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13
2It took me two days to open my eyes and return to the basic functions of the body.
3
4Because of this, I can only retell what happened from the words of others; Apparently, we were saved by the inhabitants of the village that escaped the destruction of the village nearby. They carried me and Samluk to themselves, but when I heard about it, I was somewhat worried. Mostly because of her Vow.
5
6However, thanks to her willpower or something like that, Samluk managed to force herself to move her lips, even though she firmly understood that her life depended on it. "Do not treat me for anything."
7Of course, the villagers were surprised and confused, but as a result, everything seemed to work out well. They are simple people, so they will fulfill any request of their savior, no matter how strange it may be. Of course, the Ashavans are honest and have a strong sense of duty, so they give us due respect.
8
9Thanks to them, I was able to get back on my feet. She sent a “voice” to the sacred kingdom, and now we can only wait until they take us away.
10True, we lost Marsarion again.
11I think so far we should be content with the fact that we successfully survived a difficult situation.
12
13- Ah, beauty. Here and here, come on another jug ​​... What? Nothing, nothing, everything will be disinfected in the stomach.
14
15Samluk, carelessly putting forward an unconfirmed theory, is not only very cheerful, but also very drunk. In the banquet hall on the village square provided to us, sitting at a huge table with the view that everything on it belongs to her, she only does what she eats and drinks, drinks and eats.
16
17Exactly according to her plan to eat after work, as soon as she woke up, she immediately began to give instructions to others, and here is the result. Even the peasants who were initially worried at first became infected with Samluk's direct disposition, and at some point the meaning of what was happening began to slip away. They themselves have just freed themselves from the threat of the Daevas, which, of course, is cause for joy, which means that the holiday is in full swing.
18
19I must admit, I myself am warmly in a similar atmosphere. In the holy kingdom, you rarely see this, and that is why I am glad to touch so many happy and cheerful hearts.
20Where more often there is purposefulness or a thirst for revenge ... It seems to me a castle built of anger and sorrow, which the mind laid close to each other. It is clean and calm, but it cannot be denied that sometimes it seems that there is not enough air. Loneliness is felt in him, as if everyone is dressed in mourning. Although when you consider what they experienced, you can probably understand them ...
21
22I do not cease to hope that in the future the cordiality of Samluk will be able to somehow change this. Maybe there will be no less fights, but shouldn't that be the temple of heroes?
23
24However, she, too, would not hurt to keep in check some of her habits. For example, the way she took the details of the armor from a local blacksmith without demand and attached them to herself instead of prostheses. Or the way she calmly nailed them directly to the body with bolts, so that they would not fall off by accident. It’s both uncivilized and rude, and in general it’s painful to look at it, so let it stop doing it.
25
26- hm? What is it, Quinn? Is there something on my face?
27“No, I just thought you were in a happy mood.”
28
29Samluk skillfully throws in the cooking and drinking with his left hand alone. As I said, instead of her right hand she only has armor attached, so she can’t move her, but simply put her on the table, as if declaring: "This is my territory." Perhaps, in this sense, we can say that she uses both hands, and maybe without them she really would be uncomfortable.
30
31- And you know, you yourself are not a fool to eat. You won’t tell me.
32“I like the food.” Maybe, thanks to my device, I won’t die of hunger, and I honestly don’t feel the taste, but I can accept the feelings of the people who prepared it.
33
34To begin with, they asked me to treat myself, and I myself considered it an honor.
35
36“So Samluk.” Do you remember what to do upon arrival in the holy kingdom? At first, you will have an audience with the king and acceptance into jazat, and I ask you to do without rudeness even here.
37- I got it. Better tell me, did you seriously decide to stay?
38“Yes, that is my mission.”
39
40The order that I received from His Holiness Majesty was to find and return Marsarion. Defeat any daeva that meets on the way. In other words, so far it is only half completed. Until I receive a new order to return, I have no right to do so.
41
42“Marsarion, then ... I don't like him.” He cannot be a good husband.
43
44Samluk makes a rude face, as if from resentment, but you cannot tell from her eyes that she is joking. I suppose she, too, was kind of amazed at the meeting with him.
45
46“And in general, how did he do that last trick?” Something suddenly exploded loudly, and we were thrown back, so I didn’t understand anything. I couldn’t even beat the reptile with all my might, and he ... I don’t like it!
47“It will also be difficult for me to give an exact explanation.” As you know, I also came under attack and was in the same position as you.
48“But can you even imagine?” I understand that you’ve known a long time ago, not to mention the fact that when he jumped out, you looked like we had already won.
49
50Perhaps her pride is to blame, but Samluk does not want to leave this topic. Since I was asked about something, I can’t help but answer, so I begin to talk, having previously warned that all this is nothing more than my personal guesses.
51
52“I suppose it's a bit of a bug.”
53- Bug?
54- A forbidden method that differs from the standard application and uses a hole in the system ... For example, I don’t even know ... Take a look at this.
55
56I take a fist-sized citrus fruit lying in a basket on a table. Then I take a lone pea from a plate nearby.
57
58- The gifts of Saam and Kshatras increase the density of matter. Figuratively speaking, they make things bigger and harder. Just like this fruit is more nutritious and tastier than one pea.
59
60Having said that, I return them to their places, and then I take a paper towel. It is decorated with beautiful patterns, and through it I can see Samluk's discouraged face.
61
62- Fravard and Shebatir, on the contrary, make matter thinner, lighter and smaller. To get out of the grip of gravity, distance, and other laws of physics, you need to become something vague and unreliable. I hope you understand?
63- It turns out how to say it ...
64
65Samluk impatiently scratches his head with his left hand, trying to find the answer.
66
67“Do they mix poorly?”
68- Exactly.
69
70The gifts of amplification and transportation are difficult to combine with each other. The bigger and heavier you are, the harder it is to move, and the thinner and lighter, the easier it is to break something.
71
72“I suppose you can understand this because you used Saam and Fravard at the same time, but if you used only one of the two gifts, its effect would have been stronger.” Although, if you reason from the point of view of balance, to apply them in equal proportions is perfectly acceptable. An artillery gun or a fast but fragile aircraft that is unable to hit the target is far from being as practical as an equestrian rider, which is why we usually use gifts this way.
73- I've understood that. But if I remember correctly, that time he ...
74- Yes, Magsarion used the four-time Saam and Shebatir ... Under such conditions, the latter cannot work properly. If it were Fravard, he would simply fall to the ground, but with Shebatir everything works a little differently.
75
76I double the napkin in my hands. I show how the corners that were originally far from each other now converge at one point.
77
78“This is teleportation, a short way that connects distant points and ignores the distance between them.” One can imagine this as a hole opening in space through which the path lies directly.
79- A hole ... That is, it turns out ...
80
81It seems that Samluk understood everything. Yes, gain in a way makes its goal bigger. And the larger the object, the more difficult it is to go through the hole. What happens then?
82
83“Most likely ... she will get out of hand.” The further ones are just my guesses, but I believe that even if the process of instant transfer to the destination is started, in the usual way it cannot be completed. Therefore, he is trying to complete the task in a different way. For example, banal speed.
84
85If we consider the phenomenon itself, then it completely degrades and does not even begin. In the end, it will certainly take much more time than teleportation.
86However, the speed will still be extremely high. The "large and heavy" object will rush to the goal, crushing everything in its path.
87
88- The result may well combine strength and speed, which usually cannot be combined. Although even if we assume that this conjecture is correct, it is unlikely to be able to repeat it. You need to take into account the timing and balance of the degree of amplification, teleportation coordinates and many other factors ... To uncover the secret of maximum efficiency and firepower, you need to be a real fanatic, and Marsarion did this only by intuition and experience.
89
90Trying to express this in a more understandable way for the average layman, I summarize my point of view.
91
92“He is a hard worker.”
93- You know…
94
95Samluk lets out a bizarre sigh, as if she has no strength either for surprise or anger. He looks at me sullenly, and then pokes his finger.
96
97- Remember, I said that sometimes you are not like yourself? I will say it again: it’s exactly the same here. And in general, with such speed and penetrative power, he himself would have hurt himself in a cake. Or what, he has some kind of armor not of this world?
98“And you are quick-witted.” And there is.
99
100I nod, and Samluk's eyes almost pop out of their sockets. Such a sincere reaction gives her infantility, to which it is simply impossible to remain indifferent.
101
102“Marsarion's armor is the work of his father.” I don’t know its specific functions, but I think it would be reasonable to assume that this is not an ordinary defense.
103“... Is that what it is, is it your brother?”
104- It turns out that yes.
105
106I don’t really hide that my father is the king of evil, and it doesn’t promise any problems. Cases when relatives belong to different sides, sometimes there are, and the Avesta is still more important than such bonds.
107Everyone understands that I belong to the ashavans. Therefore, no one avoids me, not to mention the fact that both the Yazat and the Daeva are constantly fighting for the work of my father.
108
109Even if you bring all the engineers, scientists and sorcerers of the universe together, they are not allowed to repeat his ingenious skill ... This is another aspect of his father, and even now he continues to scatter his creations everywhere. Just as he once did this to me.
110The king of evil, the Workshop of Annihilation, the despicable farn ... The embodiment of absolute vice, promising incredible power to its owner, and therefore endlessly generating conflicts and endlessly wanting everything and everything. Such is my father, so the whole world knows him.
111
112“Well, are there any other works of your baht in the holy kingdom?”
113- There are several. Most often they are sealed without using it, but since we cannot allow them to fall into the hands of the enemy, their search and collection is one of our important responsibilities.
114- It’s clear ... So, they should collect yazat and garbage?
115
116Samluk roughly gnaws meat on the bone, and on it you will not say that she is especially interested in what she heard. Even if Marsarion’s amazing actions were possible thanks to his armor, she clearly guessed that it simply could not be completely safe.
117What is more likely that he, on the contrary, is forced to endure a certain curse. Probably, in this sense, they are even a bit similar with Samluk.
118
119Both of them fight, despite the pain. They do not show with their appearance a single bit of their suffering, but, on the contrary, find strength in them. In general, they can not stand their own kind.
120It’s even hard for me to imagine that they would ever find a common language, but I would like them to somehow work together. After all, it will already be a kind of miracle.
121
122“Well ... I still have to do this now anyway.” You will need to learn to work with others, so tell me about your Vow. At the same time, I'll tell you about mine.
123- As you wish. This is a really important topic.
124
125Since it is obvious that we will soon become full-fledged fellow soldiers, we should share available information with each other. I did not expect such a proposal from Samluk, but since I have no reason to object, I support the conversation.
126
127- Let me start with myself. You probably already understood almost everything, but if you want to know something, ask.
128- In this case, tell us about the connection between your wounds and the release of energy.
129
130Samluk nods in response and begins to tell. It turned out very directly, quite in her spirit, but I caught the main point.
131Simply put, if all the wounds Samluk received so far are one hundred percent, then this time ... the loss of an arm and leg is seven or eight. Multiplying the first by the second, the approximate amount of energy available to her is obtained, and in one stroke you can spend as much power as the number of wounds accumulated.
132So, if I understood everything correctly, with such a balance in a recent battle, she could launch her strongest attack eight times.
133Consequently, she can not use force at all completely healthy, and if she gets a small wound, she can only use weak techniques. That’s what I supposed from the very beginning; still this is a very dangerous ability.
134
135“To be honest, I don’t even know what will happen if I spend too much fuel.” Somehow I didn’t try, and the enemies still haven’t lived so much.
136- If so, then there is a chance that it is quite possible. Although I am worried about you, you will surely ignore any risks and fight against all odds.
137“Don't think I'm some kind of reckless fool.” I myself do not want to die.
138
139She snorts, denying all kinds of accusations, but that doesn't sound very convincing. After all, her Vow took such an unimaginable form as "Continue to live with all his wounds", which means that he really is the best suited for long battles. And yet he does not in any way make her immortal.
140In fact, the main condition is that it is not too late to do something. If she receives a surge of strength due to abstinence from any treatment, any incurable wound, as well as a wound that is useless to treat, will, of course, become fatal.
141
142If you compare this with the gift of Haoma that is given to us, then nothing will help if there is nothing left of the head or heart. For people like Samluk, self-awareness and hot blood are inextricably linked, which means that if she lost both, her life would come to an end. I'm sure she herself thinks the same way.
143
144“Well, what about your Vow?” It seems that you can’t do much, but I realized that it depends on the circumstances and the treatment of you. And usually how? What do you do when nothing happens?
145- I convene and listen, perhaps. For example, even now I am sending my “voice” into the depths of space, giving details of what is happening. If they hear my call, it means that they have the potential to become yazats ... In any case, I do not forget about our supply problem, and therefore this is one of my important responsibilities.
146“Clearly, helping to replenish our ranks, then?” By the way, I also used to seem to hear your voice sometimes. So, didn’t it seem to me?
147- What to do, since the radius is too large, it is difficult to achieve a decent effect. With hearing, it’s the opposite: I listen to all the voices at the same time.
148
149I’ve been doing this since the day my father and I broke up. I listened to prayers, knew other people's desires, tried to understand what the miracle they want was like.
150
151“I heard Vohu Mana has similar strength, but since in his current state he should not be bothered too much, I help him with this.” Prayers are cries for help ... And for us they become a call to action.
152- Oh, then this is a very responsible position. What else to expect from the daughter of the king of evil?
153- However, to send Yazat or not, His Majesty decides.
154
155With a bitter smile, I miss Samluk's teasing words. To tell the truth, I was utterly surprised when I found out that I possess the same strength as the starry spirit, but now I accept it with all my heart. After all, the father just had to meet Voha Manu twenty years ago, and it may well be that he received this idea from him.
156
157- Okay, I kind of understood more or less. Still, can I ask you another question, Quinn?
158- What's the matter?
159
160I thought I had already told everything, so I don’t really know what else she wants to discuss. Samluk drains the pitcher in his hand in one fell swoop, and then deliberately lowers his voice.
161
162“You were about to break the Vow before Marsarion.” Why's that?
163- ...
164- Why didn’t you be punished?
165- It…
166
167I do not find what to say.
168How to be? It’s hard to answer, and more importantly, I don’t want to answer.
169I thought Samluk was too simple-minded to notice this, but she was far more perspicacious.
170
171- After all, you are most interested. Tell me!
172
173She is drunk. And in high spirits. Maybe by tomorrow morning she will forget everything, but now she is persistent in the way that only drunk can be.
174I want to run, but I can’t; I am asked to tell, but I can’t tell it ...
175
176- Aunties, talk to me too!
177
178At that moment, the “priority” inside me changes with a click.
179
180- BUT? Hey, what the hell is this? Here the adults are talking, get out of here.
181- What? But after all ...
182- Samluk, you shouldn’t behave like that with children. All right, young lady, let's talk. Please take a seat.
183- True? Hooray!
184
185Since there were no free chairs nearby, the girl jumps to my knees with a smile from ear to ear.
186It surprises me a little, but I have no desire to rebuke her at all, so I hold her so that she does not fall. The sweet smell inherent in children calms and touches, but the main thing is that we are visiting her, so I need to treat her with due respect.
187
188- Eh hehe, you know, my name is Reilly.
189- Here is how? My name is Quinn. How old are you?
190- Six!
191- Ho, you look much more worthy than I am at your age. However, at this hour, you better be in bed. There are a lot of bad adults around.
192- Nothing. Dad said it's a holiday today, so I can!
193- Uh ... What else is this? ..
194
195Out of the corner of my eye I see how Samluk got from a slingshot, but I better ignore her. After all, now I serve Reilly.
196While I am entertaining in conversation with a girl who is noisily having fun in my lap, someone similar to her father comes. His consciousness is filled with gratitude and guilt, as well as love for his daughter ... He is at the same time similar and not like my father; this is probably what it looks like in the average case.
197
198“Sorry to have caused so much trouble ... Reilly, don’t disturb our guests.”
199“I don't bother.” Quinn and I are friends. It's true?
200- Yes. Reilly and I are friends.
201
202I stroke the girl’s round and soft cheek, but still continue.
203
204“You can't make dad worry.” Today is too late, so go to sleep. We continue our conversation tomorrow.
205- True? Are you really going to play with me tomorrow?
206“Yes, I promise ... So, go.”
207
208I take Reilly in my arms and pass it to my father. However, a brisk girl escapes from his hands and quickly escapes alone.
209
210- Eh, you ... I'm sorry that she is so restless. I’ll certainly report it back, you can be sure.
211“What are you, we should apologize.” We have caused you so much trouble.
212“About that ... don’t worry.” All of you are immensely grateful, and my wife must have rested in peace.
213
214On these words, a shadow lays on his face. At the same time, his mind is filled with sadness.
215
216- Really, your wife ...
217- Yes ... But, again, you can not worry. Plus, Reilly finally smiled. All this is thanks to you.
218- Qui-and-inn!
219
220Turning to a sudden appeal, I see how Railay waves me with both hands. With all the strength of his little calf, dousing me with sincere emotions.
221
222- You are the most beautiful, I love you!
223
224Either from embarrassment, or from embarrassment, I just wave her hand back. Father goes to Reilly, bowing now and then to our side, and I continue to wave to them until they are hidden from view.
225
226- Hmm, ho-oh, because of that ...
227
228... I just stayed after them with this.
229
230“Quinn is beautiful,” did I hear correctly? And to me, then, shish, huh? Hmm
231- Why are you so offended?
232
233Samluk stalls, despite the fact that with her appearance and manners, she is still clearly not popular with children. With such a disposition, she still obviously will give me a lot of trouble.
234
235- Yes, it is. I just noticed that you enjoy such compliments. Somehow I did not expect this.
236- How rude, I'm still a girl too. Of course, I will be glad if they call me beautiful.
237- Oh ...
238- What is it with your face?
239
240It is strange that we even talked about this, but are you aware that from my very birth I always considered myself a girl? All the external signs are with me, and my figure is definitely female. So, there is nothing strange in this.
241More importantly, her face is becoming more and more sinister. It’s immediately obvious that she was up to something bad. Can you wait a little ...
242
243- Hey, listen here, guys, here the girl is looking for a boyfriend!
244- S-Samluk!
245
246But my cry can no longer change anything, and men are starting to crowd around our table.
247Low and tall, thick and thin, bald and unshaven - men, men, men, men, all colors and sizes!
248All drunk and with creepy eyes. And anyway, what have the old people forgotten here ?!
249
250- She says that at work, her conditions are worse than ever, she’s never even been allowed to go on a date! So, maybe, instead of rewarding, you show her how to do it?
251- Ohhhhhhh !!
252
253From all sides at once there is an explosion of joyful exclamations resembling a furious howl ... Wait a minute, is Father Reilly here? What did you come up with? But what about the memory of your wife?
254Men ... What bastards you are!
255
256- In general, the price of the issue is a thousand asters. If you want to participate - pay and confess Quinn love one at a time. Whoever makes the best recognition will get a unique opportunity to take her out on a date! Do not be afraid, she certainly will not refuse anyone!
257
258Samluk ... You have no forgiveness. My whole nature tells me that you are a fiend of evil.
259
260- N-Number One, the blacksmith Ahmad, very nice!
261
262Then a storm descends upon me in waves of declarations of love, and since they obviously do not lie to me, I can’t let their words
263slip through my ears, I seriously listen to them ... I curse and despise Samluk, who grabbed my sides, but genuine gratitude and affection for the honor ...
264
265Well, that is, I really lack the experience of dating, and as a result, a ten-year-old boy leads me to it.
266At the same time, Reilly has been looking at us unkindly all this time. Is this really so?
267How difficult it is ... Girls also have a hard time.
268
26944
270So another two days passed.
271Since I have to make sure that Samluk will be taken away without incident, I spent them helping to rebuild the village and talking with the locals.
272
273On the third day ... as before, help did not come. I began to worry that they were delaying, again sent my “voice” to the holy kingdom and continued to wait.
274
275On the fourth day ... my suspicions grew into confidence. When Samluk decided to kill time and walk, it turned out that she could not go outside the village. This turned out to be true: if you leave the north, then you enter from the south, and if you exit from the west, you enter from the east. In other words, the space is enclosed in a loop, and we are convinced that we are locked in the village and its environs.
276
277Any explanation for this, except for the new Daeva, does not occur. The villagers themselves still do not notice any changes, and we did not begin to tell them, including in order to avoid panic. Samluk and I don’t know where and when they can attack us, so we continued to maintain external good nature, without losing our vigilance.
278
279Perhaps the most patient will win. We can no longer leave the village - neither physically nor mentally.
280In this state, we met the fifth day ... The seventh day after the battle with the daeva was the day when the situation deteriorated sharply.
281
282“Hey, you're kidding.” What it is?!
283
284We are located in the elder’s house, in which we now live ... This is a rather large building, but not enough to get lost. And even more so not so that Samluk walking along the usual corridor could suddenly appear behind me.
285This time we cannot even leave the house, not like the village.
286
287- It's rubbish ... Apparently, they realized that we got them through?
288- Likely. Therefore, two assumptions can be made.
289
290We were either locked here so that we would not interfere with the attack on the villagers.
291Or someone is preparing for an attack that will eliminate us first.
292In general, the difference boils down to whether they decided to leave their favorite dish for later or to eat it first, and both options are equally likely.
293Regardless of their decision, we can only do one thing.
294
295- Get out of here, Quinn - of course, it's a pity the owner of the house, but nothing can be done!
296- It will be done, try.
297
298I nod and try to punch out with Samluk. However, another corridor turns out to be behind the corridor, and no matter how much we try, which way we are not going, nothing changes.
299We do not even find a single window. Needless to say, in vain labor pretty exhausting us. Even if we still have enough strength, the heart is already starting to get tired. This is especially noticeable in the straightforward Samluk, which in this literally hopeless situation quickly breaks down.
300
301- Aw, damn it! Nothing infuriates me like that! If you are going to fight, come out and don’t drag the tires!
302
303Only silence answers her cry; the estate continues to be silent, like a cemetery. I really can’t really look into the consciousness of people from the outside, which means that in this sense we are also locked here.
304I'm starting to worry too. If we are still not even going to attack us, it is likely that the enemy targets are village ones. We have no right to hesitate for a second.
305
306“Quinn, is there a plan?”
307“For now, let's get back.” If we do not look at the problem from the other side, nothing will change.
308- BUT? Ah, it’s clear when you can’t push, you have to pull?
309
310Since we will not solve the problem by forceful methods, perhaps we will find out something if we try to retreat. It often happens that it is the least obvious solution that turns out to be the best way to get out of the situation.
311I suggested this because I trusted my cold calculation, but the effect is exactly the opposite.
312
313“Yes, you are kidding me ... And now what do you command me to do?”
314
315We return to where we came from, that is, to our room, and this time we find ourselves locked in it. First, the neighborhood of the village, then the estate of the elder, now the room - the territory accessible to us, is narrowing and narrowing.
316As long as we don’t go and run, we cannot approach the exit of the room — not even reach the doorknob. A ten by ten meter square room is now the whole world that is open to us.
317Perhaps if we resist here, the next time we will be locked up already in the toilet or in the closet.
318Dead end ... Now that we have exhausted all the options available to us, I feel overwhelmed with guilt.
319
320- Excuse me ... I acted hastily. I didn’t think that everything would be so complicated.
321- Come on, it's not your fault. And in general, now you can’t help with tears.
322
323She may be right, but no reason for optimism comes to mind. Whatever you say, we are losing more and more precious time and can only endure, despite our nerves ...
324Therefore, when we suddenly hear light, rhythmic sounds, we look up at once.
325
326- Who is it?..
327
328A knock ... Outside there is someone who is knocking on a door and about to enter. Samluk's eyes light up with an unkind light, and I prepare for battle with her.
329
330- I asked who you are! Answer me!
331
332Instead of answering, the doorknob turns. The door creaks open and appears before us ...
333
334“Quinn, I brought breakfast!”
335“Re ... Reilly?”
336
337A completely unexpected, but definitely real, cute girl with a smile on her face.
338
339- Don’t come in - stand where you are!
340
341In the voice of Samluk, metal is heard. Reilly, with an astonished look, stands still, and I carefully look at her.
342
343- I repeat. Do not come in ... and do not leave the place.
344
345Samluk's voice is surprisingly quiet, as if she was lecturing Reilly, which is why she was about to cry. I'm at least trying to somehow calm her down.
346At first glance, nothing strange happened with Reilly. As she said, in her hands is a tray with breakfast, over which warm steam rises.
347We see her every morning from the very day of the banquet. Judging by the food, it seems that everything is still calm in the village ... But if so, what happens to us? How to explain this?
348
349“Thank you for your care, Reilly.” What is breakfast for today?
350- Mm, well, fish soup with potatoes and a bun. I helped cook a little ... Will you not?
351“What are you, it looks very tasty, we will eat with pleasure.” Just ...
352- Put the tray on the floor and push it in our direction. I understand it sounds like nonsense, but don’t be afraid. This is such a game.
353- True?
354
355I nod in silence. I don’t know why, but now Reilly is not affected by the phenomenon that has covered the estate. So, until we understand what’s the matter, she shouldn’t go into the room. After all, she may be in the same position as us.
356With a hard-to-see expression on her face, Reilly puts the tray on the floor and pushes it, as she was told. The drops of slightly spilled soup are painfully realistic, and I cannot take my eyes off them.
357
358- And what kind of game is this? May I come with you?
359- Of course, we do not mind. To do this, you need to go through the initiation ceremony and answer a few questions. What is the matter with your father?
360- He is fine. Said he went to the field.
361- And Mr. Smith?
362- Probably chopping wood.
363“Then where is the elder?”
364“I think he's reading a book in that room.”
365“I see, what about Umar?”
366
367This is the name of the boy I went on a date with and who Reilly likes. Hearing his name, the girl suddenly stumbles and looks away.
368
369- I will not say. You can't play with him.
370“How strict you are.” From what?
371- It doesn’t matter, it’s just impossible!
372
373Still, Reilly behaves as usual. I intentionally led her to the manifestation of emotions, but as a result I do not see any deviations from the norm and I understand that she does not lie.
374At the same time, I was able to check through the state of Reilly the state and location of the other people I mentioned.
375So ...
376
377“Samluk, perhaps we can get out of here with Reilly.”
378- Seriously?
379- Yes. True, this is risky ...
380
381I turn to a whisper. I was able to establish through Reilly a connection with the outside world, which means it is very likely that we can leave this place by holding her hand.
382However, in this case, there is a high probability that we will endanger Reilly. We thought that since the enemy did not attack us directly, he chose the villagers as his target, but in reality, everything is different. Their true purpose is our captivity.
383
384- Most likely, this daeva is not sure that he will defeat us in the battle. If so, is it possible that he holds us here until reinforcements arrive?
385“So the locals are his hostages?” Even the last wimp will easily deal with them, so if we throw something wrong ...
386- This is very dangerous. What should we do?
387
388I pronounce it in the form of a question, but I am almost sure of the answer. I understand that Samluk will probably decide to act, and I along with her. As a rule, you should never lose initiative, besides, from the very beginning we were not eager to sit under the supervision of the enemy.
389Yes, it’s risky, but we have to do it. We will definitely protect the villagers.
390
391“Uh, why are you whispering? ..
392” “Ah, nothing like that. We just think it’s time for us to return.
393- BUT? Are you leaving already?
394“Yes, no matter how much we want to stay, we cannot abuse your hospitality ... By the way, Reilly, we wanted to ask you something ...
395” “... No!”
396
397Sensing a sharp rejection in my mind, I involuntarily recoil. She is still a child ... I was more or less ready to have to reassure her, but I did not expect this.
398Samluk next to me also froze with wide eyes.
399
400- Why do you say that? You said, we are friends. Are you lying?
401“I didn't lie.” Just ...
402- No, no ... You will live here! Will be with us all the time!
403“Well, it's a little too much ... You see?”
404- I do not understand!
405
406Reilly shakes her head fiercely, not even wanting to listen. This can be called a tantrum, but it feels sincerity and seriousness, which can not be attributed to a children's whim.
407Perhaps the fact is that she is a child. A strong, earnest supplication requiring a salvation voice that speaks to me of its purity.
408This is nothing but an expression of deep sadness.
409
410- Mom is not, dad is hard, and the rest was sad ... Every day, every day I was lonely and hurt.
411
412The tears that had come to them earlier began to flow from Reilly's eyes. The chest compresses the feeling of uneasiness, loneliness and horror ... Surely, these other villagers share these feelings overwhelming the small body.
413Helpless people who are threatened by Daeva attacks always ask for help. They pray that a miracle will descend on them. It is precisely because we understand this that the Yazats do not remain anywhere for long.
414However, I find it difficult to say whether this logic is applicable to it. After all, our weakness is to blame, and I have no answer that I could give with pride.
415
416“But then you came, and it got better.” It became fun for everyone, everyone laughs, they know everything will be fine ... But will you leave anyway? Will we have to become as before?
417I do not want. Stay with us forever, protect us ...
418- Quinn ...
419
420Samluk is looking at me uneasily. I can guess what she’s thinking, without even looking into her consciousness.
421I am a tool. Designed to obey other people's prayers. Does this mean that I can’t go against the unclear will of the girl standing in front of me? ..
422This inspires some fear, doesn’t it? But alas, this is not so.
423
424“I'm sorry, but I can't, Reilly.” The orders given to me have priorities.
425
426In order to fulfill more important prayers, I am forgiven for neglecting less important ones.
427That is why I did not die the time I nearly broke the Vow before Marsarion.
428
429- If desires slightly contradict each other, I can fulfill several at once. However, if this is not the case, I give priority to a stronger desire.
430- ... What are you talking about? I don't get it, Quinn.
431“I'm not saying at all that you or the rest of the villagers don't matter.” However, this time your opponent is too angry.
432
433My experience allows me to feel the difference in the strength of desires. So far, I make a choice subconsciously and cannot express it in words or numbers, but I understand that this difference definitely exists.
434At the moment, the main of the orders given to me is the one that I received from my father ... In other words, the search for a miracle.
435This is followed by the authority of the sacred kingdom, the oath taken before his majesty Svirios ... and also in some sense the order of Marsarion, which differs from the usual one.
436
437All this time, my father and His Majesty Svirios tell me not to stop. They say to continue their function of a "universal" tool in the battle between good and evil.
438This desire, this willpower, is on a qualitatively different level. A kind of curse, determination, loyalty, which someone can call madness ...
439Indeed, the desire of Reilly or other residents is strong, but they have to compete with the king of evil and His Holiness Majesty. They simply cannot fit between them, and therefore Quinn cannot belong only to this village.
440
441“I see, that’s why you were at that time ...”
442
443Samluk does not need to be negotiated so that I understand that she guessed, and yet I would like to keep this a secret. Using the order of His Holiness Majesty for my own purposes, I betrayed his trust, and therefore had to die on the spot.
444However, thanks to my father’s order to collect miracles, I survived, and having received an order from Marsarion, I was finally pardoned. In other words, the prayers of the king of evil and the frantic blade turned out to be stronger than his most holy Majesty.
445I can’t make this public. This will certainly become a problem, and if something goes wrong, it can adversely affect the overall fighting spirit.
446
447“Reilly ... To fulfill your order, I have to tear.” Therefore, I cannot do this. Forgive me.
448- How so...
449
450Even though I did not reveal all my circumstances, I clearly express my own disobedience. Despair is seen in Reilly's eyes, and a heavy guilt comes over me.
451This contradiction does not seem so scary to me. Precisely because they are powerless, they cry for salvation, and that is why we answer their call and fulfill our duty. We insist that weakness should not lead to unhappiness, and hold out our hands to them - and yet push them away, tell them that we cannot obey them, because they are too weak ... What an absurdity. Perhaps for Reilly, the likes of me are the worst of all evils.
452I can’t help but be ashamed, but I admit it as a well-deserved punishment ... I think that I will humbly accept any reproaches from the girl, when suddenly ...
453
454“Did I pray in vain every day?” Does God really want to say that he doesn’t care what will happen to us?
455- God?..
456
457I can’t understand why she suddenly used this word, and involuntarily repeat after her. I betrayed Reilly's expectations, no god has anything to do with it.
458Even assuming that she used it in its direct meaning, for some reason it still haunts me. Wait a minute, but in this village they practice some kind of religion?
459
460- Reilly, what a god ...
461
462Perhaps I am only missing out on something important and misunderstood everything. Without coming up with any concrete way to calm down, I decide that I need to ask her at least something ...
463But the very next moment, a steel blade is pulled from Reilly’s chest, and at first I can’t understand what’s going on.
464
465- BUT?..
466
467Reilly is stunned no less than me. She is not aware of the significance of the object that suddenly emerged from it, as well as the red liquid that covered it.
468
469- Ah ... Kh, kha!
470
471A small, flower-like mouth overflows with blood. Reilly to the last does not know what happened to her, and the light in her eyes goes out.
472Then the sword slides out of its motionless body with extraordinary ease. Behind the floor, irrigated with his blood, Reilly, outside the door of the room, there is a sinister aura radiating from head to toe, covered in terrible armor by a knight.
473
474- Can not be...
475
476Why did you do that, Magsarion?
477
478- ... Cattle !!
479
480Samluk screams out of place, but as before, he cannot reach the door. Of course, the same is true for her fist - perhaps even a voice, anger, whatever.
481So Marsarion stands calmly and naturally. As if he says that he did something for granted.
482
483- Are you not a jerk ?! Why are you her, such a little thing ?! I will not forgive, you see, bitch!
484
485Samluk burns with righteous anger and does not stop. Spits on the fact that they are separated by an infinite distance, and continues to run and rave.
486This is true for me. I do not understand Marsarion. I can’t accept that Reilly was supposed to die.
487This is unforgivable. I have no forgiveness for the fact that I still can not do anything.
488
489“I was about to receive you!” Recognize in you an ally, the same as me ... But why ?! What have you done?! Do not stand a pillar, answer!
490- Ally?
491
492However, her voice answers, which is colder than anything. Neither mockery nor pity is heard in him; an almost comical denial, which as if sincerely does not understand either the feelings or the logic of Samluk.
493Rather, he speaks in such a tone as if he is driving away an annoying fly.
494
495- A naive fool. They do not exist for me.
496- Wait, hey ... Well, stand, you bastard!
497
498Not listening to her screams, Magsarion turns around and leaves. Only we and the remains of Reilly remain in the room, and we can only observe how her blood spreads across the floor. We still can’t get out - we can’t even hug and turn Reilly, who is lying face down, and put her body in order.
499It feels like we are playing the role of scenery in a cheap play. A sense of isolation, when we can’t do anything, but they don’t expect anything from us. It is as if everything in the world is ignoring us while we are just standing; ordinary rubbish unworthy of even a secondary role.
500
501However, even if this is true, even if it is better for us to continue to remain in the background, or that we have even been saved, we cannot continue to sit here idly by.
502Until we become convinced of the true state of affairs, until we understand what is happening, we will run the same road again and again.
503After all, this is the only thing in which we can be firmly convinced ...
504
505“Let's go, Quinn, we need to get out of here, whatever the cost.”
506
507We are trying to escape, trying all the ways that only come to mind. We run, break, dig, jump - wherever we are locked, even if we don’t see any progress, we resist, resist, resist, resist again and again tirelessly, without stopping continuing a series of trial and error.
508In the process, changes begin to occur. The sound from a broken wall is already different. The room we fall into looks the same, but it smells different. The longer we run, the closer Reilly; a little more, and we reach it, we can touch it.
509
510When our shoes finally enter the bloodstream, what can be called Reilly’s last thoughts runs through my mind.
511Ah, it's ... Really ...
512
513“Finally got out ... I'm off, Quinn!”
514
515Reaching the door Samluk quickly says goodbye and runs out of the room in all the winds. I look after her, after which I kneel down in front of Railay and take her in my arms.
516Still warm, soft remains of the girl ... I erase the blood adhering to her face and close her eyes.
517And then I say as if I have to squeeze every word out of me.
518
519- ...Forgive me. Your death was my fault.
520
521Everything just finally came together in the big picture. I got it all too late.
522Mysterious daeva, time after time reborn from the dead.
523A sudden appearance out of nowhere that does not fit in with his strength.
524Magsarion said that it is necessary to destroy the source. I should have noticed then.
525After all, if I noticed, perhaps all of this could have been avoided.
526
527“There is no god, Reilly.” There is only the Avesta ... Only the truth that is given to us to end this battle.
528
529Therefore, I need a miracle, I am looking for it, I want to create it. In this sense, there is no difference between me and Reilly.
530The only thing is that since there is no god anywhere to offer prayers, it needs to be created. The fact that this belief led to a similar result did not occur at all because of their malicious intent or helplessness.
531
532- My business is not finished. Your sacrifice will not be in vain.
533
534Today's events will become an integral part of the “universal prayers” that will someday give rise to the divine blade of a miracle.
535No, they owe it to her.
536I swear it again, get up and leave the room.
537
538“I will never forgive you.” Whatever happens, for nothing.
539
540Leaving the estate, I see how Marsarion and Samluk are standing opposite each other in the middle of the square.
541The first is covered in blood; the second is pale due to excessive anger, but at the same time he speaks frighteningly quietly.
542
543Around them towering mountains of bodies. I know every face, I remember their voices and names, but they are no longer destined to open their mouths.
544Old men and children, men and women, all are killed ... Marsarion, who destroyed all the villagers, is still calm. Samluk cannot forgive this.
545As if not wanting to further dirty herself with unnecessary words, she silently takes out a dagger. Then he plunges it sharply into his stomach ...
546
547- You are dead.
548
549Crimson morale heralds the start of a battle between the Yazat.
550
551I do not say anything, not even trying to interfere between them, I watch their skirmish for a while, and then leave.
552It's not about the Vow or anything like that. I understand Samluk’s anger, and even I can agree with the logic of Marsarion’s action.
553I just don’t think they need to be stopped. Let both do as they see fit, and I will do what I consider necessary myself.
554
555Ignoring the clanging from behind and the random consequences of the battle, I walk through the empty village. I already have some idea where to go, because I stayed there for a long time, so doubts are inappropriate.
556So I soon find this. Reilly’s room in her house ... On a pedestal that the unfortunate girl must have been decorating for a long time, a quaint object rests.
557
558I wonder why she never invited me to her room? Though belatedly, but I can not help but regret it. Perhaps if she showed me this "god" in advance, I could immediately tell her that this is wrong.
559
560However, the cold-blooded part of me understands that such imaginary scenarios are inevitable.
561
562Reilly probably believed that we came thanks to the "god", and therefore thought that he would not bring as much benefit if we saw him. Or maybe she unknowingly felt guilty.
563And whatever the truth, we did not notice this until Marsarion arrived. The whole tragedy of this village is limited to this.
564
565Always, under any circumstances, Magsarion runs nonstop along the shortest path. A man who achieves his goal faster and more efficiently than anyone, without a shadow of doubt, cracking down on all the enemies on the way ... At least, as far as I know, his fangs and scent will never lose prey. Even if as a result someone has to sacrifice.
566
567“Do you really hate them so much?” What happened to you ...
568
569No matter how much I whisper, no one will give me an answer. His hatred is too strong, too deep to understand what is behind it. No, it’s quite possible that there’s nothing at all behind her.
570He is only devoted to the Avesta with all his nature ... I remember that this is exactly what one comrade told me. Oddly enough, everything may be just like that, but in this case he will never find peace ...
571
572I shake my head, driving away unnecessary thoughts, and pick up the "god" standing in front of me. It is light and small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, and its appearance could really attract the attention of the child. I don’t know if he thought it through so much in detail, but in a sense what happened was inevitable.
573I, too, was attached to Reilly. Maybe because we are “relatives”.
574With a guilty sigh, I am returning to the same road I came with, with a "god" in my hands.
575
576- That's the reason for all the troubles. Apparently, Rayleigh picked him up somewhere.
577
578Marsarion and Samluk are still fighting, even after exchanging dozens of attacks. I stand between them and lay on the earth of God - no, a witchcraft item.
579
580“It's definitely a father's child.” It looks like he can create daevas. And the recent battle, and the current loop, perhaps much more before that - he did all this, using the thoughts of the villagers as fuel. Am I right, Marsarion?
581
582The frantic warrior does not answer. Instead, Samluk's bulging eyes cast his voice.
583
584“I mean, Quinn? .. What are you talking about?” Explain yourself.
585“I just did it.” We were able to go outside only because the source of power that the villagers were gone had disappeared.
586
587Therefore, we must be grateful to Marsarion. Samluk is unlikely to agree to this, but such are the facts.
588The notorious item ... you can probably describe how reasonable mercury or magnetic fluid. The silvery body lying on a pedestal even now continues to change shape with a staggering speed, like a kaleidoscope. A sphere, a cylinder, a cone, a cube, a dodecahedron, a triacisktahedron - with each change, it pulsates like a heart.
589Because it is really alive. With the help of food, which is served by "universal prayers", he creates the Daevas corresponding to them.
590
591- In other words, it is a fulfilling god. They wanted the Yazats to come, and when they arrived, they wanted to keep them here ... Everything went exactly according to the desires of the villagers. Even if they are painfully monotonous.
592
593Therefore, even if it is a god, then this god should be called black. His evil nature affects all of his “gifts,” and because of the superficial knowledge of the Avesta, the villagers did not realize his danger.
594In fact, even the purest and most immaculate prayers this artifact performs in an unkind way ... It brings misfortune to a hundred to make one happy.
595He would not endanger the villagers, who were some kind of carriers of this parasite, but did not show pity to the rest. I will not forget that in a recent battle three cities were destroyed.
596And yet, somehow, only this village managed to avoid any damage. Their desires and peace were ensured by abundant bloodshed, and if no one had stopped them, there would surely be more and more victims.
597
598“Therefore, Magsarion said that the source must be destroyed.” Most likely, before we arrived at the place, he had already defeated the Daeva many times. But since it revived each time, he realized that the core was somewhere else, and began his investigation.
599
600So we came to the current situation. He was convinced that this village was behind everything, and chose the method that would bring the least grief.
601Killing all the inhabitants, he deprived the god of food. I think he killed Reilly the first because he realized that it was she who started everything. All that remains is to destroy the black god, and the careful plan of Marsarion will be fulfilled.
602Yes, but I can’t call it thorough. If you close your eyes to the pangs of conscience, there was no better way to settle the situation.
603
604- N-but local people are not to blame for anything. They didn’t know, so there was killing them ...
605- Could you say the same to those who died through their fault, Samluk?
606- ... Kh, well ...
607
608I understand what she wants to say. I understand, therefore I want her to say nothing more.
609No, so I don’t have to say anything.
610
611“Indeed, you are right, maybe they killed people themselves without knowing it.”
612But is this not a reason to keep them alive so that they atone for their guilt? After all, you killed everyone who was involved in this. There is no one left ... And it seems normal to you ?! You could just immediately break this rubbish!
613
614Exactly. I think the same.
615If I understood everything faster than Marsarion, I would destroy the black god without delay.
616However, this cannot be called a “final decision”. Marsarion would have considered him too naive, and although I do not want to either voice or hear his logic, I want to at least somehow convey it to Samluk.
617
618- As long as the source remains, the destruction of the black god is difficult. That daeva was also practically immortal, and just as he rose from the dead time after time ...
619- Shut up, you were not asked.
620
621Magsarion’s voice cuts short my half-word comparison. So much disgust is embedded in his order that I lose the opportunity to say anything.
622
623“It doesn't matter if there is an artifact or not.” People like them will always repeat the same thing.
624
625His voice seems to creep along the ground, desecrating the corpses of villagers lying on top of each other. As if he wants to destroy them completely, to deprive them of even hope for an afterlife.
626
627“These are chicks who can only sit and wait for food, their mouths open.” When they receive it, they consider it completely natural and do not stop demanding it yet. And if they are dissatisfied with the offerings, then they immediately begin to hate the whole white world. They can even make the gate collapse.
628- ...
629
630That's what it comes down to.
631The fall gate is a phenomenon in which an individual changes his own side.
632In other words, ashaavan becomes drujavant, and drujavant becomes asavan.
633
634There are several theories regarding its causes; someone believes that he is caused by intense anger or despair, but it will be more accurate to say that almost nothing is known about him.
635In the end, this happens extremely rarely. Over the course of history, only a few have undergone it, and by now this is more likely considered a children's fairy tale.
636Therefore, consider it as one of the risks, perhaps too much. However, it is impossible to call the probability zero, and therefore Marsarion approaches this with all care.
637He killed everyone, leaving no chance of a mistake, and thereby ended it.
638
639- You moron ...
640
641In the wilted Samluk, there is less and less anger. He did not disappear at all, but now a different feeling is growing in her.
642
643“It was you who fell below everyone here, Marsarion.” That you hate everything and everything.
644
645Pity, sadness, guilt ... All that I feel now.
646
647“I have no idea why you don’t want to forgive anyone, but my Avesta still tells me that you are an ally ... So, oh, shit!
648- Samluk?
649
650Turning her back to me, she looks up at the sky and exhales tiredly.
651
652“Okay, I get it, Quinn.” If we need to finish your daddy, we need every yazat, I even understand that ... But anyway!
653
654Samluk turns around again and stares intently at Marsarion.
655
656- Do not think anything, I still have not forgiven you. We will continue when we deal with everything else.
657
658Perhaps this can be called a suitable conclusion to the current situation. There is still a deep gap between them, but we managed to avoid unnecessary disorder in the ranks.
659Samluk stretches out and leaves, possibly in order to cool his head. I look after her, after which I turn to Marsarion. As expected, he stands in the midst of mountains of corpses and rivers of blood, as if nothing had happened.
660
661Magsarion said he has no allies. Does this mean that he needs only enemies? Even when they told him that he had fallen, he looked as if these words had not touched him in any way.
662He is like heartlessness and ruthlessness itself ... No matter what he does, whatever happens to him, he feels neither regret nor pity.
663
664It is easy to imagine that as a result he will have no one left, just as Samluk said.
665If he continues to walk through this hell on earth, Marsarion will sooner or later be left alone in the middle of a scorched wasteland, just like today ...
666
667I still don't know if I want to stop him or watch him to the end.
668And precisely because I do not know this, I cannot leave this dangerous man.
669
670“I will also return to the holy kingdom.” The feathers are over.
671- Well, you really help us out. However, Marsarion, would you like to bury the villagers?
672- Do whatever you want.
673
674Every time I talk to him, something is obsessively aching inside me. This is a kind of foggy, dreamlike, unreliable feeling ... but it seems to me as if I met him in a past life, as if we exchanged something.
675
676“But destroy it first.”
677- Understand.
678
679I put this vague memory aside as an order whose priority cannot be determined. So, he is unlikely to somehow limit my freedom of action.
680However, if he sooner or later breaks this balance, should I wait for this day or try to delay it?
681Having not decided what to think, I proceed to a more urgent mission and destroy the god of the village.
682
683My surprisingly fragile brother easily breaks and disappears. Of course, in the subject that no longer contains anyone's prayers, there is no longer any value or meaning.
684If the good loses, the same fate will overtake me. All the prayers that I have collected will disappear in exactly the same way.
685And therefore, I believe that I must win.