Final Fantasy 16 introduces players to a variety of challenging bounty hunts through its Notorious Marks system, which tests your combat skills against elite adversaries scattered across Valisthea. Among these dangerous targets is The Nine of Knives, an agile Dhalmekian warrior who ambushes anyone foolish enough to cross his territory. Tracking down this fast-moving assassin requires progressing through the main storyline and knowing exactly where to look in the vast desert regions.
Unlocking the Hunt Board Bounty
Before you can set out to find this elusive opponent, you must unlock his specific bounty on the Hunt Board by talking to Nektar the Moogle at the Hideaway. The Nine of Knives bounty becomes available only after you successfully complete the Out of the Shadow main story quest. Once this milestone is reached, the A-Rank mark will officially appear on the board, offering valuable rewards for his defeat.
Preparing for this encounter early ensures you do not get caught off guard by his sudden speed and high damage output. Checking the board beforehand gives you a general idea of the threat level you are about to face in the desert lands.
Navigating to the Republic Territory
The Nine of Knives is located deep within the Dhalmekian Republic, a region filled with rocky canyons and sun-drenched paths. To reach his exact location quickly, you should fast travel to The Jaw Obelisk, which serves as the closest waypoint for this hunt. From this fast travel point, you simply need to follow the primary road leading directly toward the north.
Unlike many other hidden monsters that require extensive detours, this particular warrior stands directly in the middle of the main thoroughfare. As you travel along the narrow canyon path, you will eventually spot an armed man standing among several fallen bodies.
Surviving the High Speed Duel
Engaging The Nine of Knives triggers an intense boss fight that demands quick reflexes and a highly defensive mindset. This level 38 assassin relies heavily on swift acrobatic movements, frequently closing the distance to unleash devastating physical combos before jumping away safely. To counter his mobility, players should prioritize landing precision dodges and executing rapid counter-attacks.
When he creates distance, he will often deploy smokescreens or unleash a toxic poison mist across the battlefield. Staying mobile and preparing to dodge to the left will help you avoid his wide-reaching elemental skills efficiently.
Countering the Hidden Underground Attacks
Once you reduce the boss below half health, he begins utilizing a deceptive signature technique known as Undermine. During this phase, he will completely submerge into the ground to target Clive from directly underneath his feet. You must look closely for rising dust clouds on the canyon floor to anticipate exactly where he will emerge.
Sprinting out of the shifting dust zones immediately ensures you avoid taking catastrophic damage from his surprise upward strikes. Consistent evasion during this phase allows you to safely stagger him and unleash your strongest Eikon abilities.
Claiming Your Crafting Rewards
Defeating this formidable Dhalmekian rogue grants a substantial pool of spoils that makes the journey highly worthwhile. Upon victory, players receive a generous payout of 10,500 Gil along with 30 Renown points to boost their standing at the Hideaway. These resources are incredibly useful for purchasing high-tier gear upgrades and unlocking special character bonuses.
Additionally, the victory rewards you with crucial crafting materials, specifically twenty-five pieces of Wyrrite and two rare Meteorites. These items allow you to forge stronger weapons and fortify your armor sets for the even tougher challenges ahead.