Striving for Perfection

Loud, rhythmic ringing of metal mechanisms that hit each other. The sound, shrill as a woman's scream, spreads through the room and stops with thick walls. Daylight breaks through the curtains, which is the only light source in the room.

I instinctively stretched out my hand to the right and pressed where the alarm clock off button should be. But I was met only by cold air and emptiness. I reluctantly opened my eyes and turned my head to where the alarm clock was coming from. But I didn't see an alarm clock in front of me. Abruptly throwing the blanket on the floor, I got out of bed and began to inspect the room for the presence of an alarm clock. After a short search, I saw that the alarm clock was on the floor. Raising the alarm clock and after a short search turning it off, I remembered how he ended up on the floor. There is no bedside table in my room, so the best thing my brain could come up with last night was to put an alarm clock on the floor.

Having dealt with the alarm clock, I threw it on the bed so as not to lose it and went to the closet. Opening the closet door, I could see my coat in the dark and took it off the hanger. I put on my coat and quickly buttoned all the buttons on it. Having finished with my clothes, I went to the bathroom to somehow prepare for the upcoming meeting with the mayor. On the way to the bathroom, I turned on the light wherever it was necessary to see at least something in my room.

When I got into the tub, I went to the sink. Going to the sink, I turned on the faucet and turned on the cold water. I took the water with both hands and splashed it on my face. Due to the lack of a comb, I had to do with minimal measures and straighten my hair with wet hands. Having straightened my hair to a more or less acceptable state, I went to the exit.

After leaving the bathroom and turning off the light, I went to the door but decided to take a last look around the room. The alarm clock is still lying on the bed and steadily counting down the seconds. The cabinet is still rustic and still closed. The curtains quickly curl and tangle as if the window is open.

Curtains shouldn't behave like that.

I moved away from the door and on the way to the curtains turned on the light by pulling the rope. When I got to the curtains, I threw them aside and saw that the window was really open. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed a thing that I didn't expect here. An envelope with a seal similar to the Chrysalis crown. I closed the window, took the envelope and opened it. Along with the letter, there was something similar to a locket in the envelope. I put the locket aside and started reading the letter.

Daniel Ctumer I received your report on the abilities of both princesses. You have done an excellent job and completed all the tasks. Unfortunately, I don't have a task for you yet, but I have a reward for you. I've been thinking about a suitable reward for a long time and found a great option. In the envelope of this letter is an enchanted locket. In short, it converts natural magic into an automatic spell that helps the wearer control magic. Just put it on so that the black part is located in front and the silver part is located behind. Consider it a reward for loyalty.

Your esteemed Queen Chrysalis.

I tore the letter into many pieces and opened the window and threw them out into the street. The cold winter wind caught the torn letter and took it to an unknown direction. I sighed to calm down and took the locket to get a better look at it. On one side it was made of a strange black stone with small holes and on the other side it was made of something similar to silver and a small crystal in the center. I carefully put on the locket as Chrysalis asked me and hid it under my T-shirt. I felt something hit me in the chest and began to deepen into the depths of my body. I fell to one knee trying to cope with the pain, but something still continued to delve into me. It stretches and fixes inside my body in my veins. When it reached the most remote areas of the body, the pain abruptly disappeared and I was able to stand up calmly.

Despite the fear, interest picked up and I wanted to see the changes. I started pulling the magic tentacles out of my hand and already at this stage I felt how easy it was to do. As an experiment, I decided to do something that I have never been able to do. Unwrapped the tentacle. I began to slowly and carefully lengthen the tentacle so that it unfolded. With a little effort, I was able to unfold the tentacle and began to hold it between my fingers. As a result, I got a kind of brass knuckles. Satisfied with the result, I stopped controlling the tentacle and it quickly disappeared.

Having finished with the experiments, I got to the door, inserted the key into the lock and turned it and went to my next destination. City Hall. I locked in my room with a key and headed for the familiar stairs. Step by step, I was able to get to the vestibule and without paying much attention to it, I continued to move to the exit. I got to the door and remembering my mistake yesterday pulled it on myself, thus letting the cold into the room. I had already begun to adapt to the cold, thanks to what I was able to ignore the cold.

After leaving the hotel, I pulled out a double card and began to build a route to the City Hall. Fortunately, the farmer's market is relatively close to the City Hall, so I can afford to go for food. I cracked my neck getting ready to walk and started my hike.

With each step, the snow underfoot made a pleasant sound like a crunch. The whole city was thoroughly covered with white snow. The sun stood proudly at the zenith and illuminated the city with its light. And again, there was no one on the street, which is why an atmosphere of devastation is created in the city. Fortunately, today I will talk to the mayor and find out what is wrong with this city.

But the question of which bill to propose to him remains open. Should I suggest that he enters a six-hour working day? No, he's the mayor, not a factory worker. It is not profitable for him. What if I suggest him to create a cultural ministry that will actively promote all kinds of art? No, I doubt that the mayor will be ready for such a long idea in the implementation. Here it is necessary to think.

During the time of reflection, I managed to get to my first destination. Farmer's market. Because of the atmosphere of Manhattan, the farmer's market looks quite strange during the day. There are sellers and there are no buyers. As soon as I was in the field of view of the sellers, they immediately became active.

"Buy a watermelon! Sweeter than any sugar! "

"Buy a pineapple! Saturated with citrus! "

"Buy apples! There are sweet reds and for sensation seekers there are sour greens! "

"That's interesting. " I said, mostly to myself, turning to where the voice came from.

After a little inspection, I saw a small stall on which various varieties of apples were located. Having got close to the counter, I turned to the seller.

"Give me one apple of the sourest variety."

"One? Buy one and get the second one at a discount." The stallion sitting behind the counter answered.

"I don't need any more." I said, starting to look at the stallion with an impenetrable gaze.

"Okay, that'll be two bits." He said with annoyance.

It was enough for him not to continue the argument, and he took one apple and threw it in my direction. I caught the apple in the air without any problems and pulled the bag out of my pocket and put the right amount on the counter. I quickly turned around and ran to the City Hall on the way eating an apple. I looked at the sun and realized one unpleasant thing. There are only a couple of minutes left before the meeting with the mayor.

I started running at full speed through the city despite the risk of slipping. Having accelerated to a high speed and not seeing a garbage can nearby, I made a dubious decision. I moved my hand with the remains of the apple far back and in one sharp movement threw it high into the sky. The further fate of this apple remains unknown. Having dealt with the apple, I continued running to the City Hall, accelerating to the limit. The cold wind hits me right in the face, forcing me to squint very hard, but fortunately I was able to remember the way to the City Hall, so vision is not so important now. Suddenly I felt that the surface under my feet was moving and my own movements did not matter. Subconsciously, I stopped running and started balancing. I was able to open my eyes a little bit and saw what was happening around me. I started sliding on the ice.

"Shit, Fuck, Balls, Cunt!" I shouted curses, desperately trying to keep my balance.

Fortunately, there was a lamppost nearby, for which I was able to catch on and stop the movement. Clinging to a lamppost, I took a deep breath and, calming down a little, detached myself from it to continue driving. Cautiously, step by step, I began to walk through the ice, already ready for the unexpected. Fortunately, the rest of the way to the City Hall passed without incident.

When I got to the City Hall, I stopped to catch my breath and, having regained my strength, entered the City Hall. When I entered the City Hall, I saw the same mare in front of me as the last time. I immediately went to her to finish with the mayor as soon as possible.

"Wait a bit." She said without looking up from the papers.

Looking at her desk, I saw two large stacks of papers. One is significantly higher than the other. Shifting my gaze to the other side, I saw a mug of coffee that had been cold for a long time. I was distracted by the creaking of the chair, which was freed from the weight. Raising my eyes higher, I saw that the mare had already got up and started carrying out some kind of fraud with papers. Taking advantage of the moment, I rubbed the bridge of my nose trying to figure out what I still need to say to the mayor.

The law on freedom of Speech? No, it doesn't fit. Free education that brings up ideas in children that the state needs? No, it's too long. Think, stupid head, think.

"Follow me." Said the mare who, in some unknown way, put a stack of papers on her back.

I nodded and followed her. Following her, I started unsuccessfully trying to calm down and find the right offer for the mayor. My thoughts were interrupted by the mare's voice.

"I will go to the mayor now and inform him about your arrival." She said as she opened the door to the mysterious room.

I leaned against the wall trying to collect my thoughts, but unfortunately nothing sensible happened. Only one more or less working thought came to my mind.

First of all, I need to study it and only then propose a law.

The door to the mayor's office opened and the mare who had accompanied me earlier came out of it. I understood her without a word and went to the office. Going into the office, I saw the light coming through the window, covering the shadow of the chair behind which the mayor was supposedly sitting. On a large, expensive-looking desk was a stack of papers and next to them a pen and a jar of ink. There were a couple of expensive-looking paintings on the walls. My attention was riveted by one painting that had two parts. The upper one depicted a large modern city whose skyscrapers reflected light as if depicting unstoppable progress. The lower part depicted a musty sewer that looked like a symbol of despair. Whoever the artist was, he was able to impress me with this painting.

"Interested in the painting?" The mayor asked in a confident and sly voice.

"Yes, it is drawn very well." I replied, trying to study the mayor's behavior. He sits calmly on a chair and looks at me with a relaxed expression.

"I am very interested in one unimportant thing. What do you think about this picture? I mean, what does the painting symbolize? " The mayor asked, still not showing bright emotions.

"This painting symbolizes the problem of the class struggle. " I answered without thinking.

"Tell us in more detail. " Said the mayor with sincere interest.

"The upper part of the picture reflects a developed bourgeois society that is developing at a rapid pace. The lower part of the picture reflects the proletariat squeezed dry due to the labors of which progress is taking place."

"An interesting thought. But I am interested in one small detail. What do you want to do about it?"

"I could say that it is necessary to destroy the bourgeoisie and create a dictatorship of the proletariat, but this differs from my own opinion. I believe that for a comfortable life of different classes of society, mutually beneficial cooperation and mediation of the state are necessary. If the proletariat takes power, it will create a new bourgeoisie after a while. The strengthening of the bourgeoisie will finally crush the proletariat and may lead to mass unrest. Cooperation is on the only good way out. In my opinion. "

The mayor actively nodded his head while listening to me, and when I finished speaking, he took over the conversation, "It is immediately clear that an educated and intelligent person is standing in front of me. That you came here on business so please have a seat. " Said the mayor pointing with his hoof at the chair.

Only now, among the shadows, I could make out the chair that is in front of the table. Unlike all the other things in the office, the chair looks very small and cheap. Most likely the chair will just break under my weight.

"I'll stand. Let's move on. . ."

"I insist." The mayor interrupted me.

"I also insist. I insist on the stand."

He stared at me with a look like a boss giving an order to a particularly lazy employee. In response, I gave him an aggressive look suggesting a promising fight. For a second, everything in the world quieted down, allowing the battle of views to pass. Along with the growing irritation, my gaze began to become even more aggressive. In response, the mayor began to look at me as an employee who is about to be fired. After a couple of seconds of battle, doubt flashed in his eyes for a moment. It's like I'm different from everyone he's talked to before. He slowly began to relax until there was not a single hint that there was a battle here.

"Well, if you want to stand, you can stand. I am ready to listen to your bill."

Having received the slightest bit of information, my brain finally figured out what to offer the mayor.

Full legalization.

"I suggest you start full legalization." I said, causing the mayor to be surprised for a second.

"Please be more specific."

"I propose to legalize everything that is possible. Drugs, casinos and the like. All these new legal businesses need to start being taxed a little. One percent or as much as you see fit. "

"How can you suggest something like that? " The mayor asked indignantly.

"According to the information that I have, such businesses never die out and they cannot be destroyed. If they become legal, then you will get a good share of their income and will be able to regulate them. State standards, Protection of workers and the like. Besides, imagine how many people from all over the world will go to the only city in the world where you can legally buy literally everything. These immigrants can become a new labor force in factories that will pay taxes."

"But most immigrants are likely to come here just for drugs and won't work." The mayor retorted.

""In that case, I offer you two laws for the price of one. Together with full legalization, it is necessary to introduce a law on possibly the government itself to distribute people to jobs if they do not have a job. That is, according to the new law, if a citizen who has reached a certain age does not have a job, then the authorities have every right to compel any work of this citizen. "

"So you're offering slavery? "

"No, I propose a system in which everyone will have a job. I did not say that these former unemployed people would work for free and that they would become the property of the state. "

He paused as if he had begun to process this idea in earnest. After a few minutes of silent reflection, he said, "Okay, the idea itself is not bad, but we need to think about the implementation. I'll remember your idea."

I nodded slowly and moved on to my main goal, "Well, I think you understand that I didn't come here just to propose a law. I want to find out why this city is so developed compared to the rest of Equestria."

"It's very simple. Princess Celestia signed a law a few years ago that factories can only be built at a certain distance from residential buildings or located outside the city. But Manehatten is unique. According to the documents, only the avenue is considered part of Manehatten, and such places as the industrial zone are located outside the city, according to the documents. "

"Is that really all? "

"Believe me, I was also very surprised when I found out about this nuance. "

"Okay, but hasn't anyone been outraged about this? "

"The documents and the monopoly on the production of many goods such as trains have made Manehatten a unique case that is often overlooked."

"I'm interested in one more thing. Why is the city so empty?"

"You know that people work during the day, right?"

"An eight-hour work shift usually ends around six o'clock in the evening if work starts at nine in the morning."

"An eight-hour work shift? It looks like you lived in a real paradise, my friend, but I'm afraid to disappoint you. In Equestria, there is no limit on the length of the working day, so most ponies, especially in Manehatten, work sixteen hours a day. In small towns, the situation is usually better, but I've never heard of anyone working less than ten hours a day. The overwhelming majority come to restaurants and eateries only in the morning and evening. "

"It's sad, of course, but I still have one last question. Do you know where the Cleansing Sword organization is located? "

"It's somewhere in the kingdom of the Minotaurs, which is far to the west beyond the mediundulating sea. But there are rumors that they have hidden bases somewhere in other countries, including Equestria. I don't know anything else." Said the mayor as if I feel guilty.

"Well, it's better than nothing." I said before turning around and going to the exit.

But I stopped at the end and asked the question, "What is your name Mayor?"

"Bench Mark." The mayor said, waiting for some kind of reaction.

"Now we've met." I said briefly before leaving his office and closing the door behind me.

After leaving the mayor's office, I was about to go further, but I had an idea.

I don't have the best understanding of morality, but I know that most people think drugs are definitely a bad thing and won't even think about legalization. They will turn on the mode of complete denial and will not listen. If this mayor was like an ordinary person, he would not have listened to more than one of my arguments. He would just call me crazy and demand to leave the office. There's something wrong with this mayor.

I cautiously looked at the door to the mayor's office and began to carefully move away from it. Turning the corner, I started hurriedly leaving the City Hall. After leaving the mayor's office, I stopped on the street and started looking at the map trying to think through further actions. I'm not going to swim across the sea because it will take too much time and I'm going to meet the week that I was allocated as a day off. To search all Equestria to find a hidden base will be very long and difficult. With a disappointed sigh, I folded the card and put it back in my pocket. My stomach grumbled at the fact of several days without proper food. I pulled out the map again and started looking for a restaurant on the map. I was attracted to only one institution. A pizzeria called Dragon's.

Usually I prefer to take a piece of meat from the store and cook it quickly at home, but it is unlikely that meat will be so easy to find in the city of herbivores. I can survive the cheese pizza from the diner.

Folding the card again and putting it in my pocket, I wandered into the diner. While walking, I did not leave the feeling as if something was being observed. I turned my head back but saw only a cold wind carrying garbage. Turning my head towards the alley and looking into it, I again found nothing. Cautiously, I continued to walk forward, turning around regularly to find a promising threat. At the moment when I relaxed a little, some steps were heard from above. I instantly raised my head up and stared at the roof of one of the buildings. Finding nothing on the roof, I started walking towards the pizzeria while constantly watching that roof.

When I got to the pizzeria, I looked around the room. A simple, austere design with round lamps on a wooden ceiling, seemingly plastic chairs and a simple wooden counter. A pony was sitting behind the counter with his head on the counter. And also on his head is a cap with the name of the restaurant. While I was approaching the seller's counter, I began to look at the menu for something edible. Only one option caught my attention. Griffin pizza. For some reason, this pizza is the most expensive on the menu. While all pizzas cost ten bits for a large portion, Griffin costs fifteen for an average one. Unfortunately, the menu did not contain the composition of the dish, so I had to ask the cashier.

"What is griffin pizza made of?"

In response, I heard only a quiet, calm breathing. I hit the counter with my palm, thus creating a loud enough sound to wake anyone up. The pony behind the counter abruptly straightened up and began to quickly look around.

Focusing his gaze on me, he calmed down a little and began to say the phrase he had already memorized by heart: "Good afternoon, sir, can I take your order?"

"I want to clarify one detail. What is in the gryphon pizza?" I asked, pointing to the corresponding position in the menu.

Hearing my question, he swallowed nervously and answered with difficulty pronouncing the word meat "Basically different types of meat."

I put fifteen bits on the table silently informing that I agree to the purchase. The cashier swallowed and put the money in the cash register. Having finished with the cash register, he quickly went to the kitchen, probably in order to find the cook.

Or to get away from me.

I shrugged and headed for the chairs. At my own risk, I sat down on a chair hoping that it would not fall apart under my weight. The chair creaked a little but remained intact. Relaxing, I crossed one leg over the other and started watching the kitchen, waiting for them to finish preparing my order. Suddenly, I had the feeling that someone was watching me again. I abruptly turned towards the window and began to inspect any place where I could be watched.

A trash can? There's not too little room to hide. The roof? No angle is not suitable for observation. The alley? No, the angle doesn't fit either. Where can he or she hide?

While I was peering into the corners, I heard something being put on the table in front of me. Looking away, I saw that a closed pizza box was placed in front of me. Taking the box in my left hand and without taking my eyes off the window, I began to leave the room. Out of the corner of my eye I saw that the cashier was looking at me with interest and incomprehension.

After leaving the pizzeria, I pulled the map out of my pocket with difficulty and began to plot a route to the nearest goal. Since walking around the city with a pizza box is not very convenient, I decided to go to the hotel to eat and leave the pizza there. Putting the map in my pocket, I started walking towards the hotel, constantly looking around the corners with caution. Turning my head up, I saw that running around the city took a lot of time. The sun is already beginning to slowly set over the horizon and turn the sky scarlet. Concentrating on the road, I turned into an alley to shorten the way to the hotel. Raising my head a little higher, I saw a window that I had recently broken and even saw shards of glass under the window. Each step in contact with the snow produced a sound similar to a crunch that was already beginning to annoy a little. I took a step out of the alley and immediately felt something cutting through the air approaching me.

I took the first thing that came to my hand at the maximum possible speed and blocked the blow of a huge two-handed sword. I saw a minotaur with an eye patch in front of me, who was trying with all his weight to break through my defense consisting of a thin dagger. Purely for the sake of interest, I did not take any action and just continued to hold the line. I chuckled softly as I imagined the situation from the side. I'm standing with a pizza box in one hand and a dagger in the other. I'm defending myself against a huge Minotaur.

The Minotaur during the collision was able to squeeze out the insult "Fucking sorcerer."

I moved my head to the right with a small smile, "Are you Stupid pig? Is that your name? If so, your name is very suitable."

Instead of answering, something stuck into my left shoulder, forcing me to distract from the opponent in front of me. Turning my head back, I saw a Minotaur in full armor who raised a dagger over his head for a second, this time the deadly blow aimed at me. Apparently, I was very lucky the first time. I took a step to the right and shifted all my weight on my right foot. Gathering my strength, I abruptly raised the dagger forward and upward to throw off the balance of the Minotaur without a helmet. Taking advantage of the freedom of action, I dodged the blow of the armored Minotaur and gained distance. Unfortunately, due to the wrong direction, I ended up in the middle of the alley. When I looked at the armored Minotaur whose arm I had previously broken, I saw that he had cast on the arm. The "best" mercenaries already wanted to continue the attack, but I raised my hand making a stop gesture.

"How about a deal? I'm giving this useless dagger to you, but in return you tell me your names and let me safely put this pizza somewhere. I think it's very profitable and you?"

"Yes, I'll tell you the names without deals. More precisely, not names, but call signs, but you just don't tell anyone. I'm Big Sword, it's Thin Dagger, and Speed Arrow is hiding somewhere on the roof. " Big said, pointing to the people he called.

"Thank you very much," I said, making a parody of a bow.

Looking up a little higher, I saw Thin looking at his partner. Looking closer, I saw that he clenched his fists so tightly that they began to tremble. Big raised an eyebrow and turned to his partner.

"Is something wrong?"

Thin continued to stare at Big, but without seeing a response, he hit the trash can with all his might, in which there were two dents left me. Having made the third smallest dent in the trash, he sighed in a relaxed manner and took a step towards me, simultaneously addressing his partner, "Just don't be an idiot as usual and follow the plan."

Big nodded and took the sword in two hands and also took a step forward. I turned my head from side to side and saw a garbage can and put a pizza box on it. I put the dagger on the box, thus freeing my hands. I got into a fighting stance and, as a mockery, beckoned my enemies with a hand gesture. Big fell for my mockery and ran at me with a sword to the advantage. On the run, he swung his sword right to the left, striking sparks from the wall and knocking down garbage cans. I took a step back, dodging his blow, and in response I kicked him right in the stomach. Despite the fact that the armor absorbed most of the damage, Big still staggered and took a few steps back. Looking behind him, I didn't see his partner.

Probably ran away.

For the sake of interest, I released a tentacle from my hand and made it wrap around my fists like a snake. As a result, I got two brass knuckles that, in theory, will help me break through armor. Or at least reduce the damage received during the offensive. Deciding to check my brass knuckles, I ran straight to Big. He quickly gathered his strength and stood up in an inept defensive posture. He moved his right leg back, pressed the sword to his right shoulder and put his left leg forward almost without bending the knee. When I got close enough, he stabbed me in the heart. I hit the left side of the blade with my hand, which was not sharpened in such a way that the sword lost its trajectory. As a result, Big found himself in a position in which he holds a sword with both hands and is unable to defend himself because he is busy trying to hold the weapon in his hands. Taking advantage of the hole in the opponent's defense, I took a step with my right foot and put all my weight into a blow aimed at the solar plexus.

My brass knuckles on contact with the armor hissed and almost fell apart. But thanks to my efforts, the magic brass knuckles were able to retain their shape and integrity. My hand, without encountering pain and damage, was able to continue to delve into the enemy's armor. As a result, my kick knocked Big off his feet and threw him several yards away. There was a very deep dent in the armor in the form of my fist. He was barely able to get down on one knee using the sword as a support. I relaxed and started walking towards him, preparing to knock him out so that I could interrogate him later. Suddenly, I felt something thrust into my thigh causing me to scream in pain. Lowering my eyes lower, I saw that an arrow had hit me in the thigh and pierced through it. No sooner had I pulled out the arrow than I was immediately attacked by Thin, who got up to me from behind. Using magic brass knuckles, I was able to block the dagger strike and counterattack by striking the opponent's face. He staggered slightly and took a few steps back.

I can't go on like this for long. I won't be able to dress the wound now because Big and Thin won't give me such a respite. Plus Speed Arrow won't let me escape in peace. I have only one option left. A quick offensive capable of defeating the enemy before I get tired.

I took a deep breath to gather my strength and began the offensive. I quickly got close to Thin along the way thinking through a plan. He took his dagger with a reverse grip to stab me in the neck. But I quickly ducked and hit him on the knee with all my strength. The action turned out to be strong enough to bring Thin down on his knee and open up an opportunity for an attack. I began to strike anywhere where I could cause significant damage. On the horns, which were also covered with armor, on the liver, on the solar plexus and of course on the knees. Big got up from his knees and tried to attack me, but my adrenaline-fueled body was able to react instantly. I turned around and gave Big a hard blow aimed right at the jaw. The blow was so strong that several teeth flew out of Big's mouth and bleeding began in the place where the teeth used to be. In addition, I landed a right hook in him horn. A few imperceptible cracks ran along the horn, but it did not fall apart. Big from such a blow fell on his back with a loud sound. There was a sound like an object rushing through the air.

Arrow!

I ducked and the arrow flew safely past. Turning around, I saw a hooded figure standing on the roof and clutching a bow in his hands. Seeing that I was watching, the figure immediately rushed to run. I felt the air slowly heating up. Carefully turning my head to the side, I saw the worst that I could see. The skin of the minotaurs is burning and if they repeat my fate, then the battle with them will be a real test. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Big's eyes. Eyes filled with determination. I made a shameful decision for myself. Retreat. Fortunately, their wounds were strong enough for me to pack my things. I left an arrow in my leg so as not to cause more bleeding. I grabbed my pizza in my left hand, put the dagger between my belt and trousers and started running after the attacker. With each step, the pain only increased, but I decided to start the pursuit anyway. Breaking through the snow, I reached the alley that was next to the building where the archer was. In the alley, I saw a door open wide, which was swinging under the influence of the wind. Looking closer, I saw hoofprints in the snow that most likely belonged to an archer.

I started running as fast as my injured leg would allow me. Moving along the tracks, I soon saw a hooded figure running on two legs in the distance. Surprisingly, even in a wounded state, I was fast enough to successfully continue the chase. When I got close enough, the hooded figure turned around and shot at me. Fortunately, my reaction was fast enough that I was able to dodge the arrow. Realizing that the arrows were ineffective against me, the figure began to turn over garbage cans and push random passers-by in my direction. Lifting my head up, I saw that the moon had already begun to rise into the sky, that is, the working day for many is already over. At some point, she pushed a black pony in my direction with bags on its sides. I grabbed this pony by the straps of the bags and returned it to the sender. Pony and Minotaur collided and both fell to the ground covered with snow.

I stood in front of the fallen Minotaur and, not seeing the horns on her head, decided to improvise. I pulled my arm slightly back and then, like a shot, struck a blow from the side of the neck. Thanks to incredible luck, I was able to touch the carotid artery and knock out the Minotaur. Turning my head to the side, I saw that the pony I threw at the Minotaur began to slowly recover and rub his head with a hoof trying to ease the pain.

"Damn man, it actually hurts. Oh." Said the blue-eyed thestral in a hoarse voice, turning to me and making a surprised face as if he did not expect me here.

Suddenly, a burgundy liquid began to seep through his bag and, together with the liquid, the smell of alcohol filled the space. Very cheap alcohol.

"No, not that!" Flying shouted, quickly throwing off his bag and trying to do something. He started rummaging in his bag trying to find something, but quickly gave up and started doing a really strange thing. He took the bag with one of his wings and lifted it above him in such a way that the alcohol flowed directly into his mouth.

Even Grandpa didn't like alcohol so much. And he was drunk to varying degrees in half of my memories.

"Daniel, why did you do that!? This wine is the only thing I paid for in this city, but now they are destroyed. Do you understand? Destroyed!" Said Flying with an intonation like it's the end of the world.

The only thing you paid for?

"So you stole the rest, right?" I asked, tilting my head to the side.

"I didn't steal. I satisfy my basic needs. First you need to eat food and drink wine. Then you need to find a good mare. And by the end, you can think about money and the future. But now there is no wine!" Flying said, returning to his whining.

It's amazing how the first impression differs from reality. I thought he was a serious, disciplined and responsible soldier, but in the end it turns out that he is just a thief and a drunkard. The question is how he hid it from me for so long.

"How did you hide such a lifestyle from others for so long? You were under my command for about two months and didn't show it. How?"

"I don't know what you're talking about." Said Flying as if worked out to automatism phrase.

"You know what I'm talking about. I'm talking about your lifestyle." I said looking at him from above

"I don't understand." Said Flying continuing to bend his line.

"You understand."

"No I don't understand." Said Flying abruptly shaking his head from side to side.

"Okay, you know what? I don't give a fuck, keep doing your thing. I don't have time for this right now." I said, waving my hand and walking closer to the knocked-out archer.

Turning her over on her back, an impressive chest of the third size caught my eye. Subconsciously, my right hand started reaching for my chest and my left hand started reaching for my mouth. In last moment and quickly hit my right hand trying to calm down.

No. The decision of a person who has reached or is reaching perfection should not be influenced by emotions and especially lust. Come on, Daniel, get it together!

"What happened? Did you see an attractive mare?" Said Flying with outright mockery.

"Very funny." I said sarcastically and rolling my eyes.

Starting to examine the cut down Minotaur, I noticed that she had light leather armor under her cloak. On his back hung a bow and two quivers with arrows. Taking the bow in my hands, I saw that it was very massive and had an amazing length of about seven feet. The first quiver contained normal-sized arrows. In the second quiver there were arrows that instead of the tips had something similar to cans of chemicals.

Probably it was one of these arrows that created the smoke screen.

"Do you happen to know where he went?" Flying asked distracting me from the inspection.

"Who?" I asked, turning my head towards Flying.

"This one is like the best. Rising and something further. I don't remember."

"Rising Moon?" I asked, starting to feel the pain of my wounds.

"Yes, he is! You have no idea how tired I am of him today. We met in the city, and he immediately started dragging me around the city. First he made me go to the market, then he made me hang out for half an hour at the mayor's office, after the mayor's office he told me to go to the pizzeria and stare into the corner. I'm fucking tired. "

"Wait, why did you both end up in Manehattan? " I asked how a detective interrogates a witness.

"In short, when I came to my native village to celebrate Hearth's Warming Eve, I was handed a brochure where one beautiful word was written. Is free. I immediately said goodbye to everyone and drove here." Flying said, tapping his hoof on the sidewalk.

Most likely I won't get normal information from him. He's just too dumb for me to cooperate with him without any problems.

"Okay, do you know where Rising is? I need to talk to him." I asked, rubbing the bridge of my nose with two fingers.

"That's the problem. When you threw me, he just disappeared!"

"Can you look for him while I'm thinking?"

"For free? No." Said Flying, shaking his head from side to side.

"I'm crying with a slice of pizza. " I said, opening the pizza box and showing one piece.

"Half a pizza and I agree. " Replied Flying with a challenge in his voice.

"One quarter. " I said taking the Flying challenge.

"Okay, I'll go look for him, but first the payment."

"You'll get by in advance," I said, throwing him one slice of pizza. He jumped into the air like a dog and caught a pizza in his mouth. After catching a piece of pizza, Flying went to an unknown direction in search of Rising Moon.

I stood next to the knocked out Minotaur and began to think what to do with it. It is not known when her partners will recover and begin the pursuit, but it is obvious that this needs to be dealt with quickly. I need to find a place as soon as possible where I can interrogate her without getting caught. The military base is too far away and it will not be possible to go by train with a carcass overweight. The hotel is not even considered as an option. I opened the map to find something useful. The police station caught my attention. They should have an interrogation room. After all, I'm a military type, so I can borrow an interrogation room in theory.

Folding the map and putting it in my pocket, I began to look around in search of Flying. Soon, I saw Flying grabbing Rising by the ear with his mouth and dragging him to me. Only now I noticed that Flying is bigger and more pumped up than other thestrals. He is about four feet taller than Rising and during the load his muscles are very clearly visible. While Rising was being carried to me, he actively protested.

"Let me go! It hurts!" shouted Rising, trying to pull the ear out of Flying's teeth, but to no avail.

When he was finally released right in front of me, he started to get up, looking around along the way, but when he saw me, he fell on his ass and stared at me.

"Why were you following me?" I asked, looking at Rising from high.

"Um I'm like, I'm this. You see, Mr. Sir boss, I wanted to. I wanted to ask you for a job! Yes, that's right! I just didn't know how to tell you about it correctly, Mr. Sir boss!" Rising answered, raising his voice as if this makes his lie more convincing.

He lies and does not blush. Now I'm going to show him what happens to liars.

I had already rolled up my sleeves, but the pain in my wounds suddenly woke up. The wound in the leg from which the arrow was still sticking out began to hurt like hell. A tiny wound in my left shoulder began to spit out blood. The whole body decided to remind me that I constantly work and run around the city. I staggered, almost falling, but I was able to keep my balance and stay conscious.

"Okay, do you want a job? I need to take this Minotaur to the nearest police station. Do it with Flying." I said, deciding to postpone the declassification of the lie for later. When I finished speaking, Rising looked at Flying with a challenge in response to which he grinned suggesting entertainment.

"You assholes will carry her on your backs. Here, with all the desire, there will be no competition." I said, ruining their competitive spirit.

"If that's the case, why should I work now?" Asked Flying with a hint of a new deal.

"You'll get your slice of pizza just work first." I said, looking at the Thestral as a child to be coddled.

"Actually, I've already done a job paid for by pizza. So with you, "sir" two slices of pizza and something else that will make me work." Said Flying with his usual cheekiness.

"I'll let you sleep in my hotel room." I said, wanting to end this conversation as soon as possible.

Fortunately, he fell for it and waved his head and called Rising to work with him. Despite the difference in height and build, they were able to lift the Minotaur in such a way as to carry her in two at once. To do this, quivers of arrows were placed on Rising's back, which were used as a pillow for the Minotaurs legs. While we were walking to the site, I regularly checked the map and told us where to go.

"Sir, what are we going to say if someone asks about it?" Asked Rising while we were walking.

I slightly lowered the card just enough so that I could look him in the eye, "Depending on the degree of assertiveness of the one who asks. Ideally, I'll just say something very complicated and that's the end of the conversation."

"For example?"

""The confidential case of a representative of a law enforcement agency is not subject to discussion in the media and personal conversation. " I answered, switching to the most serious voice.

"Well, I understand. " He said before quietly repeating to himself, "The confidential case of a representative of the law enforcement agency is not subject to discussion" as a mantra.

As a result, by the time the moon was already high in the sky, we reached the police station, the light in which was already turned off. Standing in front of the station, my tired brain could not come up with more than one idea.

I took a deep breath, gathering my strength and asked, "Does anyone have any ideas how to get there?"

"I have an idea."Said the last person I expected an answer from. Flying.

"Okay, I'll take you half of the Minotaur and you implement your idea." I said, approaching Flying. I took the part of the minotaur that Flying was carrying with one hand and adjusted so that Rising could hold his part of the minotaur.

"Wow." Said Rising when he saw me holding half of the Minotaur with one hand.

I rolled my eyes and decided to watch what Flying was trying to do. He pulled out of his bag a few tools that looked like pieces of glass of different shapes tied together. The first one had the shape of a tension wrench. The second was in the form of a pick. And the last third had the form of rake. He took all three tools in one wing and blocking the view of the castle began to work. Before I even had time to count to ten, he had already walked away from the castle with a proud look.

I started carrying the Minotaur along with Rising to the police station. Passing next to Flying, I started talking to him.

"Don't think that I left this topic. I'll make you tell me how you've been hiding such a lifestyle for so long."

"Can we do something fun? For example, instead of boring conversations, we can go to a bar and drink a bunch of interesting things at your expense."

"In that case, I have good news for you. On the thirty-first of December, I allow myself to drink alcohol."

"Oh that's cool! What's the reason?" Said Flying excited by this development of the conversation.

"The reason is none of your business." I said, not even turning to Flying, but speaking in a voice that does not imply the continuation of the dialogue.

Flying took the hint and fell silent. In silence, we started looking for an interrogation room. Turning on the lights in the rooms where we went and moving up the stairs, we finally found an interrogation room. The interrogation room turned out to be a direct copy of the movie. A white room with a window that looks like a wall from the inside. A table in the middle of the room with chairs at different ends. I carefully removed the equipment from the Minotaur and put it on another part of the table. Having finished with the equipment, Rising and I put the Minotaur on a chair and waited for Flying, who went in search of a torture invetar.

"So what do you want to do with her, sir?" Rising asked while sitting on a chair and continuing to call me. Although I don't mind.

"When Flying brings the right equipment and our sleeping beauty wakes up, I will begin the interrogation. Ideally, I want to get the necessary information and leave such wounds on it so that it does not interfere with me in the near future." I replied sitting on the table with one leg crossed over the other. The pizza is right there in case I get hungry. I had already pulled out the arrow and carefully treated my wounds, preventing severe bleeding.

"What if it doesn't go so well?" Rising asked, afraid of my answer.

"Then I'll have to improvise." I said with a shrug.

Suddenly, the door handle turned and the door swung open. Flying came into the room, holding a bundle under his wing. Without a word, he put and unfolded a bundle on the table, which turned out to be a lot of equipment. Starting from knives of different sizes ending with a number of devices for pulling teeth designed for different creatures and a rag along with a bottle of water.

"Damn, cool guys are working here." I said, examining all the equipment that was in front of me. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed that Flying looked at me like I was crazy and Rising unsuccessfully tried to make an approving face. In fact, he's terrified.

I turned my head to the Minotaur who is still out.

I'll have to wait.