Striving for Perfection

POV Queen Chrysalis

A report for Queen Chrysalis.

From the Scout Abdomen

The creature is a bipedal apelike devoid of fur almost everywhere except for the head and a small area above the lip. He tries to wear clothes, but because of living in the Everfree forest, he lost most of them. Shows high physical strength slightly inferior to the average Earth pony, but at the same time can create magical signs for using combat spells. Under certain circumstances, it can significantly increase strength and speed to the detriment of intelligence and health.

Functions that can be used: The creature, even if possible, never retreats. He is constantly in the library, presumably to search for additional magical signs and get information about the area.

I finish reading the report and look at the scout who gave it to me with a raised eyebrow.

"It's been almost two weeks since I sent you to find out about this creature and that's all you've been able to find out?" I asked, dissatisfied with such a small amount of information.

"B-But, your Highness, it's almost always silent, and even when it says nothing useful, that's all I could get." He replied trying to justify himself.

"Even so, you didn't learn almost anything new," I said with disappointment in my voice.

"I-I'm v-very sorry, Your Highness," he said with fear in his voice.

"And that's true, but you have a chance to be forgiven if you tell me more about the magic signs."

"From what I saw, they consisted of two circles and a symbol in the center. All of them were created with the help of magic that the creature pulled out of its body. " He replied with the hope that this would be enough to get forgiveness.

I have leverage on him. It wants to study the runes for some purpose and since ponies are afraid of anything that doesn't look like them, it will be forced to join me to expand its knowledge of runes.

"So be it, this time I will show mercy, but next time don't expect it." I said with severity in my voice.

"I cannot express in words how grateful I am to you, my queen." He said with great gratitude in his voice before bowing and hurriedly leaving.

I'll take some changelings with me and enlist the support of this creature.

POV Daniel

It's been two weeks since I've been stuck on this planet, and I'm trying not to lose hope of returning home. I still haven't found the pack cave, and I'm not going to go deeper into the forest. My right arm has finally healed, and now, apart from many other wounds, I am healthy. Speaking of a large number of wounds, these are mostly holes that I got a week ago when I tried to intentionally use black fire, which turned out, but with serious consequences. Despite the fact that the holes are being tightened, they still cause pain.

All I have left of my clothes is a loincloth that used to be trousers and a coat from which I had to tear off the sleeves. My phone ran out of battery a couple of days ago and I lost my wallet during one of the fights, so of my personal belongings I have only a skull and an alpha core, as well as a knife whose blade is badly damaged and will soon break.

I learned how to use my magic in the form of tentacles to lift objects from a short distance, and finally was able to create a small rune the size of a golf ball. A small arrow created by this rune was able to pierce several bookcases and stop only at the wall, making a hole about an inch deep in it. My supply of consecutive runes has reached ten, and I have a feeling that this is my limit.

I found a HUGE book on the subject of the soul, and when I say huge, I mean it's the size of a fucking electric generator. In any case, speaking about the content of this book, I understood and remembered only one thing: every soul has a limit that it overcomes in the process of the so-called "Tests of Will", but I could not understand what it is because of the very poor wording of the book. I came to the conclusion that this is just a workout, but with a pretentious name.

I once again lie on my coat and using the book as a pillow. Today I once again feel exhausted and try to stay conscious. At some point, I begin to hear the approaching sounds of footsteps on the floor. I slowly get up and realize that the sound is coming from the entrance to the library.

Even though I know there are intelligent species on this planet, I don't want to meet with any of them. No one knows what they will want to do with me as an alien. I need to hide and fast.

I snuggle up against the nearest bookcase and listen to the sound of footsteps. Judging by the sound, ten people are coming towards me and are approaching quickly. Fuck.

"Find the creature and bring it to me!" a female voice shouted in a commanding tone.

I hear eight people running in all directions in search of me. Wait eight? Where's the other one? Probably stayed to guard the commander. In any case, judging by the sounds, they are walking in pairs and two of them are approaching me from both sides.

If I climb on the closet, they will definitely see me-a bad plan. If I try to escape, I will have to fight with the soldiers, and I have little chance of success in this confrontation. I can only try to get in touch with the locals.

I slowly move away from the bookcase and start thinking about how to contact the locals. Two ugly creatures come out on either side of me. They look like completely black miniature horses with blue eyes, black horns, protruding fangs, beetle-like wings, and holes in their limbs. So there were only five of them, I thought. I am in shock for a couple of seconds, but I cope and decide that it is more important to establish contact now.

"Calm down, I have peaceful intentions. I won't hurt anyone." I said, raising my hands up and trying to speak in a soothing voice.

It looks like they didn't appreciate my gesture because they immediately attacked me from both sides. I quickly shot the one on the right with a ricochet arrow and ducked, thus knocking out both. But two more freaks ran to the noise. They jumped on me at the same time, but I caught them with my magical tentacles and threw them into the wall.

I understand that I am an unknown being to them, but why attack right away? And why are they so weak? In any case, only the commander will remain, and I will be able to get out of here, but this castle is already unsafe.

I run for my coat and put it on. Then I find the alpha's skull and put it on my head. I turn around on the spot and run to the exit of the library. The exit from the library is blocked by a creature similar to the past freaks, but about one and a half times taller with a crown-like growth on its head, a crooked horn and green eyes. I start to prepare an ordinary arrow, but as soon as the creature notices me, its horn sparkles and releases a beam at me. When the beam hits me, I stop feeling my limbs and fall to the floor.

"You know, I didn't think you could pass the test so quickly. I'm even a little impressed," the horse woman said, slowly approaching me.

"Who the hell are you and what do you need?" I asked, not understanding what she needed.

"So be it, I will answer your questions, creature, but don't test my patience. I am Chrysalis, the changeling queen, and I have a suggestion for you, creature," Chrysalis said with a slight irritation in her voice.

"Okay, talk more specifically and quickly about the case," I replied, despite my disadvantage.

"Don't be arrogant, creature. Now I decide who will speak and how much. Let's get back to business. My offer is that I will give you the knowledge of the runes that you need so much, but in return you will work for me. "

"And why should I believe that you will adhere to these conditions? " I asked incredulously.

Instead of answering, she almost instantly creates her rune twice the size of my palm, but her rune is green and easily breaks through several bookcases. After the demonstration, she creates a notebook in the air and throws it to me.

"I'm one of the few who knows how to use runes, but it's harder for me to do it than for you because of the horn. In this notebook there are some tips on how best to make runes, consider it an advance if you agree to work." Chrysalis said.

"What is my job?" I asked.

"Basically, it is the elimination of targets and sabotage in cities." Chrysalis replied.

This is clearly not my dream job, but I don't have much choice. I'm sure if I refuse, she'll just kill me. I'll have to agree to learn more about the runes and get out of here.

"I agree what is the first task?" I asked.

"This is enthusiasm! And speaking of your first assignment, there is a settlement called Ponyville to the west of here, your task will be to attack the local guard garrison without killing anyone. The deadline is not limited. Questions? " Chrysalis said.

"No questions. " I replied, deciding that it was none of my business.

"Great and last, what's your name?. Chrysalis asked.

"My name is Daniel Ctumer" I replied with pride.

A day has passed since I agreed to work for Chrysalis. Today I decided not to wear a coat, so most of my clothes are bandages. Thanks to the advice from the notebook, I learned how to create runes faster and stronger, but I am still far from the level of Chrysalis. Now I'm sitting in a tree next to Ponyville and watching the settlement. Because of the distance, I can't see anything except the rainbow line that hits the clouds and destroys them. Whatever it is, I don't want to have anything to do with it, and even more so I don't want to try to explain it.

How in general do Chrysalis think I should get there? Am I supposed to just rush in there and scatter everyone? Yes, I perfection! Well, fuck this idea along with these thoughts. I have to get the information and make a plan. But how do I get the information?

I started looking around the area trying to find something that could help me. I see a mountain from which there is a plume of smoke. A volcanic eruption? No, there is no lava or noise. No matter who or what creates this smoke, the mountain remains a hill and I can use it to see the terrain better.

I put the alpha's skull on my head and start my movement towards the mountain by jumping from tree to tree. When I get to the mountain, I start climbing by grabbing branches and rocks with my magical tentacles, if possible. I actively climb up and see that half of the sky is already blocked by smoke.

I don't know who is producing this smoke, but I have to stop it. If there is too much of it, it will be almost impossible to observe the city. I don't need it.

After a while, I pulled myself up for the last time, straining my arms to the limit and reached the top. Landing on my knee, I began to quickly catch my breath and rub my hands trying to comfort the pain. After taking another breath, I managed to force myself to raise my head and start looking for the source of the smoke. Almost instantly, I discovered a hole in the mountain from which smoke and the sound of snoring were coming. Slowly, I pushed off from the ground with my hands and began to walk into the cave, closing my nose so as not to suffocate from the smoke.

After taking a few steps deep into the cave, a dragon appeared before my eyes lying on a pile of golden things. Sparkling coins, stuck swords, bent plates of the same golden armor. After looking at the dragon, I rubbed my chin with my hand, thinking and trying to calm down.

Dragon. Damn dragon. With wings, judging by the smoke, fiery breath and scales. Breathe, Daniel, don't go crazy. Behave naturally and negotiate. If it turns out, this reptile will be able to take some of the gold. Compensation.

After taking a breath, I took a step forward, took a deep breath and shouted: "Get up, reptile!"

The dragon let out a louder snore, releasing a huge stream of smoke in response to which I covered my face with my hands. A wave of black air passed through the space, causing me to cough violently. When it was over, I coughed a few more times before looking at the still sleeping dragon with hatred.

I slowly closed the distance and, taking a comfortable position, hit the dragon's nose with my right hand, shouting: "Get up, you damn lizard and listen to me!"

Suddenly, the red dragon opened his eyes and looked at me in shock. Then he slowly stood up on all fours and looked up at me, towering. A tiny part of me said that I was behaving stupidly and in general, dragons in mythology are usually served as animals and it makes no sense to talk to him. But the second part said that I was doing everything right. And in general, as the grandson of a hunter and the closest to perfection, I have the right to do with any animal what I see fit.

I looked at the dragon and began to create an arrow rune in my right hand and pointing it at the dragon's head said: "Animal, get out of here and leave me the gold. Otherwise I'll kill you. It's a promise."

The dragon didn't take my promise seriously, and when I saw it, I instantly shot him in the head. The arrow only made a small hole in his chin, but nothing critical. The dragon instantly assumed a furious look and waved its tail, throwing me into the air. The next moment, I realized that I was embedded in the rock outside the cave.

Wincing, I slowly opened my eyes to see how the dragon came out of his cave with loud steps and began to make bubbling sounds similar to a volcano. Assuming the worst, I pushed off from the rock a couple of moments before the dragon released a huge stream of fire with a mighty roar. Taking advantage of the moment, I created a tiny arrow rune in my hand and aimed directly at the reptile's temple. He howled loudly in pain, but strangely enough survived. In the next moment, he rushed towards me, waving his heavy paws in all directions, intending to crush me like a bug. Noticing that his paws are much thinner compared to the body, I rolled under the dragon's belly and prepared a standard-sized arrow rune. Taking advantage of the fact that he lost sight of me, I fired. The arrow pierced through the paw causing blood to ooze out of the hole.

Feeling the wound, the dragon soared into the air above me and again prepared to unleash its fire. Given my speed, I'm unlikely to be able to get to the shelter. I hurriedly created a ricochet arrow and with an accurate aim hit him right in the mouth from which the fire had not yet managed to escape. When the arrow hit the mouth, the dragon closed its mouth and tried to keep it closed. But it's futile compared to my rebound. Suddenly, an arrow broke half of one of the dragon's teeth and flew through it into the sky.

The dragon landed on the ground, causing a tremor to pass over the entire surface of the mountain and raise dust into the air. I staggered slightly, but by the time the dragon began to attack me uncontrollably with its paws and mouth, I managed to recover. I had to retreat under the pressure of the dragon without having the opportunity for a normal counterattack. As soon as I want to go under his stomach, he uses his mouth forcing me to retreat. He interrupts any attempt of mine to use the rune by increasing the pressure.

At this rate, he can just throw me off this mountain. We need to throw out something that he doesn't know.

I abruptly summoned the magical tentacles from my hand and wrapped them around the dragon's wounded paw. He reacted instantly, lifting the paw I grabbed, up and me along with it. As a result, I ended up high in the air and automatically started looking for shelter assuming the worst. My eyes found a rock to hide behind, and my ears tracked the seething sounds of the dragon waiting for the roar. Catching the roar, I quickly grabbed the rock with my magical tentacles and pulled myself so as to hide from the dragon. But unfortunately, due to my slowness, the dragon was able to hit the left half of my body for a moment.

Hiding behind a rock, I quickly examined my wounds. The skin in places where there were no bandages was reddened but without blisters. First degree burn. The bandages themselves, however, caught fire, forcing me to tear them off. As a result, the left half of my body was almost completely without clothes.

When I got angry during the fight with alpha, I managed to create a black fire and deliver an enhanced blow, but when I tried to do it intentionally, I got seriously injured and lost control of myself. Maybe this black fire is related to my emotions? This is my only chance to win.

Closing my eyes, I focused on the sound, waiting for the dragon to stop breathing fire. I focused on my hatred of this dragon, this planet, and in general my current situation. The veins on my hands took on an eerie black color and slowly a black flame began to break out from under the skin, but it was far from as strong as when I did it impulsively. When the dragon finished releasing the fire, I pushed off from the rock by jumping over it and landed right on the dragon's outstretched head. While he was staring in shock at my audacity, I struck him right between the eyes and jumped off him to the ground. The dragon howled very loudly in pain and grabbed the place of my blow while I grinned at seeing a small stream of blood.

Analyzing all this, my brain made a decision. Fulfill a promise. While the dragon was howling in pain, I wrapped both hands around his injured leg and began to pull myself. After a couple of moments, the dragon began to howl even louder and I even thought I heard a sob. Animals can't cry, right? Can not. I continued to pull and the dragon's moans of pain only got louder and almost completely drowned out the sounds of tearing tissues and bones. Abruptly, I felt the resistance disappear and the dragon's paw broke away from the body, dousing me with a fountain of blood. The dragon fell to the ground while I continued to hold the severed paw in my hands and approached his head.

"PP-Please spare mm-me."" Said the dragon in a pleading voice.

I thought for a moment. On the one hand, it is not an animal and it seems that intelligent beings cannot be killed. On the other hand, I made a promise that I would kill him. And moreover, where is the guarantee that he is not bluffing? And is it really more pleasant to live as a defenseless invalid than to die? And in general, why can't intelligent beings be killed?

Answer. . . He's gone. Reasonableness is a ghostly concept. If intelligence is the ability to say that now you can't hunt parrots, but you can hunt others? No, that's nonsense. If a creature has a dream, is it intelligent? So now you can't kill mass murderers because he has some kind of dream? And what to do with people who want to live peacefully without dreams? Nothing. Perfection is the path to true freedom. And if I have to kill someone to reach him, then so be it. No one has the right to stop me. Perfection is above all.

With a sharp movement, I plunged my paw into the dragon's head, ending its existence and causing blood to flow upwards and cover the stones. Slowly, the fire began to dissipate and the veins acquired a normal color. This was followed by severe exhaustion. So strong that I can barely stand on my feet and my hands just don't obey. I began to hobble slowly towards the cave. Each step is accompanied by pain and torment. My whole body is begging me to lie down and calm down. At some point, my legs gave way and almost instantly I fell asleep.

POV Princess Celestia

The day trial ended half an hour ago and I can rest. Twilight and her friends, judging by the sky, solved the problem with the dragon. Now I am reading a novel called "Different bodies are one heart." A very old novel from the time before the unification of Equestria about the love of a unicorn and an earth pony. A letter from my student appears in a gray cloud of smoke next to me. I open the seal and start reading.

Dear Princess Celestia,

I am embarrassed to inform you that before my friends and I started negotiations with the dragon, he was attacked and brutally defeated by an unknown creature whose drawing is at the end of the letter. I'm terrified of this creature princess. It was able not just to defeat an adult dragon, but to eliminate it using strange magic in the form of magical drawings and black fire. I'm afraid it will attack Ponyville and the local guard won't be able to help. Please give advice or any other help.

Your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle.

At the end of the letter, a bipedal apelike creature was drawn, devoid of fur and having many bandages all over its body with the head of the alpha Timberwolves. I sent my sister a message so that she would come to me faster.

"Did you call me Tia?" my sister asked me after teleporting to my room.

"Yes, I did it. Does it look like the creature you saw a couple of weeks ago?" I asked, handing the letter to my sister.

After a couple of minutes of careful viewing, my sister returned the letter to me and replied: "Yes, this is definitely it. And it's obviously dangerous. Now it's clear."

"Yes. Learning runes and slaying an adult dragon is strong. I have to agree with you. It can be dangerous. " I said reluctantly admitting my mistake.

"Great, now I'm going to go and catch this creature since it's so dangerous. The approximate location is already known. This is our chance. " Luna said excitedly, looking ready to fly to the mountain right now.

I tilted my head to the side and asked, "Lulu, why do you want to capture this creature so much?"

Luna looked surprised by my answer and was silent for the first few moments. When I was about to repeat the question Luna replied: "We. . . I want to redeem myself and show the ponies that I care about them too. And now I feel that he is really dangerous. He killed the dragon after all! No matter what threat this dragon harbored, it's still murder. Not only is he strong, he also seems to be able to kill. How are you going to restrain him!?"

There was disappointment and a bit of anger in my dear sister's last sentence. I slowly walked up to her, put a hoof on her mane and said, "Just like the Elements of Harmony freed you from the control of Nightmare Moon."

Not quite. Yes, magic, but I mean besides it honesty, kindness, joy, generosity and loyalty. I mean friendship. " I said in a gentle voice and hugging Luna to calm her down.

Luna nodded slowly and asked looking up at me: "But first we need to contact him. How do you want to do it?"

I quickly realized what my sister was driving at and said with a sad smile: "I'm sorry, Lulu, but I'm worried that you might overdo it. After all, you're just getting used to the present time. And sometimes you can be a little impulsive."

"Then what do you suggest, Sister?"

I fell silent thinking about the question until an idea came to my mind. She is not perfect, but I hope that she will be able to satisfy her sister and establish contact with the creature. Finally, I answered: "What if we ask the guard from Ponyville to find him and bring him to us?

Luna looked surprised by my ideas and asked after a short consideration: "Are you sure they won't panic at the sight of an absolutely unknown creature and consider it a monster? "

I sighed and said, resting my chin on my sister's head: "No, I'm not sure. But I think this is the best way out. And if something goes wrong, I promise that you can do it. If you want, Lulu."

Hearing the last detail, Luna's face lit up and she said, "Okay. That's fine with me, Sister."

"Thank you, sis. " I replied, hugging Luna a little tighter.