Striving for Perfection

"Think, sleepy head, think. There should be at least something here." I muttered, bending over the document that Luna provided. I got this piece of paper at the cost of only two broken cannons and a bunch of shells. All this is destroyed. Completely. And the worst thing is that I was forced to personally break it all. And then Luna took all the few fragments that remained and hid them somewhere. Or finally destroyed. I don't know.

And I said that it was necessary to deceive her and just make the guns along with the shells invisible. But no, the crybaby decided that it was necessary to be honest. Are you happy with your distance from Perfection?

I took a deep breath and slowly shook my head and focused on the document again. I still have hope that Luna didn't destroy the wreckage. If I find a loophole, I can restore weapons from the wreckage and make a tank again, well, a tank. Drilling the document with my eyes, I once again began to reread it and highlight the most important points. When the contract was signed: August 8, 210 ADE. I have no idea what ADE is. A pony version of BC? No matter. Who signed the agreement: Equestria, the Griffin Empire and a bunch of other countries. I don't see any clue. What prohibits: The use of gunpowder in weapons. The exception is ships. All.

"Maybe remake the tank so that it can swim? When crossing the river, it will be easier and it will be possible to say that it is a ship. No complaints. Hmm. " I muttered, frowning. Maybe, just maybe, it's a good idea? The contract says in black and white that weapons using gunpowder are not prohibited on ships. So why is a floating tank not a ship?

There is no money to build more tanks. Hmm, maybe sell Ahirata's body for organs?

Grinning, I nodded to myself and focused on the open window. The sun was high in the sky, and judging by the position it is now the middle of the day. It looks like I've been sitting here thinking about the contract for almost a whole day. And all this time I didn't sleep or eat. I don't even want to know what my body looks like under my clothes. Considering how often I forget to eat.

Leaning with both hands on the table, I slowly got up from the chair and slightly stretched my back. Yeah, sitting for several hours in one position practically without moving is harmful to the back. Just like hunger is not good for the whole body as a whole. And I need to be as strong as possible in case Ahirata shows up.

After a brief warm-up, I turned around on the spot and headed out of the room. Along the way, I could feel that all the other thestrals were in the nearest rooms and judging by the lack of rapid movements, they were sleeping. I hope there's no one in the dining room. And I hope that I remember the route there correctly.

You know, it feels like we forgot something. Something that had to be done in the shortest possible time. Okay, if you didn't remind me, it doesn't matter.

Shrugging my shoulders, I stopped in the middle of the corridor and looked first to the left, then to the right. So, which way is the dining room? Of course, I could wander around the castle until I die of dehydration and hunger. But I would really like to choose the right direction. On the other hand, the later I come to the dining room, the more likely it will be that I will not cross paths with anyone.

I had no time to lean against the wall to start thinking when I felt the movement of the lines from the point coming from my right. I hope that Luna has already calmed down and will not miss me where it is not necessary. Grinning, I put my hands on my hips and focused on the approaching visitor.

Eventually, Celestia slowly came out of the corner. I don't even know whether to be happy or sad. At the sight of me in the center of the corridor, Selesatia's eyes widened a little and slightly accelerating the pace, she approached me almost point-blank. We exchanged glances for a few seconds before she sighed and said, "Luna, told me what happened last night. "

With a dismissive wave of my hand, I took a step forward and answered looking Celestia straight in the eyes: "Calm down, this time I behaved like a good boy and obeyed. All weapons and ammunition were dismantled and hidden. All that's left are vehicles for transporting soldiers. Or is there a separate ban for this, too, which absolutely no one knows about? Come on, tell me, my hands are itching to sort out what's left. "

She took a deep breath and slowly shook her head and replied, "No, you don't have to worry about that. I just wanted to calm you down a little bit because I can see how you feel after, ahem, the incident. You see, Luna has some. . . unpleasant experience with gunpowder weapons. Therefore, the shot could frighten her very much and make her behave a little sharply. "

And why do I need this information? Wait, though. If Luna panics because of the loud pops that the artillery produces, then you can scare her with something similar. For example, to detonate a firecracker right next to her ear. Oh, yes, that would be great.

I spread my hands and asked irritably, "Is that all? In that case, compensate for my time spent and show me where the dining room is. I haven't eaten or drunk in a very long time. This is a good offer, agree."

Celestia sighed in disappointment, but still turned around on the spot and walked away. Hopefully towards the dining room. Putting my hands in my pockets, I started following her along the way, looking around. Although it doesn't seem to help. I won't remember anything anyway. But it's better to try than not, right?

After some time on the way, Celestia took a deep breath and asked: "By the way, have you already moved, as you called them, the strike brigade to another place?"

So that's what we forgot. Hmm, yes, it should have been decided right away.

Scratching my head, I shook my head and replied: "No, I didn't do it. Moreover, I don't even know where Luna placed them. Against the background of FSF developments and a trip to the factory, I completely forgot about them. I even forgot to inform their commander that he would be commanding someone at all! "

Celestia giggled softly, but not paying attention to this, I quickly said: " Tell someone appropriate that Report Stutter can be released from prison. I don't know how, I don't know when, but he will become the commander of the shock brigade. And his soldiers will obey him implicitly. Somehow. Necessarily. Oh! And don't forget to find a speech therapist for him. I know from my own experience that this is a useful doctor. However, like everyone else. "In response, she nodded slowly and replied: " Okay, I'll do it soon. "

" Today. " I instantly added, forcing Celestia to cast an irritated glance in my direction for a moment.

But the next moment she sighed and slowly shook her head and said, "My little human, I have my responsibilities. And there are many of them. Even these minutes during which I'm talking to you, I have to gnaw out of a busy schedule. I'm sorry, but all I can promise is that I will do it soon. "

Just take off your authority and give it to someone suitable. For example, me. Or your sister. But the first option is certainly better.

Chuckling, I didn't answer anything and just continued walking next to Celestia. Fortunately, no more conversations arose, and the rest of the way passed in silence. Eventually we reached a large wooden door next to which ponies in golden armor stood at attention. At the sight of Celestia, to my surprise, they did not bow but saluted before starting to open the door. I don't even know which is worse.

Slowly shaking my head, I continued to follow Celestia as the doors opened. Once in the dining room, I looked around the room and noticed several ponies. However, no one seems to be looking at me. Well, that's good, I guess. Before I could shrug, Celestia pointed her hoof at one of the chairs and said: "Wait here while I ask the cook to have something cooked."

She won't take no for an answer, crybaby. If you say no, she'll just order it. A one-way situation.

Sighing, I reluctantly sat down on a wooden chair and propped my head on my fist before focusing on Celestia. When she saw that I obeyed, she nodded slowly and went towards some kind of metal window. Yeah, it doesn't look good. Sighing, I rubbed my glasses lightly and closed my eyes and tried to get some sleep. Maybe now it will be possible to sleep in order to return to the document with a fresh head? Although, no, it sounds like nonsense.

Without opening my eyes, I carefully took off my glasses and put them on the table and began to think. It will be expensive to make completely new tanks that I can swim. I doubt that it will be possible to simply rebuild normal ones into floating ones. But I want to use already made tanks as a normal combat unit and not just as a transport. Hmm. You can adopt the idea of Starlight. Although I don't want to greatly strengthen the influence of the fascist. The less money she gets in the end, the better. Or you can use something powerful. Deadly. Frightening.

A flamethrower. It does not use gunpowder, only a flammable liquid is required, a mechanism that throws it forward and some kind of igniter for the liquid. In addition, successful applications of flamethrower tanks are known to history.

"Yeah. Successfully, until they were banned." I muttered, opening my eyes and putting my glasses back on. It's a good idea, but I'm afraid that fire could also be banned on this damn humanistic planet. Although it would be nice to check.

Just after that, Celestia came up to the table and sat down opposite me and said, "I asked the cook to cook you something satisfying. The food will be ready in just a few minutes. "

I reluctantly nodded and slightly adjusted my glasses and asked, " Celly, is the use of fire and combustible materials in weapons prohibited?"

Hearing this, she froze abruptly. Then, blushing slightly, she looked around as if making sure that no one could hear her. What's the blush about? Shaking my head, I just continued to sit and wait for her answer. In the end, she sighed and replied softly: "First of all, don't call me that in public. Ponies might think something wrong. To answer your question, fire and combustible materials are not prohibited. Although I have no idea how you intend to use this information."

I intend to wait until all the top authorities gather in one place. Preferably in a wooden mansion. All exits will be barricaded. And in one second, hundreds of guns will bring down fire on the building. No one will survive at sunrise. And I will personally make sure that you, fool, die the most painful of all.

Chuckling, I didn't say anything to Celestia and looked away trying to find something interesting. But of course nothing like that. What can we say about wooden tables at which almost no one sits? What can we say about white marble walls where there is not a single crack? Oh, wait, there are a couple of cracks near the ceiling. A very bad palace. It is necessary to completely disassemble and sell.

I slowly shook my head and began to sink into boredom. But fortunately, after a few moments, a pony came around the corner with a cart on which there were many trays. With a quick and efficient route, she walked past our table, placing trays in front of me and Celestia, the contents of which were covered with a food dome. When I took it off, I could see scrambled eggs and a couple of pieces of bread on my tray. Not that it was terrible. It just doesn't seem very nutritious. Well, but there is protein. Also, judging by the appearance of garlic bread. I probably won't touch it. Harmfully.

Food is food. Wait, crybaby. Do you smell that?

I sniffed and winced reflexively. It smells like some berries. No, no, it's a banana. I don't even know how I could mix it up. And oh no, is it baking? With extreme reluctance, I looked up and saw that there was a two-tiered cake in front of Celestia. And judging by the yellow stripe between the layers, it's a banana filling. I don't even know what is more disgusting, the terrible product itself or the one who consumes it.

Swallowing, I leaned over to my plate and grabbed a fork with my left hand and began to quickly eat scrambled eggs. It was a little difficult to keep my hands from shaking, but I managed to cope. I could have done it even faster if I had something to drink. Oh, wait, there's a small glass of water to my right. I don't even know how I didn't notice him. Okay, then I'll manage. Continuing to eat, I felt a slight pain in my jaw. It's strange, considering that quite recently I was able to bite off a piece of a pony's hoof. Probably pain due to too fast movements.

When there was nothing left of most of the scrambled eggs, I gulped down all the water from the glass and Celestia asked anxiously: "Are you in a hurry somewhere?"

Slightly choking, I was able to keep food in my mouth along with water and swallowing answered: "No, I just don't like to spend a lot of time on food. You know, as a child, I even tried to eat my breakfast faster than my father. Not that he knew about this competition. But it has developed a very useful skill for me. I also advise you to develop this skill. Or at least some. "

For a moment, Celestia looked slightly offended, and taking advantage of the moment, I wiped my mouth with the back of my hand. At the sight of this, she grinned and replied: " I can strongly advise you, Daniel, to learn good manners. Especially at the table."

We already know how. If they wanted to, they could look more intelligent at the table than you, you fool. We're not doing this to give you at least a minimal chance, right, crybaby?

Sighing, I ate the last piece of scrambled eggs and said: "Just so you know, my father was very careful about my upbringing. And in his opinion, the behavior at the table was a very important aspect. If I wanted to, I could use a napkin right now and hold the fork and knife in the correct positions. But as you can see, I don't do that. "

Celestia nodded slightly and whispered softly: " I see, good manners relate to your trauma."

She wants you locked up in a mental hospital, crybaby. She already understands your danger. So I decided to take action. Fortunately, she didn't come up with anything better than sending her to a mental hospital. There is not enough political will.

Swallowing, I stared at her in shock and slammed my fist on the table and said firmly: "You're the only one with an trauma here. I presume in the area of the frontal lobe. I'm perfectly fine. My development is more stable day by day than even your degradation. I don't care what guesses were born in your empty head. The fact that someone is different from you does not mean that he is abnormal. Do you know why? Because the concept of norm is so extensible that everyone has the right to perceive anything as a norm. So I'll ask politely once. Please stop looking for any injuries and just leave me alone. Agreed?"

At first there was silence in the room. I felt the eyes of various ponies focused on me. Probably, judging me. As if their opinion matters. I grabbed a piece of garlic bread and took a bite out of it and focused on Celestia again. She looked very upset but, unfortunately, shook her head and said: "No, Daniel, this is not going to happen. Whether you want it or not, I will help you become a better person. "

With your help, only death will be the best outcome. Yours of course.

Chuckling, I focused on the bread and continued to load into my mouth piece by piece, staring into the void. I don't think I have anything to talk about with Celestia right now. In fact, the conversation should have ended at the moment when she said that fire could be used in weapons. Closing my eyes, I focused on what was happening around me. The eyes are still focused on me. I've already realized that you despise me. Maybe you will do something new?

Right after I shook my head, I heard the sound of hooves hitting the floor from behind me. Judging by the pace the pony is running. I slowly chewed a piece of bread and turned around in the hope of seeing something at least interesting. A few moments later, a unicorn in golden armor ran into the dining room and silently saluted Celestia. Looking closer, I noticed that in his magical grip he was holding back something similar to a letter.

After a few moments of saluting, the soldier ran up to Celestia and whispered something softly and handed her a letter. She frowned slightly and carefully took off the envelope and quickly looked at it. For a few seconds she just stared at the letter with her eyes wide open. But in the end she put the letter on the table and said, "Daniel, given the circumstances, I think the moment you've been waiting for has finally arrived."

Jumping up from my seat, I threw a piece of bread on a plate and leaning on the table asked: "Where?"

She swallowed slightly and after rereading the letter said: "There was an incident in a small village south of Baltimore. Of the entire garrison and the civilian population, only one Pegasus survived and reported that a Bipedal monster attacked the village."

Bipedal = Ahirata. Not a fact, but it's better to check.

Turning around on the spot, I quickly ran to the exit, but then stopped abruptly and said: "Find Luna and tell her to take the shock brigade outside. The report is not prepared now, so don't tell him anything. I'll go get the others. You'll tell me the location later, on the street."

Without waiting for her answer, I quickly rushed forward through the corridors, braking with difficulty on turns. Fortunately, I still managed to remember a few landmarks. For example, a purple pot in which many daisies grow. Maybe break it? No, don't think. We have more important things to do.

In the end, I almost fell several times and rushed into the familiar corridor. After taking a few quick steps, my right foot rose and kicked open the nearest door loudly. Going inside, I saw several very simple beds on which the thestrals slept. Fortunately, the kick turned out to be loud enough for the thestrals to start moving slightly, waking up.

Clapping my hands loudly, I shouted: "It's time for holy revenge, soldiers! You have two minutes to get ready, get organized, and go outside. And two minutes are the limit! In a good way, you should do it even faster!"

Great, now we need to repeat the same thing a couple more times. As soon as everyone is assembled, we will have to think. Firstly, Celestia will most likely call the shitty heroes as she demanded before. Okay, let's leave them behind while we fight ourselves. now transport. If there is a train to the right city right now, then we will leave the tanks behind, we will take only the radios. If there is no train, then we will go on tanks. Oh, it's a pity that the guns had to be removed. But transport for transporting soldiers is also not bad, right?

I nodded sharply to myself, turning around on the spot and headed for the next door. Before knocking it out, I whispered to myself: "Hold on, you bastard. Today you live your last day."

POV Ahirata

My heart starts pounding slowly. Magic flows through the veins and saturates even the most remote areas of the new body. Including my own eyes, which have finally taken their rightful place. Breath. Exhale. The lungs are fine, the ribs are set correctly. The normal body is ready. Slowly, my eyelids opened and I looked around the cave in which I was located. Right on top of me was an old body that had already left the soul. A free creature lay curled up in the corner. I hope he won't be too surprised by my change.

Taking another deep breath, I carefully removed the old body to the side and got up on both legs. When I stood up to my full height, my head hit the ceiling of the cave, but no particular pain came. Taking the skull of the biggest pony I could find was a good idea, I think. Perhaps my appearance will frighten others. Considering that my eyes are much smaller than the socket of the new body. Well, fear is a sign of a curse.

Bending slightly, I examined my new body and flexed my muscles a little. The legs were probably the most difficult part. I had to collect them from a lot of pony bones. Breaking them, putting them back together, redoing everything from scratch was an extremely difficult task. And even the final result I had to supplement with small pieces of stone. Well, it could have been worse.

Sighing, I took a couple of steps from side to side to stretch my legs and after making sure that I could at least walk, I looked at my hand. Almost like the legs, this part of the body was constructed from many bones. But there is still one difference. Due to the peculiarities of the pony's skeleton, I had to make my fingers completely out of stone. Another place I have to be constantly focused on. On the other hand, this body is capable of using a lot more magic at the same time.

Smiling a little, I clenched both my hands into fists before I burst out. Everything works fine. Sighing contentedly, I cautiously approached the free creature curled up in the corner and knelt in front of him. To wake him up, I gently rubbed him with my claw-less finger. After a few moments, he hissed softly and raised his head. Seeing his attention, I stopped stroking and said: "Free, do not be afraid of my new face. I want to inform you that danger is coming soon. I will understand and respect your choice if you decide to run away. Do you want me to make you a way out?"

Anticipating his answer in advance, I concentrated a little magic in my right eye and directed it at the nearest wall. With a slight movement, I pushed the stones apart so that a small tunnel led out, which was slightly larger in diameter than a free creature. Pointing in the direction of the tunnel, I again raised my voice: "Go, free. This road leads to the street."

To my surprise, instead of leaving, the snake hissed briefly and lowered its head again. He. . . Does he trust me with his safety? Does he want to stay with me even at this time?

It looks like it. Don't let him down, Ahirata. Soon, the creature that freed you from your abode should appear in this area. And it will search for you until it kills you. This time, you can't afford to underestimate.

I nodded confidently and carefully stood up to my full height so as not to frighten the free creature. Seeing that the conversation was over, he slowly lowered his head down and seemed to have returned to rest again. Well, you have the right. And I have a duty to protect you. Taking a deep breath, I turned around on the spot and walked to the far wall of the cave, which was once a passage. Approaching her, I began to concentrate magic in both eyes and direct it into the wall from them. With extreme ease, I made a wide opening looking straight out. Ha, I've forgotten how easy it is when you can use normal amounts of magic.

Slowly shaking my head to focus on the important things, I left the cave and stood in a small clearing in the middle of the forest and sighed. At any second, a creature obsessed with its curse and thirst for revenge will descend here. Reflexively, I clenched my teeth. And I also dared him to steal my eye. Who knows what he did to him? After a moment of intense thought, I slowly shook my head. No, he couldn't do anything significant. Only I can use them to the fullest.

Looking up, to my surprise I saw the moon. It's already night, and I can see so well. Why? I don't remember that the night was famous for normal visibility. Maybe it's just very bright today?

Then, when the realization dawned on me, I put my hand to my forehead and laughed: "So much time has passed. I almost forgot that I can see normally in the dark! I wonder what else I have forgotten during the thousand years of imprisonment?"

Probably a lot. Slowly my laughter subsided and I focused on the matters of the day. I don't need a surprise attack in the back. So it's better to cover as much territory as possible. Nodding to myself, I once again directed magic into my eyes and out of them into the ground. A huge amount of magic spread out in all directions over a huge territory. To my delight, I could easily hold these volumes in the ground. How nice it is to finally be in a normal body.

Suddenly, II felt something strange. A lot of ponies are moving a mile or more away from me. Fifty to be exact. But the strangest thing is the two wide areas behind the pony. There I could feel something crushing the earth and throwing it back. Is it a living being? A golem?

So that it would not be better to keep a low profile. Could it be a trap? No one would be exposed to such a large group. It's probably a distraction so that the creature can come up from behind.

Nodding to myself, I focused on the ground again and without feeling any presence behind me and began to follow the trees. If I don't feel someone, then he's either not here or he's in the trees. In any case, it won't go away.

Continuing to follow the trees, I noticed how a number of birds flew into the air. Then I felt a tremor running through the ground and the approach of a crowd of ponies. But suddenly everything stopped. No movement. If they don't move for too long, I won't even be able to track them.

I squinted and began to closely follow the tree line. Somewhere behind them, a crowd of ponies and strange objects stopped. Absolutely nothing happened for a few seconds. No sound, no movement, nothing. Then I felt the crowd of ponies moving forward again. The battle begins.

In preparation for the attack, I took all the magic out of the ground and concentrated it in my eyes. As soon as I see the enemy, I will release him. Everything will be quick. The main question is - where is the cursed creature? Well, he'll show up sooner or later.

Maybe he's not even here? The pony seems to have a guard or something similar. Could it be them?

I slowly shook my head and continued to follow the tree line. You can't relax too much. Especially considering those strange objects. A few seconds later, one by one, motley ponies began to emerge from the darkness of the trees. Without any weapons or armor. Nonsense. . .

Eventually, fifty ponies stood tens of feet away from me and frowned at me. On the back of one of them was a strange coat similar to the one worn by the cursed creature. No, I must have imagined it. Looking at them in response, I began to think about what to do. Judging by their appearance, these are real live ponies. Hardly anyone started using them as a trap. Sighing, I closed my eyes for a moment.

I'll squeeze them in an instant.

Opening my eyes, I directed magic into them and out of them into the air. While I was doing this, the ponies looked at each other and started running towards me as if they were attacking. Well. After a few moments, the whole air around me was filled with magic and the ponies suddenly froze. First there were a few quiet crackles. Then, almost simultaneously, all the ponies bent over and groaned in pain. And finally, they were crushed into a red shapeless mess.

"How strange. Even some free being wouldn't do that. Not to mention the damned. I muttered, looking at the red mess under my feet. Usually, the damned fixate on the life of each of their own kind. None of the damned would do such a thing.

Suddenly, I heard the sound of something piercing the air. Turning around, I saw eight arrows consisting entirely of magic that were flying at me quickly. Grinning, I quickly directed the magic into the ground and created a thick stone wall in front of me. The arrows collided harmlessly against the wall and completely dissolved. As expected, it was a trap. A very cruel, strange trap.

All in the style of the damned.

The next moment I felt something touch my wall but quickly moved back. Frowning, I took a step back and for good reason. A second later, my stone wall was completely destroyed by an explosion, splitting it into small pebbles. To my shock, one of the stones, instead of falling to the ground, hung in the air and then headed straight towards me.

Directing part of the magic in my hands, I tried to block the fragment of the stone, but I found a strange detail. It's not an easy stone that someone threw, someone is holding it right now and trying to push it. Squinting, I saw an almost transparent body.

The damned creature!

Having seen his head, I hit it with all my strength with my right hand while continuing to restrain the stone. There was a strange crack and my opponent dropped the stone and staggered back. Without giving him a break, I quickly concentrated the magic in the ground and created several spikes. But, unfortunately, instead of blood splashes, I didn't see anything. He escaped. . .

Gritting my teeth, I brought my magic out of the air and began to distribute it through my body, shouting: "Come out, damn creature! Give me back my eye and I swear that your release will be painless. Come out before I change my mind!"

Looking around, I eventually saw how footprints leading to me began to appear quickly in the snow. Grinning, I swung hard and struck a blow in a wide arc. But instead of colliding with the opponent's body, I felt only cold air. And in the next moment, something collided powerfully with my leg, causing it to buckle. Losing my balance, I fell to one knee and clenched my teeth. That's the little shit.

Before I knew it, I felt something grab my head from both sides and sharply lowered it down. At the last moment, my eyes were able to see a transparent knee flying straight into my face. Before I could do anything, I felt a sharp pain in my nose and threw my head back. Looking in the direction where the curse one was supposed to be, I saw two runes forming in the air.

"I won't let you!" I growled, jerking forward sharply and grabbing the damned man by the arms. Then the magic started flowing through my hands. Maybe I won't have time to take the soul, but dispel the invisibility without any problems. After a few moments, the air sparkled red and blue before the damned one appeared before me in all its glory. And for some reason without his coat. Looks like he gave it to one of the ponies.

What for?

Suddenly, I was pulled out of my thoughts by a sharp pain all over the right side of my body. Shifting my gaze to the source of the pain, I saw several arrows being shot into the right half of my body. Fortunately, nothing vital has been touched. I can easily restore it. This made me slightly loosen my grip and the next moment I regretted it when a strong kick from below flew into my jaw. Then, to the temple on the right. And finally the damned one jumped back and grinned and said: "The soldiers say hello. They are asking for the bodies of their fallen comrades to be returned. "

While I was trying to get up despite the pain, he pulled out a strange object in the form of a cube from his pocket. To which my eye was attached. What a nit! Seeing the fury on my face, the damn creature grinned again and started charging the cube with his magic.: " Don't worry, you'll tell me about it later. After they make a couple hundred holes in you."

When eight arrows flew out of the cube, I quickly teleported behind the creature and threw it with a powerful kick into the mess of dead ponies. He quickly turned over and exposing his face stained with blood tried to get up but slipped. Without wasting time, I teleported right over him and put a heavy foot on his chest and asked: "Do you have something to say before being released from the curse?"

He put both his hands on my leg and tried to move it. But absolutely unsuccessfully. Then he sighed and putting his head on the blood began to take a breath and silently drill me with his eyes. A frown appeared on my face. Doesn't answer. Maybe he's thinking? No, wait!

It's a trap.

I quickly jumped back and the creature also rolled to the side, away from the bloody mess. In the next instant, all the blood turned into a multitude of spikes pointing straight up. As I assumed. Seeing that the cursed creature had successfully stood up and started running towards me, I started concentrating magic in the air again. Maybe the pressure won't kill him instantly, but with my new body, it's not even necessary. Ordinary strength is enough.

Soon, the pressure began to build up and the creature stood on the spot trembling. All his strength should be directed to standing straight. Rejoicing at the upcoming victory, I took a step forward and struck a powerful blow forward. To my confusion, the cursed creature did not fly away from the impact. It didn't move at all. Slowly taking my hand back, I saw how the creature stood firm despite the split eyebrow. Blood dripped slowly from his face down onto the snow.

"Come on, come on, hit. Or don't you need your dear little eye?" The creature muttered, barely taking a step forward. What self-confidence. How deeply he is mired in his curse. I'm not sure it's even possible to release people like him. But it's worth a try.

Gritting my teeth, I gave him another blow to the head. Then he kicked in the chest, causing several cracks. But the creature continued to stand. Seeing my substitution, it again raised its voice: "What happened, bastard? Your little head can't understand why I'm not backing down? Well, no wonder. Because you can't finish anything. Even your own death! You're so pathetic!"

A frown appeared on my face and I was about to create and drive a stone stake into him while he continued to speak loudly. But just before I started putting the plan into action, my ears picked up a strange noise. Turning to the source of the sound, my eyes opened wide when they saw a strange metal thing moving towards me, on top of which sat a lot of armored ponies. Faster than I could do anything, this thing flew into me and carried me forward.

Quickly destroy it!

I tried to concentrate the magic in my eyes, but I was interrupted by a sharp pain all over my body. The ponies sitting on top of the metal beast stabbed and cut me with their weapons. Leaving various wounds all over the body. The hellish pain does not allow you to concentrate for a second. Calm down, Ahirata. I can safely restore such damage by inserting stones into the place of all wounds.

While my damned mind was trying to find a way out of the situation, the movement stopped abruptly and I felt a sharp pain in my spine. Turning my head back with difficulty, I saw a second iron beast on which several armored ponies were also sitting. And what is more scary, six ponies on the neck of each of which was the most terrible. Symbols of unholy power or, as the damned like to call them, Elements of harmony. Faster!

Enduring the pain, I directed magic into my hands and pushed away the iron monster that pinned me in front. Then I quickly turned around and was preparing to squeeze them all with pressure, but I felt something grab me from behind and then throw me to the ground. Turning around in a panic, my eyes noticed that the cursed creature, despite numerous wounds, reached me and grabbed me by the waist and knocked me to the ground. I started frantically hitting his stomach with my elbow in an attempt to escape, but he didn't move a bit.

Six ponies with elements of harmony on their necks looked at each other and nodded and flew into the air. The elements began to glow brightly and send their magic into the sky in a single whirlpool. A typical bullying procedure. And you know what the worst part is? While the elements are active, their potential target cannot move. Not an inch. Even if the cursed creature stopped holding me, I still wouldn't be able to escape. Realizing all the hopelessness, my eyes closed, not wanting to see how the whole body would be paralyzed again. Before the unholy force descended on me, I heard a whisper: "Be kind and tell me where the bodies of the soldiers are, okay?"

There are none. They are destroyed. Completely.

I opened my mouth to say something, but was quickly overwhelmed by a wave of harmony elements. After a few moments, I felt the pressure on my body relax. To my surprise, I was able to open my eyes. And even look around. Unfortunately, I couldn't move my arms and legs. But even so! I can. . . I can survive! If I manage to teleport to a cave to a free creature, then I will be able to collect another body. There's still some meat and bones left.

Closing my eyes, I barely started channeling magic into my eyes. It was getting harder by the second. It's as if an unholy force is trying to destroy me completely. In the end, I was able to concentrate enough magic in my eyes, focused on the memory of the cave in which the free creature remained. And teleported there.

I didn't even have time to make sure that I did everything right when I felt a blow in my face. Then they grabbed me by the shoulders and threw me into a stone wall. I started coughing from the blow and bent in half and tried to raise my hand, but of course nothing happened. While I was trying to stop coughing, another blow flew into my chest and the cursed creature asked: "Answer, bastard. Where are the corpses of the soldiers?"

Forgot. I forgot that he was holding on to me. This is the end. There's nothing I can do in my current state.

"" They are destroyed. Completely and completely. I filled their bodies with magic and they were incinerated instantly. I needed to throw away the excess magic somewhere. " I wheezed with difficulty between coughs. Looking from under the brow, I saw how the cursed creature stopped in the middle of the swing. Hadn't he assumed that?

For a few moments he just stood there. Then, growling, he struck me another blow in the face. . . The pain spread all over the front of the skull. . . The kick flew into my chest causing several cracks... it's hard to breathe, several ribs are broken. . . Heavily.

Hit. . . Blow. . . Blow. Enduring terrible pain, I was able to slightly open my eyes and see the silhouette of a snake. Free? While the damned one continued to beat me, a snake slowly crawled up to his leg. But unfortunately, as soon as he opened his mouth to take a bite, the cursed creature took a step to the side and grabbed the free creature with one hand before lifting it in front of him.

He'll kill him. Do something before you die!

Taking advantage of the respite, I was able to combine some magic again and by combining it around a free creature, I was able to teleport it to a corner of the cave. Then another painful cough came out of my mouth before I said: "Don't touch him, please."

The damned one turned his whole body to me and hissed: "Please? Oh no, asshole, it doesn't work with me. Every second of your existence costs me a kiloton of nerve cells. You're living in debt. And you don't have anything to make up for it."

After this sentence fell from his lips, he again took a step forward as if he was going to continue beating. In an attempt to defend myself, I unsuccessfully tried to raise my hands, but I was able to say: "Stop! Just tell me what you want! I remember when you broke into my dear Tartarus you took some books. You must have a reason to do this!"

For a moment, the damned one stopped his swing. Please don't hit me. After a few seconds , to my surprise , he laughed briefly and lightly hitting me on the top of the head with his palm said cheerfully: "Okay, motherfucker. Suddenly, an incredible compassion awoke in me. Tell me about your motives. I really want to find something to justify you."

He's lying to me. But only partially. I feel like he's really interested in hearing about my motives. But he doesn't even think about mercy. Well, maybe that can change.

With difficulty taking a breath, I was able to briefly say: "The mind is the source of all the troubles in the world. Pain, hatred like yours, sorrow, and so on through the endless list. The mind is a curse that at least someone has to overcome. "

For a few seconds, the cursed creature looked down at me. Then he leaned against the same wall next to which I was sitting and put his fist on my head and said: " You know, we are somewhat similar. Of course, our similarity is the same as between a monkey and a human. But there is something in common."

Human? Is it a kind of monkey? Or something remotely similar?

To my surprise, I managed to raise my head slightly to meet his gaze. But in the next moment, he lowered my head down with a weak blow and continued: "Tell me how you came to this conclusion, bastard. I want to hear your speculation. to explain their inconsistency later."

Coughing up blood once more, I was able to squeeze out: "My life has been wonderful. In everything. Not a single bad place. But it happened... "The cursed creature abruptly interrupted me with irritation in his voice: " Not so fast. I am not satisfied with the short answer. Let's go into all the details. What kind of relationship did you have with your father, mother, grandfather, grandmother, peers, and so on. Don't forget to mention the financial situation and childhood in general. And only then tell me about the traumatic event. "

Frowning, I struggled to remember. Father. . . Emptiness, no eye color, no voice, absolutely nothing. Mother is the woman who gave birth to me. . . The same thing. And exactly the same with everyone else. Complete calm. Sighing , I shook my head slightly with difficulty and said: "I don't remember. All that remains in my memory is the fact that everything was fine then. "

"Maybe a little shake will remind you?" The cursed one asked coldly and calmly, raising his right hand up again.

Fighting for my life, I was able to take a breath and shout out: "The unholy force known as the elements of harmony has chained me from the throne for a millennium if not more! I don't remember my exact age, my family, the name of my species, or even my own sex! I have only a goal, some knowledge and my own name. I literally can't even cry about it because there are no necessary glands in this body! "

The next moment, a palm blow flew into my face and looking me straight in the eyes, the damned one said: " Stop whining and feeling sorry for yourself. What you are doing now does not cause any pity. You literally just admitted that your goal has no basis. There is no explanation in your head why you need this goal."

"I'm freeing the world from the curse." I said despite the growing pain in my chest. Is the rib slowly making holes in the lung?

Another palm strike and the damned one asked a question, pointing his finger directly at me: "Stop fooling around. There are no one hundred percent altruists in the world. Everyone wants at least a sense of self-satisfaction. What is there to talk about? I want every person on the planet to abandon universal human values and become egocentric so that the society I despise falls apart. You must have a reason, too. Or don't you remember it too?"

I don't remember . . .

My head slowly lowered down I coughed up blood once more I said: "I don't remember..."

After I said that the damned one raised my head with his hand so that I was doomed to look into his eyes and said: "Then why do you need this goal at all?"

To free everyone from the curse? No wait, why would I do that? To. . . Just to justify the fact of its existence. Yes, it should do. With difficulty, I was able to take a breath and said, "I need a goal to live. Or are you suggesting that I give up on this and deprive my life of any meaning?"

"You haven't thought about finding a new target, have you?" The cursed one asked, putting his hands on his hips. New. . . purpose? But it's probably too late now.

"I was on this path for a long time. There's no turning back." I replied hoarsely. Damn, I won't be able to breathe soon.

"Who said that? What happens if you say right now that you were an idiot and give up your goal? What makes you hold on to it so tightly if you have no reason to pursue a goal?" The damned one asked calmly and measured, taking me by surprise. If I give up on her and start looking for another one. . .

"But then all those deaths that I caused will be in vain. Meaningless." I replied quietly.

"So you don't want to take responsibility? Are you as a child not ready to admit your guilt and are looking for any excuses despite their quality? Are you completely satisfied with this? You're absolutely unwilling to move forward, it seems. How pathetic you are. " The damned one countered with a frown. There's something strange in his voice. It's like he doesn't want to say it.

The ringing in my ears must have intensified. Soon this body will completely fail.

I need to think about it. And a lot of. Maybe I can convince him? Well, this is my last time. After taking one of the last breaths, I said hoarsely: "Can you listen to my request?"

"If you're talking about saving your skin, then don't even hope. I already want to cut you into small pieces and serve you to the table." Hissed the damned one before pulling a knife out of his pants pocket.

With difficulty, I shook my head and continued: "Inside this body, next to the heart, there is a crystal where my soul is stored. I can completely withdraw my magic from this body and close it in a crystal. In that case, this body will die, but my soul will continue to live. Then my fate will be in your hands. If you think I deserve to live, then just find me another body. I can do the rest myself. "

Grunting, the damned one rolled his eyes and said: " Okay, I was going to tear your body into small pieces anyway. I'll find the crystal and break it."

Come on, Ahirata! One more breath!

I began to channel my magic inward into the crystal and with difficulty taking a breath I was able to say, "I have something to say. The elements of harmony that these ponies used today should not be used again. Never."

The damned one noticed how my body was slowly dying and made a dash to me and started shouting: "Why? Idiot, if you don't tell me now, I'll definitely kill what's left of you! "

Slowly, my breathing and heartbeat slowed down and my magic was slowly locked in the crystal. Before my eyes went out, I was able to say, " It is because of the elements that we are here with you. But. . . not. . . at home."

POV Daniel

" It is because of the elements that we are here with you. But. . . not. . . at home." Ahirata said before his eyes dimmed. Growling, I kicked him in a futile attempt to wake him up. Of course, it didn't work. However, I could still feel the lines moving away from him. He didn't lie, he's still alive.

Sighing, I slowly slid down the nearest wall and groaned in pain. That bastard. Broke my glasses. Killed a lot of soldiers, even if you don't count the strike brigade, which was completely destroyed. And so on and so forth. Most annoying of all, he didn't even have a decent motive!

The main thing is that we won. Now you just have to go outside and take out the body. Then we'll go to Canterlot and start cutting meat.

Nodding to myself, I grabbed the bastard's head with my right hand and slowly walked to the exit. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed a snake that was in this cave. Does this bastard have a pet? Well, she'll be at dinner with him. Like a snack. Chuckling, I used my magical tentacles to grab the snake and quickly pulled it to me despite the hissing. When the animal was in my hand, I made sure that it could not bite me and continued to drag the corpse forward.

Judging by the lines, all the ponies are right in front of me. It looks like the cave is not too deep underground. Sighing, I looked at the enemy's body again. His entire right side was riddled with arrows that he didn't even bother to pull out. The rest of the body was no easier. In every part of the body, there was at least one cut from a sword or a prick from a spear. In this state, it looks like cheese. It's amazing that he was able to maintain a dialogue for a while.

With a grunt, I stopped right in front of the wall and took my hand off Ahirata's head for a moment. Quickly creating an explosion rune, I put it against the wall and took a couple of steps back. Well, the explosion will happen any second. While waiting, I looked at the snake that I was holding tightly in my hand. She stared intently at the corpse of her supposed master. Hmm.

No sooner had my thoughts even begun than an explosion occurred that lifted a pile of dirt into the air. After a few moments of coughing, I looked up again and saw a hole leading to a cold street. Damn, I should have picked up my coat. Enduring the cold, I grabbed the corpse by the head again and slowly walked forward.

Once outside, I felt even more pain all over my body and cold. Squinting, I saw something like a pony running towards me. I won't see it without glasses anyway. Trying to regulate my breathing, I continued to walk forward and drag the corpse with me. Damn, everything is starting to double. I'm switching off.

Come on, come on, crybaby. At least get to the tank and switch off there!

Gritting my teeth, I continued walking and soon saw a thestral run up to me. Focusing on it, I saw that it was Rising. Although I didn't expect anyone else. When he got to me, he sighed and asked worriedly, "Mr. Sir Boss, how are you feeling?"

"Disgusting. The whole body groans in pain. It's good that the plan with the tank worked." I muttered, continuing to walk forward. My eyes could hardly make out two tanks and a lot of ponies next to the trees. Come on, go.

Rising nodded slowly and backing away so that I could keep going said: Yes, you were on top as always, the way you decided to use yourself as a distraction just because you wanted us to contribute to the fight is freaking me out. You could have defeated the enemy alone, I'm sure!"

Yeah, come on, keep going.

After that, he abruptly stopped talking and was silent for a few seconds before nervously adding: "But it seems to me that your decision with the killers is a little too tough."

I focused my gaze on him in response to which he shrank slightly. Sighing, I looked at the red spots on the snow a few feet away from me before saying, "Listen, Rising, I really wish I could lose fewer lives. But I had to figure out how his ability to handle pressure, works by using big numbers. That's why I put my coat on one of the killers. I needed to make sure that his ability only works on living beings. "

" But there had to be an option where no one would get hurt! Or at least a lot less! " Rising objected loudly, startling me. Is he actively arguing? Wow.

Yeah, wow. It doesn't make any sense now. Throw it away. As a tribute, let's let him choose his death.

Quickly shaking my head, I sighed and said: "Rising, this option may be, I do not deny. But the decision has already been made. In the end, we won. Now let's postpone the conversation for later. I think I've got a couple of broken ribs. Again."

"Maybe you need to get to the nearest hospital? You must be hurting now." Suggested Rising with concern in his voice.

I chuckled a little when I started looking at specific faces among the ponies next to the tank and replied: "Rising, I plan to get on the tank or inside to sleep later. While I'm sleeping, you'll take command. You'll decide then what to do with me."

"I will decide..." Rising muttered faintly in response to which I rolled my eyes. He'd better be more determined.

Sighing, I threw the corpse right in front of the feet of many soldiers who were standing next to the tank. They all looked at the body with an incredible cocktail of emotions in their eyes. Sighing, I pointed with difficulty with my left hand towards the cave and said: "His old body is lying in that cave. If you want, take it. "

Without waiting for someone's answer, I looked at the six heroes who were standing a little to the side. After looking at the trinkets on their necks, I thought for a moment. These things have released some kind of rainbow ray. While this was happening, the lines completely froze. They didn't react at all. It is unclear how this is connected with my arrival on this planet.

In any case, you can't trust them with such a thing. For the future: we need to take these so-called elements of harmony and study them.

Taking a deep breath, I said: "Okay, heroes. You definitely did something in this fight. I hope you are very happy about this. Now get out. If I remember correctly, you came to this country by train and then found me, right? Here, come back the same way."

Rainbow Dash flew into the air and wanted to object something, but she was quickly interrupted by my irritated look. Groaning, she landed on the ground and all six of them looked at each other and decided to turn around. Except for Fluttershy. She carefully looked at the snake that I was holding in my hand and asked cautiously: "Why are you holding this cute creature on your hoof?"

After looking at the snake, which seemed to have already tired of resisting me, I briefly said: "This is supposedly a pet, a bastard that we are all gathered to kill today. "

Seeing this, she cautiously came closer to me and looked into the snake's eyes and cautiously asked: "Can I take him home? It seems the poor thing was fed too actively. I would even say forcibly."

Force-feed an animal. Did he want the animal to get fat before eating?

Shrugging my shoulders, I loosened my grip slightly and extended my hand forward. To my surprise, the snake quickly crawled over my arm and moved onto Fluttershy's hoof. She looked at the animal with a smile before looking at me and opening her mouth. But then she stopped talking as if she saw something. After a few seconds, trembling slightly, she raised her wing to her right cheek and said: "You have there..."

Seeing that she did not dare to finish, I ran my hand over my right cheek. And I felt something cold and small. Damn, it looks like one of the shards of glasses stuck in the cheek. Taking a deep breath, I grabbed a small piece of glass with two fingers and yanked it out. Exhaling, I threw the bloody shard on the ground and asked: "Is it just one? Or do I still have others in my face?"

Fluttershy didn't dare to answer, as if she was still scared. Perhaps just now she noticed my bloody and battered face. Eventually I heard a familiar hoarse voice: "Oh, madman, I don't even know where to start. But you definitely don't have any glass left."

Rolling my eyes, I turned towards where the sound was coming from and saw Flying who was sitting on top of the tank. Grinning, I carefully climbed into the seat next to him and said: "Don't worry, I'll just look in the mirror. But you look like a man with nothing to do. So kindly get down and bring me my coat."

Sighing, he shook his head slightly and replied, "Well, I don't even know. It's so comfortable here and your cat is probably so dirty right now. You know, unlike some people, I care about my cleanliness. "" This is an order. And it must be done as soon as possible. " I answered, looking into his eyes. Fortunately, he did not arise and jumped off the tank and ran to the red spots on the snow.

After taking a few deep breaths, I said, "Okay. Give me five minutes to rest or three hundred seconds. Then we'll load the bastard's body onto a tank and go to Canterlot. Until then, gather your strength. Spiritual and physical. "

For a few seconds, some of the soldiers just looked at me with some demands Oh, yes. Sighing, I slowly put my hand on my heart and said: " Let me please arrange a farewell dinner for all of you, okay? After that, you will be free to leave. Are you satisfied?"

Dare only to refuse food prepared by perfect hands.

After a few seconds, all the soldiers slowly nodded and. Nodding in response, I lay on my back on the armor of the tank in an attempt to rest. But I didn't take into account something. The eyes began to slowly but surely close and a long yawn escaped from the mouth. Eventually, my mind slowly started to shut down. And honestly? I don't even mind. I deserve to sleep. Before I passed out, one pleasant thought appeared in my head.

Victory, the enemy is defeated. I deserve a rest. Finally.