Striving for Perfection

The sun had almost completely set below the horizon, but still illuminated the street. There was not a single cloud in the sky. Since there is less time left until the end of winter, it has become much warmer outside. But the snow has not gone away. Fortunately, most of the ponies have already returned to their homes. Squinting, I could see far ahead of the station where the train had already arrived. It's good to have glasses again.

Yes, yes. Now hurry up the new sergeants on the train. Until it left.

Nodding to myself, I quickened my pace a little and looked back. Behind me were three Thestrals, each of whom had a small bag on his back. Each of them was neatly packed with a walkie-talkie and a map with a marked place where their soldiers were located. Report looked completely detached, as if he had sunk deep into himself. Rising looked down and seemed to be shaking slightly. And Flying calmly walked forward and even grinned when he saw my gaze on himself.

Sighing, I again focused on the road ahead and began to say: "So let's repeat it again. Each of you will train fifty soldiers. Since I've been teaching you for the last six weeks, I don't think you'll have any problems."

"If you don't take into account that most of the time we solved stupid puzzles. " Muttered Flying. I'm sure if I was looking at him now I would have noticed that he rolled his eyes.

Without looking back, I pointed to Flying and said: " Said the person who solved each of these problems in two ways. Or a frontal attack if there are more people than the enemy, or a retreat if there are fewer people. In my memory, you have not even once taken into account the peculiarities of the terrain, the weather and the race of the soldiers. "

Yes, it's boring. Such a commander will never do some cool trick with the murder of several hundred people being in an absolute minority. Why do we need a commander who can't do that?

In response, I heard Flying chuckle and replied: "Don't think about the little things if you just have more people. And there is no point in joining the battle if you have fewer people. This is understandable even to me. Although you won't understand, you're a madman."

Rolling my eyes, I said, "In any case, you have to get in touch at midnight today and report on how you are doing. I really hope you understand how this thing works. Or at least I remembered that after I finished speaking, I had to say the reception. And remember, the charge is not infinite, so be kind enough to talk less. "

" Yes, yes. " Flying replied with reluctance and irritation.

If you call me for help, you won't get it.

Sighing, I focused on the road ahead and seeing that the station was still far away, I said loudly: "Report Stutter."

"Yes, sir?" The thestral behind me asked as if he had just woken up. Hmm, there is no stuttering. Did the speech therapist help him so well?

Slowly shaking my head I said: "I want to remind you that now you are free only because I have been actively pushing Luna's demands for several days. So you need not just to cope with the task, but to do it perfectly. Understand? "

" I w-will d-do my b-b-best. " Report replied with a slight nod. Hmm, he sounds so emotionless. It's like he's not nervous at all or doesn't take it seriously. Although stuttering gives the opposite.

Nervous or not, he is OBLIGED to do everything he can and beyond that.

Taking a deep breath, I said harshly: "You really have to try. Luna wants to see what you and your two colleagues were able to achieve, and she will watch it at the Gala. And that's in about a month. So you have a month to make ordinary ponies the best soldiers possible."

In response, I felt a small nod followed by no words. What a good boy, always knows when to communicate nonverbally. Taking a deep breath, I checked the distance to the train station again and seeing that there was still time, I said: "Rising, have you lost consciousness yet?"

He swallowed the lump in his throat with difficulty and replied trying to sound confident: "No way, Mr. Sir Boss! I have fully learned your lessons and am fully prepared!"

So weak. Barely able to speak clearly. Most likely, on the next sentence, he will fall down like a house of cards. Maybe you'll leave him here before it's too late? In any case, he is useful as a person nearby more than as a commander of troops far away.

This thought lingered in my mind for a few seconds before it was discarded. No, there's no turning back. Slowly shaking my head, I said calmly and with a little gentle: "Just remember, Rising, that you can call me on the walkie-talkie at midnight. Until then, you should at least not let the soldiers scatter in all directions. You can definitely handle this. "

" Yes, I can handle it! " Rising answered straightening up and making me chuckle slightly. How hard he tries to give him confidence. But at least he doesn't show his insecurities as much as before. The obvious evidence of my incredible teaching skills.

The training has definitely benefited. No wonder I took the time to ensure that a leader should always look confident, even if there is no plan, as well as hope.

Nodding to myself, I slightly adjusted my glasses and found that I had already reached the entrance to the station. Taking a step to the side, I pointed to the train and said: "Well, you'll be working hard for the next month. I really hope that you, Flying, will be able to understand when to change trains and that you will be able to train soldiers somehow. "

" Don't call me an idiot. " He replied irritably, squinting. Ha, I forgot that he is so offended when his intellect is touched.

Grinning, I did not answer anything and calmly continued: " We go further down the list. I really hope that you, Report, will not disappoint Luna and will be able to stay free. It's in your best interest. If you don't want to rot in a dungeon, of course. "

At the mention of the dungeon, he seemed to stiffen slightly and replied: " I d-don't want to, and I'll d-do my b-best."

It looks like when he gets nervous, he starts stuttering again. Well, just don't be nervous.

Raising one hand up, I said: "Don't stutter."

In response, he nodded and I focused on the most nervous thestral. As soon as my gaze fell on him, he straightened up and even smiled slightly as if he felt great. Seeing this, I couldn't help but chuckle and said, "Rising, just get on with the task. No one demands more from you. "

He nodded quickly as soon as I finished speaking and putting a hoof to his forehead said: " I won't let you down, Mr. Sir Boss! "

Nodding slowly in response, I turned around on the spot and said, " Hop on the train and get ready to work. See you later."

Fortunately, no one said anything, and all three theatres quickly ran to the train before going inside. Just a couple of moments later, the train doors slammed shut and after issuing a loud horn, he slowly began to drive forward.

Well, here the main work is finished. Now it's time to think about what to do next.

With my hands on my hips, I looked around the street and began to think. The last month of winter, that's it. Although this does not change the situation in any way. Just yesterday I received a letter with a "polite" request to pay the production costs. And I didn't have any money. The only good news is that the FSF made a drawing of the flamethrower before I disbanded them. Moreover, Starlight made a couple of sketches of a mini flamethrower that you can carry around with you.

"If it weren't for money problems, I would have already transferred the entire army to flamethrowers. But alas, now these drawings can only gather dust on my desk. I muttered with a disappointed sigh. It looks like my idea turned out to be an absolute failure. No nobleman came and thanked me with a check for a lot of money. And it looks like Celestia hasn't introduced any new tax. Trouble.

Well, I think the solution is obvious. We just need to find a beautiful wooden house and rob it. Along the way, you can arrange a small arson. Preferably while all the residents are sleeping. By the way, half-burned corpses can be used as a body for Ahirata. If you're still pushing so hard for his revival, crybaby. You just need to keep a biology textbook handy. Standard homework.

Taking a deep breath, I put my hands in my pockets and slowly started walking forward. There will be no mass slaughter. I'll just find a nice house, turn invisible, and steal all the cash I find. I'm afraid one house won't be enough. An exasperated sigh escaped from my mouth and I muttered: "Thirty-five thousand bits. Much less than FSF services, but still a lot."

Shaking my head, I focused on the road along the actively darkening street. No need to whine, we need to solve problems. And if necessary radically. Nodding to myself, I allowed my gaze to study the nearest buildings. To my left was a row of various shops. And again the damn doughnut. I won't eat this stuff.

I took a deep breath to calm down and looked in the opposite direction. There was an alley that led to a seemingly lively street, judging by the lack of bright signage. Well, it's time to try your luck.

One of three. Option number one is the area of the poor, that is, the perfect place for you. Option number two is a middle-class neighborhood, that is, just an uninteresting thing. And of course option number three is the rich people's neighborhood, that is, the jackpot.

"Every little thing helps." I whispered to myself before starting to slowly walk forward through the alley. Just in case, my hands started searching my pockets for something. And it's empty. If I am attacked, I will have to fight back with my fists. Not that this is a problem, it's just that some knife has a greater intimidating effect.

After only a few steps, I finally left the alley and found myself surrounded on two sides by rows of houses. My gaze shifted to the nearest house to my left. Triangular roof, a couple of windows, closed curtains. Bottom line: it doesn't look too expensive. We are looking further. Then my gaze focused on the opposite building, to my right. The curtains are not closed, there are no windows, there are many cracks in the walls. Most likely abandoned. It is unlikely that there will be anything useful there.

Wait, I feel like there's someone there. On the second floor. Maybe homeless? Hmm. Nothing interesting. Wait a minute, what's that over there?

My eyes caught a particularly bright building and focused on it. A three-story building with white columns and light gray walls towered over all the houses. I don't know what kind of material it is, but it looks pretty good. Not feeling the presence of anyone nearby, I took a few steps to take a closer look at the light gray building.

There were exactly three steps leading to the glass entrance door, next to which a lamppost was located. I don't know if it belongs to the owner of the house personally or just conveniently located next to the plot. In any case, I looked up and saw that at the level of the second floor there was a wide balcony from which the light was shining. It looks like the owners are still awake.

It's even better, you know. If there is some cool, safe inside the house, then we can interrogate the owner. Before killing him of course.

Sighing, I turned my attention back to the lines. Judging by their curve, there are three ponies inside the house. Judging by the smaller size of one of them, it is a child. I don't even know what to think about it. Maybe we can somehow do without the massacre? For example, to steal a safe and then find a person who will crack it. Flying is quite suitable.

"But it will be available to me only in a month. It won't be fun to hide some safe at home." I whispered softly to myself. Maybe the idea of stealing was still a bad one? Like, it doesn't seem like a good idea at all when you think about it. Starting from how the robbery will take place and ending with how I will answer such an elementary question as where I got the money from.

Quiet, crybaby. They're coming to us. So turn around quickly and go to the alley. If you are followed, we will tear the pursuer to pieces.

I took my eyes off the building and slowly headed back to the alley with my hands in my pockets. The presence of one pony was clearly felt from behind. To be precise, a unicorn. For a moment, my gaze checked the sky. It's already dark, the sun has set, go to bed, you idiot! Why the hell are you following me?

Taking a deep breath, I tried to calm myself down as I continued walking towards the alley. It seems that against the background of the approach of a disgusting spring when I will be allergic to, I don't know what, and against the background of the next day without sleep, I got paranoid. So you can safely ignore it. This is not a reason to strain and waste nerve cells.

No, no, no, crybaby. This is not called "paranoia". The correct name is "one hundred percent prediction". Only the body of a perfect being is capable of such a thing. That is, my body.

During the time while the stream of thoughts was passing in my head, I managed to get to the middle of the alley. Deciding that it was already possible to stop pretending that there was no one behind me, I slowly turned around and squinted at the pony following me. A white unicorn with a light azure mane and a monocle at the left eye appeared in front of me. I wonder if he really has a vision problem on this eye or is he just following fashion?

No sooner had I started thinking about this question than the unicorn briefly cleared his throat and said, taking a few steps closer: "Good evening, Captain Ctumer, yes?"

Just listen to him. It sounds so so. . . Disgusting. Too polite and refined. He definitely wants to deceive you. Now he will ask you to shake hands and, having shortened the distance, will release some spell of an instant heart attack. So. . . A preemptive strike? This is not a question, I'm thinking exactly how to do it.

Carefully following his every move, I slowly nodded and asked with a wave of my hand: "What do you want from me? It's almost night now. The vast majority of people are sleeping or thinking about it at this time. "

In response, the unicorn just smiled slightly and after closing the distance, handed me a hoof and said: " Well, you see, Captain Ctumer, I found out that you left the castle territory for the first time in a month. And I've been wanting to meet you for a long time. By the way, my name is Fancy Pants."

Oh my god. That name is so stupid. How does a person with that name live at all? Like, you were bullied at school because of your surname, remember? You were told that such a surname does not exist, that you just misspell Cumer and then you cried. Remember? Great, now forget it. In any case, if it was because of a strange surname with you, then how did he live with his name?

Sighing, I reluctantly shook his hoof and asked hurriedly: "Well, you met me. Are you going home now, or do you have some real business with me?"

Fancy didn't seem to react to my rudeness in any way and as soon as I removed my hand from his hoof, he replied: "Well, how about we continue our conversation elsewhere? I know a griffin cuisine restaurant nearby, which I think you will appreciate well. It should still be open."

Judging by the pizza itself, the griffin kitchen is all that contains meat. It's very kind of him to offer such a place. Agree, meat is good for the body.

After a few seconds of silence, I shrugged and reluctantly answered: "Okay, take me to this restaurant. I don't have any business and problems anyway. Except making money."

Fancy nodded slightly and waved his hoof and said before turning around: "Yes, I've heard that both guards don't get the best money. If I had the opportunity, I would make sure that you get more money. "

" Instead of a salary, I would prefer direct financing of the army. " I replied, putting my hands in my pockets and starting to follow the unicorn with a monocle.

Listen, what status do monocles have now? Like, have they appeared here only recently or are they now causing only laughter and ridicule? Hmm, in the first version we have an influential nobleman in front of us, and in the second it is not clear who at all.

Slightly adjusting my glasses, I focused on Fancy trying to find something useful. Okay, monocle. The information received is uncertain. Let's go on, something similar to clothes. How to identify it is unclear. But judging by the gold cufflinks on the front hooves, this is something not cheap. Although on the other hand, I have seen that some soldiers are wearing golden armor. Damn bourgeois.

Taking a deep breath, I decided to stop finding information in the mud and began to look around. It seemed that each successive house became richer in appearance. Hmm, I always thought that rich people like to settle closer to the city center. But I don't seem to understand something.

While my thoughts were going on, Fancy had already led me through several alleys and I saw a bright street with lots of glowing signs. It looks much richer than an analogical place in the city center. And lo and behold, there are no stupid pastry shops here, and even more so donut shops! Looking around, I grunted contentedly. Yes, nothing like that. Only luxury restaurants, shops and the like.

Fancy brought me out of my thoughts, who said, waving his hoof towards the line of posh establishments: "Welcome to the largest business district of Canterlot, if not the whole Equestria. Great, isn't it?"

A great place for a robbery, yes. Here, everything is directly asking for the benefit of perfection. So, drop your Pants and go rob.

Slowly shaking my head, I focused my gaze on the unicorn and asked, "Yes, it looks very good. But in the meantime, I politely ask you not to waste time. Show me the restaurant, I'll eat quickly and we'll discuss what you wanted. Whatever it is."

Fancy only nodded in response and calmly walked forward, along various restaurants. Sighing, I followed him and looked up at the sky again. The moon has already risen and the sky is filled with stars. I hope I still have time before midnight. I would hate not to answer Rising's challenge when he really needs me. Besides, I promised that I would receive the signal exactly at midnight.

No, think about it, crybaby. If you don't give him any answer and don't get in touch at all, then he will have to deal with everything himself. He'll get a little stronger. And we only need strong allies, don't we?

I thought about it seriously for a moment. Maybe, just maybe. No, it doesn't matter. I promised that I would turn on the radio at midnight and talk to the new "officers". It doesn't matter if it's right or not. I promised to do it.

By the time the chain of thoughts ended and I nodded to myself, Fancy had already reached the restaurant. Lifting my head up and adjusting my glasses, I tried to read the sign. From the beginning, my eyes discovered that it was not English. For several seconds, my brain processed and tried to match the text of the sign with at least something familiar to me.

It's German. Unfortunately, an A in all subjects at school does not mean any high level of language. Of course, if you stand here for a while, you will get something to translate. But now? No, it's just Latin letters. I can say that Krieg is a war. Does this somehow relate to the name of the restaurant? Not very.

I didn't have time to sigh in disappointment as Fancy walked up to the entrance to the restaurant and slightly opening the door said: "Here we are. And I want to assure you in advance that you will not have to pay. I'll pay for everything."

"How nice." I replied, rolling my eyes and following Fancy into the restaurant. Instantly the smell hit me in the nose. So familiar but not too pleasant. After a few seconds, I finally realized what it was. Fish, or, to be precise, seafood. Well, the worst kind of meat after pony meat is still good. Sighing, I looked around the restaurant while Fancy was standing still. To my surprise, I noticed several ponies in the room. No, that's not the right word. Ponies are half of the local visitors! It seems that they are not bothered by the fact that only meat is served here. Then my gaze focused on the other half of the customers of this restaurant. Griffins.

Mmm, immediate memories from Tartarus. Admit it, you really liked killing them indiscriminately because they are empty dummies without a mind. It's morally justified, isn't it? Killing something that is not considered reasonable is fully justified.

After a few seconds Fancy pointed his hoof at one of the tables and before starting to walk towards him said: "Here, let's take that place. It looks quite secluded. To be honest, I just booked it."

Shrugging my shoulders, I followed him and looked at the creatures present out of the corner of my eye. Surprisingly, they didn't pay attention to me at all. Except that a couple of griffins threw displeased glances in my direction. They kind of don't like what I think about their state? Well, judging by the fact that they are here now, and not in their homeland, there is only one thing to say.

Another victory of great and successful authoritarianism over useless democracy. The leadership of authoritarianism is absolute. As always.

With a slight grin, I made it to the table, and as soon as Fancy took his seat, I sat right in front of him. Before I even had time to ask something, a griffin in black appeared out of nowhere and quickly put two menus on the table. Well, it's probably even better. Sighing, I slowly grabbed the menu with my left hand and opening it barely restrained the urge to swear. Everything here is also in German. What kind of restaurant is this where absolutely everything is written in an unfamiliar language? Who comes here at all!?

Having calmed myself down with difficulty, I adjusted my glasses and began to look at the menu. Come on, find at least one familiar word. So, Holundersuppe. Soup? No, I won't get enough of this. And I'm not completely sure that this is the soup. Let's move on. Labskaus. I have no idea what that means at all. I can't single out a single word. Frowning, I looked at the following name. Krabbenbrütchen. Oh!

Krabbe is a crab. You don't need to know anything else. Order it and be calm. We won't drink anything. Something I don't see Wasser here and today we have a non-alcoholic day. As it has been for almost the whole year.

Nodding to myself, I put the menu on the table and said, leaning back in the seat: "I don't know about you, but I've already chosen what I'm going to eat. So, you can get down to business already, or we'll wait another three hours for the waiter to show up."

Fancy just nodded and replied: "Okay, where should I start?"

For a few moments he awkwardly rubbed the back of his head with a hoof. Don't lie to me, you have everything planned out. In the end, he began to speak softly, as if discussing something extremely secret. : "Well, let's start from the beginning. In less than a month, the Princesses gathered all the nobles of Canterlot and put forward an extremely interesting agreement. And what's even more interesting, they mentioned who came up with this idea."

So, has Celestia agreed to at least one of my ideas? Wow. Well, she's probably not that stupid. Of course, it would be interesting to know how much Celestia edited my ideas, but I prefer to focus on the current one. Let him continue, I'm interested. You too, don't you, crybaby?

After a few seconds of silence, I opened my mouth to say something, but suddenly a waiter came up to the table with a notebook in his claws. Before he could ask anything, an answer came out of my mouth: "I'll be Krabbenbrötchen. No drinks are needed. Uh, Ich . . . keine Getranke."

For a moment, the waiter looked slightly embarrassed by my advance, but just nodded and turned to Fancy. While the unicorn was saying what he needed, I took a deep breath. Why did I even decide to say something in German? Ugh. I hope it wasn't too bad.

It was really, REALLY bad, crybaby. But don't worry, it gave me an idea. Perfection should surpass stupid people fixated on their useless common values in everything. So, learning languages is a must for you. As soon as we finish here, we'll take some dictionary with us and learn the words. Every single one of them!

By the time I slowly sighed and accepted a new task, the waiter walked away from the table, leaving me alone with Fancy again. He stared at me in amazement for a while and I stared back at him before reluctantly saying, "Go on. More precisely, go to the part where you explain why you called me here."

For the first time in the dialogue, he seemed confused, as if he had not expected this, but quickly gathered himself and replied: "Well, judging by what I saw, the Princesses are ready to listen to you. So I would really appreciate it if you could help me promote a few of my ideas. "

" And how is the size of this appreciation measured? I asked skeptically, raising an eyebrow. It's one thing to offer your own idea that is good, strong and useful for me personally. But to promote the idea of some kind of left pony? Why would I do such nonsense?

Fancy smiled as if he was waiting for this question and his horn began to glow yellow. The next moment, a small envelope with a golden seal appeared on the table. I carefully stretched out my hand to the envelope and heard Fancy say: "There is a deposit receipt from a local bank inside. In short, you can just come to the right bank and pick up the amount you need. Or all at once. Consider it an advance if you agree to my offer."

Deposit receipt. You can consider it a beta version of paper money. Of course, it would be nicer to see a huge bag of cash, but you can do that. I think there is no need to discuss the decision, right?

Chuckling, I quickly grabbed the envelope, I slightly twirled it in my hands and asked him: "You almost convinced me. Almost, that's the keyword. I want to know the exact amount of my advance. And of course, how much I will receive for each idea that has been successfully promoted. You know, convincing Celestia is not the easiest task. "

Fancy nodded slowly and after a couple of moments of silence replied: " The size of your advance is approximately three thousand bits. About paying for ideas, hmm. Maybe we'll discuss it later?"

After he politely asked the question, an awkward smile appeared on his face. Really, he didn't think it through? Or does he just want to convince me later that the advance is my entire salary?

Crush him. if he does not set strict conditions, then I will take care of it.

I pierced Fancy with an irritated look and said harshly: "No, we will agree on the amount right now. Since you are not making the demand yourself, then I will do it right now. I demand that the salary for each idea be ten times more than the advance. That is, thirty thousand bits. Very cheap, don't you agree?"

For a moment, he looked genuinely outraged by such a price tag. But unfortunately, Fancy chuckled after a second and replied: "I have to admit, you understand the principles of how to bargain. At a very basic level, but you understand. But you didn't even expect me to agree to such a high price for a single second, did you?"

Rolling my eyes, I nodded slowly and was about to answer, but I smelled food and, most importantly, delicious. Looking in the direction of the smell, I saw a griffin waiter carrying plates of food on his wide wings. Hmm, I wonder how many times you have to drop food to learn how to move it this way?

Thousands and thousands of times. Thousands and thousands of mistakes. To achieve perfection, we only need to make zero mistakes. Do you understand how easy it is, crybaby?

Nodding to myself, I watched the griffin until he put a plate of food in front of me. After wiping my glasses and adjusting them, I saw exactly what I had chosen. Surprisingly, no crabs, I made a mistake in the translation. Or the name is blatantly lying. Instead, there was something that looked like a burger on my plate. To be precise, two rolls between which there was a bunch of small shrimp, some white sauce and a lettuce leaf. Yes, no cheese.

I put the envelope next to it and carefully grabbing the food with both hands, I accidentally dropped a couple of shrimp on the plate and, ignoring it, took a bite. After a few seconds of chewing, I mumbled approvingly. Although it's seafood, it's quite tasty. Obviously better than fish. But shrimp is not cheap if I remember correctly.

It's good that I don't have to pay for it. Although it would still be nice to know the price. Maybe I'll come here when I want to eat? At the same time, I will learn German by communicating with the owners of the language.

Smiling, I took a couple more quick bites before putting the burger on the plate and wiping my mouth with the back of my hand, I said, "So where did we stop? Oh, yeah. You praised me for how cool I can bargain. I think this should be backed up with a decent reward. Knowledge should be rewarded in the end. So where are my twenty-five thousand bits?"

Looking at Fancy, my eyes widened for a moment. As a meal, he had, oh my God, a piece of pie. Or a cake. It doesn't matter, it's an abomination anyway. I moved back a little in order to start running away from here as quickly as possible. Fortunately, he pushed the food slightly to the side and elegantly wiped his mouth with a napkin and replied with a grin: "Okay, okay. Six thousand bits for each successfully advanced idea is quite an adequate price. I'm willing to pay it."

(35000-3000):6000=5,333. Consider it six. We need to successfully promote six ideas to Celestia. After that, you can terminate the agreement. And then, you know, this Fancy Pants look like a lot of money. I need to take some for myself.

Nodding slowly, I grabbed the burger with both hands and said, "Well, I basically agree. I could shake your hand, but the hand is dirty. So you only have my extremely strong word. "

Fancy nodded in response and said with seemingly sincere gratitude in his voice: " It's a pleasure to do business with you, Captain Ctumer. In a couple of days they will meet with you and tell you exactly what to offer the princesses. I hope for you."

Do not hope and do not believe. Know that I am never wrong.

Chuckling, I put the envelope in my pocket with my free hand and slowly got up from my seat. After taking a big bite out of the burger, I went to the exit and waved Fancy goodbye. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed a clock on one of the walls of the restaurant. Three minutes to midnight. Oh shit.

Quickly covering the distance to the exit, I got out into the street and threw away the remains of the burger. Let the dogs finish eating. Swallowing the piece that was still in my mouth, I quickly began to run forward while looking at the lock. The main thing is not to get into a dead end.

Turning the first corner, I saw a dead end ahead. Growling irritably, I held my glasses in my left hand and, bending my knees, jumped high. To my surprise, I was taller than the local buildings. Are they so low or have I become even stronger?

No, it's just that the buildings here are low. How could you become stronger if all you've been doing for the last month is training useless ponies?

"They're not useless," I muttered to myself, clinging to the edge of the roof and pulling myself up while my other hand held the glasses. Lightly shaking myself off, I ran across the roof, looked at the road leading directly to the castle and, not seeing any people there, jumped down. During the fall, the air fluttered my hair, which had already grown a lot. I need a haircut. Someday I'll remember this and finally get a haircut. But it won't happen today.

Landing on both feet and briefly groaning in pain, I brushed the snow off my coat before starting to run towards the castle again. On the periphery of my vision, you could see a couple of ponies looking at me from the windows. At a time like this? Some kind of nonsense. Zero logic.

Soon I found myself right in front of a gate with two soldiers standing next to it. My soldiers. Fortunately, after an absolutely normal farewell dinner, not all the soldiers left the guard. Just a weighty piece. And now I have twenty soldiers.

Less than half of the original composition. It's all your fault, crybaby. If you listened to me, there would be no problems in the world in principle. But because of you, the liberation of the world is moving further and further away.

"It's okay. I muttered as I walked past two soldiers and kicked open the door to the castle. When they heard my speech, they turned their heads at me for a moment, but did not ask anything. Before I left the soldiers and ran under the corridors, I waved my hand listlessly, calming them.

Feeling their shrug of the shoulders, I sighed and rushed along the corridors ahead. Fortunately, I spent a lot of my free time exploring the castle. I even drew a map. It's a pity it's in the room now.

And this map has absolutely nothing to do with the plans to attack the castle. There will be no flamethrowers in the building. Just me.

Smiling slightly, I turned another corner and saw a familiar corridor with unpainted doors. Looking around, I found a door behind which I did not feel anyone's presence and jerked it open. Instantly, my eyes fixed several metal boxes connected by wires. One of the boxes also had an antenna.

Taking a deep breath, I walked up to the pile of metal and abruptly opened the window. As we discovered a couple of weeks ago during one small experiment, the signal of this walkie-talkie suffers from any disturbances. Even glass.

Yes, and in general it is a very imperfect thing. For example, transportation. In a good way, you need a cart. No, wait! Combat Mobile Radio Communication Point. CMRCP. A separate machine whose tasks will include monitoring the movements of the enemy in the rear and transmitting information to the main army. Each enemy reinforcement will be detected and destroyed before it reaches its destination.

With a chuckle, I mentally marked this idea as something possible before sitting down on a chair. I hope I'm not too late. After taking a deep breath, my right hand reached for the switch on one of the metal boxes. The next moment, the room was filled with an annoying hiss of static. Trying to ignore it, I looked at the small lamp. The walkie-talkie is in the signal reception mode. Great. Slowly, I began to turn a small circle responsible for what signal the walkie-talkie is tuned to. I feel like a safe cracker, to be honest.

As soon as I got to the desired value, unintelligible sounds began to break through the noise of interference. For a while I stared blankly at the radio trying to figure out where I made a mistake. Everything is turned on correctly, the antenna is directed to the street. Then why can't I hear normal speech? We checked everything with Rising just yesterday once again and everything worked without problems!

It looks like they all got in touch at the same time. And this walkie-talkie was not designed to talk to several people at once. Listen and wait until you can insert a word. I hope this walkie-talkie can transmit a signal to several people at once. Pray for this and for Perfection.

After a while, I could hear through the static as three people said at once: "Reception."

Sighing, I switched one of the many switches and a special light bulb turned green. Transmission mode is enabled. You can talk. My gaze reflexively ran in search of a microphone. Oh, that's not how this walkie-talkie works. Here, depending on the enabled mode, the speaker can work as a microphone. I have no idea how.

What else could you expect from a fascist team and two brothers speaking for each other?

Leaning a little closer to the speaker, which became microphones, I said: "So, we have trouble. It looks like I can't receive multiple signals at once. And you three got in touch at the same time. So, we'll have to go in order. Let's start with the most problems. Flying tell me how you're coping. The rest of you wait. Reception."

When I finished speaking, I switched on the radio and grunted at the sight of the red light. For a few seconds, excitement grew on me. What if I was just talking into the void right now? What if they are now waiting for my answer and think that I lied? Damn.

As a sedative, a hoarse voice that seemed extremely distant was heard from the speaker: "Well, nothing interesting. I hit one guy, sent a couple of people hunting and sent the rest for a run. In general, I just didn't steam up and copied you. That's it. Ah, yes, reception."

Copying is the highest degree of flattery and admiration. See? Flying is our faithful puppet, no matter how he denies it. By the way, hmm, I want to know how many people have what weapons. At a minimum, it is necessary to throw all the archers into the tankers. Thanks to Fancy, we will be able to make new tanks. And this time with a real weapon.

Smiling slightly, I switched the radio again and seeing the green light said: "Very good, Flying. Now tell me how many people under your command use what weapons. Don't ask anything, just tell me and preferably the exact number. Reception. "

Switching the walkie-talkie to signal reception mode, I started digging in my drawers looking for paper and pen and ink. Just when I pulled out everything I needed, the answer came from the speaker: " Okay, okay, madman. We have one, two, three, four. Four archers! And by the way, they are all mares. So on with me. . ."

A mare? A woman! Four women! Oh my God, the women's tank squad! What could be better than this?

While my thoughts were spinning around the idea of a tank where the crew consists only of women, I listened to the entire Flying report and returned to reality only in words: "Four plus twenty-six plus twenty is fifty, right? Reception."

Taking a deep breath, I quickly wrote down three numbers, putting question marks after the four archers. I'll ask you later. Switching the walkie-talkie mode once again and seeing the green light, I said: "Okay, Flying, you've been dealt with. You can switch off. The next in line for me is Rising. Just do the same thing as Flying. Reception."

I switched the walkie-talkie mode once again and began to wait with anticipation. Please, Rising, calm down. I've taught you everything you need. Be calm and confident. You can do it. Despite all my expectations, the silence continued. Radio silence, fuck.

Still think we need him, crybaby? In that case, you're wrong. He became completely useless exactly at the moment when he began to argue and show uncertainty. We need to dispose he.

I quickly shook my head. He is useful, extremely useful. Even if he makes a real riot, I do not intend to "recycle" him. Although he won't do it anyway. Criticism is the desire to make me better. Nothing bad, he can.

In the end, a deep breath came from the speaker, followed by the words: "Everything is fine, probably. I lined up all the soldiers in one line and told them to take their places in the barracks. Then he showed the swordsmen a little how to handle weapons. I sent the others for a run. Now to list the composition, yes, sir? Reception."

Even through communication at a decent distance, the tension of Rising was felt. As if at any moment he would just fall down and start crying. But fortunately, this has not happened yet. I still have a chance to calm him down. Sighing, I switched the walkie-talkie and as soon as I saw the green light, I said: "Yes, Rising. Just tell me how many soldiers will use what weapons. And a tip for the future, don't forget to provide food for the soldiers. Otherwise, you're doing great. Reception."

When I finished speaking, I switched the walkie-talkie mode again and waited. But I was met only by a tense silence. Did I say something wrong? No, everything seems to be correct. Fortunately, after a few seconds there was an uncertain response: "Okay, sir. I have six archers, twenty swordsmen and twenty-four spearmen here. That's it. Reception."

Hmm, does no one really want to wield a bow? Or does someone consider them useless? Well, this opinion will change when I retrain all archers into tankers. Although we have a third "officer". It will be cool if only future tankers are there, right?

I frowned slightly when I heard the answer. Judging by the voice, Rising is on the verge of a breakdown. I wouldn't want it to come to this. But just to come and solve all the problems for him when he didn't even ask for it? No, this is nonsense. I guess I'll just wait for him to ask for help. Now? At most, I will send him a couple of people as moral support. Although I think it's not worth doing that either.

Nodding to myself, I switched the walkie-talkie mode and cleared my throat and said, "Very good, Rising. You're doing great. You can switch off and go about your business. Now I'll move on to the last one in line. Report repo, ha. Exactly. In short, just do what your name says. Reception. "

To my own surprise, immediately after I switched the walkie-talkie mode, the answer was heard: " That's right, sir. I first gave the new soldiers a little warm-up with jumps and races to d-determine their c-capabilities. And well, it was a little d-d-disappointing, but don't worry about me! I'll figure something out. Anyway, after that I asked w-who knows how to hunt. Only three people can do it. Well, I sent them to the f-forest for food. P-plus four more people to accompany. So, the composition of the troops. Wait a b-bit, sir. I need to c-count everyone."

See what a good guy he is? Obeys, does everything and does not show a single second of uncertainty. The maximum is a slight stutter. That's who we need, not useless orphans.

Slowly shaking my head, I leaned back in my chair and sighed. It is necessary to discard all these thoughts. I've been teaching these three for a whole month, so I'll use all three of them. And I don't intend to throw them away. Until there are no other options left. And there is always another option.

Just when the flow of my thoughts came to an end, the voice of a stutterer was heard from the speaker: "I've counted everything. I have a whole horde of archers here. Forty, to be exact. And ten more swordsmen. That's it. Reception."

Check. 4+6+10=50. Everything is right. Let's assume that most of the Flying soldiers are spearmen. 26+24=50. Great. And finally the swordsmen. 20+20+10=50. In total, we have one hundred and fifty new soldiers. Success? Success.

Smiling, I switched the walkie-talkie mode and leaned closer to the walkie-talkie and said, "Great. This concludes today's conversation. Contact me tomorrow at the same time, in the same queue. End of communication."

Reaching out with my hand to the switch, I switched it and instantly all sounds stopped. Oh, I've already forgotten what real silence is. But it looks like the hardest part is over. For the next month, I'll just sit here, learn German and work for Fancy. Maybe I can even make new tanks. But mostly it feels like a vacation.

"Yes, that's great." I muttered with a sigh, stretching my arms forward. The wind blows so pleasantly. Not too cold, but refreshing. Maybe leave the window open at night?

Yes, yes you can, I allow it. Right after we destroy this bastard.

Taking a deep breath, I looked towards the door and listened. Nobody seems to be coming to me. Swallowing, I cautiously reached out with my hand to the lowest drawer in the table and slightly opened it. Suddenly, a bright red color hit me in the eyes. Squinting, I still focused on the object where the enemy's soul is imprisoned. It was an uneven and seemingly chaotic crystal in which a red vortex could be seen. Magic? Yes, probably yes.

Out of the corner of my eye I looked at my clay where the knife and cube were lying. Maybe just end it here and now? Like, what is the probability that he has really valuable information? Dangerously close to zero. But, his words about the elements of harmony are really annoying.

"It is because of the elements that we are here with you. But. . . not. . . at home." echoed in my head. If I were him, would I say that to save my own skin? No, I wouldn't say anything at all. Okay, let's try to correct the question. What would a person who wants to save his life say in a desperate situation?

Of course, a crybaby. Look how it looks. Ahirata sealed himself in a crystal and so that you wouldn't break it, he said such nonsense. Every second of his life is a threat! What will you do if right now this crystal released a tentacle and connect with you? That's right, nothing!

Taking a deep breath, I closed the drawer and took off my glasses and said, "I have plenty of time to make decisions. I think by spring, by the Gala, I will make a final solution. I have about a month at my disposal. That's enough time for me. Yes?"

Of course, a crybaby, of course. You will definitely make a solution. And I hope that it will be correct.