Lyria's controlled but tinged with urgency voice carried through the phone as she delved into the details of the situation. Erik's attention was fully captured, the room around him fading into the background as he listened intently to what she had to say.
"After you found Doran," she began, "we were able to uncover his connections to the Haven Market. The place turned out to be the hub that supplied him with everything he needed for his operations. But the situation is far more complex than we initially realized."
Erik's heart rate increased, sensing that what he had uncovered was just the tip of a dangerous iceberg.
"Doran's influence and dealings extend far beyond Etrium," Ms. Bannon continued. "He had contacts in Hin, Frant, and Khunelerp. His network is intricate and widespread, and it's become clear that we're dealing with something much larger than a single rogue element."
"What do you need me to do?" he finally asked, his voice firm.
"We've identified a key player in this network," Lyria said, her tone sharpening with determination.
"A woman we believe has critical information about the people involved in this mess. She could be the link we need to unravel the entire operation. Erik, I'm sending you a file now. Take a look at your target."
Erik's phone buzzed as the file arrived, and he quickly opened it. A dossier appeared, filled with details and images of a woman whose face exuded intelligence and cunning.
The young man's eyes widened as he recognized the face staring back at him from the file. It was Catrina, the woman he had found beside Doran in the secret lab where the man's covert operations were conducted.
Her sharp features, high cheekbones, and cold, calculating eyes were unmistakable.
He knew back then that she was no ordinary person, and Lyria's asking him to find her confirmed this. Her presence in that place had hinted at something deeper—a connection to the twisted web of corruption and crime he was now unraveling. It was clear that her role in the organization wasn't simple.
However, Erik's entry into the lab was a secret, a hidden aspect of his investigation that he had not shared with anyone since the guild asked him not to approach the target.
Revealing that he knew about Catrina would undoubtedly lead to questions about how he knew her—questions he couldn't answer. He would keep his knowledge of Catrina's presence in the lab to himself.
With a determined look, he closed the file on his phone, his thoughts already turning to the task ahead.
He took a moment to absorb the information, his mind already formulating a strategy.
"Understood, Ms. Bannon," he said finally, his voice tinged with resolve.
"I can find her and get the information you need. But before that, I must know how much you will pay me."
"Erik, I know this is a substantial task," Ms. Bannon began, her tone professional but laced with a hint of urgency. "We're prepared to offer you 200,000 Eurems for your services."
As Erik listened to the woman's offer of 200,000 Eurems, his brow furrowed in contemplation and with a tint of anger. That was an insulting offer, to be honest.
However, he could sense the faintest hint of doubt in her voice, a telltale sign that she knew the offer might not be enough to entice someone with his exceptional skills. Erik's mind raced as he considered his options, weighing the potential rewards against the risks.
His lips pressed into a thin line. He could earn much more by hunting with his guild and knew his worth. He also knew that what Lyria asked him to do would not be simple, especially given the target.
"Ms. Bannon," Erik replied, calm but firm, "I appreciate the offer, but I make around 300,000 Eurems a day with my guild. I need a more compelling reason to take on this assignment."
There was a pause on the other end, and Erik could almost hear the gears turning in Ms. Bannon's mind. She was caught between a rock and a hard place. Erik's expertise was necessary, but the guild's resources put her in a difficult situation.
"Erik, I understand your position," she finally said, her voice tinged with determination. "I'm willing to negotiate. What's your price?"
Erik considered the question for a moment, weighing his options. He knew that he had the upper hand, and he also knew that he could not afford to be greedy.
He needed to strike a balance and find a figure to reward him for his efforts and be acceptable to the guild.
"1,000,000 Eurems," he stated, his voice steady and confident.
There was a sharp intake of breath from Ms. Bannon, followed by a lengthy silence. Erik could feel her evaluating his proposal, analyzing the risks and benefits. It was an absurdly high pay for a Seeker rank, but he knew his skills warranted it.
"Very well, Erik," Ms. Bannon finally said, after much thought, her voice filled with a mixture of resignation and determination. "You drive a hard bargain, but I agree to your terms. 1,000,000 Eurems it is. But I expect results, and quickly."
Erik's lips curled into a small smile. "You'll have your results, Ms. Bannon," he assured her. "I'll find Catrina, and I'll do it quickly." With that, the deal was sealed.
"Good," Lyria replied, satisfaction in her voice. "This is a delicate operation, Erik. We're dealing with powerful and dangerous people. Be cautious, but also be relentless. We need to know what she knows. As usual, do not make contact with the target; report to me once you find her."
The mission was clear, and the risks were evident. But Erik couldn't pass up the opportunity to dismantle a vast and malicious network, especially considering that Uncle Benjamin was involved in the matter, and he wanted to know how and why.
"I'll do whatever it takes," he assured her, feeling a steely determination building within him.
"I know you will," Lyria said, her voice softening slightly. "Oh, before I forget, there is someone you will have to cooperate with during this mission."
<Oh god, no...> the young man thought in annoyance.
"Her name is Rebecca. I will give you the contact; call her as soon as you start to move," Lyria said.
"Understood. Goodbye, Ms. Bannon."
The call ended, leaving Erik staring at the screen, the image of the woman still displayed. He felt a mixture of excitement, trepidation, and resolve.
Glancing back at Noah, who had been quietly observing him while he was dealing with Lyria, Erik's mind shifted gears. There were preparations, plans to be formulated, and a mission to embark on.
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