Connection ErrorBad RequestThis page went staleSession ExpiredSign in requiredForbiddenNot FoundToo Many RequestsServer ErrorBad GatewayService UnavailableGateway TimeoutHTTP Version Not Supported
Session Expired
Your session has expired. Please log in to continue.
Sign in required
You need an account to do that. Sign in or create one — it only takes a minute.
This page went stale
Your security token was rejected, usually because the page sat open too long or you signed in elsewhere. Nothing was saved. Reload the page and try again.
Request Failed
We encountered an issue while processing your request.
Please check your internet connection and try again.
- Exactly one million? That doesn't seem very rational, and the human body is too small to hold that many arrows, unless... - for a moment, the astrologer imagined the body of his interlocutor pierced by a million tiny needles, resembling arrows. - However, that is a quite valid argument. - Merel quickly dismissed the image that had arisen in the depths of his mind. - Although I would prefer my version, adding protection against viruses and other ailments spread by humans and other living organisms. And did I understand correctly that this ring can only be removed if one leaves the city?
— Yes, but don't worry, if you go beyond the city limits, your ability to cast spells will return. If you want to remove it, you will have to contact one of our branches.
Added 8 minutes later Morning
Aiyano looks at the princess for a while, trying to understand if this is a joke, then nods. - If this is possible, it would be wonderful. "The Maiden of the Sanctuary," as our peasants put it... without a sanctuary, she is something beyond comprehension. In that case, I will provide the necessary information. It won't take too much time or resources. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, esteemed lady, - a deep bow.
- To be honest, during my acquaintance with your city, another matter arose, much simpler and of a more mundane nature... One of the editors of the local print publication, "Zari," has a dream to publish an article with an interview with Her Highness Naria es Diesra Arual. The stated goal is to give readers some additional information about their beloved princess. I was assured that the matter has no political or other delicate subtext and is motivated only by an interest in your person. Given the obvious difficulty of this for the author, she asked for help from someone who knows you - that is, me. What do you think, esteemed lady? But I understand that our conversation has already taken some time, so perhaps now is not the most suitable moment for this... "Not to mention the need for your physical rest," the girl could have added if the conversation had not been with the imperial princess and such a remark would have been appropriate.
— I would definitely refuse someone else, but given that you are also of some interest to me, it would be fair to grant your request, so let's do this - after each of my answers, you will also answer the question you asked.
-- Very pleased to meet you. Well, to start, you don't need to worry about the ring; we're unlikely to conduct our activities within the city limits. Beyond its gates, the ring ceases to function immediately. It's good that you know magic... I've heard that among your people, it's a gift you receive automatically, but not everyone develops it. In general, it turns out that the concentration of spellcasters in our squad is much higher than expected, so I'm glad; it's very useful. Hmm, by the way, do you have any recommendations? Never mind, I'll ask myself. -- The conditions, if you're willing to work for us, are as follows.
320 rems a month? It's almost nothing; with such income, this squad wouldn't be able to thrive, let alone look decent. And warriors are supposed to throw themselves into battle against serious threats! There must be other sources of money. The small leader looks like a wealthy woman, and the rest probably do too. Still, it's not a bad option... if they provide a roof over our heads. Better than a hotel, right? We certainly won't starve. The teacher would approve.
— Is accommodation included? If so, I'm ready to add my hands and staff to your squad to make the world around the capital a little friendlier. After all, I'm looking for knowledge. I want to become a powerful sorceress, and where better to learn than in real combat and during a noble cause?
Raphael shrugged. - What can you do? That's life. Today you're alive and well, and tomorrow you're dead and gone.
— That's very sad... Kilika became disheartened.
Added 1 minute later Drakkosha
While Beata is deciding which wall to hang the tapestry on, Gillon runs up to the first museum employee he sees (a tour guide?). - Hello! Excuse me for interrupting, but there's something going on... My partner and I found a strange painting and wanted to consult with your museum because you have many magical artifacts in your collection, and you either know what to do with suspicious artifacts yourself, or you have the right connections. But this accursed painting really turned out to be cursed! Therefore, I don't have either this mess or my partner with me. What should I do?!
Gillon was talking to Mika Sweetfang, whom he already knew. - Calm down. Can you explain exactly what happened?
320 rems per month? That's almost nothing. With such income, this unit wouldn't be able to thrive, let alone even look decent. These are warriors who are supposed to fight against serious threats! There must be other sources of income. This small leader looks like a wealthy woman.
— Yes, but don't worry, if you leave the city limits, your ability to cast spells will return. If you want to remove it, you'll have to go to one of our branches.
Thanking the girl for the "gift," Merel asked if he needed to go anywhere else or if he could now move freely around the city.
In what sense...? I hope not in the way I thought... There are few new faces, I was hoping to find more for the diary, alas. In general, you won't just meet Kline in the city, and even that's not a given. Author
— Hmm, esteemed colleagues, — Li Jun addresses Aiko and Kline, — what can you say about this interesting issue?
-- Thank you for giving me the floor, gentlemen, — Aiko probably introduced herself before the meeting began. — This is actually a rather complex issue. "And it just so happens to be in my area of expertise, hmm-hmm!"
— Any market consists of two parts: free and regulated. The free part of the market is our usual trading relationships, a huge number of people striving to act rationally, in order to live well, and so that those to whom they feel empathy also live well, they try to find higher-paying jobs, distribute goods according to the principles of "where there is more demand, there the goods are needed," and find a use for their talents, whatever craft they may be in. It would seem that this is enough, but in reality, the ideal free market is an unattainable utopia, because people are only trying to act rationally, but the problem is that they are not acting... It is surprising that this is still the case in our enlightened year 975, but it is undeniable: even now, for too many, theft is a rather tempting activity, even though it carries huge risks and hardly pays off; how many petty thieves live in poverty, even though they could avoid it by finding at least the simplest and lowest-paying job? And is it rational for the same thief to smash the window of the store he is robbing, break everything inside, all in order to get to the modest cash register, for which he will most likely be put behind bars? He not only harms those around him and society as a whole, but also harms himself.
— That is, firstly, with this example, I want to say that people in the free market, left to their own devices, will not come to an agreement, or there will be enough people who will not come to an agreement, but will behave in a non-market way. Police and the army will be needed against such people, but then these structures will themselves require supervision, in other words, authority and taxes... Since we have already agreed that people are not rational, and if we do not make contributions mandatory, then many will simply not agree with this arrangement, will not pay anything, and in the end it will again be harmful to society.
— Secondly, the irrationality of people also leads to the impossibility of investing "in the long term," that is, carrying out the necessary activities with a large and very large payback period. It takes less than a year between sowing a field of wheat and harvesting the crop; it takes much more time between discovering deposits of solid resources and their development and sale to the consumer further down the chain; and how long will it take, for example, to build an entire port city? I assure you, no one will ever undertake such an incredible project in terms of cost and complexity, simply according to some oral, non-binding agreement, and yet it can bring prosperity to entire peoples, a huge number of ships from this port will one day sail to different parts of the world to trade there in amazing curiosities and essential goods. And, of course, this is just an extreme, but far from the only example.
— Too high taxes, of course, are an obvious evil; they severely affect small businesses, preventing them from making an initial profit before scaling up and going bankrupt, but reasonable taxes are necessary. It is good, of course, when the state is a smart manager and solves its problems with minimal losses, without wasting too much, although it must be admitted that maintaining a certain minimum level of prestige is also necessary for the stability of the entire system... As you know, people love advertising, and it is also difficult to do anything about it.
— Regarding support for the poor, I agree with Mr. Creon. From a moral point of view, each of us probably wants that in the event of unforeseen circumstances, someone will support or help us, and perhaps we will wait for this help, since the world is not without good people, — but having insurance in the form of the state is useful. The state is not always rational in such matters, but the fact that it has centralization makes it a more reliable agent than simple human luck.
— Oh... — the Tanarrian girl drawled, finally breaking the silence and, perhaps, shattering the image of a strong, silent protagonist or someone who simply had nothing to say in response to this monologue, — ... I don't want to seem overly rude, but first, I'd like to know what the purpose of my being here is. I think you can understand that it's not every day that you're magically pulled out of your own world. At least, not in my homeland. Perhaps things are a little different here. Oh yes, — the girl quickly realized, — and what should I call you? Maybe I missed it, but you didn't mention your name.
—Perhaps not every day. You can call me Klin. —the knight repeated. —As for the purpose of your summoning, unfortunately, a humble servant like me doesn't have knowledge of Her Highness's grand plans. I heard that the outcome of the spell is the will of the goddess of the cosmos herself, who chooses the worthy chosen one. Sometimes, she even saves him from death and grants him a second life here, with us. I also heard that Her Lightness directs her conscious and subconscious thoughts, thus summoning the one whose skills she needs most at that moment. I also heard that all of this is just pure chance. —he turned away as he said these words. —But whatever the case, miss, I believe Her Highness will soon reveal her plans for the future to you.
- Are you sure…? - Aiyano pondered. - I agree to such a condition, but then it turns out that some questions directly related to your circumstances will have to be excluded. Or I can answer an equivalent question.
I understand and remember that I shouldn't be too strict and check off questions with a notebook, but if I answer one question per post, it will be too tedious. I suggest answering several questions at a time.
— Is accommodation included? If so, I'm ready to lend a hand and my staff to your squad to make the world around the capital a little friendlier. After all, I'm looking for knowledge. I want to become a powerful sorceress, and where better to learn than in real combat and during a noble cause?
-- Of course, it's included; living conditions are an important part of our efficiency. You can see for yourself, -- Ayko gestured around the richly decorated main hall, the presence of which made the squad members more fortunate, boosted their morale, and gave them a little more personal time each day.
After that, the Rat Queen gave Kelianthra a contract and a copy (one copy for the employer, one for the employee) to sign. In the position field, it said "warrior."
- Ah-ha, see, you understood everything, good job!
— Yay!
Added 32 seconds later Arandor
After thanking the girl for the "gift," Merel clarified whether he needed to go anywhere else or if he could now move freely around the city.
— You are free to go.
Added 4 minutes later Morning
- Areee?.. - Aiyano pondered. - I agree to such a condition, but then it turns out that some of the questions directly related to your circumstances will have to be excluded. Or I can answer some equivalent question.
I, of course, understand and remember that I shouldn't pester her with a notebook and checkmarks, but if I ask only one question per post, it will be too tedious. I suggest asking several at a time.
— So, that's how we'll do it; if necessary, I'll try to ask something interesting. Start!
Ple-Sen
kcfgogbfalgfl
