While training at the swamp I figured out how to use my new skill, how to be more precise, and how to use it properly in combination with all of my other skills. I planned to take a look at the herbs the girls had brought and then do some alchemical experiments. The problem was that all of this could be done only when there was sunlight; judging by the rain that had starting drizzling, it seemed unlikely that it"d be sunny tomorrow. I also planned to find a way to level up my intelligence. However, I still had no idea how to do that. The difference in levels and abilities among the members of our detachment and me would soon become critical. I had to do something about it; I had no desire to provoke Petrovich with my weakness. I had goals, but no means of achieving them yet — that"s why I had decided to go for a walk. Not on a voluntary basis, of course. This was a chance to work on my reputation as well."I"ll join him." Eighteen pairs of startled eyes turned in my direction, and even the drunk talk subsided. Did I really manage to surprise everyone? I stated my conditions, "Two points of your attributes now; two after we come back if my aid is needed during the mission."
It was Innokenty"s turn to give this a serious thought. I could understand his hesitance. On one hand, even in case of death, he would lose a bit of experience and his basic weapon. On the other hand, if he doesn"t succeed now, after losing his nerve during the capture, his social status would plummet, and it would be some time before anyone takes him seriously. The guy was clearly used to being in the center of attention or, rather, he considered himself the center of the stage. If I was not mistaken, he would accept my suggestion, especially since the price was not so high.
"I agree!" That was fast. It seemed there were some other advantages that I had not taken into account.
"Some people are ready to do everything in order to suck up to their leaders!" Lena"s furious whisper reached me, forcing me to suppress a wide grin. So that"s the issue. Even the new guys were aware of my special status; that was good. The fact that they also wanted to get something out of it was not surprising.
"Let"s. .h.i.t the road then. Petrovich, draw us a map," I said. My demand was greeted by silence.
"Hmm," he replied.
"Right now? After everything that happened today?" my future companion asked, voice broken.
"Well, we"ll be scouting, sort of. Or were you planning on going over to them in broad daylight, waving a white flag and offering to negotiate?" My voice was harsh. People had naivety in their blood after all. If they really wanted something they would ignore logic and reason. "Put yourself in their shoes; what would you do with such an unexpected visitor?" I asked everyone present.
"I would kill them, it would be too suspicious!" Lina"s straightforward answer was surprising; one should keep an eye on her and her readiness to shed blood.
"Exactly!" Was that Dasha? The one who always stood for peace, friendship and nonviolence? Sometimes, to be honest, it seemed like she was about to jump up and scream: "In the name of the Moon, I shall punish you!"
"It"s unwise to kill for no special reason," Petrovich joined in.
"First of all, cut off their hands, and then question them," said Paul, Vlada"s scrawny a.s.sistant.
"Don"t forget to tie them," Olga winked at her new friend. True, Vlada had killed herself to get to the resp.a.w.n point.
"It"s a pity that we only have combat oriented abilities, and no support ones," the swordswoman sad, changing the topic.
Semyon, who had been trying to sit closer to her this entire time, replied, "What would we need them for? I mean, I understand the big picture; but what would good would they do in this particular case?"
"Torture, of course," another one of the allies showed herself in a new light. "Under normal circ.u.mstances, if you push a bit too far, the person will die and free themselves. But with a healer on your side, they would tell you everything. Have you heard about rat torture?"
"I get it," Innokenty tried to end the conversation, but with no success. A drunken rumble swept over the meadow, demanding for details. I wondered who was keeping watch during the feast. A quick glance around revealed the sober stares of Petrovich, redhead and Vlada. They were simply acting drunk while observing everyone else.
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"So," the girl continued her story, "a rat is placed on the victim"s stomach, and a pan is placed on top of it. That"s all. Simple, right? You then hit the side of the pan a couple of times. The rodent gets frightened and starts to look for a way out. However, there is nothing but steel around it. Guess what it does then."
Ravshana vomited. I wondered if it was because of the alcohol or her wild imagination.
After half an hour or so, everybody calmed down, and Petrovich drew us a map, I received my advance payment, and Innokenty and I went to the forest. Once we were under the shadows of the deciduous giants, I suddenly realized that I felt calmer when I was here. Being around people, I was always ready for someone to trick me. Things were much simpler in the forest since there it was clear who my enemy was. The only issue that I had was rushing after Innokenty without having taken a look at the herbs that Olga and Dasha had collected for me.
"Remember, if it comes to a fight, you"ll finish off the enemies," Innokenty nodded intently, and I continued moving forward.
About ten minutes later, my partner started to complain about his fate. Was this his way of establishing contact with me? Had I overestimated his mental capacity? Fortunately, he quickly correlated my bad mood with him talking and fell silent.
And then someone decided to join our silent stroll.
Wild Boar
Legendary creature
Level 10