Part 17

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***

I was absorbed all night with the in-depth analysis, but I also did not forget about small upgrades to my 'suit', and quietly engaged in the necessary routine, banishing all unnecessary thoughts. Having finished my work at dawn, I silently slipped into the kitchen and started cooking an omelette with cheese and herbs. Nourishing and quick, what else do you need for a brisk morning?

Murmuring a particularly catchy tune to myself, I made sure my humble breakfast didn't burn. Having loaded the coffee machine in passing, I was expecting my cappuccino, for what better way to wake up than with a cup of good old coffee?

I quickly finished my breakfast and left May half an omelette, carefully covering it with a towel so it wouldn't get cold so quickly. After a couple of minutes of packing, I hurried off to my study, but I was met by some unexpected guests in a black Pontiac Solstice that didn't fit in with the neighbourhood. I don't remember Harry having a Pontiac like that in his collection. Maybe one of Osborne Senior's toys? It wouldn't cost Norman anything to buy a new car for another meeting.

Forty seconds later the doors of the sports car opened, and a curly-haired brunette in a slinky, tight dress emerged from the chic interior.

- Good morning, Peter, I'll be your driver today. - she said with an arctic tone in her voice. - I hope you don't mind such substitutions? - The brunette smiled more sweetly.

- I don't like surprises, so I'll walk. Good day, miss. - I replied just as coolly and went about my business. But the girl kept up and quietly followed me in a Pontiac Solstice.

- Oh, wait a minute, Peter. - the curly-haired brunette continued in a slightly indignant tone. - I can't leave without you, otherwise my boss will be very upset, and when the boss is upset, it's bad for everyone. - She changed her smile to a begging one and immediately made pretty eyes at me.

- To my deepest regret, I'm not in the habit of getting into sports cars with strange, albeit charming, misses. My aunt didn't raise me to be so approachable. - My snide smile seemed to have finished the girl off, but I decided to take a shot at her in this verbal duel. - In fact, we haven't even been on a first date, and you're already proposing to me. So, the honour is mine, mademoiselle. - Nodding to the brunette like a proper officer, I left the hovering girl in the car and still hurried on business, smiling snidely.

- Then let's get acquainted, and we can't remain strangers to each other. - The brunette was all too suddenly quick to launch her offensive again. - My name is Nicole, and I already know yours, so let's leave this kindergarten and I'll give you a lift to your place of study. - The girl laughed infectiously and I couldn't find any arguments against it and laughed back.

- Okay, Nicole, you got it. I hope you're not going to pester me? - that snide smile again.

- Only if you ask me to. - the brunette said seductively, licking her lips.

- Shit, what did I just sign up for? - I asked the girl, getting into the sports car.

- An innocent ride? - 'Innocent' flapping her eyelashes, said the brunette.

- I believe it. And still, who do you work for, Nicole? - I asked the girl more seriously.

- Oops. I think I got caught. What did I do? Never mind, though. You're right, Peter, there's something I haven't told you. - we switched back to 'you' in a heartbeat. - If I don't drop you off, the boss will be furious and the whole department will be in trouble, so please let me do my job. What do you want? - The brunette made seductively cute eyes again.

- So serious. - I decided to play along. - Then I'll have to fulfil my duty as a gentleman and save a beautiful stranger in distress. Although, we already know each other, so romance will not work. - 'upset' sighed, I looked expressively into the sky-blue eyes of the brunette, which read the incomprehension of the whole situation and barely noticeable triumph that her plan still worked.

- My hero. - The girl said playfully and almost hugged herself, but she quickly pulled herself back.

I hummed and made myself comfortable in the interior of the sports car and began to tune the radio stations in search of interesting music. Since I had to endure the charming company of such a lovely brunette, at least I would choose the music myself. The newly hovered girl was thinking about something of her own and was driving the car to the target we needed. I wonder who she works for? Norman would not tolerate such 'professionalism', and who in his right mind would send such a 'specialist'?

However, it could be an extremely skilful game, because I did what she wanted anyway, so who cares how? It's also an option, but I'm not sure why. To gain her trust? But again, why? Harry Osborne's best friend? Maybe. Or a simple recruitment, but again, no idea where.

Who would want me? Mm-hmm. That's a difficult question. To everyone, I'm just an ordinary undergraduate, albeit a promising one, but what's the point? Unless it's for the purpose of recruitment and subsequent infiltration into Ozcorp or some government research organisation?

Having reached the temple of knowledge in the company of a charming miss, I politely said goodbye and, thanking her for the trip, headed for my classes.

After chatting with the lovely Gwen and a few words with Miss Hardy, I was quickly relieved of my academic duties and decided to head to the master's office.

The neighbourhood, which had been relatively prosperous a while ago, now looked like a miserable ghetto. It was an interesting place for a teacher to have chosen for his position. It was now run by lizards. Scumbags. Gangsters. Petty criminals and new gangsters from even poorer neighbourhoods. What is this town coming to? Well, it's none of my business. And I only want to be a little stronger than I was yesterday. But only a master can help me in that endeavour. But will he be willing to take me on as an apprentice this time? Or will he beat me like a turtle again?

However, I've grown a little stronger over time. So maybe today will be different. All that's left is to win. Or at least crawl out of the gym on my own two feet. It's going to be a very interesting day, isn't it? Well, if it doesn't work out, I've still got film night with May. I'll grab some goodies and we'll watch old films. That's not bad, is it? Good films, good company and goodies, what could be better? I have to take Ginger out tomorrow, but what can I do? It's not a perfect world. On the other hand, you can have a very interesting business and have a good time. But do I need all that? On the plus side, you can have a great night out, as long as you don't get knocked up, or you'll be married. I'm not against it, but it's better sometime later, say, in about ten years.

What interesting thoughts are going through my head. Sooner or later I'll have to think about it. But I'll leave all these profound dilemmas for the future. And while I am young and hot, I am interested in slightly different questions and topics. After all, this life is so fleeting and ends indescribably quickly, so you should have time to live for yourself. Otherwise, what is the point of your existence in this world? It's like when you were living high and smiling forever. You shouldn't regret the moments of sweet happiness. They were worth it, weren't they? I try to live for myself, but at the same time not forgetting about those relatives and friends who have always been with me and supported me in a difficult moment. After all, what can be closer to family?

However, enough of unnecessary thinking, I need to talk to the teacher and try again to get a place as a student. Or once again get beaten up by that big man Creed and go home with his head held high.

The Master, like the last time we met, looked very ascetic. A leather jacket on his bare body, old and cheap jeans, as well as shabby army boots. But the most interesting thing was not that, but what was in the teacher's hands. New Benelli smoothbore shotguns caught my eye. Creed grinned good-naturedly for the first time in my memory.

- You're just in time, 'student.' Catch. - said the master and immediately tossed one of the guns in my direction. - The police department has agreed to let me get out of the way when I start shooting all the crap that's overrunning the neighbourhood, and I've got an extra gun. So if you still want to be my apprentice, you've got the perfect chance to prove yourself. - Creed grinned predatorily and handed me a spare cartridge and three packs of ammunition.

Silently accepting the guns and bk, I mentally grinned. Here was the chance I needed. And the city could be cleaned up, or really, something accumulated on our streets scum and marginalised people of various kinds. And the same lizards do not bring anything good to our society. As I hung the patronage, I tried to remember how to handle the Benelli. Even though in the previous world I had a domestic machine, but here it's like with a bicycle, once learnt, you can't forget it.

Leaving the hall, the master walked confidently towards the three Maori who were hanging around the new Cadillac Escalade.

- Guys, it's almost martial law here, so I recommend you to leave as soon as possible, or soon it will be hot here. - He pointed the Benelli barrel at the group of young lizards in an unfriendly manner and got understanding nods from the Maori, and a moment later they quickly packed up and drove off in their Cadillac. - You see, apprentice, you can do a lot more with a kind word and a firearm than you can with words, and it's quicker. - Creed grinned predatorily. - Sometimes physical force is less effective than mere words, because a real warrior must be able to smash not only with steel or fist, but also with words! - unexpectedly philosophised the teacher.

When he was done with his moralising, Creed calmly walked towards the lizards who were pushing their dope to some illegal aliens. A couple of deafeningly loud shots without warning and the mutants abruptly ended. A second's hesitation, and the three Mexicans, having grabbed the 'goods', ran scattering.

- Sometimes, however, only brute force remains. With some individuals it is pointless to talk, so you can safely use force if you see that the conversation will not work. - quickly reloading, he shot at the back of the illegal immigrants who had run away. - If you have an opportunity to stop the contagion from spreading, then use it without delay. - Today the teacher was unusually 'wise' and damn talkative.

Trying to digest Creed's philosophy, I calmly shot off especially aggressive reptiles and people who tried to attack. The protective mask from the drugstore was in my pocket, and I was able to hide my identity without much difficulty. I didn't know who the hell this Creed was, what if he just decided to start a massacre in the city and soon the police would come to us? On the other hand, this could be a test. So it's better not to deviate from the original plan and kill only the aggressive bastards who are trying to kill me. That 'teacher' might do something not too good. The first time he beat you to a pulp, then you kill civilians in cold blood, and what happens next?

With a thoughtful glance at Creed's sturdy figure, I seriously considered whether I really needed this training from this psycho. As I methodically cleared the area, I noticed other groups of armed men aggressively hunting the fleeing reptiles.

As I tried to figure out what was going on here, I heard police sirens wailing, and soon SWAT heavy armoured vehicles appeared, from which the aggressive SWAT team poured out. But Creed only grinned and pulled out an inconspicuous ID card from his inner jacket pocket and quickly dispersed all the cops, who had apparently come from the neighbouring district. Having brazenly dismissed all the 'extra' special forces, the master continued the monotonous mopping up, winking at me, saying, 'Stay cool, rookie, everything is under control'.