The reason that I thought it was a cassette was from the PO said that it was (and he is a bicycle mechanic).
Plus doing some research the video explained the difference also leads me to think that it is a cassette as the inner ring moves with the gears :

Determining Cassette / Freewheel Type | Park Tool

I will try the local shop today and see if they can clarify.
I would rather buy the tool than pay the $9.00 to the shop to remove the gears - then I simply have it for future use if needed.

Thank you All!