It was getting dark. Barely standing on their own feet, without meeting more than one passing cart, the team of heroes reached Berul – a large city that, one might say, separates the main part of Arai from the very north of the kingdom. Ludwig and Martha, who was already walking on her own, could barely move their legs, while Sol and Marren did not feel any fatigue. Having reached the huge arch, on which a sign with the name of the city and its coat of arms proudly hung, Ludwig fell face down, right on the stone pavement.
–Hey, Ludwig, how are you? – Marren asked, leaning over.
–Somewhere between "I don't want to live" and "I'm considering s*icide"... – Ludwig answered, barely turning his head to the side and looking at Marren.
–These are... the same thing, Ludwig.
–I know...
Fortunately, the city guards, noticing the exhausted traveler right at the city gates, ran up, picked up the fallen man in their arms and carried him somewhere, seemingly, to the nearest hospital. "Meet me in the square closer to the north gate tomorrow morning, Ludwig!" Sol shouted as Ludwig was carried away, and he showed a finger up, after which he closed his eyes and lost consciousness. The other three, including the barely standing Martha, entered the city and looked around. The city people looked with surprise at the heroes who had arrived, and soon the locals gathered around them in a semicircle. While Martha and Marren were not known to anyone, Sol Clain was known to most people of Arai, and since these 2 were travelling with him, it was easy to guess that they are these heroes that travel to the north. Sol put his hand forward, causing the crowd's voices to become quieter, after which he loudly declared:
–We would like to speak to the manager.
The crowd parted to reveal a wide road, at the end of which was a three-story building that looked as if it had not been built from bricks, but from a single piece of rock. On the high tower that protruded from the building towards the entrance, there was a huge clock that could be seen from any distance. Judging by them, it was now 9 pm. "This is the city hall, the manager is there," said someone in the crowd. Nodding at this and waving his hand behind him, Sol walked ahead, leading Marren and Martha, who was regretting that she had not fallen there with Ludwig.
As they walked past the buildings, the heroes couldn't help but notice how much the architecture of this particular city differed from the rest of the kingdom of Arai... no, from the rest of the continent of Illiot. The houses here were not built out of bricks, but seemed to be assembled from some kind of concrete blocks around a frame. Flat roofs, huge windows, and the inhabitants themselves wore clothes that Marren could describe as "unusual" and Martha and Sol could describe as "modern". Because it would be modern for those who live in the 21st century. The houses were just as modern. It seems that for the first time all day, a smile appeared on Sol's face. He had not seen such buildings and such clothes for 8 years...
Having reached the three-story city hall, the heroes went inside and, without exception, froze in shock. Inside there was a huge reception, where over twenty people sat in small windows and answered questions from interested citizens. Approaching the magic terminal, Sol began poking it with his finger, while Martha and Marren literally looked over his shoulders... well, in Marren's case, from the side. Finally, sighing, Clain walked away from the terminal.
–There's nothing here that we need, – having said this, Sol walked up to the central reception, where a girl stood, dressed in an office worker's uniform. – We want to see manager Berul.
–I don't think this is possible, our mayor is a very busy person... but if you take this ticket and wait about 2 weeks... – the girl at the reception began to answer.
–My name is Sol Clain, and I am the heir to the throne of Arai. I think you could speed the process of everything for me?
–Ah... we weren't warned that you would come... please, wait a second... – the girl at the reception picked up what Sol called a "landline phone" and, having typed something on it, began to call. – Mr. Brown, Prince Sol has just arrived and asks to talk to you in person... yes... ah, yes? Okay, then... – she hung up. – 3rd floor, room 315. Take the elevator or take the stairs in the east wing. Thank you for your patience.
–Here it is, the "fair" bureaucracy at its finest... – said Martha.
Girl at reception bowed and pointed to the right, while Marren had no idea what she was talking about. Fortunately, Sol and Martha were aware of what all this meant, although Sol was also surprised. "Mr. Brown?" thought Clain. This last name was familiar to him, but it was unlikely to be the same person... it was probably a coincidence, well, at worst, it was an alternative version of him from this world... right?
The trio of heroes approached the doors, which moved apart on their own, revealing a small rectangular room, where Sol and Martha confidently entered, and Marren, looking back every now and then, followed them. After Sol pressed one of several buttons on some panel, the elevator went up. Judging by how smoothly it went, it was obviously moving on magical energy, and not on cables. Unobtrusive but very dull music was playing in the elevator cabin. Finally, when the elevator reached the 3rd floor, the three came out, and, looking around, Sol led them down a long corridor. On the sides, on benches, sat many townspeople, mostly elderly.
Arriving at room 315, the dark brown door had a gold plaque on it that read: "Sean Brown, Acting Mayor of Berul". Sol, seeing the name, took a deep breath and rubbed his forehead. "Surely it's just this universe's version of him," Sol muttered and knocked on the door. "Yes, come in, Sol! Alone, please," was heard from behind the door. This was the most suspicious thing ever, but Sol's self-confidence allowed him to nod and, telling Martha and Marren not to go, he entered the door, closing it behind him. While Sol was going in, Martha said after him: "After the audience, come to the roof, we need to talk".
Behind the door was a clean office, at the far end of which there was a table at which sat... it was not clear who. The table was littered with papers so that it was impossible to understand whether there was anyone on the other side of this endless pile of documents. But soon it became clear – from behind stacks of paper rising almost to the ceiling, leaning to the side, a man of about 30 appeared. His brown hair hung almost to the floor while he was bent to the side like that. He waved his hand.
–Hi. I didn't expect to see anyone from the original... well, settle down... there's nowhere to be found here, of course, but... gimme a second.
Time stood still. Sean, who, judging by the words, was exactly that version of Sean that Oliver from the original universe told Sol about, stood up from the table and stretched. He walked towards the door... and Sol followed him with his gaze, resting his hand to his side. Realizing this, halfway to the door, Sean looked over his shoulder at Sol with a look of shock on his face, before slowly turning around with the rest of his body.
–T...can you move in stopped time? – asked the former surgeon, who for some reason was now the mayor of the city.
–As you can see, I can.
–But... but how?
–Good question. I don't know myself. For some reason I just can.
–Eh, but I wanted to do something cool, like, I said "one second," and then immediately after that a chair would appear in front of you... and you ruined everything!
–Can you let time move on and talk about matters that are more important? At first, I just wanted to submit a request for a vehicle... but I'm afraid now I have much more serious questions.
Time started to move again. Sean ordered someone standing outside the office to bring chairs. Finally, when the seats were delivered, Sol and Sean sat opposite each other in the middle of the room. Sean crossed his legs and leaned imposingly on the armrest, while Sol sat perfectly straight, without moving a muscle.
–So you... are from the original universe, and not from this one, are you not? – Sol asked.
–Yeah, that's right, – Sean answered and shrugged. – I thought your dad described me in detail...
–Oliver is not my father, – Sol said, cutting off Sean's words.
–Yes, yes, of course, you do you. I can't say I was close friends with him in the end, so I won't mind. But Oliver and Cirael of this universe... are not bad at all. Compliant and all of that. They sponsored the technological revolution that I am organizing here, thanks to my knowledge from the future.
–How did you even end up here? Why didn't you stay in the original world?
–Well, I ended up here because I can freely move through the multiverse of this Narrative Layer... or whatever Oliver called these things. Doesn't matter. Why didn't he stay there?... the original universe was erased.
Sol winced. "But... why?", he thought and his lips trembled. Clain clenched his fist, but he soon exhaled and regained his calm expression.
–I did not know about it. Well, that explains why you're here... although what a coincidence that you and I ended up in the same alternate universe, given the infinite number of them.
–Are you... not even going to ask what happened to your parents? – Sean asked, in a much less cheerful voice.
–They are not my parents, Sean. I already said.
Sean looked sideways and down, closing his eyes. Rubbing the bridge of his nose, Mayor of Berul shrugged.
–In general, when I got here, I realized that the local kingdoms are far behind in development, even compared to the original universe. Having come... and by "come" I mean "break in" to the Oliver and Cirael of this world, I proposed innovations, and they agreed... it is ironic that I was appointed to rule the same city that, in the original universe, I, Ciel and yours parents went to the beginning...
–They are not my parents! – Sol said, now switching to a higher tone.
–Eh... whatever you say, Sol... listen, you're strong, right? Considering that you are a child... ahem, considering who you are?
–Yes. I am strong.
–I don't know if you know or not, but I fought with your... with Oliver from the original universe. He was also very strong. Do you think he would beat you if you fought?
–Nah, I'd win.
–Well, I don't think so, but sure. Okay, forget it, – Sean continued, switching his legs. – So what did you want to ask for?
–We need a carriage. And the horses. And a coachman. And it would be even better if the carriage would be automatic, like what was called a "car" in your future.
–Hmm... well, the worst-case scenario, I will provide you with an escort. You're going to the border, right? – in response to these words of Sean, Clain nodded.
–Now can I ask a question? Oliver said that the last time he saw you, you were going to Gehessikait to report that you lost, but were spared. What happened next?
–Well, of course he got angry and cut off my head and other limbs a couple of times, but overall it turned out okay. He laughed, noted that I held up well against the natural being of Hate... and now he's hanging out somewhere. After that, I didn't see him anymore... Funnily enough, I remember finally asking him that if I had to defend the multiverse, would he help...
–Let me guess. Gehessikait replied that he is the type of men who just wants to watch the world burn, right?
–No! He said that he values his own life above all, and therefore will help. But only if the others fail.
–Hah... well, that's good. Okay, provide us with a vehicle and...
Then the door suddenly opened and Martha said, very loudly:
–If you were happy with cars, you could have just told me! I thought that you absolutely had to have it be an ordinary carriage, but it turns out...
She didn't finish, because Marren pulled her away from the door and slammed the door shut. Sean and Sol looked for a few seconds at where Martha's indignant voice was coming from, and then looked at each other in confusion. Shrugging his shoulders, Sol stood up and, waving his hand, walked towards the door.
–I think we'll see each other again. I, too, will soon be going to the Empire on a diplomatic mission. Maybe we'll cross paths there. Okay, good luck, I'll get back to the paperwork, – said Sean.
Walking out of Sean's office, Sol took a deep breath and closed his eyes. Martha was still unhappy:
–You know, I can provide such a means of transportation for you!
–Ok, how was I supposed to know it? I didn't think you even knew what a "car" is. Well, I initially suspected something, but now I am sure. You were right, we need to talk.
Marren looked at Sol and Martha in bewilderment, and Sol himself said to the boy in the plague doctor mask:
–What are you talking about anyway?
–Doesn't matter. This is between us. Marren, go ask the city guard at the gate where Ludwig was taken to. Then go back to the city hall doors. We'll talk to Martha alone for now. Let's go to the roof, Martha, – Sol said and walked further down the corridor.
Sol climbed onto the roof and, going to the edge, leaned on the fence, which prevented accidental falls. Of course, someone as strong as this company of 4 heroes could jump over this three-meter fence without any difficulty... but falling from the third floor would not harm them either. Martha, with severe shortness of breath, finally also went up to the roof. The evening sky was already dark and stars were visible, however, the lanterns that were on the edges of the roof created enough light. The crescent moon sparkled in the sky, but Martha and Sol didn't care.
–You're not from here either, are you? – Sol asked.
–Yes, I am not. When I heard your stories about being from another universe, I thought it was some kind of nonsense that you made up... but it seems that's true, – Martha said, coming up and also leaning on the fence.
–Are you from the original universe, too?
–No. My brother and I are from a world that has nothing to do with the original story at all. There are no Oliver and Cirael, the kingdom of Arai, Berul and all that. My brother and I... well, I don't think I can be compared to my brother. Compared to him, I am pathetic and useless... – Martha lowered her head, but then shook it and cheered up. – Hmm, I won't talk about that. In general, the only thing we can do best travelling between universes. I can also take objects from different worlds and store them in my subspace storage, strongly compressing them. Actually, that's where I keep all 5 different guns that I give to Ludwig... yes, he doesn't only have pistols.
Sol looked away from Martha and threw his head back, now resting it on the fence.
–Sol... actually, there's more I wanted to talk about. I didn't tell my brother about it, but... some kind of psycho has been hunting me for a long time... he wanders around all the worlds where I end up and tries to kidnap me. Typical stalker.
–Reminds me of something Oliver Clain told me about... Oliver from the original universe, that. So why don't you tell about this to your brother, who, judging by your words, is much stronger than you?
–Aren, he... he's too busy soul-searching right now and I don't want to bother him. I just...
–Okay, okay. I understand. And you want to ask us for protection, just like Marren – from Notre Dame?
–No. I... I will face him myself. I just...want to warn you that he'll probably give us some trouble.
Then Sol, raising his right eyebrow, opened his eyes and stared at Martha.
–And... that's all you wanted to say? I thought it would be about what was in the original universe, about the structure of reality, worldbuilding and some other similar things... but that's all?
–Yeah. That's all, – Martha said and smiled awkwardly.
–Okay, then let's go... I am not interested in what was there in your universe anyway.
Having said this, Sol moved away from the fence and, putting his hands in his pockets, walked towards the exit from the roof. Martha, shrugging and sighing, followed him. She planned to ask him about everything Sol mentioned... however, when he said it himself, all the desire to ask it disappeared. Having reached the elevator from the roof, and then going down and going out into the street, the two found that Marren was already waiting for them, as they had agreed. Seeing the heroes leaving the city hall, Marren, waving his hand at them, said:
–I helped move Ludwig to a hotel nearby, and also rented us rooms... well, not for free, of course. Having agreed on a discount, I was able to rent 2 rooms, each for 2 people. Ludwig needs care while he is resting, and since you have known him for a long time... I think, Martha, you will sleep in the same room with him, okay? He's unconscious, but the doctors say he'll be fine by morning and...
–No, I'm moving into the same room with you! – Martha suddenly said, pointing at Marren.
–Huh? – Marren asked.
–Sol will be able to follow Ludwig! Well, come on, tell me where this hotel is! – Martha said, taking Marren by the hand and dragging him somewhere, while Marren was telling her where to go.
Sol, on the other hand, said, "Go ahead, I'll catch up with you. I need to do something." He looked somewhere to the side, where he went after saying this. Clain disappeared behind the corner of the City Hall.
~*~
–Huh?... where am I?... – said Ludwig, opening his eyes.
He was lying on the bed in a luxurious room, fully clothed. They must have laid him on the bed with his boots on. Shaking his head, he noticed Sol sitting in a chair, who, not paying attention to him, was flipping through the pages of a book.
–Uh... good morning? – Ludwig said with a questioning intonation.
–Not "morning". To be precise, it's exactly 3:42 am, – Sol answered without looking up from his book. – I don't need sleep, but you should rest. Tomorrow... or rather today, we hit the road early in the morning so as not to deviate too much from the schedule. We have to leave Arai before noon, so we leave Berul at 7 am, or 3 hours 17 minutes 11 seconds from now, and you have to wake up even earlier, so you have about 2 hours to sleep.
–What? – Ludwig asked, not really understanding the essence of what Sol said.
–In short, go to sleep.
Having said this, Saul snapped his fingers, after which Ludwig immediately fell asleep. Waking up exactly 2 hours later, like by the clock, Ludwig literally jumped out of bed and stood in a pose as if he were holding some kind of long small weapon... although his hands were empty.
–Great, the rewriting Narrative worked perfectly. Now let's go, sleepyhead, – said Clain, who had already gotten ready and was standing at the front door of the room.
Lowering his outstretched arms, Ludwig shook his head again and rubbed his eyes. It seems that he realized that he was brought here after he lost consciousness. Also, by the light in the windows, he realized that it was already the morning of the next day... or at least the next one.
–Where is Martha and this guy in the mask? – Ludwig asked, adjusting his boots.
–In another room. Marren wanted Martha to be with you and monitor your condition, but she insisted on being placed in the same room as him. I don't know the reason, and in general I don't care, – Sol answered.
Ludwig thought for a while, and then, following Sol outside the room, he smiled sarcastically and said: "I think I know the reason." In the corridor, standing near the door of another room, Martha and Marren were already standing. Martha looked a little unhappy, and Marren... it was unclear what he looked because of his mask. Marren had a bag hanging from his belt, and Martha, like Sol, didn't carry anything.
–So, did you bargained for the cart from the manager while I was passed out? – Ludwig asked.
–No. Martha said that she herself could provide us with a self-propelled vehicle. As it turns out, she just didn't think anyone of us knew how to drive. Thanks to my eyes, I don't need to "know" how to do it, I will immediately know how to use it, as soon as I simply look at it.
–You damn Mary Sue... – Martha said, still sulking at him.
Sighing, Martha waved behind her, and they walked towards the exit of the hotel. After returning the keys to the reception, they left. Martha put her hand forward and a scroll of paper fell out of the portal that appeared right above it. Having unfold it, Martha scratched her head for a few seconds, and then walked in some direction, saying: "The north is there". Having reached the city gates exactly in the opposite direction from which they entered the city, the four heroes left the settlement and, after going through the gates, Martha turned to the others.
–Well, look carefully, because now I will show you an amazing trick!
She again put her hand forward, and apparently again reached into her spatial storage, from which a small cube fell out. When the girl threw it to the ground, it rolled around a little, and then a bright flash of light blinded the heroes for a second... well, except Sol, because he was immune to this, and Marren, because he was wearing a mask. In place of this cube there was now a full-fledged dark blue convertible card, which, however, was covered in dust. However, the heroes weren't that interested in its appearance... except Sol.
–How can you drive something like this, it's all dusty, which means it's not perfect...
Having said this, Clain pulled out his sword and slashed at the car while the rest of the trio shouted for him to stop... but it was too late. Now there was nothing left... of dust. The car was perfectly clean now. "I erased the very concept of this vehicle getting dirty. Now we can go", Sol said and jumped over the door and got behind the wheel.
–These doors actually open, you know... – Martha said and, showing the others how to open the doors, she sat down in the front passenger seat next to Sol; Ludwig and Marren sat in the back seats.
Turning the key, which was already in the ignition, Sol started the engine. After giving it ten seconds to warm up, Clain, changing gear to first, began to slowly release the clutch pedal and press the gas pedal. The car moved. Having accelerated enough, Saul switched gears to second, and then to third.
–Well, do you understand everything about this card? – Martha asked.
–Yes, I do. The only one thing I do not understand is why did you put this in your storage room if you don't know how to drive... – said the man in white.
–Ah, eto... bleh... – the girl answered and covered the temples of her head with the back of her hands and, closing her eyes, slightly stuck out her tongue.
–By the way, Martha, why are you so unhappy today? – Ludwig asked, leaning back in the back seat as the wind blew through his hair.
–Well... it's awkward to even say... it has something to do with Marren...
–Knew it!
–This is not what you think, Ludwig! – Martha said, waving her hands. – I tried to find out what was under his mask... but it looked like it was welded to his head!
–I... I don't want my ugly face to be visible to anyone... – Marren said, turning his head to the side; the mask he was wearing didn't even flutter in the wind.
–Do you know what I think about it? I think that the real reason why you, Martha, decided to sleep in the same room with him is because... in reality, under the mask, Marren is a beautiful girl, not a man. – Ludwig said, grinning at his guess.
Martha, turning around and reaching him from the front seat, hit him on the head with a vertical blow, saying: "Bonk."
–Don't talk about such nonsense, pervert! Obviously, in reality, his face is simply too cute to show to the outside world! – she said.
–N-no, you're both wrong! This... this really isn't worth seeing... – said Marren, covering the "eyes" of his mask with his hands.
–Let me see! – Ludwig and Martha said in unison.
–Leave him alone. It's his own business, – said Sol, who didn't really care. – Better look at the map and show me the way, Martha.
–Yes, yes, okay... – Martha said and again lowered her gaze to the map, after which an amazing insight came to her. – So, wait, how does this car even moving? I don't think there is gas in this car, and that the battery is charged and...
–My eyesight shows that it works, fueled by the magical energy of the one who holds the steering wheel. In other words, while I hold the steering wheel, my energy is spent, and we drive... don't be afraid, it won't run out for another long time. So, where should I go now?...
Martha didn't say a word further, other than telling Sol where to turn. Bypassing travelers along the road, their horses and carts or carriages, the heroes drove for several hours. According to Martha's forecast, they will reach the border in 1 hour... but she was wrong – it will happen even earlier. Having left the dense forests, they suddenly realized that they were now driving along a huge open road, and to their left the land turned into sand and, just about 50 meters away, there was a large sea. "This sea is located exactly on the border between Arai and the Empire, which means we are almost there," Marta explained. And then not so bright idea came to even less bright head:
–Guys, have you been to the sea often? I haven't been to some place like this for about 10 years. Maybe we can stop here and take a swim? – said Ludwig.
–Yes, let's do a beach episode! Beach episode! There's so much fanservice you can show! – Martha happily supported him.
–Let's not. We don't have much time, especially since an episode like this is a disgrace to any story... – Sol answered and only pressed harder on the gas.
However, apparently, the sea itself really wanted the beach episode to take place – the weather instantly worsened and the sky was covered with black clouds, and above that previously serene water surface, lightning flashed and thunder sounded. Something suddenly burst out from under the water, flying high into the sky and creating a huge column of water with its rise. Something, or rather someone, immediately after that landed in front of the car, destroying the road to smithereens and throwing the car high into the air. Sol immediately jumped out of the seat and, landing before the car, pointed his hand at it. Using telekinesis, which Oliver seemingly taught him, Clain slowly lowered the car with everyone in it clinging to their seats. The man who was causing such shaking spread his green wings and, as water flowed from his head and shoulders, he opened his eyes, whose red color contrasted sharply with his green hair.
–It's... Ktul, I suppose? – Martha said, shaking with fear.
The green-haired man, his eyes half-closed, looked down on the company of heroes and said in a serious voice, spitting water from his mouth:
–The water is really nice today, I highly recommend taking a swim.
–There will be no beach episode! – Sol said sharply and got back into the car.
–Okay, that's not what I came for. Tell me, Sol... – Ktul began, looking at Clain from under his brows, – where is Oliver? I must find out what happened to Necronomicon. I haven't been able to find him for 30 years! – now he sounded absolutely lost and confused.
ؘ–I have no idea. Now let us through, we have to go, – Sol answered. – Just why so many people are bombarding me with unnecessary information these days...
–Well... okay. You don't look like you're lying... Then I'll get going. I still need to find him... the only one who defeated me...
Flapping his wings, Ktul took off and soared into the sky, disappearing into the clouds.
–It... it was a goddamn Ktul! That Ktul! I almost had a heart attack! – Martha said, letting go of the seat.
–Um... who was it, Martha?... – Marren asked.
–Ktul... a legendary fighter who looks for strong opponents... and never loses... if he suddenly decided that Sol is strong... oh, that would be the end of our journey... the girl answered.
–Nah, I'd win. – Sol said, starting the car again.
–No, you wouldn't! – Martha shouted.
–Well, well, that's enough, you two. Everything worked out, that's good. There's no need to quarrel here, – said Ludwig, who was calm all this time, as if nothing had happened. – I'm more interested, Martha, in how you know all this."
–Well... a thing or two happened... – Martha said and shrugged.
While the two were arguing, Sol started the car and, pressing on the gas, drove the company onwards.
~*~
–What kind of bullcrap are you talking about... crazy woman, get away before I put a bullet in your head... – said $*#!)@, while the members of his gang took one step forward.
–O... okay... let's go, %&$%#, %&$(% won't help us...
–Two girls left the hangar where the %&#*#'s group was residing. Walking back through the dark evening streets, they wondered what to do now. Looks like they'll be doing it alone...
–I'll do it, %#$#!. I'll go lower and deal with it myself... yes, it will be scary, and I won't see you ever again... but all this is for the sake of saving our world.
–I... I'm sorry, &$#!@!. I'm sorry that I was so useless and couldn't fix what I did. Well, then let's go. We have to do not the most pleasant things.