Onyx is acting as both a guide and a guard to a team of scientists that are looking for a certain cave out in the desert. Most people don't venture into the desert as the scorching heat and chilling nights are just as likely to kill as the creatures and bandits that roam the shifting sands.

As it so happens, Onyx knows of the cave the scientists are searching for and offered to take them there in exchange for a piece of the plunder and some cash upfront. Considering no one else was willing to risk their lives for the endeavor, the scientists take his offer.

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In the modern setting, I have Onyx as more a mercenary than anything else. Perhaps not the most intuitive or original design, but it's still a solid role for Onyx's personality. Mercenary work takes you to far places where many have not stepped foot for quite some time and there is no lacking of action, much like his fantasy counterpart.

Art by  Syberfab