Through the Looking Glass 2 fb2. Snape's invisible friend
When the hager landed on the terrace, it became clear that it was time to make some adjustments to my plans. The baby has wings. And he himself became, almost twice as large. Now we can fly!
Having gone through the game forum - I saw the light. It turns out that Gavryusha is the first flyer in the Looking Glass. No, no ... The game system assumed the presence of flying mounts: all sorts of wyverns, dragons, eagles, manticores ... Only now they belonged to the category of relics and, judging by the sluggish discussions on the forum, they were an unknown quantity that will make itself felt in the distant future. Looks like I'm pretty ahead of the curve.
In addition to physical changes, Gavryusha acquired one skill, succinctly called "Flight" and one characteristic - "Endurance", in front of which the number ten flaunted. With this value, everything seems to be clear. Endurance is something like my vein”, the presence of which determines the speed of energy regeneration. "Satiety", by the way, has grown to a thousand units. The level and damage lonely reflected zero. In general, until I gain experience in battles, neither Scamp nor Gavryusha will be able to grow in levels. A vicious circle, but the "flight" of the hager changes a lot.
Having opened the skill branch, I was slightly disappointed. All slots are darkened, plus small locks hang. The description is only for Flight”, the use of which will increase the speed of the hager by thirty percent and this pleasure will cost fifteen units of satiety” every minute. In general, Gavryusha's own energy reserve will be enough for an hour and a half. If we take into account synchronization, then we can increase the flight time quite impressively. True, all this will come out sideways to the rider, but I already had some outlines of a solution to this problem. We'll have to fork out, but I think the game is worth the candle.
The first item on the new list was the Riding skill. Without it, you can forget about flights and moving. Having studied the relevant section on the information portal, I came to the conclusion that this skill is just one of the many tools for extracting gold from players.
Did you get the mount amulet? Please pay for the skill.
Of course, on official page it looked different...
Skill Name: Riding. - Restrictions: No.
Description:
Not a single warrior in the Looking Glass will refuse a powerful ally and a fast steed. He will never betray in battle. Won't run and won't back down. With the science of riding, Rotim will help you figure it out. Thanks to his experience, you will turn into a great rider.
The pleasure was worth five hundred gold coins.
According to the description, mentor Rotim lives in the outskirts of the Tal steppe in the village of Tikog. You have to make several passes to get there. Nothing. I'll take a walk. As soon as I finish in the mine and hand over the task to the magician, I will immediately hit the road. I'm going to change the scene. The rainy weather is already...
Come on, uncle! Get off to the side!
A hefty level ninety raggh lane like a huge armored tank. Hmm ... Still, representatives of this race in armor look spectacular. Trembling over the body.
I quickly jump to the side before they crush me.
Listen man. and what are you doing here?
I turn around. Level seventy duend. The whole is hung with bone amulets, threads, multi-colored ribbons. Apparently, some kind of witchcraft class. Although, if there were jesters in the game, this duend would undoubtedly fit.
What do you have in mind? I wonder.
The Grayskin frowned.
I ask: what are you doing here? You are zero.
Ah, yes, of course, I answer. - Is, as you put it "zero", it is forbidden to appear here?
No, it's not forbidden, - the duend shakes his head. - But what's the point?
I must notice in the Looking Glass there are a great many guys like this comrade. They always need the most. They can't live without sticking their nose in other people's business. Laugh. Criticize. gloat. Insert a stupid comment into a discussion about a topic they don't quite understand. Then be rude if you do not agree with their ignorant point of view. As a rule, such people do little of their own mental development. And surprisingly, they are constantly trying to stick out ignorance.
Looks like this is the one I got. I will say goodbye.
You know... hmm... Drox, I've got to go. Good luck with your game!
I turn around and step into the wide courtyard. Behind me I hear only a malicious muttering and a malicious chuckle. After a moment, I already forget about the annoying duende. What I saw before my eyes was amazing!
Yard is an understatement. A huge playground the size of a football field, only instead of grass - sand.
There are at least a hundred players. But it wasn't that that struck... The mounts! It feels like all the mounts of the Looking Glass were brought here! but I don't see the worker. I think the riding instructor is not the most popular NPC for accounts like mine. Okay, go ahead.
I walk on the sand and look puzzled at the local zoo. There are no animals here. Diverse reptiles, large and small hoofed cattle, but the vast majority are felines.
O! And that beast over there, I think I've already seen it. Not live, only in the picture, but I saw it. What is it called there? Hmm ... I remembered! Long-tailed Jandai! A battle mount, the amulet of which can be purchased by raising the reputation of the Stone Lotus Bloodline. Hmm ... A mountain of muscles. Live, he looks menacing. True, the size is still inferior to Kuzma. Looking around, I understand that Sanych's tractor can rightfully claim the title of a super-giant through the Looking Glass.
To my beloved wife...
Chapter 1
You see, Oleg Ivanovich, our bank does not see you as a potential payer, - the clerk looks into his eyes with false sympathy. A drop of sweat trickles down his round, clean-shaven cheek. Plump pink lips are artificially stretched into an obsequious smile. A virgin white hand, probably holding nothing heavier than a fork, now and then straightens the wide knot of his tie. The presence of knuckles on the cam is not visible even in a compressed state.
Am I careful with payments?
There is always an amount on the account, my wife and I call it “the last patron”, no matter what happens, this money should BE. The first day of the month is a nosebleed, but the bank will get its due.
What do you! - chubby palms shot up. - To each client such punctuality.
So what's the deal? - I touch the bridge of my nose with my index finger, trying to correct non-existent glasses.
Habit. The glasses came to an end two weeks ago. I fainted that day. For the first time in my life. No, I'm not sick. The doctor said exhaustion of the body. The nervous system is shattered. Insomnia. There is something from. And the fact that he broke his glasses ... It's a pity, of course, but what can you do. Now you have to constantly squint. There is no extra money to buy new ones. Everything goes to the treatment of her daughter ...
You see, the amount that you are asking for, plus what you already owe us, cannot be returned to you. Even if you have three more lives left... You no longer have real estate. There are no guarantor relatives either. The salary is below average. Wife, sorry, unemployed ...
The fluffy clerk suddenly stopped short and blushed deeply. Apparently, something unkind flashed in my eyes. I took a deep breath, calming down… I looked away.
Now I just didn’t have enough to break loose and ruin everything ... This loan is very important for us. Or rather, for my daughter.
It all started with a barely audible heart murmur. The doctor then reassured me, saying that at the age of three this is quite acceptable. Will outgrow. She didn’t outgrow… Christina is six, and her second heart is dying… Native burned down literally in a year.
The money for the transplant was collected quickly. Sold an apartment and a house in the village. Quietly, so that no one could see us, we were jumping for joy when we found out that there was a donor heart. Maybe someone will judge me. After all, if there is a heart, then someone's child has died. Anyone who has not sat by the bed of a dying daughter will never understand me. I don't care about other people's opinions or opinions. The main thing is that Christina lives ...
The operation was done in Germany. Top clinic, professional doctors. The doctor assured that if the heart takes root, the girl will live happily ever after. And we, with tears of happiness in our eyes, believed. Throughout the year, our faith gradually grew, took root. Krista got stronger, already stopped suffocating. The nails didn't turn blue. She's strong for me! The doctors kept saying that the young organism would overcome the disease… But the trouble returned…
Chronic rejection… As we were told, the problem is in the blood.
My child had a complete heart prosthesis implanted. With a ten-kilogram battery that had to be recharged every twelve hours. We were told that this device is a breakthrough in medicine. Temporary measure. Until another donor heart is found... If there is...
We waited a week, and then Dr. Klaus came to us. He explained that we are on the so-called "risk list". In other words, we were blacklisted... Christina's body did not accept the first donor heart, which lowered our name to the very end of the transplantation queue.
I remember the pain and tears in the eyes of Sveta, my wife. Her gaze said, "Is that all?" Pale lips automatically count the number of extrasystoles of the loudly ticking prosthesis in Christina's chest. We were warned: patients who underwent such surgical operations are subject to a psychopathological syndrome. But in our case, Christina absolutely normally perceived the slight vibration and ticking of the prosthesis. She also tried to joke that she had a bomb in her chest. But Sveta got "infected". Not even half an hour passed without her checking the battery charge, the wire connection. She hardly slept at night, listening to the beating of a mechanical heart. And already in the morning, when the medical staff appeared, to the noise of the TV, she forgot herself in a restless sleep, putting her hand on her daughter's chest.
After finishing his explanation, Dr. Klaus was in no hurry to leave. Is there hope? We both drew close like two hyenas ready to pounce. He began to speak. With every word, her eyes brightened. It turned out that in one of the laboratories in Japan two years ago, in the course of a successful experiment, a real living heart was grown and, what is very important, it was in this clinic in Germany, namely by Dr. Klaus, that it was successfully implanted. The DNA of the patient was taken as a basis, in our case - the ideal solution.
The Japanese performed a miracle. Exactly the miracle we needed... The doctor talked for a long time, describing the whole process. And we tenderly listened to him, already imagining how our baby would recover ...
We sank to the ground when it came to money. Dr. Klaus has already contacted the Japanese. From the stage of the "embryo" to a full-fledged organ, the process lasted about two months, plus or minus a week. Summing up the price for laboratory services, shipping, surgery, as well as the length of stay here in the clinic, well, taxes, where without them, the amount came out to be two hundred and twenty thousand euros. And this is taking into account discounts, both from the Japanese laboratory and from the Berlin clinic. By the way, later reading the price list, I found that the Germans and the Japanese divided the profits almost in half. It turned out that it cost a little more to grow a heart than to implant it.
Were we shocked when we heard the price? To be honest, no. We were happy. When Herr Klaus left, delicately giving us time to think, we hugged each other tightly and burst into tears. At that moment, I did not want to puzzle over where to get so much money. No. We were thinking about something else. Our girl will live! Not with a piece of iron in his chest, ticking like a time bomb. Not bedridden, but with a real living heart! She will live!
We signed a contract with the Germans on full hospital support. DNA samples were sent to the Japanese, but they agreed to start the process only after a money transfer of thirty-five thousand euros. They wanted fifty, but the Germans helped to negotiate. So, as soon as funds are received into the laboratory account, the heart will begin to grow ...
After signing all the papers and saying goodbye to my family, I flew back to my homeland. Infused with hope.
Sveta stayed in Germany in the clinic. We have exactly three weeks of money left. I had to hurry...
Oleg Ivanovich! Oleg Ivanovich! What's wrong with you? You feel bad? The plush clerk timidly touched my hand.
1Abstract
AU. Harry escapes the Dursleys and chooses Snape as his protector. It's amazing that no one but Snape sees the baby ... Completely edited!
World of Harry Potter: Harry Potter
Harry Potter, Severus Snape, Albus Dumbledore
Angst /AU /Drama || jen || PG-13
Size: maxi || Chapters: 11
Start: 06/27/07 || Last update: 29.06.08
Original language: English
Fanfiction name in original language: Snape's Invisible Friend
Translation Permission: Received
Snape's invisible friend
Congratulations! You have a boy!
Hide and Seek with Snape
Calm before the storm
Professor Snape's Madness
Trouble in Hogsmeade
And the truth will set you free
Smiling Snape? Horrible!
Terrible two years ... or is it five?
The rescue
Christmas at Hogwarts
Completion and New Beginning
Snape's invisible friend
Congratulations! You have a boy!
Severus Snape was happy. Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry was empty for the next four weeks. Four blessed weeks of solitude, when you can brew potions and read as much as your heart desires. Severus had been a Hogwarts teacher, teaching headless idiots for years; however, life used to be too hectic to give yourself a good rest.
His first year of teaching had been a terrible one, torn between classes, spying for Dumbledore and trying to maintain his cover at Death Eater meetings. Luckily, he didn't have to attend "revels," as Lucius Malfoy liked to call them. Snape's skill at making potions proved indispensable to the Dark Lord and far more important than bullying Muggles, and Severus' distaste for useless torture, let alone rape, was well known even before he became a Death Eater. He only joined Voldemort because he didn't have a choice. He was forced by his cruel and cold-blooded uncle, who took custody of the boy and his mother, after the mysterious death of Severus' father. The uncle threatened that he would kill his mother in front of him if only the young man tried to refuse the mark.
Severus had always hated Slytherin, hated the dark arts that his guardian forced him to learn. He had always envied the friendship that students from other faculties so easily made. Slytherins never had real friends, only the notion of a mutually beneficial alliance, easily destroyed if a more attractive alternative appeared. Therefore, in the sixth year, Snape soberly assessed the situation and turned to Dumbledore in the hope of his patronage, but instead the older wizard taught him Occlumency - the protection of consciousness - and gave him the opportunity to serve on the side of the Light as a spy. Severus also received something he never dreamed of - respect, care from a mentor and friend.
The duties of a Devourer, after receiving the mark on his seventeenth birthday, became minimal, and six years later Snape became a Potions Master. The following year, Dumbledore asked the old Potions teacher to leave his position, and Severus proved to be the perfect candidate to take his place. Voldemort, too, was pleased to have a spy close to the one wizard he feared. So Severus was relieved of the most heinous duties of a Death Eater. Then that fateful Halloween night, his second year of teaching, when the Potter boy threw the Lord out of his physical body with his magic.
Severus had no illusions, he knew all the dark rituals and potions that Voldemort used in his search for immortality, and he understood that the Lord did not give up so easily. He only hoped that no one would soon find a way to return the body to the evil spirit.
The rest of that and the next two years were hectic and dreadful - first he was put in Azkaban, and only Dumbledore's persistence and influence forced the Ministry to put on a fascinating performance called the trial. Severus is eventually found not guilty, but nightmare visions of Azkaban will likely haunt him long years.
Soon, the Death Eater trials were over. Of course, if you're rich enough or have powerful friends, it's easy to convince a jury that you were under the Imperius Curse.” Snape burst into a loud, barking laugh. "If Malfoy had been arrested in Death Eater robes with a couple of dead Muggles in his arms, the idiot Minister would still have let him escape justice!"
And now, almost three years after that night, the teachers felt safe enough to leave the castle for the summer holidays. Snape was left all alone for the next four weeks. Professor Sprout would show up once or twice a week for a few hours to visit his greenhouses, and that bludgeon Hagrid would live in his hut. And the Castle will be in full disposition Snape, well, except for hundreds of house elves, twenty eccentric ghosts, and countless wandering portraits.
Severus chose the ingredients with the utmost care and precision. He finally had time to work on a potion that would help the werewolf stay lucid during the full moon. Snape was terrified of werewolves to the core, apparently because that bastard uncle often threatened to leave him in the forest of Snape Manor on a full moon night if the boy misbehaved. And then, in his fifth year, that jerk Sirius Black sent him right into the jaws of a werewolf. Save you Merlin from these idiotic Gryffindors!
For several years, the Potions Master tried to find a way out and make werewolves safe for others, but due to other duties, there was no time to experiment. As a member of the Order of the Phoenix, he worked with Lupin for the last four years before the Dark Lord's overthrow, and soon came to respect the man. But still, despite all the arguments of reason, he continued to be afraid of him.
Severus lit a fire under his favorite cauldron, took out a new quill, parchment, and a full inkwell. So, Lycanthrope potion.. change date..
The kid knew he was hated, but he wasn't sure why. He saw that Dudley was loved, but he was not. He couldn't even tell if his name was Abnormal, Boy, or It: "What are we going to do with It when we go to the store?" or “What is It doing now?”
But no matter how he was called, his name was never pronounced in a soft, gentle voice, but always shouted out, spat out angrily or hissed.
The boy sat in a dark, smelly closet under the stairs and played. He spent a lot of time here in solitude and darkness, but about a year ago he discovered that if he concentrated properly, a bright luminous ball appeared in his hands, so since then he was not afraid to stay in the dark. The boy started stealing Dudley's old books (that slug wouldn't be bored without them), and now, at almost four years old, he could read them all, and in fact, he had already moved on to the magazines that his aunt threw away.
The kid knew he was almost four because Dudley had a birthday party tonight and he didn't. Sometimes Miss Figg could not look after him, and the aunt had to take the boy with her to the store. That's when he heard Aunt Petunia say to a neighbor: "Yes, it was her nephew - and then - Dudley and the Boy of the same age." So if Dudley is four years old, then he is about the same age.
The boy created a small glowing ball in his left hand, easily tossed it to his right, and lit another one in his left. He already managed to control four balls at once, and he was proud of his achievement. The boy learned a long time ago to make sure that neither sound nor light penetrated the outside, otherwise his aunt would have yelled at him, or, worse, his uncle would have punished him.
There had been no sound outside for a long time, apparently everyone had gone to the amusement park where his cousin was having a party. He didn't know what an "amusement park" was, the boy saw it only on the cards in Dudley's books and magazines, which he pulled out of the trash.
The kid knew that his aunt would soon be checking his closet, she did this about twice a year. He did not understand why, but he guessed that he must find a way to save his books.
The boy grimaced from the sharp pain below his back, he tried once again not to disturb the inflamed skin. The kid wished with all his heart that this fat lump, his cousin, quickly learned to do his business in a pot. For Eto, of course, cannot learn anything before their precious Dudley. Therefore, I was forced to wear a wet, smelly diaper, which my aunt changed only twice a day - in the morning and in the evening.
The boy knew perfectly well how to use the toilet, after all, it was not that difficult, but he could never use it while one of his relatives was in the house.
The child tried to distract himself from the pain and focus on a more pressing problem. He didn't want to return the books to Dudley's second bedroom, it would be too difficult to get in there and then take everything back. And he loved magazines so much, especially those that talked about food. Sometimes the boy wondered: what if he could taste something other than toast, celery and water? Occasionally he got overripe, almost black bananas, and sometimes old cheese and meat, but he never tried what is shown in the pictures.
Therefore, if he does not want to lose his things, but where could he hide them? In a tiny closet with two shelves for...
Looking glass 2. Chapter 1.- So, did you decide? - Surprisingly, Vainar reacted very calmly to the news of my move. - Well, you chose a place for yourself ... - Yes, - I shrug. - You understand yourself... Circumstances... - Yes, really... No matter how paradoxical it may sound - we don't play with toys. Everyone has their own problems and goals. - If you only knew how much I do not want to move ... And this is true. I don't like change. Over the past nine days, I have plunged into a kind of metropolitan microclimate. I met normal people, and what can I say, with NPCs, everything is going well with me too. But as Vainar rightly noted, I kind of, like in the game, but I don’t play, but I live. Let it be a virtual life... - You know, we know nothing at all, but I already managed to become attached to you, - the raggh grumbled with regret in his voice. - Yes, and Soril, too ... Only recently you were washed bones ... Hehe ... - Mutually, - I smile in response. - In fact, there are not so many people here with whom you can just talk like that. Everyone is in a hurry somewhere, in a hurry. I understand the game, a lot of money was paid for accounts ... Well, oh well ... Veal tenderness aside! Let's get down to business. I mentally thank Vainar for not asking too many questions. He probably knows what caused my move. Players like me don't just rent a place in Melinville and then abruptly move to one of the most dangerous places in it. virtual world. And he knows about it. “So it is,” continues the raggh. - As far as I understand, you want to continue to grumble at Lady Mal? “That’s right,” I nod in response. - Everything suits me. You yourself know. - Well, it's me for the record, - raggh smiles. - The procedure is this... For such moments, there are several options for the development of further labor relations. For example, a player apked, but I don’t have mines for his level ... It was hard for me to keep calm. The fact is that I still decided to hide my "master" further. I normally earn money on emeralds, and relative stability has appeared, not counting the move, of course ... The point is now to switch to new resource ? Yes, they pay more, but that won't solve my problem. Something tells me - it will even aggravate my situation. The primary goal at the moment is credit. Although if you think about it ... Theoretically, there are more than enough pluses. A strong clan, for example, Steel Hundred. Protected area. For sure, trips to rich instas. Only now, how much will I get from all these benefits? No, I'm not some redneck, I just don't trust people. Who will guarantee that my problem will be heard and perceived as I myself would like? Surely, because they want to ride on my weakness. First feed, and then goodbye freedom. No... - I understand that this is not about you yet, - Vainar continued, not noticing my condition. - But my advice to you - start to calculate the options already. With your perseverance in about six or seven months, you will take on a "master". And this already, he himself must understand ... Having said this, raggh, he raised his clawed finger instructively. Trying to look natural, I smile. - Thanks for the advice. The main thing is not to die prematurely... - Don't drift! Vainar grins. - If you do everything right, you will outlive us all... So that's what I mean... There are several options. The most optimal for you, I think the usual translation. You signed a "trial" contract... Right? But it hasn't been two weeks yet. See what I suggest... Since Lady Mal has emerald mines in the vicinity of the Maraghar Citadel, I will transfer you to one of these mines. Theoretically, you won't even have to report to the authorities there. He came to the mine and swarm pebbles for his own pleasure. Although I still recommend checking in ... Here it is an extra proof of my assumptions and fears. Even a person with whom I have a normal relationship is trying to improve his situation at my expense. To tell the truth, I understand him. He doesn't want to lose an "experienced" miner. Surely some bonuses are dripping for me. On the other hand, why not? For me, cooperation with Vainar is also beneficial. Relationships seem to have improved. You look at the two-week contract with his recommendation will develop into a permanent one. What's the point of breaking up a relationship that's been so successful? Who knows how the move will turn out for me? - Excellent! I nod. - Even better than I expected. And then, as I think ... A new place ... New people ... - That's it! Vainar beams. - Thinking in the right direction! An hour later, I left the office and headed for the portal. The formalities have been settled. The transfer agreement has been signed. There are still a few things to do and forward to a new place of residence. Fortunately, according to the terms of the assignment, it will be free for me. Something told me, the barracks of the Maraghar Citadel, the place is not the most comfortable in the Looking Glass. I think about the bathrobes and pajamas from Ronald's inn, I will remember there every evening ... By the way, I already said goodbye to the owner of the Weary Traveler, it remains to look at Mila and find out how Tommy is doing. I know, NPCs, but somehow I already managed to get attached to this little boy. Probably because he somehow reminds me of my Krista... It's decided, I'll drop by for a second, but only after I see another one of my employers. The attorney's office, as always, met with silence and mustiness. Cobwebs on the chandelier, dust on the paintings, stale air... Nikanor did not like to ventilate his office. Moreover, his servant had to do it secretly from the owner. I don’t know how the developers managed to convey the whole gamut of unpleasant smells of this place. It always smelled of an old kennel, shabby paper and, for some reason, rotten apples. Guess - it's quirks of my mind. Something reminded me of this picture... Something from my past... Apparently, I associated the situation in Nicanor's office with something I had seen earlier in real life. The old man was sitting at his desk, scratching with a quill pen on a yellow sheet of paper. All this action was accompanied by an unpleasant creak and occasional coughs. Senile lips silently duplicated the words appearing on the paper. The picture was completed by a greasy brown dressing gown, three days of unshaven hair on sagging cheeks, and sparse hair forever unwashed on a balding head. “You know, Old,” the lawyer croaked, not looking up from his work. - It's even good that you're leaving. And it is doubly good that you are going to those parts. I have one business for you ... That's the number! How does he know this? No one except Vainar knows about my assignment, and he has no way to Melenville yet. And what could connect him with the old lawyer? A hitch... I didn't even tell Soril. The gnome, by the way, calmly reacted to my secrecy. The men understand that I can't talk much... After a second, Nikanor dispelled all my doubts. - As soon as I received a notification from the city administration that you were enrolled in the garrison of the Maraghar Citadel, I understood - this is a sign from above! Bony dry fingers, stained with ink, drum nervously on the tabletop. The colorless eyes narrowed dreamily. The old man was very excited. Not a trace of feigned indifference remained. A slight blush appeared on her pale gray cheeks. But it was not for nothing that I came here... Having agreed to become the "defender of the Maraghar Citadel", I understood perfectly well that I would have to give up the monthly reputation task, and all other mini-reputation quests too. No doubt I was glad that I would never see that quarrelsome old man again. Always grumbling and dissatisfied with his gray virtual life. But the loss of almost eight hundred reputation points was very upsetting. Moreover, he has already run out so much, sometimes performing stupid, time-consuming assignments. Of course, it would have been easier to get the idea of this task out of my head, but something made me show up at the lawyer's office. I understand that it is just a soulless program, a set of scripts... But as practice has shown in the Looking Glass, accidents are not accidental. Very well! It remains only to find out what the miser needs. “Listen to me carefully, Old,” Nikanor began in a half-whisper, pointing at me with a trembling old hand. - Yes, sit down, finally ... My neck is already numb ... I recognize my boss. As always, absurd and irritable. I sit down on the indicated chair and, obeying the demanding gesture of a bony hand, lean forward slightly. What are the secrets of the Madrid court? - I'm all attention, master. I have never called Nikanor "master" before. I admit, I did it intentionally, suddenly a couple more reputation units will drop. I already understood - with NPCs you need to play your role to the end. Thanks to the developers ... It seems that the lawyer appreciated. Look how he lifted his lower lip, old senile. - You know, Old. Many couriers passed through me. Lots of. Mostly stupid, lazy and stupid. I saw a lot of rude people. I have a separate conversation with such people... Khe-khe... But I haven't had such an assistant as you yet... Efficient, delicate and, most importantly, what I really appreciate - trustworthy. Against my will, I glance briefly at the sleeve of my jacket, decorated with colorful embroidery. It looks like the ribbons are working, or maybe just a coincidence. Thanks for the compliment, master. - So ... As I said, I have one thing to do in those places where you decided to go. Will you take it? An inscription appeared before my eyes: "You just got a job"Old Nicanor's Interest". - Task: Report daily on all the news in the field of litigation in the location "Maraghar Citadel Outskirts". - Reward: Unknown. - Accept/Reject? While I was reading the system's message, the old man continued to say, "Actually, we don't need much from you." I need eyes and ears in those parts. I think to expand my business. If everything grows together, there will be a place for you too. Well, how? What do you say? - Well, I don't know... I'll have to serve in the Citadel. There will be no time at all ... - I fill my worth. The lawyer smiled through a toothless mouth. Nepis, but understands what's what. - Don't worry about the reward. I won’t offend ... In support of his words, the system issues a new piece of information: - By agreeing to help Nikanor, you automatically retain the right to the reward for the monthly reputation task. That's how it means ... It's not in vain that I came here, oh, not in vain! “Moreover, my assignment is not so difficult,” the old man continued to whisper. - Since you cannot appear every day with a report, you will look through the latest press and put marks in this magazine. Having said this, Nikanor pushed an old shabby notebook towards me. - I'm especially interested in inheritance lawsuits and divorce proceedings. Well, you know that yourself... I looked at the notebook. - Name:Old diary of Nicanor. - Type: Quest. In fact, nothing special. I guess all these so-called "secret" tasks are not worth a damn. I can imagine how many players had to listen to the confession of the old lawyer. I will never believe that I receive a unique quest. Gleb said that tasks are cyclical. Let the frequency of repetitions be small, but still ... I think Nikanor had a lot of people like me. But the goals of the developers are clear. First, create an atmosphere of reality of what is happening. Knowing from my own experience, I can say with confidence that the "mirror souls" cope with their task one hundred percent. Everything looks very real here... Secondly, reputation quests belong to the so-called social quests. Developers have more than enough hidden tasks, and I don’t really want to think about this issue. There is also thirdly ... Benefit ... Not for me, of course ... How to understand the phrase " report all the news ? Everything is simple. I'll have to go through a few local newspapers every day, and then carefully write everything down in the lawyer's notebook. The task couldn't be easier. Only here there are also underwater pebbles. They are not very large, but they are there... For example, I suppose you will have to buy at least a dozen newspapers, and this is at least three or four gold coins. More... Writing utensils... In the Looking Glass, everything is interconnected. After all, someone needs to pump the same alchemist that makes ink. And goose feathers, for sure, some farmer delivers to a stationery store. There is the same Zakhar, my casual acquaintance, on his cart he carried a lot of things to the fair ... So, such pies ... - Agreed! I extend my hand to the old man with a smile. Having accepted all the tasks and quickly said goodbye to Nikanor, he jumped out into the fresh air. It remains to visit Mila and you can go to the place of my new service ... On the way, I looked into the bakery and bought sweets for Tommy. I hope he has recovered. The door was opened by Harold's wife, Rita. Seeing me at the door, she smiled warmly and invited me into the house. - Here, - I hold out paper bags with cakes. - Still fresh. Tommy jumped out of the salon like a red meteor and immediately began to beg his aunt for his portion. “First, you’ll have lunch, and then it will come to sweets,” Rita answered in a mentor tone. - Well, here, always, so, - the little one sighs, following the pink package carried away by the aunt to the kitchen for a long time. - Sir, Old! A familiar voice made me turn around. Mila cheerfully descended the stairs and smiled cheerfully. All the same red curls and funny freckles on a slightly upturned nose. A light blue dress and a translucent turquoise scarf. - Very happy! - Good afternoon! - I answer smiling. - And here I looked to visit the patient, and he already looks and is not sick at all. The woman smiled happily. - Well, why are you standing in the hallway? Come to the salon! Coffee? “I won’t refuse,” I nod in response. - You know, I've been shaking this morning. Many affairs. - Well, fine. The women quickly set the table. And after a few minutes, the three of us drank black coffee. I do not know what smells my interlocutors felt. Another question is, did they feel anything at all? It doesn't matter... Having taken another sip, I finally remembered this fragrance, or rather, the place where I first felt it. It was at the beginning of May. Sveta and I just got married and went to the Mediterranean Sea. We sat on the terrace of a local cafe and drank coffee. Smiling, they watched the children frolicking on the beach. .. Delving into my memories, I did not immediately hear that Harold's sister was addressing me. - Sir, Old! Sir, Old! Are you unwell? Rubbing the bridge of my nose, I tiredly replied: - No, no ... Please forgive me ... I just remembered something ... Did you say something? "Yes," Rita nodded. - I said we were waiting for you. - Oh, how is it? - I'm surprised, but then I lightly slap myself on the forehead: - Has Harold already told you that I'm leaving? “Yes,” Mila replies. That's why we've been waiting for you. We were sure that you would not leave without saying goodbye. The look on Tommy's mom's face was that she wanted to ask me for something. About something very important to her. - I understand, - I start first. You have some business with me, don't you? Mila blushed slightly. “Do you understand, Mr. Old,” Rita answered for her relative. “My husband's cousin thinks she's been pushing you around lately with her requests. - Well, what are you, Mila! I wave my hands smiling. - What nonsense! I will say more, it is still unknown who is indebted to whom. Indeed, without your recommendation, I would have had to look for a decent place to live for a long time. You and Tommy, one might say, are my first friends in the capital. - Exactly! Rita raised her index finger instructively. - That's what I told her. Judge for yourself, Old, what inconvenience can there be between good friends? The message that instantly appeared in front of my eyes made me shudder slightly, since my interlocutors did not notice anything. - Congratulations, Old! ATace considered a friend by several residents of the capital. - Reward: +300units to the reputation of the city of Melinville. I took a quick look at the specs. Excellent for nearly a thousand five hundred units! Very well! Even wonderful! “Exactly,” I answer with a smile. - You can fully count on me. I'm all attention. Rita placed a reassuring hand on her husband's cousin's shoulder. “You see, Old,” Mila began, choosing words with difficulty. - What I'm going to ask you about is connected... hmm... with some risks. Even to some extent a danger to life ... I tensed. I understand that we have developed a certain friendly relationship, but I do not need any extra risk. Moreover, I already have a "month of wanderings" planned. “Before I make my request, promise me that you will refuse if you consider it too dangerous for you.” I assure you your refusal will in no way affect your friendship with our family. The fact is that we perfectly understand that you are not a warrior and not a combat mage. You are an ordinary civilian citizen of Melenville. I could only nod in response. What can you say? She is right. - Thank you for your frankness, - Mila smiled. Now it's much easier for me to speak. The bottom line is that Harold told us where you were going. “Yes, indeed,” Rita confirmed. - The surroundings of the Maraghar Citadel are not the most the best place for citizens like you, dear Old. I just shrug. Like, the motherland is calling. And all that ... - And we sincerely admire you! Here is a worthy example of a real citizen of Melinville! I was already expecting a new message from the system, but, alas, it seems that this source is not so bottomless. Silent again, I shrug. Like, I'm still modest. Eh... If you only knew with what pleasure I would refuse this task... - I won't beat around the bush, - continued Mila. - Surely you are already in a hurry ... The essence of my case is this ... I would like you to give this letter to my husband ... I looked at the pointed object, and almost coughed when I read the name of the addressee ... - Name:Mila's letter. - Type: Quest. - Place of delivery: Maraga Citadel. - Recipient Name: Sotnik Gard. 8
