Johnnie
It had been a cold evening when he got the letter. It was also when he was hunting and cursed at the sight of the hawk with the message. "They'll be nothing for miles because of those things, hopefully it's important." He had held out his hand and the hawk flew off without any hesitation.

Now he was here, in what seemed to be... A less familiar setting he was used to. But it was dark enough to not be seen and it was the perfect spot for not encountering the patrols. Now he knew it was something shady, hell he was counting on it because no one good is willing to pay money for revenge.

Though times had been hard this season he wasn't ready to admit that he was running low on supplies. That and the less and less use of his blade.

For now. He waited.
Jeffrey
A few minutes would pass as Oki waited for whoever sent this letter. Ordinary sounds like the river flowing and the wind blowing would start to sound ominous as you continued to wait. It could be that this is some prank given how outrageous the payment was. After all, if someone could afford to give away this sort of wealth, wouldn't they be capable of hiring more capable of fighters? If these thoughts filled Oki's mind, his imagination might run wild, suspecting that this might be a trap. These letters might be bait to trick gullible people like him into desolate locations to be jumped. 

Just as you might get the feeling to flee the area, you would notice a black squirrel looking down on you from a nearby tree. However, something seemed odd about it, especially its eyes. They seemed to contain a light of intelligence not normally found in beasts as Oki would be familiar with being a hunter and all. The squirrel would climb down and approach you, slowly transforming into a larger humanoid figure. As it reached the ground you would see a tall robed figure with its face completely covered up. 

"I'm pleased to see you've made it Oki Hikari. I apologize that the boss cannot meet you in person, but hope that is understandable given this line of work. I'll get straight to business. There is a nearby village that had purchased a massive supply of medical herbs so that they may cure any illnesses they may encounter in this weather. It would not be a huge surprise that such herbs would be very expensive as they are in high demand, but the village elder had pleaded and promised to pay for it within a month. A month passed, and they responded they will pay next month. It's been more than 2 months at this point and no payment has been received. When approached for the payment the village had seemingly hired mercenaries to keep us away. Needless to say, the boss was not pleased. That's where you come into play"

The robed figure would then pull out two pieces of parchment and hand them over to Oki. One would have a portrait of a young man and the other looked like the map of a village with 4 particular locations marked in red and a building circled in blue. 

"That is portrait of the village elder's eldest son. You are to take care of him as you see fit. He resides in the building marked in blue. The red marks are where the mercenaries keep guard. Do with them as you wish as well. Any questions thus far?"
Johnnie
*So It's that kind of deal is it? The price of that medicine must of been more expensive than hiring mercenaries. That's a very high price it would seem.* He thought to himself. He collected the two images and putting it behind his clothing as it was something he'll have to examine closely anyway.

"Do have to kill them all or do you want me to do something else with them...?" *Because doing 'what I wish' and 'what I see fit' is very vague*
Jeffrey
"Whatever you wish. The boss would reward more for bringing them alive, but understands that there are situations where you don't have the luxury of doing so"
Johnnie
"That's is a shame. As I hate the thought of having more blood on my hands, with the lack of teammates I'll probably get away with one person alive so I'll probably bring the son to you. Though I don't have any other questions unless you want to tell me anything else that'll help me out." Oki in fact hadn't killed a soul but he wasn't going to tell him that. Animals and people where the same things if you were hunting them.
Jeffrey
"Good to hear. I suppose one last bit of advise I could give is to not underestimate the son. He has been training to be next village leader after all. I'll be observing your actions from afar, but meet back here with any live targets once you've finished the job." 
With that robed figure would slowly transform into a squirrel again and climb up the tree, disappearing from sight.
Johnnie
He left the place and began the trail on foot. The map he was given was fairly detailed but he mainly used the signs. There were easy sign of battle that were on the path, as if people had ran from the place in such a hurry. As if they were being chased off. But that wasn't the thing that caught his eye, it was the already dead that did. They lay on the side and he couldn't distinguish who was one of them or who was a villager. 

He was at the border of the village now. He would of course wait for night to come. Although he wasn't the best well hidden he could make a distraction. He examined the photos well. 

Night fell and he sharpened his blade. He sheathed it and then walked into the village. Hopefully mimicking their race will put them into ease. They still know I'm an Oni but they won't know I'm here to kill.
Jeffrey
*As you walked toward the village, you would notice there is a red mark by the entrance according to the map. It might be safe to assume that by each of the entrances there was a mercenary. The village likely assumed that so long as the mercenaries blocked the entrances your employer would not be able to enter. As you got closer you would realize that it was a safe assumption as the village had a 15 ft tall wooden wall encompassing the borders, a height most individuals could not easily scale without being noticed.* 
*As you neared the entrance you would see a heavily armored individual with a halberd standing guard, likely the mercenary. It would seem the mercenary hasn't taken notice to your arrival yet as it continued to scan the premise by shifting its head side to side.*
Johnnie
Oki had suspected this. It would be idiotic to not post guards after being attacked. But the problem now was to get through the guards and scaling the wall now wouldn't be good if there was a chance he was spotted. He weighed that this approach would be better.

The mercenary would stop him of course, probably search him. But it was late and knowing that the village hadn't been attacked so recently and him being the only person he was no threat to the village. His alibi? He had caught a rabbit two days ago before the ruined hunt and it had a good white coat on it. The pelt itself would fetch five silver in one of these places and if he questioned further he would say he was running low on supplies and that the following silver will help him get through the couple of days, because for better or worse, he was in fact low on supplies. But if that didn't work he could kill him and dispose him at the sides of the roads along with the other bodies.
Jeffrey
*As you get closer, as you suspected the mercenary would point his halberd at you*
"Halt. State your name, and what business you have at this hour" 

*You cannot make out any facial features due to the helm, but from the gruff voice it sounded like a middle aged male. His body anatomy would rule out most of the beast kin races or orinates, but given how easily he was wielding the polearm he was either a very strong macen or one of the more stronger races like Mogash or perhaps even an Oni assuming the tusk or horns were small enough to fit in the helmet.*
Johnnie
"You need not to be so stern my friend. I am Oki Hikari of the Pale Oni." He held up his hands suggesting that he wouldn't dare pull out his sword at his side. "Forgive me for the intrusion at this hour but I don't exactly have much of an affinity for steeds and I pay that in unpredictable timing. I am here to seek some refuge. There were bandits out and it's not safe to hunt anymore. I come to see what I can sell to make up for the lack of hunting." Hopefully his cheerful but desperate attitude would sway him. But he daren't move as that might cause the guy to panic.
Jeffrey
"Bandits you say?.... Hmm, show me what you got. Let me warn you though if you got anything fancy you might be better off trading with another village. This one is kind of tight for gold currently" 
He would then lower his polearm and hold his hand out expecting you to show what you planned to sell.
Johnnie
He reached into his satchel at his left side whilst he looked down. He pulled out the neatly wrapped pelt. Now Oki wasn't the best at skinning but the low light levels wouldn't show that. Though to be fair, you would need to expect the edges very hard to notice the mistakes.

"It's very delicate so try not do anything that would damage it. I think I got lucky, normally it would be stained with blood but I hit it in the right place to avoid that." Given the chance to approach he took it. He carefully gave him the pelt and held his hands up but less so this time. He was on guard. Hopefully more so then he was.
Jeffrey
*The armored individual would cautiously take hold of the pelt, look it over, and hand it back.* 
"I suppose you can find someone to buy it, though not at this hour. You got any coin to stay at an inn or something? Also can you provide me whatever information you can about them bandits? As a mercenary I would like to be prepared" 
*The armored individual would seem to be a bit more relaxed seemingly after you've provided proof of being a hunter, but still had his halberd at the ready.*
Johnnie
"I'm afraid not. Those damn bandits have set traps and other things alight that has sacred prey through her to the mountains. So I doubt I'll have enough to pay my through an inn. But I'm sure I can set up a fire and sit there till morning. Us Oni know nothing else and the coldness doesn't seem to bite so harshly tonight. As for what know. I heard rumours from threatened traveling vendors that they were going to attack this place when the sun is high in two days time. With the threat of flame and anguish was their plan apparently. Though trust and compassion is so hard to come by these days that you can't trust rumours so take it with a side of salt I suppose. Thank you for the hospitality." He nodded to him and went to walk passed him. *Once he turns his back on me he'll be dead.*
Jeffrey
*The armored individual would reach out and grab you by the arm*

"No need to hang out here for the night, especially with the threat of bandits. Here, take this, it should be enough for you sleep at an inn. Just consider it your payment for providing me information. As a mercenary I've found rumors always have a grain of truth on them, and it never hurts to be cautious" 

*He would hold out 4 silver pieces for you to take.* 

"If you walk straight down the main road you'll find the closest Inn, Merrill's Bounty. Serves some pretty good booze considering its price if you're interested"
Johnnie
He gave him a warmth gaze back to the guard. 

"Compassion is such a rarity nowadays. You'll be rewarded for this I promise you." He took the money and gave him a firm hand shake. And when he was the most vulnerable, when he thought he made a friend. Oki went in and stabbed his neck with his sword and cut his throat with ease. He pushed the mercenary back away from the entrance, hopefully no one saw. The guard was still alive. He'd probably scream if he had the vocal cords to do so.

"Wrong place at the wrong time my friend. It is better I kill you then give you to them. Sleep well." And pushed the sword deeper until it would go no more.

He dragged the body at the side and cleaned up the mess by covering the blood pool with the surrounding snow. "Slowly, gently this is how a life is taken..."

He now walked to the village.
Jeffrey
*The poor mercenary would not be able to scream as you suspected, caught completely off guard by your betrayal. However as you spoke the last words he would likely ever hear, he would desperately pull out a locket from his pocket and open it. Inside would be a portrait of little macen girl. He would raise it to his face slowly as you plunge your sword deeper into his throat. His arms would then go limp, dropping the locket into the bloody snow.*
*You finish your clean up and head into the village. As the man had said, there appeared to be no one out at a night. Further up ahead you would see a sign "Merrill's Bounty". There would be some light shining from the inn's window, the only source of light on this lonely road. Looking at the map, you would see that you've taken out the Southern Mercenary. That would leave the North, East, and West. Near the Northern entrance was the house circled in blue, the house where the elder's son lived. It would seem Oki had a choice to make on who to target first*
Johnnie
Remembering to get the locket later he pulled up the plan he had in his mind. Each mercenary was paid to guard entrances so they wouldn't suspect anyone coming out to get them. So first he would have to take out the guards at the border as it made sense to work his way in. Since these guards aren't military and this village is not used to use violence there is no system in place to check if the mercenaries are actually there. The people at this time would be at bed and probably too afraid to even attempt to come out. And working clockwise he went for the west guard. 

Bearing a grim expression he carried on.
Jeffrey
*As suspected, there were few people if any that roamed the treat. A few wandering villagers would look at you oddly, but would otherwise continue on their business. You would eventually reach the west gate. There you would see female dark elf wearing robes keeping watch. Given how late it was the elf would look over in your direction, seemingly surprised to see someone leaving the village at this hour. She would keep her eye on you, and would pull out her staff if you came any closer*
Johnnie
"No need to face me with such concern my lady. I can see the surprise in your face and I too would be surprised too see such a person at this hour. I'm a hunter you see and there are some animals that are nocturnal so are best hunted at this time. I've been trying to sell other things of course but this village has been unfortunately pillaged and no one has the coin to buy. So I must venture out in the night to find something rarer I'm afraid... Oh where are my manners. I should introduce myself. Oki of the Pale Oni."
Jeffrey
She would look you over and take a step back, clearly wary. She would raise her staff up in a defensive position "Are you new here? I've been guarding the village for around a month and I've never seen you before. We don't usually have visitors come by or people leaving, especially at this hour..."
Johnnie
"I've always went out in the south entrance as that's where most of my traps lay but the recent bandit attacks have left me empty as they steal my catch. Damn them. Now I'm forced to go out this way to find something. Nor have I seen you in the past month so I suppose fate wanted us separated until now. It's less cold tonight so it might mean that good omens for my hunting may improve. My mood have certainly improved meeting you, my lady. And I assure you I won't cause any trouble. I would starve if I were to go any later. But you are right about the inconvenience. Here..." Walking towards her whilst looking in his satchel.

"This is a rabbits pelt that is of great value of me. If I give it to you then that is of promise that I will have to come back unharmed and will be in debt of your compassion." Oki was hoping that she'll accept it. Even with one hand, no staff could be wielded effectively and she would be off guard.
Jeffrey
*The elf would eye the pelt and her eyebrows would furrow as she takes another step away from you.* 
"You say you would starve, meaning you haven't gone out to hunt yet, right? Where did you get that pelt.." She would ask cautiously
Johnnie
"Well if you look carefully that this pelt has already been handled. I bought this off a vendor a few days ago as I saw the value of it if I got a tailor to make a garment or accessory out of it, otherwise it could be made into a well satchel. All of which I would of profited from because the vendor was selling low. And in my way to one of the villagers I knew had a tailor I heard rumours of bandits were roaming the place so I took refuge here. I tired to earn some money with the traps but now we are here. I commend your precautions my lady, please do what you will to satisfy your search."
Jeffrey
She takes a deep breath and looks you straight in the eye with a serious look "Perhaps I am being needlessly cautious, it's just I have a really keen nose, and well, I smell blood on you..." *She would look at you, desperate for some sort of explanation other than the one that is brewing in her head*
Johnnie
"I am a hunter. It's only natural I smell of blood. And what's more is that I'm an Oni and my kind don't take have grand baths. It could be the old blood from me probably. Larger game require me to carry it on the shoulder whilst it bleeds. A hunter is most vulnerable when skinning so that's why I have to move if you were to ask. I've always read that mercenaries were always cold hearted people who were greedy. I find it good and brave that you wish to converse with me for so long. Not many like to make talk with Oni."
Jeffrey
*She would eye you suspiciously an shake her head* "No... I know what old blood and fresh blood smells like... I've been a mercenary for this long after all. But you're right, I'm being naive right now. I just don't want to accept the idea on how you got in..."
*She would then briefly close her eyes take another deep breath, then slowly open them up again now filled with sadness* 
"It was Gunther wasn't it... You said you usually go to the south gate even though that was likely a lie, but to choose that gate out of the four..." 
 *She would look at you with a pained expression as she raised her arm up into the air as a ball of fire forms above her*
"What will I tell his daughter..."
Johnnie
Oki's face softened and put the pelt away.

"I was thinking some flowers and the locket. Such a kind man. Well done though. It's quiet enough that no one will be out here caught in the cross fire." He unsheathed the sword.

"So that was his name? Well that's good to know." 

***Fireball cast 5 mana. 95/100 mana pool***

And fired it at her her ball in a instant hoping they'll cancel each other out. As for her, Oki had jumped and tried to use the momentum of that to come crashing down on her throat. She might dodge so he grabbed his hunting knife with his other and would throw it, hoping it'll hit.
Jeffrey
*It would honestly be a bit of a surprise as just moments ago she looked like a young woman on the verge of crying, but right now while there was still sadness in her eyes, there was also determination. Oki would also notice from her stand that it was clearly that of an experienced warrior* 
*As you would shoot a fireball at her she would raise her other hand as yellow energy surrounds and forms a barrier around her. As you come lunging for her throat you would instead collide with the barrier, but your impact would be enough for it to shatter. However, this would give her enough time to launcher her fireball at Oki, while using her staff to parry the knife from her.* 

"If there is anyone who should make a grave for him, it should be his friends, not his killer..."
Johnnie
"I'm afraid that his friends won't be alive to give him a grave so I'll have to do." Through clenched teeth.

*I should of finished this quick. I didn't want to exhaust myself this soon.*


***Fireball cast 5 mana. 90/100 mana pool***

To cancel the other fireball again and then he dashed at full pace at her. This time planning to push the momentum into a lunge that'll predict dodges.
Jeffrey
*The elf wouldn't be to surprised to see you counter her spell, however she is thrown off by how quick you are as you close the distance and lunge at her. She barely sidesteps in time as your attack cuts into her side, drawing blood. However, she would endure the pain by gritting her teeth and aim her hand at you as a 5 ft wide wave of flame is launched at you*

"Tsk, I'm not as kind as you, but I can at least cremate your body..."
Johnnie
"Tsch" The wall of flame was something that Oki couldn't exactly counter. He didn't have water nor did he anything that would defend against it. But he did. *Oh we are just throwing all the moral out the window today. I better be paid very well for this.* 

 ***Spirit wolves cast 15 mana. 75/100 mana left.*** 

The wolf of course wouldn't survive this and Oki admittedly will stay more burnt than usual. But the wolf would take the brunt of the force and it was mana made so Oki didn't feel that bad. As the use of the wolf would finish he'll throw the remains at her and try and end it with a final blow.
Jeffrey
*She would be caught off guard by the sudden summoning of wolves, but she would respond by simply casting an even stronger fire spell, hoping to utterly burn through it and roast you, thus burning the remains that Oki would attempt to throw at her. He would then lunge face first into another fiery blast, his leather armor burning and fur lined garments catching aflame as his outer body got scorched black. However, using his momentum, his sword would plunge into the woman's chest as she coughs up blood with a look of surprise, not expecting Oki to be so adamant with the attack to take her spell face on. She would fall to ground clutching her chest*

"... Name's Avai... You better spell it right... Guess I'm joining Gunther now..." She would then close her eyes and her body goes limp