The Carthin Job

"Well they asked for me specifically right? I guess I'll take the Carthin job and try to weed out the cultists. Between me and Rondo it shouldn't be hard."

Tychus shook his head sighed.

"This is a demon cult girl. Even if they haven't summoned it yet, they will be powerful. Expect at least three summoners. Any less and there is no way they can bring a demon into our world. I would also suggest that after you meet with the priest who hired us, you find out if any young women have gone missing."

Rondo gave a huff, not liking how Tychus was talking to Venus.

"You sure seem to know alot about these things."

"You're damn right pup. I've taken down three cults. Its why I'm an Elder at my age instead of just training the recruits. There is always a pattern to watch out for. Three in a powerful number in summoning rituals. One to represent our world, one to represent the demon realm, and one to represent the Astral realm between worlds. The first summoner works on weakening the vale between our world and the Astral realm. The Astral summoner carves the path that the demon will take to get to the weakened place and helps it through. The final summoner is usually the leader of the cult. He links himself to the demon and acts as a beacon for it. When it comes through the tear in the vale, it takes his body and destroys him in order to be born into our world. The sacrifice is then either **** or devoured in order to give the demon full birth and power into our world. If the final objective, the sacrifice, is achieved, then a powerful enemy to all man kind will be loose in our world. I've had to kill two demons, and one sacrificial woman in order to stop the third one from reaching full power. This isn't a job to take lightly."

Rondo shook his head, feeling put in his place. Venus for her part was now seriously trying to think about what she would need to do and know.

"Ok, is there anything else to these patterns you mentioned? Something to show when the ritual is starting?"

"First there will be murders. **** can release power that can be used to energize the summoners. There will always be summoners in factors of three, such as six or nine. They will need enough murders for each summoner. Then as I said, a girl will go missing. The ritual will take some time, but... Just trust me that if it starts, everyone in the city will be able to feel the evil in the air. I want you to take at least one other person with you. Gather any gear you need and hurry. If there really are cultists, then you wont have much time."

After being dismissed, Venus set about finding a third team member. Most of her favored choices were already going with the other S class teams. Moseph and Vazard, two of the best the Namina branch had, were already out on other jobs as well. In the end, the final team member was one Venus wouldn't have chosen. The girl who had asked Venus about sex with Rondo approached her, looking rather shy as she nervously glanced at the werewolf beside Venus.

"H-hi. I'm Rosalia, but everyone calls me Rose. I heard you asking about team members."

Venus didn't want to bring a girl so new to hunting with her, but most of the other hunters weren't willing to help a werewolf lover. Her pickings were slim to none at best for now.

"Nice to meet you, but this is an S class mission. I'm not sure you can-"

"I can fight! I know healing magic and I'm good with a sword. I'm sure I can be useful!"

Venus wanted to argue, but Rondo patted her shoulder and nodded. Outvoted, she told the girl to gather her things and prepare for an early start. After that, Venus and Rondo made their own preparations.