Part 1.
The phone vibrated on the bedside table, pulling Alexander out of deep sleep. He sleepily reached for the device, without even opening his eyes.
- Yes? - he said hoarsely.
- Sanya! - Daniel's cheerful voice burst into his mind. - Rise, sleepy! We're going to the river! Barbecues, swimming, fresh air. What do you say?
Alexander blinked, looking at the clock: 7:30 a.m.
- No, - he answered firmly. - I'm not going anywhere. I want to get enough sleep.
- It's late, my friend! Kirill and I are already on our way to you. We'll be there in forty minutes, so have time to take a shower and get ready!
- Danil, I said...
But short beeps were already heard in the handset. Daniil dropped the challenge.
- Yes, to you, - Alexander dropped the phone on the pillow and added with emotion: - Fuck.
He turned over on his back, staring at the ceiling. The dream finally left him. Alexander sat down on the bed with a sigh, rubbing his eyes.
- Computer, sleep statistics," he ordered.
A holographic display appeared in front of him: "Duration of sleep: 3 hours 48 minutes. Efficiency: 78%. Recommendation: additional 4 hours of rest."
- Thank you, it's very useful, - Alexander grumbled, turning off the display.
He got out of bed and went to the bathroom. Water from the shower partially washed away fatigue, but not irritation. Wiping himself with a towel, Alexander approached the mirror, looking into his reflection.
Long black hair, slightly wet after a shower, framed the face with thin, almost girlish features. Pale skin contrasted with ruby eyes, which even in the darkened bathroom glowed faintly - a side effect of the X-Gene, which gave him perfect night vision. Thin lips, straight nose, high cheekbones - a face that could be called beautiful, if not for the eternally cold, detached expression.
"That's why they take you for a girl," he muttered to his reflection, turning away.
Alexander looked at the clock again: 8:15. He slept for less than four hours because he played Dying Light, an old zombie and parkour game, until late at night yesterday. Such games were rare in the modern world, where everyone preferred virtual reality and sensory simulators. But there was something special in this game, some kind of sincerity, which modern entertainment lacked so much.
Returning to the bedroom, Alexander approached the closet, which automatically moved apart, showing his wardrobe. Rows of black hoodies, like soldiers at a parade, lined up on hangers. Then there were coats - winter and autumn, all also black. There were folded turtlenecks and several pairs of identical wide pants on the shelves.
Alexander chose a black hoodie with the logo of some fashion brand - a gift from Daniel for his last birthday. He never understood fashion brands, most of his things were gifts from friends. Then he put on wide black pants and massive sneakers on the platform, which added a few centimeters to his height.
Having collected a bag with money, documents and a few useful little things, he left the apartment. I took out a cigarette in the elevator, but I didn't light it - the rules of the house forbade smoking indoors.
Going outside, Alexander took a deep breath, releasing smoke into the cool morning air. Moscow was gradually waking up: children were going to school, adults were in a hurry to work, cleaning drones were whirling on the sidewalks, collecting garbage. An ordinary peaceful day.
"The illusion of security," Alexander thought, watching passers-by. A breakthrough could have occurred at any moment, and high-ranking monsters would have poured into the streets. How many of these people would have died before the hunters had time to react? Dozens? Hundreds? Although...
Without finishing the thought, Alexander extinguished the cigarette on the edge of the urn and threw the cigarette butt inside. Because of the turn, a familiar black SUV appeared. Kirill's car slowed down next to him, and the window on the passenger side dropped.
- Jump, gloomy reaper! - Daniel shouted, waving his hand. - The day is too good to sour at home!
Alexander opened the back door and got inside.
- Where are we going anyway? - he asked, fastening his seat belt.
- To Istra, - Kirill replied, steering to the road. - Our uncle has a plot with access to the river. A secluded place, no strangers.
- And why couldn't you just sleep on the weekend? - Alexander grumbled.
- Because life passes by while you're napping! - Daniel turned to him. - By the way, evaluate my new image!
He was wearing a bright red T-shirt with an intricate print, new jeans and white sneakers that looked like they were worth the monthly salary of a D-rank hunter.
- You look like a walking target, - Alexander remarked succinctly. - If there is an attack of creatures, they will eat you first.
- Come on! It's Gucci, the latest collection!
- Try to explain it to the werewolf when he bites off your leg.
Kirill laughed.
- Do you know why Daniel dresses so brightly? - he asked. - He hopes that if he is kidnapped by aliens, he will be returned back as a defective specimen.
- Hey! - Daniil was indignant. - I just want to look stylish, not like a walking mourning! - he nodded at Alexander's black clothes.
- I'm not a walking mourner, - Alexander parried. - I just dressed in advance for your funeral. You know, I'm ready.
Daniel grabbed his heart, depicting a mortal wound.
- How cruel you are, Sanya! You're breaking my heart!
So, exchanging jokes and jokes, they drove through the city and got to the highway leading to the Istrinsky reservoir.
An hour and a half later, they turned onto a village road leading through the forest. Another fifteen minutes on the bumpy primer - and the SUV stopped in a small clearing near the river bank.
The place was really beautiful: clear water, sandy shore surrounded by pines and birches. In the distance you could see the roofs of several dachas, but they were far enough away not to disturb the privacy.
- Well, what do you say? - Kirill asked, turning off the engine. - Should you have woken up earlier?
Alexander nodded silently, admitting that the place was really worth it.
They unloaded everything they needed from the trunk: barbecue, meat for barbecue, drinks, towels, a speaker for music. The work was coordinated - the habit of acting as a team on missions affected.
- Who will marinate the meat? - Kirill asked, putting the bags with groceries on the table.
- Me! - Daniil volunteered. - I have a signature recipe.
- Your "branded recipe" is a ton of spices and a liter of lemon juice, - Alexander remarked.
- And what? Everyone likes it!
"We're just sorry to upset you," Kirill said, opening a bottle of water.
Daniil pretended to be offended, but then smiled and started the marinade.
While the meat is marinating," Kirill suggested, taking off his T-shirt, "how about bathing?
They changed into swimming trunks and went into the water. The river turned out to be cool, but after a hot day it was even pleasant.
- The last one before that tree washes the dishes! - Daniel shouted and dived, quickly swimming to the specified landmark.
Kirill calmly swam after, not in a hurry. Alexander stayed by the shore, watching his friends. He was not a big fan of swimming, preferring to just stand waist-deep in the water and enjoy the coolness.
Of course, Daniel came first and now triumphantly waved his hands.
- Dishes on you, losers! - he shouted.
"Sanya and I didn't swim, asshole," Kirill shouted in response.
After swimming, they started cooking shish kebab. Alexander lit the coals, Daniil stut the meat on skewers, and Kirill cooked the salad.
- Did you know, - Daniel began, methodically stringing pieces of meat, - that in the old days people thought that monsters were just fiction? Scary stories for children?
- Yeah, - Kirill nodded. - And then the first fault appeared, and everything changed.
- I wonder what the world would look like if the Great War hadn't happened? - Daniel said thoughtfully. - If there were no creatures, X-Gene, hunters?
- It's boring, - Alexander replied, turning over the coals. - People would feer among themselves because of oil or religion.
- You're always so optimistic, - Daniil hummed. - By the way, I'm ready to bet that without the X-Gene you would look even more like a girl!
- And without your ability to fly, you couldn't even get out of bed because of a hangover," Alexander parried.
They laughed, and the conversation turned into the discussion of the latest news, new games and plans for the future.
The barbecue turned out to be excellent, despite the excessive amount of spices in Daniel's marinade. They were sitting on the shore, enjoying food and cold beer, when Kirill suddenly tensed up.
"We have a company," he said quietly, nodding towards the path leading from the road.
Three girls were approaching their glade. All three were strikingly beautiful, as if they had come down from the pages of a glossy magazine. The first one is a tall blonde with shoulder-length wavy hair and bright blue eyes. She was wearing a short summer dress, barely covering her slender legs. The second is a brown-haired woman with cat green eyes, dressed in a top and shorts, emphasizing the curves of her figure. The third was a petite red-haired girl with a scattering of freckles on her nose and cheeks, in a swimsuit and a pareo thrown over.
- Hi, boys, - the blonde smiled, coming closer. - Do you mind the company? We are resting nearby, but we saw your fire and decided to get to know it.
Daniil instantly blurted into a smile.
- Of course, I don't mind! Join us! We have plenty of kebabs and beer.
Kirill shrugged his shoulders.
- I don't care.
Alexander didn't say anything, but internally tensed up. Something about these girls seemed... wrong. Were they too perfect, too... matched to their tastes? He continued to watch them without showing his suspicions.
The girls gladly accepted the invitation. The blonde immediately settled down next to Daniil, the brown-haired woman - near Kirill, and the redhead gracefully sank down on the sand near Alexander.
- I'm Veronica, - the redhead introduced herself, holding out her hand to Alexander. - And you, I see, are not very talkative?
"Alexander," he answered briefly, slightly shaking her hand. Strangely enough, the girl's skin seemed hot, almost burning.
- So serious, - she smiled, moving a little closer. - I like serious guys. They are always the most interesting inside.
Alexander didn't answer, just took a sip of beer, continuing to watch what was happening. Daniel was already flirting with the blonde, offering her a barbecue and pouring beer. Kirill was more restrained, but also kept a conversation with the brown-haired.
- Do you come here often? - Veronica asked, not embarrassed by his silence. - You have amazing eyes. I've never seen such... red ones.
- Side effect, - Alexander answered dryly.
- From what? - she coquettishly tilted her head, allowing the red curls to fall on her face.
- From work.
Veronica laughed, the sound was melodic, like the ringing of bells.
- What a mysterious one. I'm very interested in getting to know you better.
Daniel, noticing Alexander's coldness, winked over the blonde's shoulder.
- Don't pay attention to my friend, - he said loud enough for everyone to hear. - It's time for him to get a girlfriend, otherwise he'll be a single sigma until old age!
Alexander gave Daniel such a look that he choked on beer.
- I'm sorry, - Alexander got back on his feet. - I need to get away.
He headed towards the forest, where, as he noticed earlier, there was an improvised toilet - a place fenced with fabric with a pit.
Less than a minute later, he heard light footsteps behind him. Turning around, he saw Veronica following him with a playful smile.
- I didn't want to embarrass you, - she said, - but I thought that in private you might be more talkative.
Alexander stopped, allowing her to come closer. They were now standing a few steps away from the clearing, partially hidden by trees.
"I like you very much, Alexander," Veronica purred, taking a step towards him. Her eyes suddenly changed - the green iris became vertical, like a cat's. - So strong, so... delicious.
Alexander didn't move, allowing her to get close. Veronica put her hands on his shoulders and reached for his lips. At the moment when their faces were separated by a few centimeters, Alexander abruptly threw off her hands and pushed her to the ground.
- Succubus, - he said coldly. - I noticed traces of demonic power as soon as you approached.
Veronica hissed, her face was distorted, becoming less human. Small leathery wings broke out of the back, fingers lengthened, turning into claws.
- Smart boy, - she hissed. - But not smart enough to be silent and have fun before death.
She threw herself at him with incredible speed, throwing her claws in the throat. Alexander smoothly dodged, using telekinesis to enhance his movement. His hand described the arc, and an invisible force hit the succubus, throwing it back several meters.
Veronica crashed into a tree, but quickly got up, hissing with rage. Her eyes are now completely black, and her skin has acquired a reddish tint.
- Hunter, - she growled. - Do you think you can resist me? I've been eating the strongest men for centuries!
She attacked again, this time faster and more fiercely. Alexander barely had time to dodge her claws, which left deep furrows on the trees. Once she almost took it out, tearing the sleeve of the hoodie.
"Stop playing," Alexander said softly.
His eyes flashed brighter, and the same aura appeared around him that scared the students in the training room. The Succubus froze for a moment, feeling the overwhelming force of the hunter.
Alexander made a sharp movement with his hand, and an invisible force grabbed Veronica by the throat, lifting her into the air. She wheezed and squirmed, scratching the void with her claws.
- Who sent you? - Alexander asked. - Where did you come from?
"You go," the succubus squeezed out.
Alexander clenched his fingers, strengthening his grip.
- Last chance to answer.
- You... won't... find out anything...
Alexander closed his eyes for a second, then sharply clenched his fist. A crunch was heard, and the succubus's body turned into black sand, which fell to the ground.
He turned around and quickly headed back to the glade, worried about his friends. But there was no need to worry - when he came out of the forest, he saw only Daniel and Kirill standing over two piles of black sand.
- Oh, here you are, - Daniil turned to him. - Did you also deal with his?
Alexander nodded.
- They were so beautiful, - Daniil sighed, looking at the sand. - It's a pity that they had to be killed.
Kirill spat in one of the heaps.
- You know, they say, sex with a succubus is the best thing in life," he said. - And the last one. Literally orgasm to death.
Daniil chipped nervously.
- Okay, - Alexander looked around, as if expecting to see someone else. - I don't like that they found us here. It's not an accident.
- I agree, - Kirill became serious. - Three succubi at once, and each is clearly "matched" to one of us. Someone knew we'd be here.
- And he knew our preferences, - added Daniil, no longer smiling.
They looked at each other, and their views read the same thing: the weekend was officially over.
Part 2.
- We need to take samples, - said Kirill, looking at the black sand at his feet. - Demons turn into sand for a reason. It may contain information.
Daniil looked around:
- What are we going to collect it in?
Alexander silently came to the table, collected empty beer bottles, poured out the remains and handed them to his friends:
- It's better than nothing.
They carefully collected black sand in bottles, covered them with lids and packed them in a bag.
- Well, is the trip to nature over? - Daniil sighed, looking at the uneaten barbecue.
- I'm not in the mood to rest anymore, - Kirill was already folding the barbecue.
- We're going back to the department, - Alexander decided. - We need to report to Helen. Three succubi at the same time is not an accident.
They quickly packed their things, put out the fire and dived into the car. Kirill started the engine, and the SUV moved along the forest road.
- It's strange that they attacked in broad daylight," Daniel reasoned, looking out the window. - Usually demons prefer the night.
- And it's strange that they knew where to find us, - Kirill added, leaving on the asphalt road. - Someone is obviously watching us.
Alexander was silent, looking at the black sand in the bottle through the glass. At a certain angle, the grains of sand seemed to shimmer red like smoldering coals.
- Hey, San, how did you know they were succubus? - Daniel asked, turning to him.
- Too hot skin, too perfect appearance. Each one seems to be created for our tastes," Alexander replied. "And the eyes. If you look closely, the pupils are vertical, like a cat's.
- That's why you reacted so coldly, - Daniil nodded understandingly. - And I thought you were just breaking down.
- Are you broken? - Alexander asked with a slight irritation.
- Well, yes, - Daniil shrugged. - Like, you're making an unapproachable out of yourself so that she tries harder.
- So you didn't notice anything strange? - Kirill looked at Daniil through the rearview mirror.
- To be honest, I was too fascinated by Marina... or whatever her name was, - Daniil admitted. - But when she tried to kiss me, I felt something was wrong. Then I saw those eyes and... well, I had to act quickly.
- We are hunters, - Kirill reminded. - We are taught to notice such things. Especially after the incident in St. Petersburg, when the whole unit was destroyed by the succubi.
- Yes, yes, I remember that briefing, - Daniel rolled his eyes. - "If a girl is too beautiful and too interested in you, it's probably a demon who wants to suck out your vitality." As if ordinary girls can't be interested in handsome guys like us at all.
Alexander and Kirill exchanged glances through the mirror, holding back their smiles.
- What? - Daniil noticed their looks. - I'm serious! Girls hang on me... sometimes. Rarely. It happens occasionally.
- Of course, - Kirill nodded seriously. - Especially when you pay them for it.
- Hey! - Daniil was indignant. - I've never paid for the attention of girls!
- No, you just buy them expensive gifts, take them to elite restaurants and pay for a vacation in the Maldives, - Alexander teased him.
- It's called "showing generosity", not "paying for attention," Daniel crossed his arms over his chest. - And in general, it's better than your approach, Sasha, when you just look at girls as if they're some mathematical equations that you can't solve.
- And what's my approach? - Kirill asked with interest.
- And you... - Daniil thought. - You're too correct. Girls like bad guys, not those who help old women cross the road.
- I don't help old women cross the road, - Kirill objected. - I kill monsters to protect humanity.
- Yes, but you do it so... nobly, - Daniel portrayed a heroic pose. - "I, Kirill Axis, protect you, mere mortals, from evil in the name of justice!"
Alexander couldn't resist and grinned, introducing Kirill in this pose.
- So Sanya agrees! - Daniil exclaimed triumphantly. - I say, we need to show our dangerous, dark side. Girls love it.
- That's what I don't understand, - Kirill said thoughtfully, skipping jokes by his ears. - If there were succubi on the lake, it means there was a portal somewhere nearby. Or someone called them.
The atmosphere in the car immediately became more serious.
- You're right, - Alexander nodded. - Succubi can't stay in our world for long without a source of demonic energy.
- I mean, someone threw us an ambush on purpose, - Daniel summed up. - He knew where we would be, and sent these creatures.
- Question: who and why? - Kirill turned to the Moscow Ring Road. - Did they want to kill us? Or was it a warning?
- We'll find out, - Alexander answered briefly, diving into his thoughts again.
They made the rest of the way in silence, each thinking about his own.
***
The building of the OSIA met them with an ordinary business atmosphere. Employees were squirming through the corridors, no one paid attention to the three young people walking quickly to the elevators. For all of them, they were ordinary hunters returning from the mission.
Going up to the fifth floor, they went straight to Helen Rich's office. Alexander knocked, and, waiting for permission, they came in.
Helen looked even more tired than in their last meeting. The bruises under the eyes became darker, the hair was dishevelled even more. There was a big cup of coffee in front of her, and the table was filled with papers and holographic displays.
- What happened? - she instantly caught their serious attitude. - Do we have a new breakthrough?
- Not really, - Alexander put a bag with bottles filled with black sand on the table. - We were attacked by succubi.
Helen froze, looking at the bottles.
"Tell me," she ordered briefly.
They took turns describing what happened, not skipping the details. Helen listened carefully, periodically making notes on her tablet.
- Three succubi at the same time," she said thoughtfully when they finished. - And each one is clearly "matched" for one of you. It's not an accident.
- We decided so too, - Kirill nodded. - Someone knew where we would be.
- And this someone has access to demonic forces, - added Helen. - Either opens portals or knows how to summon demons.
- Question: who? - Daniil asked. - Do we have enemies?
- Hunters always have enemies, - Helen took one of the bottles, carefully examining the sand. - Cultists, whom we prevent from performing rituals. Dealers of banned artifacts. Creatures, reasonable enough to plan revenge.
- Or one of his own, - Alexander added quietly.
Helen gave him a sharp look.
- Do you know anything?
- No, - Alexander shook his head. - Just an assumption. Someone should have known where we were going.
- Daniel, who did you tell about your plans? - Helen asked.
Daniil wrinkled his forehead.
- No one, I think. Unless... I posted a photo on Instagram when we were leaving the city. But there was no indication of where exactly we were going.
- Geolocation, - Kirill grumbled. - You turn on geolocation in your posts.
- Oh shit, - Daniil fell guilty. - I forgot about it.
- Anyway, - Helen pushed the bottle away, - I'll send the samples to the laboratory. Maybe they will be able to determine the source of the call. And the three of you - be careful. Don't walk alone, watch out for unusual signals. And no posts on social networks, Danil!
- Got it, got it, - he nodded repentantly.
- And now, - Helen rubbed her temples, - if you have nothing else urgent, I need to finish some work.
They understood the hint and stood up, heading for the exit. At the last moment, Alexander turned around and noticed how Helen, making sure that they were leaving, quickly looked down at the phone. An image of a cartoon skeleton winking at the player flashed on the screen.
"She's so stressed," Alexander thought, closing the door.
***
- What are we going to do now? - Daniil asked when they went out into the corridor. - It's only four o'clock in the afternoon. I don't want to lose my day just like that.
- We can go to the training room, - Kirill suggested. - We haven't practiced together for a long time.
- Not a bad idea, - Alexander agreed. - We need to keep fit, especially if someone is hunting us.
- I would prefer a movie or a club, - Daniil sighed. - But after the succubi, it's probably better to test your fighting skills.
They went down to the third floor and headed to the training halls. Fortunately, one of them was free - a small room with mats on the floor, racks with training weapons and simulation systems for various combat situations.
Having dressed up in a training uniform, they started with a warm-up - stretching, simple exercises to warm up the muscles, a light run around the perimeter of the hall.
- Who is the first? - Alexander asked, approaching the rack with training swords.
- I'm calling Daniil, - Kirill suddenly said. - I want to check if he forgot how to fight without his flight.
- Ha! I see you believed in yourself," Daniil picked up his sword. "It's a pity, it won't last long for you, just because you're my younger brother doesn't mean I'll give in!
They stood in the center of the hall, taking combat stands. Alexander stepped aside, watching his friends.
Kirill attacked first - a quick, direct lunge aimed at Daniel's chest. He repelled the attack, retreating back and going to defense. Kirill continued the offensive, performing a series of short, accurate blows, forcing Daniel to constantly leave.
Their movements were honed, every step and swing of the sword were checked. Kirill acted methodically, like a chess player planning a few moves ahead. Daniel, on the contrary, moved more freely, relying on intuition and reflexes.
From the outside, it seemed that Kirill was in full control of the fight. He pushed Daniel against the wall, not giving him room for maneuver. The swords collided, cutting sparks, the ringing of metal was reflected from the walls of the hall.
- Give up, boy, - Kirill said with a smile when Daniel was in the corner. - Your element is the sky, not fencing.
"You can't wait," Daniil grinned.
Suddenly, his tactics changed. Instead of repelling Kirill's attacks, he made a sharp dive to the right, rolled on the floor and, being behind the enemy's back, struck with the handle of a sword in Kirill's lower back.
Kirill swayed, but quickly regained his balance and turned around. Now Daniil attacked, his sword moved along unpredictable trajectories, forcing Kirill to constantly change the rack.
- Why did you give up?! - Kirill exclaimed, blocking another blow.
- You always need to have a trump card up your sleeve," Daniel replied, conducting a false attack and immediately attacking from the other side.
The battle continued, the pace accelerated. Kirill could no longer fully control the situation, forced to react to Daniel's non-standard attacks. Both hunters moved around the hall, using all available space, retreating, attacking, rolling over their backs to avoid blows.
Finally, Daniel made a deceptive move to the left, Kirill fell for the feint and shifted his defense, opening the right side. A moment - and Daniel's training sword stopped a millimeter from Kirill's neck.
- I took mine, - Daniil smiled.
Kirill lowered his weapon and nodded, admitting defeat.
- Well played. I fell for your trick.
- Your problem is that you are too predictable, - said Daniel, lowering his sword. - You rely on tactics and strategy, forgetting about improvisation.
- And you rely too much on improvisation, forgetting about tactics, - Kirill parried. - If I hadn't been led by your first trick, you would have lost.
- But you were sedued, - Daniel winked.
Alexander approached them, holding his training sword.
- It's my turn, - he looked at Daniel. - Ready to continue?
Daniil grinned, wiping the sweat from his forehead.
- With you? Always.
Kirill stepped aside, freeing up space. Alexander and Daniel stood opposite each other, holding their swords ready. Both smiled - it was not just a workout, but a continuation of a long-standing rivalry.
For a moment they stood still, looking into each other's eyes. In the next one, both disappeared from their places, leaving only blurred silhouettes.
An ordinary person would only see chaotic shadows flashing around the hall. Even a B-rank hunter could hardly keep track of their movements. They moved at such a speed that they created "ghost images" - a trace of air displacement, briefly preserving the contour of their bodies.
Kirill, standing by the wall, could distinguish individual moments of the battle only thanks to his enhanced reflexes. He saw how Alexander instantly moved from one side of the hall to the other, using telekinesis to speed up his movements. Daniel, in turn, was a little faster - his ability to control the flight allowed him to move through the air, creating unpredictable attack trajectories.
The swords collided at such a speed that the sound of the merger turned into a continuous hum. Sparks poured from each blow, creating the illusion of fireworks.
At first, Daniil had the initiative. His attacks went one after another, not giving Alexander time to counterattack. He used his advantage in speed, appearing from the right, then on the left, then from above, changing direction at the last moment.
But Alexander was considered one of the best hunters of his generation for a reason. His technique was impeccable, every movement was verified. He read Daniel's attacks on the slightest changes in his posture, on the movement of the air, on the intuition developed by a year of training.
Gradually, Alexander began to seize the initiative. His telekinesis created microscopic obstacles in Daniel's path, forcing him to adjust the trajectory of movement, lose a fraction of a second to recalculate the attack.
Their fight turned into a real dance - rapid, deadly, fascinating. Each attack generated a counterattack, each block - a new maneuver. They used the entire space of the hall, including the walls and ceiling, from which they repelled to change the direction.
And when it seemed that none of them would be able to get a decisive advantage, the door of the training hall opened.
- Ah, here they are! - exclaimed a familiar voice.
Alexander and Daniel stopped instantly, frozen in the blocking position. Their swords were crossed, their eyes met - both understood that the fight remained unfinished.
Sergei Kachkin stood at the entrance with a group of students, among whom a girl with snow-white hair stood out - Agnes Walenstein.
- What a coincidence! - Sergei said happily, entering the hall. - I just told the students about different fighting styles of high-ranking hunters, and here you are!
Alexander and Daniel lowered their swords, looking at each other. They already guessed what the instructor was leading to.
- Sergey Petrovich, - Kirill nodded politely, approaching them. - How can we help?
- Guys, you're very helpful! - Sergey smiled so widely that it became clear that he has a request. - I have an important meeting with the management in twenty minutes, and students need to be shown various combat techniques of A-rank hunters. Maybe you'll show them a couple of tricks? I'll be back in a moment!
- Actually, we were about to leave, - Daniel began.
- I can't cancel the meeting, - Sergey made a serious face. - It's about increasing the funding of the training program. This is important for the entire organization.
- Can't you just postpone the class? - Alexander asked, already anticipating how this conversation would end.
- Students from Switzerland, China and Japan are leaving in two days, - Sergei seemed to be preparing for this objection. - This is their last chance to see real elite hunters in action. Imagine how important it is for international relations!
Kirill looked at Alexander and Daniel, then sighed:
- Okay, we'll help. But only this time. Although, last time, I said the same thing...
- Thank you, thank you! - Sergey brightened up.
- I knew I could count on you! I promise, an hour at most!
And before someone had time to object, Sergei had already jumped out of the hall, leaving three friends alone with a group of students.
- History repeats itself again," Alexander muttered, looking at the closed door.
Students crowded at the entrance, looking at the A-rank hunters with curiosity and admiration. Agnes stood out especially - she looked directly at Alexander, not hiding her interest.
- Well, - Daniel began cheerfully, addressing the students. - Who wants to know how to become a real hunter?
While Daniel and Kirill were studying with students, explaining the basics of fighting techniques with different types of monsters, Alexander stepped aside, watching the process. He didn't like the role of a teacher and preferred to stay in the shadows.
But no matter how hard he tried to be invisible, he felt Agnes' gaze on him. She watched him even when she was doing exercises with the rest of the students. There was something more than simple curiosity in her eyes.
At some point, she separated from the group and approached him.
- You're very fast, - Agnes said without prefaces. - Even faster than I expected.
Alexander didn't answer, just nodded slightly.
- I want to challenge you to a duel again, - she continued. - A real duel.
Daniil, hearing this, approached them, smiling widely.
- Listen, girl, - he said condescendingly. - You are, of course, the daughter of a great hunter, but you don't have a single chance against Sani. Did you see how we fought? And we didn't even use our full strength.
- Danil is right, - Kirill intervened. - It's not just a difference in experience. Without the X-Gen, you have no physical opportunity to compete with hunters of our level.
Agnes didn't pay attention to them, continuing to look at Alexander.
- I'm not asking for a duel, - she said. - I want more.
To the surprise of all those present, she took a step forward, getting so close to Alexander that there were no more than ten centimeters left between them. The students fell silent, watching what was happening. Even Daniel opened his mouth in surprise.
- Be my teacher, - said Agnes quietly but firmly. - Teach me to fight like you.
Part 3.
The morning burst into Alexander's apartment with the sun's rays seeping through the loosely closed curtains. He opened his eyes, blinked several times, getting used to the light, and looked at the time: 9:30. Surprisingly, he got enough sleep.
Stretching on the bed, Alexander slowly restored yesterday's events in his memory. Succubi on the lake, a trip to OSYA, sparring with Danil... and, of course, an unexpected request by Agnes Valenstein.
"Be my teacher," her words were still in my head.
He, of course, refused. Become a mentor for a stubborn girl? No no way. But to get away from her, he agreed to a duel - one, the last.
The duel turned out to be short. Alexander didn't even use his abilities, only the basic fencing technique. Agnes was fast and technical for her age, but without the X-gene she had no chance. He disarmed her in thirty seconds, knocking out the sword with a series of accurate blows.
She didn't look upset or embarrassed - rather, thoughtful, carefully studying his every move. It was strange. Most students reacted to the defeat either with despair or irritation.
After training, when the students dispersed, Daniil did not miss the opportunity to joke:
- I thought she was about to kiss you! I was standing so close that I almost fainted. Can you imagine a scandal? "The daughter of a great hunter seduces a modest instructor!"
Kirill only shook his head then, but he also smiled.
And then Helen called, which in itself was a rarity. She usually communicated through assistants or messages. A personal call meant something important.
Helen spoke quickly and to the point: Agnes' father, Ares Walenstein, was not just a famous hunter, but also a member of the International Council for the Control of Anomalous Phenomena. The person who determines the financing of many OSIA projects. And his daughter requested a personal trainer in the person of Alexander.
- We can't just refuse, - said Helen. - It's a question not only of prestige, but also of future financing.
- I'm not a teacher, - Alexander objected. - You have a lot of instructors.
- She wants you. And it's all about a week - seven days, Sanya. Then she flies away.
- What, seriously? A whole week?
Helen sighed:
- She was supposed to leave tomorrow, but she extended the visit on purpose. I think she knew in advance that you would agree.
This surprised Alexander. Was the girl sure he wouldn't be able to refuse? Arrugant.
After ten minutes of persuasion, he still gave up. A week. It's only a week, and he's free.
In the same conversation, Helen reported that a place of increased vampire activity had been discovered, and tomorrow Alexander and Daniil should check it. She left Kirill to work on some special project, she didn't specify the details.
And in the evening, as if as compensation for the forced agreement to become a teacher, Daniil dragged them to the club.
- We need to relax, - he insisted. - Especially to you, Sanya, before your pedagogical weekly career.
The club turned out to be typical: loud music, flashing lights, crowds of people trying to forget about everyday life and the constant threat of monsters. The security guard at the entrance, a healthy bugay with a square jaw, blocked Alexander's way.
- How old are you, girl? - he asked, suspiciously looking around the short figure in a black hoodie. - We don't let minors in.
Alexander raised his eyes, and the guard met his ruby look. A slight wave of aura, barely noticeable pressure - and the guard's face turned pale.
- I'm sorry, sir, - he muttered, stepping back. - I didn't consider it in the dark.
Inside, Daniil immediately rushed to the bar, then to the dance floor. An hour later, he was already drunk, singing popular songs loudly and dancing with some strange girls.
Alexander and Kirill sat at a table in the corner, sipping cocktails and watching this performance.
- I bet a hundred that in fifteen minutes he will try to dance on the bar counter, - said Kirill, drinking his mojito.
"I don't accept a bet with an obvious outcome," Alexander replied with his low, slightly hoarse voice, reminiscent of the voice of a famous rapper. This deep, expressive timbre often surprised people who expected a higher voice from his elegant appearance.
Intoxicated guys periodically approached their table, mistaking Alexander for a girl. Some tried to treat him, others offered to dance. Each time the script was repeated: Alexander looked into their eyes, slightly increased the aura, and the unlucky suitors quickly retreated.
Kirill couldn't hold back his laughter after another such incident.
- You know, you should use it as a superpower," he said, wiping the tears that came out with laughter. - "Man-the Stitcher" - saves the clubs from annoying nasers!
- Very funny, - Alexander took a sip of the cocktail.
- Seriously, - Kirill looked towards the dance floor, where Daniil was just trying to depict a moon gait, - what are you going to do with this Agnes? What are you going to teach?
Alexander shrugged his shoulders.
- I have no idea. I'm not good at fencing, it's more your specialty. My fighting style is based on telekinesis and speed. How can I teach this person without an X-gene?
- Maybe she hopes to adopt your tactics? Or does he just want to learn from the best hunter of his generation?
- I think that's not the point, - Alexander said thoughtfully. - There's something... non-standard about it. She looks like she's seeing through.
- Wow, - Kirill raised an eyebrow. - Did she really hook you?
- Don't talk nonsense, - Alexander interrupted. - She's just weird. And too self-confident for a student.
At that moment, Daniel appeared on the stage with a microphone in his hand. Judging by the DJ's facial expression, it was not a planned number.
- This song is dedicated to my best friends! - Daniel announced into the microphone, pointing to their table. - Kirill, the most reliable person in the world! And Alexander, the most terrible hunter with the face of an angel!
After that, he sang - loudly, falsely, but with such enthusiasm that many visitors began to applaud.
- It's time for us to pick him up, - Kirill sighed, finishing his cocktail.
Half an hour later, they were already standing outside in front of the club. Daniil, still humming something incoherent, lit a cigarette, swaying. Alexander also smoked, releasing smoke into the cool night air. Kirill, a non-smoker, was standing next to him, breathing in the fresh air.
- Tomorrow I have to go to work, and I'm in this state, - Daniil moaned. - Helen will kill me.
- It's my own fault, - Kirill remarked. - It was necessary to stop after the second cocktail.
- Hey, look, - Alexander suddenly said, nodding towards the alley.
There, in the shade, a group of guys surrounded two girls. Judging by the body language, the situation was tense.
- We need to check, - Kirill has already moved in that direction.
They came closer and heard scraps of conversation:
- ...let's just take a walk, baby. We are cool guys...
- I said no! Leave us alone!
- Hey, - Kirill called them. - It seems that the girls don't want your company.
The guys turned around - four strong young people with aggressive facial expressions.
- Who the fuck are you? - asked one, obviously the leader. - Get the fuck out while you're safe.
- For a mentally retarded creature like you, I could explain on my fingers, but I won't - Kirill said calmly.
- Listen, fucker, - the guy took a step forward, - I said, get the fuck out of here! It's none of your business!
- Well, fuck off from here before I broke your fuckers! - Daniel suddenly shouted loudly, who seemed to sober up instantly. - Girls don't like pigs, so they fucked back to the pigsty!
The leader of the group moved on Daniel, swinging to strike. But Daniel, despite his condition, moved at an inhuman speed. One smooth movement - and the aggressor was already lying on the asphalt, holding his jaw.
The rest froze in indecision. Daniel took a step forward, and the air around him thickened noticeably. His eyes glowed slightly in the dark - another sign of X-gene activation.
- You have five seconds to take your friend and disappear," he said in a calm but chilling voice. - Five...
They didn't even wait for "four". Picking up their moaning comrade, the guys quickly retreated.
- Thank you very much! - one of the girls approached them. - I don't know what we would do if you didn't show up.
- Is everything okay? - Kirill asked. - Do you need a taxi?
- We've already had a call, - replied the second girl. - Really, thank you. You saved us.
They exchanged a couple more phrases, and the girls went to the taxi waiting for them.
- Ouch, yes, Danil, yes, the Hero of the Night, - Alexander grinned when they were left alone.
- Another proof that people are no worse than monsters, - added Daniel, smoking again. - Simple human assholes.
- It's time to go home, - Kirill said. - Tomorrow is a hard day.
They called a taxi, and soon everyone went to their place. Sitting in the back seat of the car, Alexander looked at the night city rushing outside the window. His forced teaching will begin tomorrow. He still had no idea what Agnes Walenstein would teach. But a strange feeling told him that this week would change a lot.
And it was also necessary to deal with vampires and find out who sent the succubus to the lake. Too many questions and too few answers.
The taxi stopped at his house. Alexander paid off and left, breathing deeply into the night air. Tomorrow. A new chapter in his already tangled life will begin tomorrow.