"I don't know how the game punishes players' killers. But it's exactly like interfering in the game process. Alexander, maybe there's another solution. For treason, our clan will declare a hunt for the traitor. We will kill the traitor always and everywhere."

"It's an interesting decision, but I don't think I'll be interested in running around and catching a traitor."

"It might interest John."

"Then we must put your thought into the text of the oath," smiled the warrior.

Nick and John agreed with the text and agreed to risk the punishment. Anna said that any bloodthirsty and destructive moments in the life of the clan she is not interested, let the men decide everything, she will take the oath with her husband.

As a result, the players took the oath and were happy that they did not receive any penalties from the game. For oath of loyalty to the clan, everyone received +1 to the spirit. Dan received +5 to spirit for conducting the procedures and thought that at this speed he would soon lose the opportunity to be a living player forever. He was now a living dead player for 19 and a half hours a day. And Nick insisted that he go into town with everyone!

"We'll need to impress the new recruits. We can take the city's quest to destroy a couple of bosses and raise the new ones' levels. But without you, it's going to be harder for us to handle."

"Very good decision," agreed to Alexander. "We need to deprive the city players of the opportunity to gain levels from the bosses. The sewers are gradually restoring the number of rats. Let them fiddle with the little things. And we'll get the main prizes!"

"I wanted to work with the runes. I can enhance the castle defense! But d.a.m.n you, I'm ready to go to Dor, I'll be interested to see the new monsters. There's no way I can improve the cognition of evil!"

The whole clan and Turin have gone to town. The players have put the castle under siege. Now Velida was in no danger. She wasn't afraid to be alone in the castle, the dwarf promised to return in two days.

Their journey was quiet and peaceful. Nick immediately said he would control meat-hungry predators. The possible attack of the undead didn't worry them. In case of great danger, Nick could grab a dwarf and run away for a short distance, the dwarf was heavy and the ranger risked falling off his feet from overload and fatigue.

But there was no attack. Nick suggested that the caravans were being attacked by gangs of robbers from the city. Criminals know the movement of the caravans; it's easy to ambush them. Turin said that's what happens in most cases. There are a lot of nasty things going on in Dor.

In the city, the players went straight to the Dwarf Quarter. Turin agreed to rent his townhouse.

Nick and Turin went to an important meeting about mine development.

The guys decided to show the sinner interesting places in town. The first place was a wh.o.r.ehouse. Dan was a little worried. In town, he was catching the wary eyes of the townspeople. He was wearing a full set of clothes to help hide his status. He had rings on his fingers from the Vampire's Grave, a useful cloak on his shoulders. In the wh.o.r.ehouse, he was waiting for his first discovery. The mistress of the wh.o.r.ehouse looked attentively at the figure of the sinner and said that for him the price for girls' services had been tripled. John laughed and patted Dan on the shoulder:

"It's not easy being a sinner, brother. You ask if you need the money."

Dan laughed, gave his mistress a few rials, and went to take a relaxation treatment.

After such an important case, the guys went to a good tavern where they regained their strength. Dan said the city dishes have some features, but he's already used to gnome food. Alexander agreed with him and added that he likes spicy gnome dishes. Velida was getting good pay for her work. But even more money was spent to buy special spices.

At the tavern, there was a first unpleasant meeting with the city's law enforcement officials.

A guardsman approached the table, four other men in armor and with weapons stopped behind his back. The guardsman took out an artifact from his bag and a stone in the artifact was lit up by a yellow light. The squad leader then nodded his head and addressed Dan:

"You're coming with us to the magistracy. You're not registered. Those like you can't walk the streets of our town freely."

What struck the guys most was the fact that this guard wasn't paying any attention to ordinary players. Dan immediately sent them a message about Chief 34 and the thirtieth levels of the other guards. Alexander looked at the city guard with a cheerful and bold look and said:

"You turned to a hunter from the Order of Hunters. The clan, 'Shoulder to Shoulder'. Now you can take your boys and go on with your work. Don't stop us from eating."

The Guardsman tilted his head and pinched his eyes, his hand lay on the sword handle. The guards behind his back were also preparing to attack the unknown.

"He has no registration. He has to go to the Magistrate's office and register," said the chief quietly. "I do not recommend that you interfere with this case."

"I've already interfered in this case, boy. Do you want to live?"

The chief froze. He heard a quiet whisper in his ear and felt something slam down his throat.

"Doesn't move or I'll slit your throat."

"This is an attack on the city guard," whispered the Chief.

"And the murder of four City Guard officers," whispered John out of stealth.

"For illegal claims and insulting the honor of a clan player, Simon, your family will pay separately. How will you pay for your life?"

Alexander stood up from the table and a two-handed sword appeared in his hands. The guards froze and couldn't take their eyes off the scary blade.

"I am doing my duty. You have no right," resented the chief.

"Have you forgotten the ancient laws, Boy? Or were you poorly taught as a child? Are you really that stupid? Or do you have a mission from someone and intend to bring trouble to the city of Dor? We will deal with your family later. Now you will slowly put your wallet, all your artifacts and your weapons on the table. Otherwise you'll have that interesting coin on your body."

And the guardsman saw a gold coin in front of his nose, which was punched in the center by a dagger. It turned pale even more. It was a sign from the Guild of Killers. It was an explanation for the death of a citizen. A sign that he died as a result of a completed and paid order. Simon laid out his possessions on the table and felt the weapon removed from his throat. The player armed with the sword looked him in the eyes, and calmly ordered the guards to clean up and not to disturb the hunter to eat. All issues with the magistrate and Simon's family would soon be resolved by the hunters.

When the guards left, Alexander removed his sword and breathed a sigh:

"Weak, I was hoping we'd have some fun."

"A good artifact, it allows you to see the status of a man covered with amulets from recognition. It must be Magistrate's property or City Guard property. It'll have to be returned," said Dan.

"We're not giving anything back! It's good and pleasant to deal with you, Dan. We'll get compensation from the relatives of this fool," laughed John.

"Is it that serious?"

Alexander nodded his head and said it was very serious. But city pushers shouldn't be given an excuse to interfere with the hunters' lives. The Guardsman had broken an ancient law. The law was pa.s.sed many hundreds of years ago, but n.o.body canceled it. The Magistrate has no right to interfere in the affairs of the Order unless they threaten the affairs of the city. Players did not threaten anyone, they ate peacefully.

The guys paid for lunch and went to get monster destruction missions. Alexander spent a few minutes in the Warriors Guild. He took over the mission, the clan didn't get any experience for doing it. Players will help in killing the monster, but will not be members of the group and all the experience will go to Alexander and all members of his group.

The guys returned to the house of Turin and found out that Nick and Anna left to talk to interesting players. Turin was satisfied. The Dwarf Elders were able to agree with Nick and the work at the mine was approved. The contract was made. The dwarf could return to the castle. When the dwarf found out about the tavern incident, he laughed:

"People have too short a memory. Master Nick is a complicated person and has chosen a difficult life, but it is possible to deal with him. Hunters have always been difficult clients, dwarves remember it well."

"Now we remind people of it. I already sent a man to find out about Simon's family. We should visit his relatives. I hope he's from an old, n.o.ble and rich family," smiled a.s.sa.s.sin.

***

Nick and Anna were eating at an aristocratic restaurant and waiting for players from the city clan. Nick sent two boys from the Killer Guild to look for players he was interested in.

"Don't worry, they'll agree to join us," rea.s.sured Anna.

"They may be pushed away by the need to take the oath of the clan. Now they all feel free and happy to live like this."

"Our life suits me. And there's enough joy in it. And the perspectives are great," smiled Anna.

Nick looked at his wife and removed a very useful artifact from his inventory. He put it on the table and explained himself:

"This object prevents us from eavesdropping. I've been secreting it with our sinner. He told me his own version of the future. And that's a very unpleasant version of events, Anna. He thinks logically and interestingly.

Some company made a contract with us. We're part of a scientific experiment on the crossroads of cybernetics and 'brainetics'. Our brains are sending signals to some powerful computer and our brains could collapse if we disrupt the processes of this computer. And now the simplest and most important thing! We're working on a product. It doesn't matter if it's a game or another means to improve people's lives. There will come a time when the experiment will be over and the product will be ready. The company will start selling this product. Now imagine that in the village appeared a player, who saw our castle, you and said: "I want this castle, I want this beautiful girl, and I'm willing to pay. What will we do?"

"I'll kill that cheeky first. Then you'll take him into the woods and play Rambo with him," answered Anna in a serious voice. "But I hear you, Nick. I was thinking in that direction, too. We have no rights at all as partic.i.p.ants in this experiment. Thousands of people have died. This is disturbing information."

"I'll be sure to give you some important information. I've been postponing this conversation, I wanted to talk to a few new people in the clan."

A girl came to the table in a modest but refined dress. Against the background of aristocrats and rich citizens, she looked very dignified, unlike hunters who gave the impression of rough savages from the forest.

"h.e.l.lo, Nick. Hi, Anna, I'm glad you didn't die," said the girl.

"h.e.l.lo, Emma," Nick got up and invited the girl to sit down.

She sat down, and Nick started his promotion campaign. To his surprise, Emma was not thrilled to be able to join the new clan. When she read the text of the oath, she gave the paper to Nick and responded seriously:

"I'm not interested in this. Nick, I was running around the woods around town with a bow, playing this game. But then I realized I wasn't interested. Anna must have told you that I was always attracted to the craft of tailoring. I was a fas.h.i.+on designer in a past life. I gained 500 points of Glory on little quests from the townspeople. And I was able to join the Tailor Guild. I could soon be a student of a good master. What do I do in your Castle? I need the city, where I can improve my skills."

Anna objected to her girlfriend:

"It will take many years. And no one makes you sit in the castle, you can have clients in town."

Nick was more persistent and gave the girl a list of rare materials that the clan had obtained at that time. He looked at his wife and added in words:

"Emma, I lead a life full of horrors and blood and abominations. I need you. I want to go home and see my beautiful wife even more wonderful. And that's something only you can help me with. I want the next time I show up on the streets of Dor, the townspeople will look at my suit with envy. We are heirs to the ancient Order, we must look respectable."

Emma thought about it, and she didn't seem to pay any attention to what Ranger said. She was impressed by the list of materials, they were very rare and expensive. Suddenly she looked up and looked at her girlfriend:

"You got married! Officially? How did you do it?"

"The clan is ready to do this service. I got this sly handsome guy," answered Anna and nodded at Nick.

Emma hid the list in her inventory and nodded firmly:

"I agree to join your clan. But I'm going to insist on my active involvement in the trade in the city. I'm going to need a store, and it's not going to be easy to reconcile with the city guilds."

"No problem, Emma. These are the little things the clan can easily handle," smiled Nick.

"Are you expecting anyone else?"

"Yes, we're waiting for a couple more people. Richard and Nick. Red Nick, he's a curly and funny guy," said the ranger.

"Interesting guys. You've decided to take active steps. Samantha won't like it," smiled at Emma.

"She'll have to embrace the cruel nature of this world," breathed a sad sigh for Anna.

A tall brunette came to their table with a serious eye look.

"I was betrayed by a request for a meeting. Master Nick, Anna, h.e.l.lo Emma," he said and saw an empty chair by the table. "May I join you?"

"We would like that," answered Nick.

Richard has agreed to join the clan. When he heard about the opportunity to join the leaders.h.i.+p team. The oath didn't scare him at all. He only had one remark:

"Soldier, it's okay. Good cla.s.s, I saw Michael fighting. But I like Leo's cla.s.s better. You want to talk to Leo? I'm warning you, Nick, he won't agree. He's a complete madman."

Nick didn't understand Richard's words and asked for an explanation. Richard shrugged his shoulders and said he thought Leo was crazy. He leads a suicidal life. He started to do quests alone and drink a lot. One day Richard was drinking with Leo and heard unpleasant revelations from the knight. Leo believed that none of them was worth living, all of them deserved only the right to die in this terrible world.

Nick listened carefully and frowned. Another player was able to remember the details of his past life. John. Alexander and Dan were never able to remember the specifics of their past lives. Their dreams remained unpleasant but tolerable nightmares. Anna had unpleasant dreams too, but he hadn't spoken to his wife about it yet.

"I want to help Leo, but if he doesn't accept our offer, then you can choose from two cla.s.ses," said Nick.

"Who else is coming? Jack's a normal guy, we've worked out a bit. You could use him. He likes to run around chasing rats with swords sometimes," said Richard.

"Jack's really a normal guy," added Emma. "But he's kind of silent and on his own."

"We're all not much of a talker, Emma. Congratulations, it's good to have you with us," was seriously noticed by Richard.

It seemed like this guy couldn't smile. But his face did not make an unpleasant impression, in his seriousness was pleasant calm confidence, which spoke about the reliability of this man.

Curly redhead Nick came to the table, nodded to the ranger Nick and looked around the whole company with a wary and cunning look. He sat down at the table without asking permission and turned his head slightly towards the ranger.

"You could have said h.e.l.lo for decency," sighed Emma.

"Emma. We said h.e.l.lo this morning. I exchanged a few words with Richard, too. I don't know Anna, and Master Nick doesn't need my decency," said the guy quietly...

"You're right, Nick, I need you as a specialist," agreed the ranger.

"Fine! Quid pro quo, you helped me, I'll help you. And that's where our paths diverge," smiled at the novice thief.

Nick laughed at that impudence. He shook his head:

"No, Nikki, our paths are not diverging. But you're right, quid pro quo. I want you to join my clan."

Red Nick frowned and started objecting:

"Master Nick, I don't mind joining the clan. I don't care which clan I belong to. But I have a lot of work to do in town. You're suggesting I go through the pockets and personal chests of your clan's hunters? That's not normal, I don't agree."

"You get in my chest, I'll fry you," resented Anna.

"I'll sew your mouth shut. And I'll sew your hands to your body," added Emma.

"Don't worry, girls, I don't agree to do nasty things to the players myself. It's too early for me to do that kind of thing. The penalties are high. I don't want to take any chances."

"Nick, the situation with you is simple and easy to solve. The clan needs you as a clan administrator, as a trap specialist, and we could certainly use your work in town. Read carefully the text of the oath, which is mandatory for each member of the clan, and also look at the list of skills that you can immediately get in the castle when you take the game cla.s.s."

Ranger gave the young thief two sheets of paper and started waiting for a reaction. But he got a reaction right away, the redheaded guy started giving up any leaders.h.i.+p:

"It's going to be impossible for me to work in the guild! I am already tense from the attention of urban killers and thieves, they are interested in the abilities of the players. And if you drag me into the management position, I'm finished. They're not getting off me! Master Nick, they whisper about you and Master John all the time, I'm tired of answering questions. They don't believe what I'm saying and they're always coming to me. It's completely impossible to work."

"Read the doc.u.ments carefully. I don't understand how you want to be an adept specialist with such an explosive nature," said Nick.

Then he told the redheaded thief about the great work in the ruins of an ancient city that the clan had already cleared of the dead. But there are sure to cache that only a specialist with their skills in detecting and disarming caches and traps will be able to find.

Red Nick admitted that the future is excellent, he can only dream about such skills today. The boy also liked the idea of digging in the bas.e.m.e.nts of the ancient city. Anna finally convinced him to join the clan by saying that leaders.h.i.+p is a guarantee of independence. If he doesn't want to be involved in politics and solve any clan problems, no one is forcing him. Everyone in their clan has the right to conduct free hunting.

"But this is only temporary. You will take over as your cla.s.s leaders. Twelve players will be clan leaders. The other players will have fewer rights when they join the clan later," summed up Nick.

"I get that idea. I'm fine with it. How many seats are available in the clan now? I'm talking about free cla.s.ses for players," asked Richard.

"There are five positions available. We need five players in the cla.s.ses of Scientist, Priest, Inquisitor, Spiritual and Knight," answered the Ranger.

"We need to talk to Jack," said Richard.

"Anna, have you considered other girls you know? What do you think of Jane's candidacy? She's quiet and calm, always sitting at the local university," said Emma.

"Jane's mouse is a good candidate," smiled a redhead thief. "We got to save her, or Samantha's going to torture her with her jokes."

Nick has set a time and place for the pledges to meet. He warned them that they were going to perform the quest. Nothing dangerous, clan players will do the job, but the newcomers will get the experience. He promised to talk to their friends in the morning.

Then Nick took Anna to the Dwarf Quarter and went to see Leo.

They didn't get a chance to talk. Leo looked at Ranger like he was nothing. The knight smiled and asked:

"Did you arrest any of us?"

"No. Leo, it didn't happen. I'm sorry you found out this nasty news about our acquaintances."

"Then you can understand me, Nick. You think about the future, make plans. I won't be a part of this. I won't get in your way, don't worry. But I don't want to see any of the players. In the temple and in the sewers, I'm at peace."

"Good luck, Leo. And come to the castle. When you need a new transformation. We'll be happy to see you."

"Then I'll see you in the future," smiled Leo.

Nick was upset about the results of the conversation. Leo took an honest stand, he decided to lock himself up in a new prison. It was a pity to lose a player like that.

In the morning, the players decided to put off the quest. Disagreements with the city clan threatened to turn into a big confrontation. If almost a quarter of the Phoenix clan goes to the hunters, it will definitely weaken clan position in the city. John and Alexander decided to have fun and deal with their conflict with the City Guard. But they didn't get any fun. Simon's family sent a man who brought a box of gems and a letter. In the letter, the head of the family apologized for the behavior of his grandson and expressed hope for future fruitful cooperation with the clan of monster hunters. The guys did not expect such a quick solution to the problem. But Turin only laughed, looked at the jewels and said that the issue was over, but the dwarves would have paid a smaller penalty for such a violation.

Everyone liked Jack, he was a player who didn't disturb anyone and quietly tried to learn sword skills. Richard and Jack had long argued and decided which of them more was worthy to become the first knight of the clan of hunters. The examples of Michael and Leo told them about the great prospects of these war cla.s.ses. But the knight's path attracted them with its mystery. The soldier's path was immediately clear - it was the choice of the future leader and chief of all clan combat operations. In the end, the boys tossed a coin! Richard was not at all upset that he would become a Soldier. Jack scratched his neck and said he was suddenly a little scared to play knight cla.s.s.

But the biggest surprise was Anna and Emma. When they met Jane, everyone was fascinated by this quiet and shy girl. She had long brown hair, which covered her face with frequent spinning, but couldn't hide the wary gaze of big gray eyes. The girl spoke in a quiet voice and was embarra.s.sed by the attention she paid to herself. She replied that she agreed to join the clan because it was interesting for her to study at university, but she was tired of the attention of others. She wanted a cla.s.s of scientists as a result of several years of study.

Three girls whispered about their own, about a woman's, and made a demand that slightly alerted the other players. The girls insisted on gender equality in clan leaders.h.i.+p. They proposed three familiar girls for the Spirit's path.

The guys did not resist for long and warned that the girls would have problems with Dan. Jane and Emma looked at their new friend and said they wouldn't have any problems with him. If this so-called sinner behaves well.

Dan didn't understand what the girls had in mind, but a.s.sured everybody of his desire to go the way of good and kindness, that he is the one with the monsters who are not good, and otherwise he is a quiet, brooding former inquisitor.

The first one to be interviewed was Betty, who agreed to become the Spiritual Master. This girl made the impression of a child. She was the youngest, and her face did not come off a slight surprise that she was in this strange world. When Betty got into town, she quickly found something to do, she had never fought a monster. She pa.s.sed her survival test only because local hunters had come to her rescue and killed a Level 3 wolf that Betty had swung a big stick at. In the city, she made small quests of the townspeople, then bought brushes, paints and paper from a shop and began painting portraits on the street. The game offered her a specialty Painter, which the girl was happy to accept. Betty became friends with Emma, who helped her a lot when she sewed for the painter a few neat and decent dresses. On level 12, Betty had 32 characteristic points in stock and 84 Spirit points. The girl found out that as a last resort she would be able to get Elemental to help her, who would be able to protect her from enemies. Dan a.s.sured Betty that she was well prepared for the Spiritual Way, he only had 29 Spirit points on level 10. No Elemental can resist her influence and her power of the spirit.

The next two candidates for the clan were completely different. Kate was a cute blonde with long hair and a pretty face. She was surprised by the invitation to the new clan and was not ready to give a quick answer to the unexpected invitation. Bella was determined to leave town, she was in a very strained relations.h.i.+p with Samantha. That tall brunette had a strict and determined expression. She did not look beautiful but inspired respect for herself.

The girls listened to the features of the cla.s.ses of priests and inquisitors. Bella stated resolutely that she wanted to be a Priestess! Dan explained to the girl that the situation with the G.o.ds in this world is tense. In his humble opinion, she would have to become a priestess of the world's main G.o.ddess. Mother of all the G.o.ds.

"And what is the problem? How many G.o.ds are there in this world?"

"I know about seven G.o.ds. Perhaps there are others. But the figure of Anyge is a special case. You see, Bella, I think this G.o.ddess is the incarnation of the most important computer responsible for our game."

"Explain. And explain what the problem is."

"The game has a main computer, a main artificial intelligence. And in this world, the very first G.o.ddess was Anyge, who then created his a.s.sistants, other G.o.ds. This world was once invaded by several conquering G.o.ds and there was war."

Dan was silent, everyone was listening carefully. The guys already knew the story. Bella shrugged her shoulders and asked:

"Dan, what's the problem? I'm going to be a priestess of Anyge, and let the Chief AI stay where he is. I'm not going to interfere with his work and address him with my questions and sacrifices."

"You'll be making sacrifices," surprised Anna.

"Of course I'm going to make sacrifices," answered Bella calmly. "But we'll do without the wild and no human sacrifice. And your company kills animals without me, without any pity."

"You can sacrifice fish," suggested Anna. "I catch a lot of fish, we have enough for sale and for the kitchen."

"We can have fish and other food and jewelry. I'm a little worried about accountability for not fulfilling the quest to kill Dan. But we'll figure something out. I'm going to ask this Anyge not to punish us too much," said Bella.

The girl even slightly frightened all the players with her practicality and cynicism about the complexity of her cla.s.s.

Kate's reaction was even more disturbing. The girl smiled and said loudly that she agreed! She will be the Inquisitor! And she won't let him down.

"Dan, I believe you're a good man, it's not your fault. This game has confused you and wrongly punished you. You're going to help me with advice, aren't you? I'll be an attentive student," said Kate and fixed her long hair.

Dan was embarra.s.sed. The others just now realized that this cute girl is no match for the one who will use Autodafe skill to summon monsters into battle and stay one-on-one with them.

Both girls had a significant advantage in the development of intelligence and spirit, a stock of characteristic points, small levels and a large stock of Glory points. To exist peacefully in the city all had to acc.u.mulate more than 300 points of Glory and get the status of people who 'can be trusted on the word'. But this was the first step towards obtaining 500 points of Glory and reputation of an 'Honorable Person'. The reputation level of girls surprised the guys who were used to developing their cla.s.s skills at the expense of reputation points.

Alexander looked at Kate with a strange look, and it was obvious that he felt uncomfortable. John showed a lot of honesty and sincerity:

"Kate, maybe you shouldn't take the cla.s.s inquisitor. Girls, this is a pretty nasty cla.s.s. The locals will treat you badly, Kate. They don't like inquisitors. And in battle, you're going to have a hard time."

"You think I'm weak, John? What a cheek, look at that one. Quickly washed away into his invisibility before I hit you on the cheeky face," resented Kate.

"Wait, don't fight. There's a special situation in our clan. I'm talking about the Inquisitor cla.s.s. Tomorrow we'll go on a quest and the girls will see how the real inquisitor works. But what I'm saying is that Kate doesn't have to be a quick and sharp inquisitor. We'll try to help her and gain 20 levels. And we'll see what transformation the game offers her," said Nick.

"I don't understand. You just said I'm not capable of anything and you'll do all the work for me? Anna, let your husband out of my sight too, he can do it, you told me," said Kate.

"We'd better talk about the rules of the dungeon quest," suggested Alexander.

Everyone agreed to put off the scouts' punishment and started planning the operation.

One quest was to destroy the cannibal Minotaur. And in the second quest the guys had to destroy the boss, who easily dealt with Michael's group. But they had information about this boss. It was a big level 27 snakes that could use the skill of ma.s.s poisoning.

"The Minotaur is a man with the head of a bull. He's got a big ax and he's got to hit you like a warrior," said Bella. "I know the mythology. It's a creature from the myths of ancient Greece."

"We have the likeness of Draugr and the Queen of Spiders. Familiar monsters. Dan, you're going to have to take your form of Draugr on one. But a snake you can soothe with the chains of a sinner," said Alexander.

"Yes, 'Chains' can do it," agreed Dan.

"If you are so mighty and strong, let's go to the dungeon! I've never been to a dungeon. This is so interesting," said Jane quietly.

The boys wouldn't put off the quest. It was noon outside and everyone went on their first mission.

Everyone wanted to see the mythical Minotaur with the big ax.