I chuckled, and it came out a lot louder than I thought it would. Genghis and Terekhov simultaneously glared at me, gloomily and sullenly, which amused me even more. You know, when you understand that the situation is extremely serious, but you suddenly feel an urge to laugh out loud. Nerves, I suppose. I coughed delicately in my fist and, with great difficulty, kept a straight face.
"I was aware of your differences in the past," Clam continued, unperturbed. "I thought they might even bring to something good. For example, assure healthy competition between the squads."
He glanced from one soldier to the other, but both of them sat frowning and studying the bottoms of their empty glasses.
"Yeah..." Clam muttered and leaned back. His back was way too deep inside the chair. The 3D projection and environment mismatched. That was normal. Apparently, the chair in which he was sitting in reality had a different angle of the backrest.
"Okay, you are not little kids, and I'm not going to lecture you. I will say one thing—I'm very disappointed. You'll see the financial expression of my disappointment at the end of the month. Both of you. If there's a second time, you're not getting off that easy.”
"What about my..." Genghis started, but Clam interrupted him with a sharp gesture.
"I'm not finished yet!"
He was cut off in the middle of the sentence, and for the first time, I realized how much both of them, Genghis and Terekhov, feared and respected their boss. Perhaps, fear dominated. Quite an unusual feeling for "serious grown-up men". It was not even a fear of losing a lucrative job. It was something different, more like he was holding them tight by the balls.
"You got carried away, gentlemen. I don't care about your old grudges and quarrels. But just until they start to harm our common cause. And that's what happened in Uobo."
Terekhov seemed to want to object to something but restrained himself.
"Now let's clarify the current status of both tasks. At the same time, we will understand how to correct the situation. Mongoose?"
"What?" I asked in surprise.
I genuinely had little idea why I was called to the debriefing. Why would an ordinary fighter be so honored?
"You play a key role in this whole story," Clam chuckled. "So I'm interested in hearing your side. Be objective, if possible."
"Well... I'll try," I shrugged. "What exactly do you want to know?"
"Let's start with all this monkey business. Is it true that you've stumbled upon some strange quest again that doesn't appear in the logs?"
"Perhaps. It was like that one time with DrakenBolt. It's not a scripted quest. These characters... How do I say it... They're alive. And they sometimes have very clear interests. Which makes it possible to work out an agreement with them. For example, the ogre wanted to be left alone. We helped him escape from the Gray Peak so that he was no longer harassed by the players."
"Fine. What about Hanuman?"
"I think he understands that the Whispering Oak shamans want to trap him. He can't do anything himself; he's been destroying their altars for as long as he could. But then they built a lot of them and connected them into one network. It suppresses his power."
"Why did he come to you for help?"
"Who knows. I guess I just happened to be in the right place at the right time and got his attention. I was just trying to complete my class quest. I ended up in the vicinity of the Lake of Life, where this Hanuman lives."
I decided not to mention the fact that I was advised to seek Hanuman's help by another NPC—Weyun Bao.
"Well, now that we have undertaken to help the vanaras in the war against this mad king of theirs... As far as I understand, the vanaras have to take one last step in order to win. And you have to help them again?"
"Yes. They have to include the last great tree, the Eternal Banyan, in this shamanic network. But for that, someone needs to distract Hanuman. I have just the right class quest—I will challenge him."
"How are you planning to beat him, brat?" Genghis couldn't stand it. "I'm sorry, but you're a mediocre soldier. That's not even the point. This Hanuman is almost like the boss of Uobo. The strongest mage. Compared to him, the Whispering Oak shamans are children. However, not one of our soldiers would have beaten any one of them in a one-on-one fight."
I shrugged carelessly.
"I'll try. Moreover, the quest description doesn't say that I have to fight him."
"What do you mean?"
"I have to challenge him."
"Isn't that the same thing?"
"If it were the same thing, it would have said: go and kick Hanuman's ass. But all it mentions is that I need to "defeat him in a competition".
"Any competition? Are you going to beat him in checkers or what?"
"Well, not exactly any competition. He has to agree to take part in it."
Clam smiled faintly, but I thought that smile was worth a lot.
"Do you already have a plan?" He asked.
"Just a general one, but I'm gonna need some help."
"You'll get it. Genghis, did you hear me? Give him whatever help he needs."
"Yes, sir," he grunted after a long pause.
"If Mongoose succeeds, the Whispering Oak vanaras will be our allies for three months gaming time. Am I right?"
"Yes, that was the deal," Genghis nodded. "However, there was another part of the agreement, which they did not fulfill. They promised us a fiery tear. Adamantite nugget…"
"They already told us where to look," I interrupted. "It's not their fault that we lacked the strength to dig it out from under the roots of Jubacca. But we know where it is.”
"Are you suggesting we go back to that hell?"
"Why not? Even considering that the whole unit was wiped out, the experience we got is worth more than we lost. Now we know what to expect. We can strengthen the team before we go and develop a new strategy. In any case, it’s doubtful that any players will get this fiery tear before us any time soon. This tear, according to the shamans' stories, is quite large—much larger than the two we had already acquired."
"Speaking of adamantite," Clam cut in. "This mission was a priority. Do you understand that these first nuggets found in Artar are a strategic resource? It is very important that it falls into the right hands."
"Of course," Terekhov shrugged.
"So, whose hands did it get into?"
It was said softly, insinuatingly, and there was a tense pause after the question.
"Well, I've got the first nugget," I said, when the pause was too long. "It's safe. Edge got the second one."
Clam nodded and suddenly, leaning forward, for the first time in the entire conversation, lost his temper.
"Where the fuck is this Edge?!" He barked, for some reason, looking at Genghis.
"I... We... They're looking for her. She ran away from the camp. Last night. It sounds like she was picked up by a car, that was waiting for her outside the perimeter."
Edge ran away? What the hell! Why?!
"You built a military base here, Genghis! You are readying your fighters for days and nights, here and in Artar! You're a control freak. And what do you get as a result? Terekhov sabotages your plans around you, and some snot-nosed kid runs away from you. I don't think you can control shit, not even your own defecation! Otherwise, how did you manage to fuck up so many times in just a few days?!"
Genghis's face darkened with ill-controlled anger, but he didn't reply. Clam quickly calmed down and again leaned back in his chair.
"I'll deal with it," said Genghis at last. “Edge is my soldier, and she's never let me down before. I think this is just a misunderstanding…"
"Since when is Edge your soldier?" I was indignant.
He grinned maliciously.
"Oh, what a surprise, right? Yeah, Edge works for me. From the very beginning. I told her to hunt you in the vicinity of the Gray Peak. It was my idea to insert her inside your group. She was the one who helped me break your deal with Maverick for the sale of the Eye of Dahamesh. All a
long, she was my eyes and ears in your gang."
His words hit me like a punch in the gut. Edge was Genghis's informant? But what about Viper? Although... Yeah, I gave this guy credit. He put Viper in our squad specifically to divert attention. It was a long con.
I looked at Terekhov. He looked grim, but it didn't seem to have surprised him as much as me.
"I had suspicions," he grumbled, catching my eye. "Kata was on me about it. Remember they even got into a fight with her? I thought it was a personal dislike because they didn't get along from the start."
"You're such a psycho therapist," sneered Clam. "Some girl has been making a fool out of you all this time!"
"I'm telling you, it's probably a misunderstanding," began Genghis.
Clam cut him off again.
"You're a misunderstanding! As soon as you reported the loss, I used all connections, in Artar and in real life. We totally blew the first nugget. She's already sold it. You know to whom? The fucking Red Legion! I can't think of anything worse!"
"When would she be able to do that?" Genghis clenched his fists.
"You forget about the time difference. It's morning here, but a couple of days have already passed in Artar.”
"I'll take care of it," stubbornly repeated Genghis. "I'll find that juvie."
"Shut up!" Clam winced. "I've already told you before—you gotta stop your bully vibe. We run a legitimate business. And like some mugger, you are carrying a knife in the pocket of an expensive suit."
"So we just leave it at that?"
"What do you suggest? Find this girl in real life, tie her to a chair and pull her nails out? Or what methods did you use in your past life? Not an option, Genghis. Especially since I made inquiries about her. She's the daughter of a well-known businessman. We don't need the hype. So leave it! Got it?"
"Yes," Genghis said through his teeth.
"The hell with it, with this adamantite. Although, of course, this is your screw up. We have further strengthened the Destroyer and his Legion, so it all goes straight to hell. But I'm more interested in how this could have happened. What if that Edge of yours was a double agent? And originally worked for the Legion? Or—even worse—some other force we don't know about?"
"I think you're being paranoid," I chuckled.
Clam looked at me, calm and unfazed. But this glance made me very uncomfortable. It was probably some kind of a natural talent—he hypnotized me like a boa constrictor would a rabbit. I was annoyed. Why should I be afraid of this bloodsucker? All the more, it was just his projection.
"Did I ask your opinion on that?" He asked coldly.
Man, oh man. My tongue is my enemy. But, hell, it's so much fun to piss people off sometimes.
"No, you didn't, but I'll share," I said as if nothing had happened. "You just don't understand. It is because all of them are serious grown-up men. But Artar is still a game. And Edge is just a spoiled girl."
"What are you getting at?"
"The fact that I don't think she was a part of some kind of an evil plan. She got her hands on the fiery tear, so she decided to dispose of it in her own way."
"Just like you did with the Eye of Dahamesh?" Genghis said sarcastically.
"Exactly."
"Not caring about all the arrangements with the employer?"
"Did you have any specific arrangements regarding the adamantite? And anyway... I suspect that Edge has not reported everything to you about the actions of our unit. For example, you weren't aware that we intercepted these two nuggets from you, were you?"
Judging by the look on Genghis's face, I hit the nail on the head.
"Anyway, I'm just saying that Edge took the fiery tear just for fun."
"For fun?" Clam slowly asked if he'd never heard this phrase before.
"Yep. It's you who are making some insidious plans for world domination. She's just having fun. I wonder how Genghis lured her into the squad. With his sour face? Or his military camp? She even refused to wear your uniform. She doesn't need the money either because her dad's rich. She worked with you until she got bored. So…"
I didn't finish, spreading my hands and letting them make their own conclusions.
Clam thoughtfully rubbed his forehead with his fingertips.
"You know,” he said after a long pause, “this is a serious blow to my ego. But I think I'd be glad if you were right."
"So we just got screwed by some flighty girl for fun?" Terekhov grumbled.
"If she acted spontaneously, we simply could not foresee it. It'd be much worse if it was a calculated diversion, ordered by someone we don't even know about. Anyway, I hope this story has taught you something."
Both commanders were clearly enraged by the situation. Though surprised, I wasn't angry at Edge. I didn't care about the nugget—it wasn't mine, after all. But the audacity and resourcefulness of this girl fascinated me ever since she alone managed to terrorize our entire squad, getting us one at a time in the most unexpected moments. She's a pain in the ass, that's for sure. But I gotta hand it to her, she played the insidious assassin perfectly.
"I still want to clarify about my report," Genghis reminded. "No matter which way you look at it, Terekhov's team acted outside of my orders and, eventually, even directly sabotaged them. If it wasn't for them, Edge wouldn't have gotten the adamantite. Therefore, I demand the removal of Terekhov and his entire gang."
"You demand?" Clam asked.
"I suggest."
"Oh, you suggest..."
Our gray cardinal fell silent again for a long time. I was starting to understand why he has that nickname. I didn’t think he took these meaningful pauses to think it through. He was not that slow. Rather, it was his way of making other people nervous. What a troll.
"You see... Terekhov's people are, indeed, boneheads. And I don't approve of his actions in Uobo. Nor do I of yours. You were going to frame him from the start, weren't you? It's silly to deny it."
"It'd be better for us."
"Let me decide that. You both messed up. And yes, Terekhov went on sabotage. But if not for him and Mongoose, we would not have come to the deal with the vanaras. And we wouldn't have a single adamantite nugget."
"It's a matter of time to get adamantite. I still have the compass."
"At least try not to blow it. Moreover, if the deal with the vanaras works out, you will have three gaming months to search for other nuggets."
"Well, what about Terekhov? You said it was time for us to form an official guild, and I would be the head of it. But I don't want people like him in my guild."
"I will not work under his command," Terekhov said. "I hope you understand that."
"I get it. But I'm not going to listen to your 'either he or I' tantrums. You both stay. But your unit, Leo, will continue to operate autonomously from the main cast of the Steel Hounds. You will report directly to me. I'll make sure you two don't get too close. Would that suit you?"
The question was asked more for show—it was unlikely he was interested in hearing their opinions.
"I can't stand such compromises myself," continued Clam. "But I'm not in a position to throw people around. So it's decided. You finish this mission with Hanuman. Genghis, you will remain in Uobo after this and control the region for as long as you need to. Some people should remain in the caves of the Gray Peak. The gold we mine there will help us in the future."
"By the way, are you going to share some gold with those who found these caves?" I asked.
Terekhov looked at me scared and indignantly while Clam laughed out loud.
"You know, your arrogance even begins to entertain me. You were much more pliable the first time we met."
"I've learned a thing or two since then. I now understand that you need me."
I was being cocky on purpose. However, my last words were on the verge of what was good for me. I just wanted to know where it ended for Clam. It'd be good to know for the future.
"You're right," unexpectedly easy agreed Clam. "By the way, stay for a few
minutes. Let's talk about something face-to-face. The rest are free to leave."
Genghis and Terekhov looked at each other but did not object. Leaving, Genghis slammed the door so hard that I unwittingly turned around in the direction of the noise.
To my surprise, Clam didn't start the conversation with a meaningful pause and immediately got down to business.
"I think you're not telling me something, Stan."
"About what?"
"About all these intrigues with the NPCs. Who is that Xilay that appeared at the crucial moment of the battle with the vanaras?"
"Yeah, you can't be fooled. You must have an informant in your unit, too?"
"Of course. Moreover, I can replay every word in your conversations if necessary. But that's not what this is about. Who is that cat?"
"He's my teacher. For my game class, combat monks."
"That's all?"
"Well, not just that... You know, Xilay are rather sketchy people. Do you know anything about them?"
"NPC faction. Some kind of local gypsies as I understand. Traders, nomads…"
"No, I wouldn't compare them with the gypsies. And trading is not that important for them. They're explorers, first and foremost. According to lore, they are the original aborigines of Artar."
"Lore?"
"Well, according to the official version of the developers. They have many quests. They are looking for their roots. In fact, they are informed basically about everything that happens in Artar. They play the same role as you, but only among the NPCs. They control the balance."
"Really? That's interesting. I probably underestimated them. I might have to find the right person with a high reputation with Xilay. It might come in handy."
"You mean me?"
"You catch on quick, kid," Clam smiled, and this time I knew: such smiles are almost a sign of his highest approval. "I think that in the light of recent events, we should make amendments to the terms of our cooperation."
"Genghis told me that our old contract was annulated."
"Genghis..." Clam irritably grimaced and seemed to want to say something unflattering about the commander of the Hounds, but he restrained himself. "Let's just say he overestimated his authority."
The Azure Dragon Page 31
