Moscow met the hunters with a dawn, not at all similar to the one before the Great War. The skyscrapers that once defined the silhouette of the city were now adjacent to massive defensive towers. Their dark silhouettes with pulsating blue lines of energy contours crashed into the horizon as a reminder - the world has changed forever.
Kirill drove the car along the Garden Ring, which was now called the First Line of Defense. The once busy highway turned into a man-made barrier with reinforced checkpoints, scanners and floating drones continuously patrolling the perimeter. The historical buildings used to the townspeople now stood side by side with modular reinforcements made of non-alloy - a material capable of resisting the claws of B-rank creatures.
"Every time we come back, it looks different," Daniil muttered, looking at the Kremlin. The ancient citadel was now surrounded by a dome of a force field shimmering in the rays of the rising sun. - Even more barriers, even more weapons.
- Incidents have become more frequent, - Alexander calmly replied, not taking his eyes off the book. - Over the past month, there have been three breakthroughs in the Zamoskvorechye sector.
The girl they rescued slept soundly in the back seat, wrapped in Alexander's coat. Moscow in 2038 spread around them - a fortress city, the last frontier of mankind in Eastern Europe.
They passed several checkpoints, where the guards, recognizing them, only nodded and missed without any questions. Mercedes-Benz turned onto the street, which before the war was Tverskaya, and now was unofficially called "Stem" - due to the abundance of gun stores and the design of the street itself, turned into a narrow, easily overlappable corridor in case of a breakthrough.
- We have arrived, - Kirill announced, stopping in front of a huge structure made of dark glass and metal.
The main headquarters of the Department of Supernatural Phenomena (OSYA) occupied the territory where the Bolshoi Theater used to be located. The building resembled a hybrid of a bunker and a high-tech complex - ten floors above the ground and, according to rumors, twice as large below it. The facade was decorated only with a massive emblem: a stylized eye in a triangle, pierced by a sword.
- I'll wake up the baby, - said Daniel, gently braking the sleeping baby. - Hey, wake up, we're here.
The girl opened her eyes, looking around cautiously.
- Don't worry, - Kirill said softly. - They'll help you here.
The hunters got out of the car and headed for the entrance. The first checkpoint was a glass camera with infrared scanners and metal turnstiles. Alexander ran his card on the reader, and the turnstile missed it. Kirill and Daniil followed him, carefully holding the girl's hand.
- Gentlemen hunters, - the duty officer in a protective uniform nodded to them, - the girl needs to be registered.
- She's a hostage rescued from the Mikhailovskaya operation, - Alexander replied. - We take her straight to the head of the department.
The duty nodded and noted something in the tablet.
- Come In. The doctor is already waiting on the third floor in the medical unit.
The inner space of the headquarters resembled a hive - hundreds of employees moved along the corridors with a certain purposefulness. Walls made of dark metal and glass reflected dim light, creating the impression of twilight even in the middle of the day. Behind the glass partitions were laboratories where scientists studied samples, training rooms where recruits practiced techniques, and analytical centers with huge holographic maps.
- I'll take the girl to the medical unit, - Kirill suggested. - And you go to Helen with a report.
Daniil sat down in front of the girl.
- This uncle will take you to the doctor, okay? He'll check if you're all right. And then we'll find your relatives.
The girl nodded uncertainly, shifting her gaze to Kirill.
- Can you find my mom and dad? - she asked in a low voice.
Kirill smiled, although a shadow of doubt flashed in his eyes.
- We'll do our best. I promise.
When Kirill and the girl went to the elevators, Daniil sighed heavily.
- Do you think she has someone left? After what this demon did?
Alexander was silent.
- Let's hope, - he finally said. - Let's go, Helen is waiting.
They went up to the fifth floor, where the management offices were located. The corridor was decorated with wooden panels - a rare luxury in the new world - and covered with a dark blue carpet with the OSYA emblem. Near the door with a sign "E. Rich, head of the operations department" they stopped. Alexander knocked briefly.
- Come in, - a tired female voice came.
Helen Rich's office reflected the character of its owner - minimalistic, functional, with a slight mess. The table was filled with papers and empty coffee cups. On the walls hung maps with marked points of abnormal activity and several diplomas within the framework. The only personal thing seemed to be the photo in the corner of the table, turned so that only the mistress of the office could see it.
Helen Rich was sitting at the table, staring at the holographic monitor. She had pale, slightly earthy skin, which contrasted with the dark strands of hair gathered in a careless bun. Short bangs fell on the face, partially hiding the tired golden eyes. There were dark circles under my eyes, talking about sleepless nights. She was wearing a slightly crumpled blue shirt and a strict black skirt. Her lips were tightly squeezed. In one hand she held a gun, with which she unconsciously tapped on the table, and the other was clenched into a fist.
- Oh, it's you, - she put down the gun and rubbed her eyes. - How was the operation? I see they came back in one hole, which is already good.
- All three goals have been completed, - Alexander reported. - The source of paranormal activity has been neutralized, the surviving civilians have been evacuated, samples for the laboratory have been taken.
- Civilians? - Helen raised an eyebrow. - I thought no one was left alive there.
- One girl, - Daniil nodded. - The demon held her hostage. Now Kirill took her to the medical unit.
Now that they were standing in Helen's office, it became possible to see the three hunters better.
Alexander Fable was a short young man with laconic, precise movements. His thin figure deceptively hinted at weakness, but a trained body was hidden under a black coat. Long dark hair contrasted with pale skin and piercing ruby eyes - a side effect of the X-Gene. The facial features were correct, almost aristocratic, but the expression always remained neutral, which made his age uncertain. He was like a porcelain doll. - From afar he could be confused with a girl.
Daniel Sunnles, on the contrary, was the embodiment of energy. Above Alexander, broad-shouldered, with an athletic physique, he was constantly on the move. His dark blond hair was styled in a fashionable hairstyle, and his bright green eyes, also altered by the X-Gene, looked at the world with inexhaustible curiosity. Slightly pale skin and light bristles gave him a slightly hooligan look, which was emphasized by expensive but carelessly worn clothes - a leather jacket, jeans and high boots.
- So it's a B-rank demon, - Helen was looking through the report that Alexander had just uploaded. - It's amazing that he was able to kill two D-rank hunters.
- They weren't ready, - Alexander shrugged. - Apparently, they were caught by surprise. The demon acted in a non-standard way - it did not directly attack, but used puppets.
- And one more strange thing, - Daniil added, checking the phone. - Oh, look, the money has arrived! - he brighted, showing a screen with a notification of the receipt of a million rubles. - I can't wait to get away at the mall! New video card, autumn jacket, sneakers...
Alexander and Helen sighed synchronously.
- As I understand it, you also noticed the strangeness I'm thinking about, - Helen returned to the topic, ignoring Daniel's delights. - The demon appeared without a challenge. No ritual. No sacrifice.
- Exactly, - Alexander nodded. - It's unusual for entities of his type. Usually a guide, human will, is required to break through the barrier between the worlds.
- We have more and more such cases, - Helen rubbed her temples tiredly. - It's like the border is thinning. And not only demons. Vampires have become more active. For the last three days I have been dealing with a chain of kidnappings - people are taken to sell blood to vampire clans. Already seven victims, and not a single clue.
Alexander noticed an overflowing trash can at Helen's table - at least twenty cups of coffee.
- When was the last time you slept? - he asked, although the tone remained formal, as if it was another point of the report.
- Three days ago, - Helen vaguely waved her hand. - But coffee helps. And my regeneration compensates for fatigue... to some extent.
The door opened, and Kirill Axis came in - the tallest of the three, with an impressive figure and a serious expression on his face. His gray eyes, framed by dark eyelashes, radiated intelligence and calmness. Dark blond hair, neatly combed back, opened a high forehead. His movements were measured, verified, as if he was saving energy for important moments. Dressed in a dark blue coat and classic pants, he looked older than his 18 years.
- The girl is fine, physically, - he said, closing the door behind him. - The psychological trauma has yet to be assessed. They are looking for relatives.
- Okay, - Helen nodded, then turned to the table and took three cards. - By the way, your updated data. The mission has been counted, the data has been updated.
She handed the cards to the hunters. Each contained a holographic photo, personal data and information about ranks and abilities.
Alexander quickly looked at his map, where most of the fields were hidden - a standard security measure for hunters of his level. More precisely, personally for him.
- And when is the next mission? - Daniel asked diligently, putting the card in his inner pocket.
- Rest for now, - Helen suppressed the yawn. - It's relatively calm now. The training room, however, is busy - instructor Kachkin conducts classes with foreign students. Exchange program, you know. Politics and all that.
- Can we go? - Alexander asked.
Helen nodded, returning to the monitor.
- You can. And... good job, guys.
They left the office and headed for the elevator.
- I suggest you go to the dining room, - Daniil rubbed his stomach. - I'm starving to death after all this flying and rescue.
"I support you," Kirill nodded.
They went down to the third floor, where the dining room and training rooms were located. Passing by the glass doors of one of the halls, Alexander involuntarily slowed down. Inside, a group of about a dozen young people trained under the guidance of a tall man with a military training.
Sergey Kachkin, despite his 33 years, looked like a man at the peak of his physical shape. His short blond hair with graying on his temples, square jaw and hawkish look of blue eyes gave him the appearance of a classic military man. The scar crossing his left eyebrow was the only evidence of his combat past, which he did not seek to advertise. Dressed in a standard training uniform of OSYA - a dark blue jumpsuit with silver inserts - he demonstrated a reception with a training sword to the students.
As if feeling someone's gaze, Sergei turned around. His face instantly lit up with a smile.
- Alexander! - he exclaimed so loudly that all the students turned around. - Come here!
Alexander froze, caught off guard. Daniil and Kirill also stopped, watching his reaction with interest.
- Come without me, - Alexander said with a barely noticeable sigh. - I'll join later.
"Good luck, champion," Daniil grinned, patting him on the shoulder.
"Don't overdo it," Kirill added, and they headed towards the dining room.
Alexander took a deep breath and entered the training hall, greeted by the curious eyes of the students.
- Here he is, my best student! - Sergey smiled broadly, approaching Alexander and shaking his hand tightly. - Congratulations on your successful mission! I already heard that you dealt with that demon.
- Thank you, - Alexander replied restrainedly, trying not to meet the eyes of interested students. - Something urgent?
- Oh, not at all, - Sergei took him by the elbow and took him aside, lowering his voice. - Listen, could you replace me for half an hour? The match "Spartak" - "Dynamo" is starting on TV now, and I bet a decent amount. Just half an hour, nothing complicated - tell them about the classification of monsters, show a couple of tricks.
Alexander cursed in his mind. That's exactly what he was afraid of.
- Sergey Petrovich, I don't think that...
- Come on, Sasha! You are the best of my students. Half a year ago he already beat me in sparring! - Sergei spoke so that the students would also hear, causing Alexander to want to fall through the ground. - Here, take it, - he held out a small earpiece. - It's for translation, they don't all speak Russian well.
Realizing that it was almost impossible to refuse, Alexander reluctantly nodded.
- Half an hour, no more.
- You're the best! - Sergei shone, slapped him on the shoulder and quickly headed for the exit. - Students, this is Alexander Fable, the strongest of my students! Listen to him like me!
"Damn football," Alexander mentally cursed, putting an earphone in his ear. The translation system was activated with a slight squeak.
Left alone in front of a group of students, he looked at them carefully. Two of them, judging by their appearance, were from China - a guy with a tense, collected posture and a girl with a long braid and a tenacious look. Three more, with flawlessly straight backs and polite smiles, looked like Japanese. The rest, judging by the careless poses and open facial expressions, came from the United States.
But Alexander's gaze stopped on the girl, who was standing a little away from the others. She seemed to be a ghost among real people. Long wavy hair, white as snow, fell on her shoulders and back, creating a striking contrast with the black training form that fits her fragile figure. The face was partially hidden behind strands of hair, only the delicate outlines of the chin and a slight blush on the lips were visible. There was a special grace in her pose, as if she was used to moving differently than ordinary people.
For a moment, their eyes met - its clear, like rhinestone, and its ruby. But Alexander quickly looked away, focusing on the task.
- My name is Alexander Fable, - he began in a formal tone. - I will replace your instructor for half an hour. To begin with, please introduce yourself. Name, country, specialization.
The students took turns calling themselves. The Chinese were called Lin Wei and Zhao Ming, the Japanese were called Takahashi Hideo, Sakamoto Ren and Yamada Ayako. The Americans introduced themselves as Josh, Mike, Caitlin, Emily and Ryan. The last one was a girl with white hair.
- Agnes Walenstein," she said in a voice resembling the ringing of crystal bells. - Switzerland. Specialization - close combat.
Alexander couldn't hide his surprises. Valentine - this surname was known to every hunter in the world. Ares Walenstein, her father, was one of five S-rank hunters whose strength was considered a reference. The one who single-handedly stopped the breakthrough in the Alps, destroying more than a hundred A-rank creatures in one night.
- Okay, - Alexander came back to business. - Let's start with the basics. Who can list the main ranks of monsters and their characteristics?
Students began to respond, demonstrating different levels of knowledge. Alexander methodically corrected errors and supplemented information, talking about the differences between ranks, vulnerabilities of different types of creatures and tactics of combating them.
- Now practice, - he said after the theoretical part. - Take training swords and show your skills.
The first to come out was a Chinese, Lin Wei. He took a training sword and began to demonstrate a series of fast but somewhat chaotic movements.
- Stop, - Alexander interrupted him. - I'm not interested in seeing you fight an imaginary opponent. - He took the second training sword. - Attack me. Full force, without restraint. The fight ends with the first touch.
The students looked at each other, obviously surprised. Did a hunter of about A-rank offer sparring to ordinary people?
Lin Wei uncertainly accepted the fighting stand. Then, having gathered his spirit, he attacked sharply, striking Alexander in a direct blow to Alexander's chest.
Alexander's movement was almost invisible - a slight tilt to the right, a step to the side, and his training sword touched Lin Wei's neck.
- The end of the fight, - he said calmly. - Next.
One by one, the students entered the improvised arena, and each fight ended in seconds - Alexander needed only one precise movement to mark the opponent's defeat.
Finally, it's Agnes Walenstein's turn. She gracefully approached the rack with weapons, chose a sword and turned to Alexander.
- Defend yourself," she said, surprising the eyes of the rest of the students.
Alexander gave her a strange look, but took a defensive stand.
Agnes attacked without warning. Her movements were sharply different from other students - accurate, calibrated, with a perfect balance. She made a attack of such speed that an ordinary person would not catch the movement. The blade rushed to Alexander's heart, cutting through the air with a quiet whistle.
Alexander barely had time to dodge, which in itself was surprising - for a person without an X-Gene, although the effect of surprise also played its role, it moved incredibly fast. He made a false attack to the left, to which Agnes reacted by leaning to the right. At the same moment, Alexander made a lightning-fast movement - so fast that it seemed that he was teleporting.
Agnes' eyes widened in amazement, when the next moment she found herself lying on the floor, without a sword, and Alexander's training blade froze a millimeter from her throat.
Alexander stepped back, looking coldly at the girl.
- You are superior to other students in terms of skills, - his voice was even. - Not surprisingly, given your family. But remember: pride is the first step to the grave. There is no place for self-confidence in a real battle with creatures.
Agnes rose to her feet, picked up her sword and looked straight into Alexander's eyes.
"Another time," she said quietly, but firmly.
Alexander froze, his ruby eyes narrowed.
- What?
Once again," Agnes repeated, looking straight into Alexander's eyes.
The training room is quiet. The students, holding their breath, watched the unexpected confrontation. Alexander slowly raised his sword, and suddenly the air in the room became heavy, as if filled with lead. An invisible but tangible wave of energy swept through the hall - the aura of a high-ranking hunter, capable of causing physical fear even in high-ranking hunters.
The students instinctively retreated back, some grabbed their throats as if they lacked air. Agnes' legs trembled noticeably, but she continued to stand straight, tightly clutching the training sword.
At that moment, the watch on Alexander's wrist made a quiet squeak. Exactly half an hour. His aura instantly disappeared, as if an invisible switch had been turned off. The students sighed noisily, as if rising from under the water.
- The time is up, - Alexander said, returning the training sword to the rack. - Your instructor will be back soon.
Without saying another word, he turned around and left the hall, leaving behind the stunned students and Agnes, who was still standing with a sword in her hand.
In the corridor, Alexander slowed down, sinking into his thoughts. Ares Walenstein's daughter. Talented, fast, with impeccable equipment. And defiantly brave, which was either a sign of exceptional bravery or dangerous stupidity. Without the X-Gene in her blood, she certainly did not pose a threat to him, but her potential was obvious. What kind of hunter will she become after initiation? However, he shouldn't have thought about it. Someone else's career is not his concern.
The OSYA dining room was a spacious room with high ceilings and panoramic bulletproof glass windows overlooking the inner atrium garden. Instead of the traditional distribution, there were separate stations offering different cuisines - from classic Russian dishes to Asian and European food. In the center there were long tables with holographic menus and built-in communication systems. Despite high technology, the walls were decorated with old-fashioned posters with rules of conduct and photos of outstanding hunters.
Alexander quickly noticed Daniil and Kirill - they were sitting in the corner, almost finishing eating. He took a tray, chose buckwheat with cutlet and salad, and joined his friends.
- Oh, our teacher is back, - Daniil grinned. - How was the first lesson, professor?
- It's not funny, - Alexander started eating, ignoring his friend's teasing tone.
- Seriously, how did it go? - Kirill asked, drinking a coke.
Alexander sighed and briefly told about what happened - about strange students, about Valenstein's daughter and her challenge.
- Wait, wait, - Daniel stepped forward, obviously interested. - Do you mean that some girl brought you out of balance? You, our cold-blooded Sanya?
- She didn't take me off balance, - Alexander interrupted. - I was just surprised by her technique.
- And that's why I turned on my aura at full capacity, - Daniil grinned. - Admit it, it touched your pride.
- One more word, and this pot of buckwheat will be on your head," Alexander threatened, nodding at the almost empty pot at the distribution.
- Maybe you should give her a couple of lessons? - now Kirill has joined the friendly mess. - You obviously have a pedagogical talent. Sergey chose you for a reason.
- He chose me because he wanted to watch football, - Alexander rolled his eyes. - And let's change the subject.
Having finished lunch, they decided to leave the building. Daniil suddenly stopped in the hall.
- Listen, how about shopping? I have a million now, and I desperately want a new video card. And it won't hurt you to dissipe a little.
Kirill shrugged his shoulders.
- I don't mind. I still have nothing to do until tomorrow.
- Okay, - Alexander reluctantly agreed. - But no more than three hours.
They took to the street, where they were met by afternoon Moscow - fussy, noisy, with a mixture of old architecture and new protective structures. Daniel led them to the Metropolis shopping center, one of the few that survived after the Great War and is now protected by a force field.
- Are you sure you want to spend the entire premium on a video card? - Kirill asked when they passed through the security terminals of the shopping center.
- Not all of them, - Daniil waved it off. - We also need sneakers and maybe another jacket for autumn. In general, I deserved it, didn't I?
In the online store, Daniil immediately went to the stand with video cards, radiating with anticipation. Alexander and Kirill fell behind, considering the latest technology.
- Why do you think the demon appeared without a call? - Kirill asked quietly, while Daniil bargained loudly with the seller.
- I don't know, - Alexander admitted. - But this is not the first case. Did you hear about the breakthrough in Saratov two weeks ago? Also without a ritual.
Their conversation was interrupted by a loud voice:
- I'm sorry, Miss! Can we help you with something?
Alexander turned around, looking for the one who was turning, but there were no girls nearby. Suddenly he realized that the sales consultant was looking straight at him.
- Excuse me? - Alexander frowned, not immediately understanding the situation.
The young man in the uniform of a store smiled even wider:
- Today we have a special promotion for girls - a 20% discount on phone accessories. Can I show you our new collection of covers?
Behind Alexander's back there was a suppressed grunting sound - Daniel desperately tried to hold back his laughter. Kirill also covered his mouth with his hand, his shoulders were shaking with silent laughter.
"I'm not a girl," Alexander said dryly.
The seller blinked confusedly, his eyes ran over Alexander's long hair, his graceful facial features, short stature.
- Oh! I... I apologize, sir. This is a misunderstanding. I didn't want to...
- It's okay, - Alexander turned around and headed for the exit, hearing behind him how Daniel finally burst into loud laughter.
- It happens for the fifth time in a month, - Kirill shook his head when they left the store. - Maybe you should get a haircut?
- Uncut hair doesn't make a girl out of a guy, - Alexander cut off, still embarrassed.
- No, but in combination with your porcelain skin, big eyes and the height of a schoolgirl... - Daniil did not finish the phrase, because he suddenly felt that he was losing his balance.
Daniel and Kirill fell to the floor synchronously, as if someone had pulled the ground out from under their feet. Alexander's telekinesis worked at lightning speed.
- Oops, how awkwardly you fell, - said Alexander with a barely noticeable smile. - You have to be more careful.
He turned around and went on, hearing laughter and swearing of his friends behind him.
After the shops, they decided to go to the cinema for a new action movie. The film turned out to be predictable and boring, so they spent most of the session commenting on ridiculous scenes and eating popcorn.
Going outside, in the evening, Daniil suggested:
- Let's go to my place? I'll connect a new video card, and we can try the shooter that came out recently.
Kirill nodded, but Alexander shook his head:
- Not today. I'm exhausted after the mission and this forced training. Take me home, okay?
- Whatever you say, princess, - Daniel teased, but immediately raised his hands in a protective gesture. - I'm kidding, I'm kidding! No telekinesis in the car!
They took Alexander to his residential complex - a modern building made of glass and metal, protected by advanced security systems, which made him one of the most expensive places to live in Moscow.
- See you tomorrow, - Alexander said goodbye to his friends and headed for the entrance.
The guard in the hall nodded to him, and Alexander walked to the elevators. Going up to the seventh floor, he approached his apartment - the system recognized him and automatically unlocked the door.
Inside, the apartment was decorated in a minimalist style, with a predominance of dark tones. Strict furniture, several paintings with abstract landscapes, high-tech cuisine with an island in the middle. No extra jewelry or trinkets - only functionality and restrained elegance.
Alexander dropped his shoes in the hallway, hung his coat and went to the bedroom. After taking a shower, he changed into home clothes - dark loose pants and a black T-shirt. Then I went to the kitchen, took out a jar of energy drink from the fridge and plopped down on the sofa in the living room.
- TV, news," he ordered, and the screen on the wall came to life, showing the evening release.
The announcer spoke about the latest events - political negotiations with European countries, increased funding for the monster protection program, a new breakthrough in the Urals region, quickly localized by hunters.
Alexander was sipping the power engineer, listening to the news openly. His thoughts repeatedly returned to the events of the day - a strange girl with white hair, her reckless challenge. Something in it hooked him, but he couldn't figure out what exactly.
The news was replaced by the weather forecast, and Alexander turned off the TV. In the silence of the apartment, he closed his eyes, allowing fatigue to take over. Tomorrow will be a new day, maybe a new mission, as well as new creatures. But now you could just relax, enjoying a rare moment of peace.