Chapter 12

After the adventure in the shower, everything was calm. The whole Viscount Hans Schroeder, the son of an impoverished but proud family from my "native" Prussian Principality, turned out to be "saved". Of course, I didn't know him—his family was too small, by the standards of my former Family. "If you can't give your son an inheritance, but only a name, make him earn capital on his own." Apparently, with such a message, Schroeder Sr. sent his offspring to the Epicenter. And it was reasonable. A Fighter's career is dangerous and difficult, but it can bring a lot of money, and after all, respect is also attached to this. Okhotsky and the company just decided to "kick Fritz." Despite the fact that the Epicenter was located on the territory of the Empire, it was freely accessible to almost anyone. There were always not enough Easts, and the only difference between the subjects of the Empire and foreigners was the tuition fee, from which the imperials were exempt, and which was charged to everyone else. Well, as in the case of the Viscount, a loan was simply given, which he would have to repay by becoming an Ist. A reasonable decision, as for me. Actually, the incident in the shower remained, practically, without consequences. Everyone understood that the people who chose the profession of Ista are hot and unpredictable guys. This is in addition to the fact that they are aristo, but for some reason incomprehensible to me, diligently trying to soak their own kind, instead of directing their energy into a peaceful channel. No, I understand when there is a struggle for resources. Yes, let it be at least an aggressive war — the world is cruel and the strongest survives. But to kill another person for a sideways glance or a bold word? Apparently, I will never accept this. All the participants in the conflict survived, everyone was treated, and my reputation as a "strange scumbag" was strengthened even more. Which I was only glad of. Well, Andryukha found himself a new "free ears" in the person of Hans, grateful to him for his help. Again, I only had a plus — I liked Androsov, but sometimes he was unbearable. The week passed quickly. In principle, the material that we were taught was a strong theoretical basis for going into the Rift. Moreover, most of the time was spent for the tests of the cadets themselves. As it was with sparring. Anyway, the main training will be in practice, but teachers should know exactly the pros, cons and potential of cadets in order to competently staff the raid groups. Here I distinguished myself again when I refused to show my Gift, limiting myself to testing its "physical" properties. And yes, I didn't show all my strength again. Why did I do that? The usual suspicion and reinsurance of the Hunter, that's all. In my past world, asking a Hunter directly about his abilities meant... It didn't mean anything, to be honest, but the person who asked would have been mistaken for a clown. Trust. This is what is earned over many years. Those who worked together already knew who was capable of what, and the rest... there was no need to know. In general, as I understand it, I was given a solid four in the "General physical gains" column. And then, this assessment was based on my sparring, since I was "greedy" on the test itself and pumped up the energy for a "C". To the direct question: "How so?", I spread my hands and, looking into the eyes of the officer, honestly said that "in moments of stress I do better." He pretended to believe it, and we parted, pleased with each other. And today is my last day in this wonderful institution. But everyone looked at me like I was crazy. After all, I refused to go with the group to the Rift, and said that I would somehow manage on my own. Of course, I was scolded, but the instructors didn't hit me hard. They have already realized that I am not an idiot, which was confirmed by the lectures at which I was asked about various monsters. Here, honestly, what's hard to remember there, there are only fifty different creatures. So... just spit. And some of them were very familiar to me. I have my own methods of dealing with them, but I didn't talk about it here. The night was not without interest. I didn't sleep much, because I suspected something like that, and I also sent a Sniffer to guard. And when he threw me a live broadcast from his eyes, I realized what had started.

Baron Okhotsky could not calm down in any way, and decided to make a dark one for me at last at night. Well, what can I say about this. It was a very short dark one when I was standing under the door, and as soon as they entered, I immediately attacked them. This time I didn't hit them in the face, but worked on the body and limbs. Why would I get knocked up before graduation if I leave bruises in a prominent place. Okhotsky flew three meters from a direct kick, and did not get up again. The idiot didn't even put on his armor, hoping to do it when he was already standing by my bed. I knew that a couple of people whose beds were nearby were not sleeping. But now they were diligently pretending to see the tenth dream, and one fat man, from the ignoble, even snored falsely. Okhotsky came with the same company, and according to the old scheme, he crawled away with them. I didn't finish him off or say anything. Just put it in its place. Of course, I could break all his limbs, but then there is an option that he wants to take revenge on Androsov. Although, it's unlikely, still that count, and this one is just a baron. Then they didn't figure out who was who. It's just that Okhotsky was from the hinterland, and had not heard of the Andros Family. But now he was enlightened by his senior comrades in the barracks and called a fool. Of course, everyone is kind of equal here, and it doesn't matter who you are. That's just there, it's not here... Androsov Sr. may well destroy the Okhotsk family by the roots while their children are here.

"So you're leaving already?

— Androsov asked me.

— Don't you think it would be a mistake? Free Istas don't live long.

— I'm leaving, they even gave me a ring, — I took my ring out of my pocket and showed it to him.

— Cool!

— the guy admired, looking at my new toy.

— Stop! And why is it red?! But this is an interesting question. After all, I was given a ring with a transparent "blank" stone. When East puts it on his finger, he shows how much energy there is in him from the Faults. Mine immediately turned red, which surprised the veteran Ist from the training center. He probably decided that I had already fought monsters in Europe. The old man habitually shrugged his lips, but said nothing, just made notes on the terminal, and then turned it to me "face". On the screen was my "Personal File" and a proud inscription — a fighter of the 5th class. Still, you can't fool the ring, and it turned red for a reason, confirming, among other things, my new class.

— That's the answer to your wayward mentors, who were surprised by your "strange" strength, — the old man could not stand it before I left.

— Although such cases are one in a million. May I ask? Where did you manage to go through so many Faults?

— Is it necessary to answer?

I smiled.

— No, it's senile curiosity, — the veteran immediately lost interest in me, seemingly a little offended.

— That's it, I'm free! And good luck... colleague! I quickly remembered this interesting conversation, and smiled at Andryukha.

— They say I'm too cool for white, but not yet enough for rainbow! Haggled on red!

— So you are now a Fighter of the 5th class?

— my friend's eyes bulged. Well, yes, to earn even the 6th elementary grade, you need to run around the Faults for almost a month continuously.

—Sort of," I lowered my eyes modestly.

— And you are not so simple, Galaktionov!

he grinned kindly.

— I didn't waste any time traveling. Okay, if you want to go with the band, then write to me right away. You have my number, and I will already ask my future band to take you with them.

— Agreed, — we shook hands and said goodbye. I went to the exit, but on the way I had to make a new stop.

—Stop!

" came a shout, more like a growl. I turned around. Helga was approaching me at a fast pace, almost running.

— So you started running after me!

— I smile at her.

— Couldn't you forget my kiss? Shall we repeat it? No? Hmm... Maybe we'll go out for a bite to eat, and you'll think about my offer again?

- What are you like...

— Helga began to radiate cold. She involuntarily turned on her aura. It turns out that she was a "spontaneous person"!

— How cold you are!

I lamented, playing around.

— Can I melt your heart?

I don't know why she was running after me, but now I'm dodging her punches.

— Have you played enough?

I asked the girl who was in my grip and couldn't even move.

"Let me go now, Hal... Idiot!

The girl was furious. I complied with her request and quickly jumped back to get away from a blow to the jaw. The girl was flushed from the struggle and breathing heavily. Hmm... The more I look at her, the more I like her. There's something about her... dear! The same inflated emergency! Ha ha!

— What are you like... I just wanted to know what the fuck are you doing, you idiot? It's only been a week since you've been trained, and you're already going to go into the Rift alone? But you know, I don't care anymore! Do whatever you want! I just want another kiss from you! Aww... She was able to surprise me, but she looked at me too cunningly, and I decided not to relax.

— I can arrange that, — I smile, and I think where the setup is. She awkwardly but confidently leaned towards me with her lips, and then I noticed... Her lips... That's it... She has nourished them to such an extent with her Gift that if I kiss her, my lips will fall off like ripe apples from a branch. And in an interesting way she decided to take revenge on me. And she is far from a warrior... There's so much energy invested in the lips, what a horror! Yes, she can tear apart the Royal Death Knight with such a kiss. I can probably stand it, but why would I open up to her? And I kissed her, just on the cheek...

— Your lips are too cold today, bunny, — I let her go and leave her standing alone, angry and disappointed.

— I'll see you again, maybe. Bye!

— I'll kill you... I didn't listen to who she was going to kill there, and I went out through the gate, before that I showed Ista's ring as proof that I have the right to a "free life". But what to do next? So many thoughts, and so few, at the same time. I listened to myself — and what do I want? Babu... But that's later... Damn, old habits haven't gone away. The main thing is that the old character does not fully return, otherwise the local aristocrats will have a hard time. I was much tougher there than I am now. For some reason, I associate this world with a vacation. I caught a taxi and asked him to take me to a clothing store. He asked a couple of questions and, realizing where I needed to go, took me. By the way, I saw how he looked at my red ring, and how his attitude towards me immediately changed. Easts are respected here. Highly respected! And the Ista ring is a completely normal replacement for the generic signet. I think so... But, I will also get a generic ring. It's just a matter of principle. I chose a sports clothing store because I wanted light and comfortable clothes for going through the Cracks. You don't look much like me in my suit, but in the form of a cadet Istov, which, by the way, he also took with him, there was no desire to walk. I will only attract extra attention to myself. I spent thirty-five rubles in the store, but I took three good sets of clothes. I could have done more, but I still don't know what exactly I need, and what would be better. It's not like running around the city in armor. Strong waterproof fabric, comfortable style and durable, but light shoes with thick soles. You can break your head with these, if necessary.

— Perhaps you need something else?

— the seller offered me.

—I wish I had some chaos stones...

" he hesitated.

— I don't understand what you are talking about, Mr. East, I'm talking about clothes. I'd be surprised if he took the chaos stones out from under the counter.

— Then you don't need anything more, — he turned around and went to the exit. The taxi was standing in the same place since I asked me to wait. And it's good for the taxi driver, because the meter is ticking.

— Where to next?

— the man was in a business suit, about fifty years old. He didn't ask unnecessary questions and, in general, drove me in silence.

— I need a not very expensive cold-weapon shop

Most likely, I even told the owner about what I had for breakfast today. Probably, the owner is still paranoid! It looked like he was the one sitting behind the counter, carefully polishing a long and narrow dagger with a soft cloth, looking blindly through round thin-rimmed glasses. That's just these very glasses were the only attribute of the "huckster". Because he's an old man himself... Yes, I didn't even dare to call him that! Yes, of course, this man was old, but he was distinguished by truly heroic dimensions. Two meters tall, broad shoulders, and the shirt is about to crack from the mighty muscles. Just a epic Russian hero, about which my mother read to me as a child!

—My respects, sir...

" he squinted slightly, "A Class 5 fighter!" It seems that even the glasses were fake, in order to somehow soften his formidable appearance, and associate him a little with a simple huckster.

— And hello to you, sir ...

— I paused, waiting for an answer.

— Yes, what kind of gentleman am I?

— the man laughed loudly.

— Call me Arkhip. I am the owner of this humble shop. Yes, yes. Modest. I managed to take a look at the offered assortment. A sword made of Ballian steel, a spear made of fiery rosewood... I still haven't figured out the local price tags, but it was a very rare weapon.

— Have you been in town recently?

— Arkhip was still trying to pretend friendliness. It didn't work out very well. No, it was obvious that he was sincerely trying to please the client, but there was something wild and unbridled about him.

— How did you guess?

I didn't deny it.

—A fighter of the 5th class," the big man readily explained.

— And I've never seen you. And if you were getting classes here, it would take at least a year. Well, unless you are someone extraordinary, no offense. And in a year, anyway, we would have crossed paths somewhere, I have such a job. And also — I have a very good memory for faces.

"Baron Alexander Galaktionov," I introduced myself for some reason, although initially I just wanted to buy what I needed and get out quickly. Again, a quick glance at my hand to make sure that there is no birth ring, and again he looks at me with an "honest" look.

— What do you want, Mr. Galaktionov?

— I need a sword. Straight. One and a half will do.

— What is the budget?

— the big man immediately clarified.

—Minimal," I said, not at all embarrassed.

..

— Arkhip also reacted normally. And he just put two swords on the counter, one after the other.

— Four thousand and five thousand, — he announced the prices simply and without fuss, without trying to praise the goods, which was natural. An ist of the 5th class should be well versed in weapons. I didn't even pick them up. Cheap steel, cheap weapons, which for some reason costs an absurdly large amount of money.

"The quality suits me," I said slowly, and it was true. For my purposes, this is still enough with my head.

— But, here's the price... I looked at the owner carefully. He did not look away, and for a while we silently drilled each other with heavy glances.

— There is one option ...

— the owner began cautiously.

— But I can't guarantee this weapon. For certain reasons. And there won't be a receipt either. Well, the most curious thing begins.

"I'm interested,— I nodded.

— Wait a minute, — the owner went into the back room, leaving me under the supervision of twenty-four ... oh, no! Twenty-six cameras! He returned quickly and put the "4000 sword" on the counter of the twin brother.

— Two thousand! — he announced the price.

— Scabbard included!

— And a discount for a regular customer?

I smiled.

— It will certainly be... As soon as you become a regular customer!

" the old man smiled in response. I picked up this sword to take a closer look for hidden defects. Obviously, it was a used weapon, but it looked like new. And I don't think you should ask the big guy his origin.

— I'll take it!

I nodded, not haggling. Something told me that I needed to be friends with this old master, and then I would be rewarded a hundredfold. I counted out a still large sum from my wallet and handed it to Arkhip, but held it slightly when he grabbed the bills from the other side.

— Can you tell me, dear Arkhip, is it possible for you to take... hmm... some interesting things at interesting prices?

— Not only possible, but also necessary!

— the owner smiled, and I let go of the money, which was immediately put under the counter.

— This will greatly bring the moment of your discount and the title of "honorary buyer".

— Agreed!

I held out my hand, which immediately disappeared into the truly gigantic paw of the old man. I took the purchase, and we, satisfied with each other, parted. The bait is abandoned and swallowed, and such things need to be done slowly. The taxi driver took me to the selected hotel where I planned to stay. After paying him off and leaving some for a tip, I quickly checked into a simple but clean room, and first of all decided to take a shower.

— N-nada?

- a Sniffer formed on my shoulder, in whose teeth there was, already familiar to me, a golden taxi driver's watch. Holy shit...