, my lady, you know how these city streets can be a bit tricky to navigate. But fear not, for your savior has arrived." He offered a slight bow, a touch of theatricality in his movements, as he glanced back at the retreating suitor who now hurried away, perhaps more intimidated by Knuckles than he had initially been by Zariya.

Straightening up, Knuckles turned his attention fully to Zariya, taking in her formidable presence and the confidence that radiated from her. "So, my elegant friend," he continued, "what brings you to these vibrant streets tonight? I can't help but feel that fate has crossed our paths for a reason."

As he spoke, he gestured towards a nearby café, a suggestion that they could continue their conversation in a more relaxed setting, away from the hustle and bustle of the sidewalk. Knuckles had a sense that this encounter held more significance than a mere chance meeting, and he was curious to learn more about the enigmatic woman he had just assisted.

Knuckles Shi couldn't deny the allure of Zariya's offer. The recent blows to his fortunes had left him teetering on the edge of desperation, and her proposition could be the lifeline he needed. The 70/30 split was a tempting bait, no doubt, but the Daemon was not one to rush into partnerships, especially not one involving high-stakes heists.

As she leaned in, her words and demeanor dripping with an enigmatic charm, Knuckles couldn't help but feel a sense of curiosity and caution warring within him. He was well aware that Zariya was no ordinary woman; she carried an aura of power and confidence that demanded respect. It wasn't just her imposing presence; it was the way she carried herself, a testament to her years of experience in the criminal underworld.

"Between endeavors," he mused silently, reflecting on his recent setbacks. He had left his former guild in the wake of defeat and tragedy, and his pride had taken a severe blow. Now, here he stood, at a crossroads, presented with an opportunity that could potentially turn his fortunes around.

But the seasoned thief in him couldn't ignore the necessity of caution. He needed more information, a deeper understanding of the job, its risks, and the woman standing before him. Knuckles met her gaze, his crimson eyes probing for any signs of deceit or uncertainty. In the world they inhabited, trust was a currency more valuable than any jewel, and he wasn't prepared to spend it lightly.

"Before I fully commit," Knuckles spoke softly, ensuring their conversation remained shrouded in secrecy, "I'd appreciate a few more details. What's the nature of this job? And do you have any insights into the potential challenges we might face?"

His thoughts raced, considering the possibilities and weighing the risks. This was a pivotal moment, and he needed to make an informed decision that could shape his future in the world of thievery.