Создатели Судьбы / The Creators of Destiny: Глава

Chapter 49

Camrad_RIP 22.02.23 в 21:07

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"I'm here."

Camrad_RIP 22.02.23 в 21:08

In the corner, in a chair, sat a man in his forties, slightly grey-haired, overweight and smiling politely.

Camrad_RIP 22.02.23 в 21:09

"Hi Vladimir!"

Camrad_RIP 22.02.23 в 21:09

I looked him over again. No particular markings to indicate profession or even preference.

Camrad_RIP 22.02.23 в 21:09

"Are you aware it is against the law to breach privacy?"

Camrad_RIP 22.02.23 в 21:16

"Yes. Have you read the Creators of Destiny user agreement carefully?"

Camrad_RIP 22.02.23 в 21:16

I thought for a moment, then asked:

Camrad_RIP 22.02.23 в 21:17

"So you did get a license from the Ministry of Health?"

Camrad_RIP 22.02.23 в 21:17

"We got it. Valid from the first of January."

Camrad_RIP 22.02.23 в 21:17

"I see. Tea, coffee?"

Camrad_RIP 22.02.23 в 21:18

"Coffee, if you don't mind."

Camrad_RIP 22.02.23 в 21:18

Rising from the bed, I went into the kitchen. My invisible interlocutor stood up, let me pass and followed me in.

Camrad_RIP 22.02.23 в 21:18

After five minutes of fiddling with the jesvah, I thought about what was going on. Well, they couldn't get at me; I hadn't withdrawn a penny from the game into the real world. And that I had taken advantage of a questionable opportunity, so let them prove that I was aware of that questionability.

Camrad_RIP 22.02.23 в 21:20

Putting the cup on the table, I slid the sugar bowl over. My companion smiled once more, then blinked, blurred for a moment, and took the coffee from the table.

Camrad_RIP 22.02.23 в 21:20

"I wish I could try yours. I've heard it's amazing."

Camrad_RIP 22.02.23 в 21:21

A very subtle hint that they know a lot about me. Ha, show me a person in this world that nobody knows anything about! The net is everywhere.

Camrad_RIP 22.02.23 в 21:22

"And what a soup I make!"

Camrad_RIP 22.02.23 в 21:22

He did not answer, only took another sip and placed his cup exactly in the one on the table.

Camrad_RIP 22.02.23 в 21:23

"So, what brings you to my house?"

Camrad_RIP 22.02.23 в 21:23

"Technically, it's your emotional state. You reacted very dramatically to the outcome of the quest, and it is the responsibility of the Emotional Control Service to make sure that the game events do not negatively affect the real life of our clients."

Camrad_RIP 22.02.23 в 21:24

"And the reality?"

Camrad_RIP 22.02.23 в 21:24

He tapped his fingers on the table as if in thoughtfulness.

Camrad_RIP 22.02.23 в 21:25

"I would like to ask you to stay in the game."

Camrad_RIP 22.02.23 в 21:25

"Why should I?"

Camrad_RIP 22.02.23 в 21:25

"A new activity you've never done before... a change of scenery, new acquaintances, new ideas. Isn't that enough?"

Camrad_RIP 22.02.23 в 21:26

They really have a detailed file on me.

Camrad_RIP 22.02.23 в 21:26

"What about outright cheating? Rings, quests?"

Camrad_RIP 22.02.23 в 21:27

He moved his cup around, fitting it more precisely into the real one, and as if he had made up his mind:

Camrad_RIP 22.02.23 в 21:27

"There is a certain team of heroes. Like in a comic book; funny, isn't it?"

Camrad_RIP 22.02.23 в 21:27

"Are all the "heroes" the same cheaters?"

Camrad_RIP 22.02.23 в 21:28

"Well, why so. Players with extra abilities. Not all, but many. Some have found a programming error, some have learned how to use game mechanics, and some, like you, have received a gift because of an unaccounted-for moment and managed to use it wisely."

Camrad_RIP 22.02.23 в 21:28

"And who hasn't?"

Camrad_RIP 22.02.23 в 21:29

"That's the end of the story. Normal customers have had their accounts fixed, apologized, and given a small commemorative bonus. Fools were deleted for glitch use.

Camrad_RIP 22.02.23 в 21:31

"And who decides whether a person is worthy or not?"

Camrad_RIP 22.02.23 в 21:32

"You have already understood. I am accepting. The coach, so to speak, of the team of heroes."

Camrad_RIP 22.02.23 в 21:32

"And for what purpose?"

Camrad_RIP 22.02.23 в 21:32

"There's no special purpose. It's just that any world needs heroes."

Camrad_RIP 22.02.23 в 21:35

"And you create them?"

Camrad_RIP 22.02.23 в 21:36

"Yes, I create them. Or rather, I give them power."

Camrad_RIP 22.02.23 в 21:36

"Doesn't sound fair to the other players."

Camrad_RIP 22.02.23 в 21:36

"Which players? The ones you helped develop craft skills? The ones you protected from the PKs? Or to those to whom did you distribute scribed scrolls through created quests?"

Camrad_RIP 22.02.23 в 21:37

"It cost me nothing."

Camrad_RIP 22.02.23 в 21:38

"It cost, Vladimir, it cost. Yes, you benefited: if not immediately, then later, but you also always shared and spent your time, your energy."

Camrad_RIP 22.02.23 в 21:39

"And as an honest worker, am I entitled to a little disregard for the law?"

Camrad_RIP 22.02.23 в 21:40

"As a true paladin of Amala, you may get some preferential treatment."

Camrad_RIP 22.02.23 в 21:40

"The Healer."

Camrad_RIP 22.02.23 в 21:40

"Excuse me?"

Camrad_RIP 22.02.23 в 21:40

"Amala the Healer."

Camrad_RIP 22.02.23 в 21:41

"Yes, of course. Do you like our game?"

Camrad_RIP 22.02.23 в 21:41