Его не звали, но он приперся / They never called, yet he is here: Глава 18

Chapter 18

Camrad_RIP 24.12.21 в 19:22

If I acted reasonably. I just needed to get away from the town, but there was too much unfinished business there. First of all, there was the matter of procuring all sorts of things that would be useful in a hike, or, more precisely, normal food. If I had to run through the woods and swamps again, I'd at least do it in comfort, not by feeding on wild foods.

Camrad_RIP 24.12.21 в 19:29

It wasn't that I wasn't worried about the guards on guard duty, the night guilders, and even the personal enforcers of half the local bigwigs. Rather, I was simply aware that they could be looking for me alone forever. With my stats, my shadow bonus, and my stealth skill, I could crash in the local mayor's private bedroom next to his wife. No one would notice!

Camrad_RIP 24.12.21 в 19:32

The way back was quick and quiet - who was there to catch me and attack me? The few ambushes at the farthest reaches of the town could not have been dangerous to me. They'd been sent to capture fugitives, not lone travelers. In theory, I could even walk past their positions on sheer impudence, and hardly anyone would attack me. Not at the risk of alarming a possible target.

Camrad_RIP 24.12.21 в 19:35

I even felt like slaughtering a couple of the squads that were on the opposite side from the direction of the escapees, but I decided not to risk it. And to temper my bloodlust - just because they were assassins and bastards for hire didn't mean I had to kill them all. Not in the sense of presumption of innocence, but in the sense of the traces left behind and my own psyche, which no amount of heroic titles would allow me to completely ignore the massacre. Let them sit and wait for their targets, and I will go quietly to my goals.

Camrad_RIP 24.12.21 в 19:36

In the town, which is called Ostmark (it's about time I found out, isn't it?), I entered, as before, by shadowstep, to which I am becoming more and more accustomed. I wouldn't say that my "teleport" was as natural to me as breathing, but it was a habit that made my life much easier. In any case, the first thing I did was go to get some groceries.

Camrad_RIP 24.12.21 в 19:37

Cereal, some special road bread that would not spoil or get stale for a long time, road cookies, in case the bread ran out, salt and spices, which were mercilessly charged for as if they were some fucking jewel and not fucking salt, and a couple of other little things, without which life would be much more unpleasant and certainly not tasty at all.

Camrad_RIP 24.12.21 в 20:05

My biggest expenditure was the purchase of a special case for alchemical utensils - lots of glass flasks, test tubes, and other stuff, neatly arranged in pockets and recesses. There was also an ordinary stone mortar with a pestle, only very light, and a couple of special knives for cutting ingredients, but I bought this treasure precisely because I had a normal container for my future creations.

Camrad_RIP 24.12.21 в 20:08

Almost two gold pieces and that was only because my clairvoyance helped me understand how big and unscrupulous they were going to cheat me and put noodles on my ears. After that, I became furious and turned on my inner Jew, literally gnawing my teeth for every penny, minute by minute remembering Aunt Sarah and Uncle Moyshe. It was strange that I hadn't been given a trade skill, considering the rumblings that the man and I used to make. However, I am more important to get the coffer itself, not the skill, which I, for the most part, do not need at all.

Camrad_RIP 24.12.21 в 20:10

As I walk away from the alchemy supply store, I notice the frankly shitty stalking by some lowlifes who don't even have class. I felt like they weren't lurkers at all, but rather commonplace thugs, eager to sell me a brick. My newly activated clairvoyance identified them as the alchemy guild's apprentices, who suspected me of brewing my potions without sharing a small and modest percentage of the profits with the guild. That's quite a misdemeanor, for which they break arms as a first warning, if not immediately the neck.

Camrad_RIP 24.12.21 в 20:27

In principle, the logical conclusion is that such things are too expensive to buy for nothing, and all the normal alchemists who can afford such expenditures are known by name in the town. They weren't even going to attack me, just to keep an eye on me and take note. If I left the city and turned out to be a wandering potionist, then I would leave, but if I turned out to be a new competitor, that would be a different story. I had not yet committed any offenses for which I could be charged. And the purchase of specific instruments is by no means punishable, but only hints at the possibility of taking away that instrument, along with the rest of the money. Most likely, this is how they get rid of unnecessary competitors here, if, of course, they can afford the tools at all.

Camrad_RIP 24.12.21 в 20:29

/Clairvoyance suggests that depriving an alchemist of a laboratory is the same as cutting off thumbs for a warrior--the inability to do further work, except for the simplest things.

Camrad_RIP 24.12.21 в 20:30

The clairvoyance went out, and I involuntarily winced at the shooting pain in my temples. I noticed more and more often that this skill is very willing to tell me about completely unnecessary things. It works especially well with low-level users of the System, sometimes pouring whole lumps of information slop directly into my skull. If it worked the same way on the more advanced guys, and better yet, if it could activate at my will, instead of spamming me with random visions, that would be great.

Camrad_RIP 24.12.21 в 20:31

You can't look a gift horse in the mouth, but it still pisses me off. Back on Earth I hated the pop-up banners with ads and getting something like that on my head even in the new world, even craves swearing. Better would have been given another title to sharpen perception, rather than shoving unnecessary crap into the head.

Camrad_RIP 24.12.21 в 20:33

Okay, I admit, this time the bullshit was necessary, and it calmed my paranoia considerably, but it didn't take away from the essence of my grievances. If it hadn't been for the vision, I would have had to grab these guys by the asses to interrogate them on the subject of their interest. Now, let them live, and I'll just go into stealth and continue on the rooftops. It's early morning, shadows are plentiful, and the skill allows me to hide from view.

Camrad_RIP 24.12.21 в 20:34

I left the confused motherfuckers behind me and headed for the nearest wall, which overlooked the swamps. I had to get Ygra and get out of this town. It' too much of a mess, and the fair is already over, which means that my face will be too obscure and unfamiliar to the local society. The likelihood of being suspected of anything is very low, but it is, and I do not want to tempt fate. I'll go for a walk, have a good time, experiment with alchemy, tame Ygra (I'll remember to wear a mask), and then I can go, leaving this town behind. And then I could even try to settle down.

Camrad_RIP 24.12.21 в 20:36

I may have developed my characteristics and skills impressively, but my knowledge of the world and my ability to mingle with the crowd were too lacking. And I'd better master all that before I go to the capital or anywhere else. And I will, I know myself well, an idiot. My ass is going to have an adventure.

Camrad_RIP 24.12.21 в 20:37

The rooftops, by the way, were almost overrun by the local criminals, who were prowling around, especially in the poorer neighborhoods and slums. Apparently, they were searching every empty and abandoned building in search of Lanorsk and his escort who were hiding. All right, let them do it now that they've started, and I'll crawl forward quietly.

Camrad_RIP 24.12.21 в 20:38

Once I was outside the walls, I let out a wry grin. I was still missing my main goal because I couldn't get into the brothel. At least I got the girl from the tavern into bed to get laid, or else it would have been a sad story. And now this tale is not fun - again a lot of time alone with the ogre, from the mere sight and smell of which awakens the inner xenophile.

Camrad_RIP 24.12.21 в 20:41

The search for my companion (or pet, whichever way you look at it) was short. It was enough just to run along the swamp line, using the shadow sphere. Even though Ygra's disguise was still at its best, the swamp was far less saturated with magical power, and the heightened perception helped a great deal. Add to that the fact that I knew exactly what to look for and where to look, and you get a fairly relaxed and problem-free search process. Not easy, because I still had to strain myself, but without unnecessary problems.

Camrad_RIP 24.12.21 в 20:43

Ygra was found deep in the woods in another clearing away from the mud, where she was fornicating with herself. I stopped abruptly, spat, and went on the hunt. By the time she was done, at least I would find something to eat for the barbecue. I can, of course, munch simple porridge, but I prefer to please Ygra, who had obediently waited for my arrival. There should be a quote here about the carrot and stick, but I'm afraid I'd want to kill her with the carrot, too.

Camrad_RIP 24.12.21 в 20:44

The beast caught and strangled by the shadows was of the same species of unicorn swamp boar that we had snacked on earlier. Just before I left for town, if memory serves me correctly, we'd had a snack. Man, I was gone less than four days, and I feel as if I would have left these swamps a year ago! Wouldn't have come here for another year, yeah.

Camrad_RIP 24.12.21 в 20:48

By the time I had dragged the future supper to the ogre's base, she had already finished her satisfaction and seemed about to go hunting herself. I was in luck, for she had intended to go deep into the marshes to catch bigger and tastier things. With her appetite, it would be foolish to blame her for that decision, for she could easily eat the beast I'd brought her in one go, perhaps even with the bones.

Camrad_RIP 24.12.21 в 20:49

In response to my appearance (hurray, I was able to approach her unnoticed!), she greeted me with an incredibly emotional "Y!" and then tried to squeeze me in her arms. I was caught off guard for a moment, unintentionally distracted by the wiggling hemispheres as I ran, but I reacted in time, trivially stepping into the shadows. It wasn't even that her touch could turn my brain off and shift control to another head, it was her strength. Such a hug could reduce the number of whole bones in my body. No, she would be very embarrassed later, I have no doubt, but it would not make my bones feel better.

Camrad_RIP 24.12.21 в 21:06

"Stop! Stop, you stupid animal! Keep your filthy paws off me! I brought you something to eat, stupid! Eat, motherfucking bitch!" That last one was the only thing she reacted to. I meant "eat," if you will. And she kept chasing me almost to victory because she thought (quote marks here) that it was me playing tag with her.

Camrad_RIP 25.12.21 в 06:24

Fuck!

Camrad_RIP 25.12.21 в 06:25

Take me back to Ostmark, I haven't finished all my business, I haven't collected all my problems, I haven't gotten all my kicks, I haven't helped all the idiots, I haven't trolled everyone around me, and most importantly, there's not a goddamn green dumbass there!

Camrad_RIP 25.12.21 в 06:25

I spent half my reserve on shadow steps while I finally managed to calm her down. And I couldn't hit her back, could I? With her resistance, she either ignores the weak attacks, or doesn't notice them at all, and I don't want to do the strong ones myself, because it's inhumane. It's just lovely, really! Why is my only willing slave-subordinate a huge green woman with the intellect of a breadbasket? What have I done to you creatures of destiny that you hate me so much?

Camrad_RIP 25.12.21 в 07:07

"Where are you putting your hands! Get out! Get out! Get, I'll tell you!" Each time I have to strain harder and harder to keep the roasting meat (now with normal spices, not hand-picked roots) from the encroachment of the hungry epic monster.

Camrad_RIP 25.12.21 в 07:09

The only saving grace is that the increased stats allow me to spend less energy and attention on the regular creation of shadowy lashes, which whip at over-initiated grapplers. This wicked creature is not afraid to shake her form at me, and I'm sure she does it deliberately. It's no accident that her gifted skill makes her aware of concepts that her brain is not aware of, even if she doesn't know why she's doing it.

Camrad_RIP 25.12.21 в 07:10

I ignore the offended look sent into my stale heart right after the shadow whipped the "accidentally" framed green ass, which again I began to latch onto... oh you sly ass!

Camrad_RIP 25.12.21 в 07:12

Only high dexterity and concentration help save the meat the moment the ogre accelerated sharply, taking advantage of the fact that I was distracted by her mesmerizing form. It's all right, she's not seducing me, or rather, not in that sense. It's just that the mind of an old huntress noticed that at such moments my reaction is a little slower, and then she decided to distract me and steal the meat that was almost ready.

Camrad_RIP 25.12.21 в 07:13

No, did you see that? I was almost made by a stupid mountain of muscles! And the main thing for what? For the meat, which she will get, and most of it, and the rest of the carcass, which did not go to the frying! Even a fool like her, should understand that she will get it anyway, and just silently wait, and not abuse my nerves, playing plunderer of products

Camrad_RIP 25.12.21 в 07:14

Stop!

Camrad_RIP 24.12.21 в 20:50

I turn my highly "suspicious" gaze to Ygra, who is looking at me carefully and somewhat guiltily.

Camrad_RIP 24.12.21 в 20:50

She looks back at me.

Camrad_RIP 24.12.21 в 20:51

I blinked.

Camrad_RIP 25.12.21 в 07:14

She blinked too.

Camrad_RIP 25.12.21 в 07:15

Was she mocking me all this time by having fun while I was cooking? She was also taking advantage of those rare moments when I did pay attention to her and talk to her? While deliberately pissing me off so she could watch me swear with a bunch of incomprehensible words and jump around, blowing steam out of my ears like a little wind-up Hitler?

Camrad_RIP 25.12.21 в 07:15

"Y?"

Camrad_RIP 25.12.21 в 07:16

Not.

Camrad_RIP 25.12.21 в 07:16

No-o-o-o...

Camrad_RIP 25.12.21 в 07:16

I refuse to believe it! That I, a professional troll, would be bullied by this set of boobs whose consciousness and figurative thinking is only the tiniest bit superior to that of a simple oak stool? That I wouldn't even realize it until my clairvoyance kicked in?

Camrad_RIP 25.12.21 в 07:17

I'd better not think about it, I just won't. My self-esteem is not very high as it is, but after such negative thoughts, it will have to be forged out of the lithospheric plate, if not out of the magmatic mantle of the planet.

Camrad_RIP 25.12.21 в 07:18

"Sit down to eat." I finally announce it and immediately cut off the dirty hands reaching for my cooking. "Wash your hands! Clean! Cleanliness must be in the world! Quickly, I said!"

Camrad_RIP 25.12.21 в 07:19

Dinner (or late lunch, as the case may be) is already eaten, and I don't feel much inclination to go, so I decide to leave tomorrow at dawn. In the meantime, I would like to sort out my collection of herbs and try to make a couple of potions that would be useful. I didn't buy this cumbersome thing for anything, did I?

Camrad_RIP 25.12.21 в 07:27

The kit is really big, and you can't call it light, no matter how hard you try. I had to fasten it separately from the shoulder bag, tying them together tightly. And also wrapped in a piece of cloth, otherwise, it could have damaged the rather high-quality upholstery. Such a detail, of course, would not spoil the thing itself, but it would not look good, which my sense of beauty resists.

Camrad_RIP 25.12.21 в 07:29

I went into stealth, getting away from the prying eyes of the green lady, whose gaze made me feel frankly uncomfortable. It's like with a cat - an animal, but the constant scrutiny is annoying. Ygra is, I hope, a little smarter than a cat, so its constant attention is even more annoying. I hate it when people watch and pry with unnecessary and unsolicited advice. The latter, of course, is inaccessible to Ygra at least because of her low vocabulary, but it's annoying all the same.

Camrad_RIP 25.12.21 в 07:33

The first thing I did was to organize the reagents into special pockets, at the same time getting rid of the threat of mixing them with each other. I even put the most valuable ones into separate glass flasks and even pounded some of them in a mortar to reduce their volume. I even crumbled the long-acquired trophy claws of a pedobear and poured the resulting dust into one of the test tubes.

Camrad_RIP 25.12.21 в 07:34

I also noted that working with mortar, alchemy knives, and other things was as natural as breathing. Apparently, my skill was not only in making compounds, but also in working with alchemical equipment. I didn't even immediately notice how easy it was for me.

Camrad_RIP 25.12.21 в 07:35