1257

— Understood. — Literally fifteen minutes after receiving the call, John arrived at the makeshift exit from the Necropolis and picked up the first squad. And although John was absolutely certain that the SP radars had managed to detect them, for some unknown reason, no one opened fire or even sent out scouts. Taking advantage of the moment, the pilot flew back for Irene and Mara, after which he left the borders of the Northern Reach at high speed.
Upon arrival in Nevermore, Jonathan Brown congratulated the squad on the successful completion of the mission and stated that the corporation had decided to write off their debts; in addition, each of them was granted a reward of 150000 R
— I've read your report, — he said at the end of the conversation, — all the lunium has already been sent to "Lupin," you can keep the gold bars for yourselves. — He smirked. — Although in your place, I would have taken revanite instead of gold; it is 25 times more expensive.
A week passed after that.
Vironian Terror in the Northern Reach
On the seventh day of this month, the twenty-seven-year-old queen of the Northern Reach, Ziritta de La Luna, was shot dead by Vironian militants along with her young daughter and younger sister. Their bodies were discovered in the mountains near Frostgarden after the liquidation of a Vironian squad engaged in kidnapping citizens of the country and distributing narcotics. Nevertheless, according to royal servants, Ziritta could not have been there, as she was still in the palace when the operation began.
Following this, a scandal erupted in the capital: the only close relative of the deceased queen remaining was her older brother, Vaanj, who declared himself the new ruler on that very day.

The queen's advisors were against this, as no man had ever become the king of the country before. To their surprise, Vaanj not only had many followers but also somehow managed to raise most of the dead of the Necropolis in his name. In response to accusations and discontent, he accused the advisors of corruption: under their power, the treasury was gradually emptied, the economy continued to fall, and the minister of education, as it turned out, was conspiring with the Vironians and dealing drugs that they supplied to her. For the next five days, riots took place in the country, but by the end of the week, everything settled: Vaanj became king, the advisors and their sympathizers were sent to forced labor in the ice mines, where they will work for the rest of their days. Great changes undoubtedly await the Northern Reach.
As expected, Tyria intervened in the war and acted on the side of Katarian.
On this day, Jonathan Brown announced that Prince Naverov wished to see everyone who participated in the operation to mine lunium for him. "At times, the prince is somewhat sentimental. Since he is now our ally, I recommend you all visit him." Lorent also happened (luckily?) to overhear his boss's conversation. He did not know who the interlocutor was, and yet the appearance displayed on the screen could be seen clearly: it was a handsome, clean-shaven middle-aged man, a tall, short-haired brunette with emerald eyes. He wore a business suit that emphasized a large build. He spoke calmly.
— ... A key point for selling drugs, a place for obtaining first-class northern beauties, and the loss of client trust associated with their disappearance, the death of two dozen soldiers and an excellent captain. How does Tant Technologies intend to compensate me for the damages, Brown?
— You should speak with the director, not me. Besides, what makes you think our organization owes you anything?
— Tanari Tant is a recluse who is only interested in research and has no concern for politics; everyone knows that you manage the affairs of Tant Technologies, receiving instructions from the board of directors only occasionally. As for motivation... Let's just say your position in Nevermore is not as secure as it may seem. I have more than enough resources and opportunities to significantly complicate your life, not to mention that many in Nevermore would be glad if you were gone, so I will find allies. By the way, how are your relations with "Trinity"?
— What do you want? Money?
— The same as before. I need your technologies.
— No.
— I am an honest man and agree to pay for everything, so please, set your priorities correctly. Oh yes... In addition, I would very much like to see those responsible for the failure of my operation dead. I don't think that will be a great loss for your organization. Think it over carefully; I will await an answer.
The conversation ended there and Lorent hurried to "Lupin".

The squad found the Prince in the part of the building used as a clinic. And although he himself was young, he looked poor — his skin was sickly white, bruises were visible under eyes that were once blue (and now gray), and he was tall and thin. He sat by the bed of a twelve-year-old girl who had recently undergone surgery and was saying something to her.
— Ah, welcome. — He rose and invited everyone to follow him into another part of the building. — Did you know that lunium in a medical environment is like a panacea? The girl you just saw was very ill. She wished to sing and dance, but the Father ordered it such that she could never move again and modern medicine could not help her properly. But with lunium in our hands, she managed to be brought back to life. I myself may perhaps be able to fix my poor health. — As they walked, the squad could notice that the prince limped on one leg and every step resonated as pain throughout his body, although he hid it as best he could. — In any case, I wanted to thank you for the work performed. — By this moment, they had just reached a small room packed with various things. — I prepared them specifically for you. Each may choose one item or, if nothing suits them, take 100000 R or request my organization to provide full medical treatment (the character is rid of all diseases and receives +1 Strength). I will be in my office.

Dragon Slayer (rocket launcher)
Effective range: 500
Rate of fire: 1
Maximum damage: 5000 [x20], AP: 10
Magazine: 1/1
* Pierces 50% armor
Manufacturer: Lupin

Smooth Shadow (machine gun)
Effective range: 45
Rate of fire: 9
Damage: 99-199, AP: 10
*Pierces 50% armor
Magazine: 90/90
Manufacturer: Lupin

Birch (pistol)
Effective range: 50
Rate of fire: 1
Damage: 200, AP: 5
*Has a 10% chance to deal ten times damage.
Magazine: 9/9
Manufacturer: Lupin

Sunrise (sniper rifle)
Effective range: 50 (min) - 1200
Damage: 200-250, AP: 6
Rate of fire: 2
Magazine: 8/8
* Damage to vehicles is reduced by 5 times.
* Critical shots deal triple damage.
* Chance to deal critical damage +15%
Manufacturer: Lupin

Fortress (heavy armor)
Damage -85%, -25
No movement speed or evasion restrictions.
* Shield generator (1000/1000, recharge every 5 turns, maximum wear: 7500).
* Resistance to physical and mental influence 100%
* Immunity to critical shots
Manufacturer: Lupin

Swallow (shotgun)
Damage: 366-501, AP: 9
Rate of fire: 1
Magazine: 2/2
Manufacturer: Lupin

Firmament (assault rifle)
Effective range: 60
Rate of fire: 2
Damage: 60-80, AP: 5
Magazine: 25/25
*+100% accuracy
* critical shots deal triple damage
Manufacturer: Lupin

Implants
Cardiovascular System Enhancement
— Health regeneration +25% (in and out of combat), removes harmful substances (including toxins and poisons) from the body.
Manufacturer: Lupin

Skeleton Enhancement
— Damage received -20%, character cannot be "maimed" in combat, +20% resistance to physical influence.
Manufacturer: Lupin

Hutep-1.00
+4 to all characteristics

Eyes
— Character acquires the perks "Eagle Eye" and "Keen Eye".
Manufacturer: Lupin