Vivian nodded and sent a trickle of mana into the monitor, and the clear crystal-like screen turned white for a moment. After a moment, the display changed and the figure of a humongous man wearing a leather tunic over a green uniform. One might think he was a half-giant from his size but the bear ears at the top of his head revealed his true origin. In his right hand was a large hammer, which was made of black metal with an ivory-white wooden shaft.

The man was sitting on a crate drinking from a pitcher and smiled brightly as he saw Astar sitting. "It's been a long time pipsqueak, I thought I wouldn't hear from you for another century or so." The smile became smaller but didn't lose its warmth. "It's good to see Astar"

Astar didn't know how he would react when he saw Vulcan but the moment he saw his old friend, he couldn't help but smile. Vulcan had always been the most energetic of his friends and it was hard not to get carried away by his enthusiasm.

"I'm doing well old friend and it's good to see you. I hope you and your family are well."

Vulcan threw his head back and laughed "Ahaha, yes the family is great. My wife and I are expecting new children in around 6 months. The other cubs are doing great, the oldest has already begun to help me in the smithy."

Astar's jaw dropped in horror but before he could say anything Vulcan put a hand up "Don't worry, she isn't going anywhere near the forge. My wife would kill me if that happened. But the cubs are missing you very much. They keep asking where their fun uncle, as they like to call you, is."

Astar closed his mouth and grimaced, it had already been 4 years since he saw Vulcan and his family. To those kids, especially the youngest ones, it must have felt so much longer. He sighed and replied "I've also missed them, you, your wife and the rest. I'm in a better headspace now and hopefully, I can complete my oath soon. Once my business is resolved, I'll come and visit you."

Vulcan smile finally dropped and his expression became grave, "Either you have become much stronger since you left or you are suicidal. Harold is not an easy man to kill and he has protected himself well. That doesn't even touch on the fact that the Fist will come for your head."

His voice began to rise as he couldn't believe his friend's stupidity. Astar waited for him to tire out as he needed that once Vulcan got going it was near impossible to stop him. After another 5 minutes of shouting, Vulcan realised that Astar was patiently waiting for him and felt foolish. He coughed into his hand to hide his embarrassment.

Seeing that he was done, Astar spoke up "I know that it sounds crazy and I appreciate your concern. But I'm not hot-headed or suicidal. Harold's status is not as secure as it was in the past, and I'm not on my own."

Vulcan’s ear flicked as his face scrunched up in thought as he considered Astar's words. "I've heard that The Bandits want to become a more respectable organisation, and Harold is not someone who can be part of that. However, even if he is on the out, The Bandits leadership and in particular will not allow you to kill him. Especially since he is the mayor of Bastion Hill."

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He got up and started to pace around, fortunately the camera that was recording him was able to track his movements. "For them to not attack you, it means that either you can kill him discreetly and undetected, which is unlikely since The Nose is a truly tenacious tracker. Or it means that you offered them something worth the loss of face and manpower. But what you possibly offer... wait has the Lord of Erebus finally decided to aid you."

A thought came to Vulcan's mind and he froze. Looking into the camera "You can't be serious. Vivian said you came with 2 companions, don't tell me that..."

Astar smiled toothily at his friend's shock "Yes, that man with is Emile Altalia and once I help him with a mission in Bastion Hill, then he will give me the chance to exact my revenge."

Vivian dropped the cup she was holding as she realised what kind of monster she had talked to and allowed into her establishment. The legends and rumours were running through her mind and as she recounted the horrors of the Lord of those beyond the void, she sent a message to her assistant to treat him with the same prestige as the executives of The Hunt. She hoped that the city would still be standing by the time he left.

Vulcan meanwhile relaxed as he realised that Astar was in good or at least secure hands. "And the woman?"

"She is a knight that works under Lord Emile."

"So once you complete this mission, which if I recall is finding some kid then you will kill Harold. I assume that he or Erebus are dealing with The Bandits."

"Yes, his staff are negotiating with The Bandits and he has assured me that Harold will not be in this realm by the time we leave Bastion Hill. I hope that both of you can keep this a secret for me."

Vivian nodded immediately, which surprised both Vulcan and Astar. Vulcan looked at her curiously before deciding it was none of his business, her grandmother could deal with whatever was going on here. "I'm glad that you have a plan and are not risking your life. I hope when this is all done and dusted you can come and visit us."

Astar smiled in response "So do I my friend."

Vulcan gave him a nod "Well, I'm glad you are in a better place and I hope to see you soon. Farewell, my friend."

Astar said his goodbye as well and the monitor turned off. Once the connection was cut, Vivian slumped on the chair and gulped down her tea. Astar looked at her in question, he also started to realise that Vivian had become far more familiar with him. He wondered what had changed since before he came to this room, she was the perfect picture of professionalism.

Once she finished her tea, she burped "Sorry, but that was stressful. It's not every day that you get to meet an executive, especially not one as influential as Vulcan. Also now I have to deal with the fact that a monster like Emile Altalia is in my establishment."

Astar chuckled "You have nothing to worry about, Lord Emile isn't a sociopath or like other nobles. The rumours are widely exaggerated and he is actually very reasonable."

Vivian sighed "I hope so, this city has had its fair share of troubles but he is in a different weight class. This job was supposed to be an easy excuse to get out of the capital. No one wants to come to what is basically a warzone, so it was easy for me to come here. And it has been pretty easy but the winds are changing and this wasn’t what I signed up for.”

Astar reassured her “The winds might be changing but it will be for the better. Soon, the fate of this city will improve and the corruption and filth will be ripped out.” His smile was vicious and Vivian felt her back go cold as a predatory pressure spread out into the room.