His leg had gone numb, and he had lost too much blood. Groaning and gasping for air, he stumbled along the wall, only managing to stay upright thanks to its support. Hearing the most disgusting screech behind him, he blindly grabbed something and, by pure luck, slashed at the creature. One less, one more – in his current situation, it didn't matter. Why did he venture into the cave harpy nest alone? He wanted to earn some money, and now he would be forced into early retirement.
His eyes, crusted with dried blood, could make out some light ahead. "The afterlife," he thought, but he still limped forward, like a docile fish lured by a devilish angler. Just two hundred altins – he urged himself on. But he had overestimated himself on the previous lunge; he barely had any strength left. It was amusing that these stupid harpies hadn't torn him to pieces yet; they were all flying around, screeching, but couldn't catch him, nor would they let him go. They could smell the blood, and that's what kept them agitated.
"Does someone need my blood?" he thought, struggling to take another step. "Maybe it will give them indigestion."
His life hadn't been very successful, although he wasn't one to complain – he didn't even need to look in the mirror; an inexplicable feeling of a heavy curse never left him for a second. Apparently, one of his ancestors had committed a serious sin.
His uncooperative limbs carried him to the bend, from which the light was emanating. He spat out blood and took the last few steps… and saw only a continuation of the tunnel, its walls covered with bioluminescent mushrooms.
"Well, this is the end," he realized, grabbing his weapon and leaning against the wall. "All good things must come to an end."
The harpies' screeching grew louder, and his eyes made out silhouettes in the darkness. His hand made one last swing, then dropped the weapon. Soaked in sticky sweat, he slowly slid down the wall.
The most brazen harpy emerged from the darkness and bared its razor-sharp fangs. He looked at its chest – the breasts were quite large and clearly knew nothing about aerodynamics. What were they for? Did it feed its offspring with bird milk? Unfortunately, he wasn't a monsterologist and couldn't answer that question, but at least he would capture this moment with his final – perhaps not the worst – sight.
- Thud. Thud.
The harpy's huge breasts deformed – because an arrow was sticking into each half. He closed his eyes, not wanting to hallucinate any further.
He opened his eyes – an unexpected turn of events. A small fire was crackling nearby, and an unknown female face was staring at him from a squatting position.
- I thought the harpies had finished you off, but it looks like this is a family trait, - she greeted him, not sugarcoating the situation. - You're a bit weak for a bull, didn't you eat enough porridge?
If the angle had been slightly different, he would have seen her underwear.
He blinked, embarrassed.
- Okay, we'll sort it out. Just so you know, I spent seven arrows, the cost is 10 bronze, plus a surcharge for the critical situation. That's a thousand gold.
- A thousand?..
- A thousand, - she mimicked. - Not happy? Write to the lottery.
- I don't have that much, - his face was so beaten that it could oxidize any drink.
- So you're my slave now. You'll carry things and so on, - she shrugged carelessly and poked a finger at one of his wounds.
- I'm no one's slave, - his paw grabbed that insolent hand and twisted it with force, eliciting a loud yelp from the creature. Feeling fear in her violet eyes, he finally let go. - But I always pay my debts.
- Jerk, - she hissed and shook her hand. - Now sleep with your eyes open.
And he fell asleep, to the sound of muttering and grumbling that echoed for a long time in their stone den.

Ukon
Intelligence 10
Body 20
Perception 15
Resilience 15
Energy 10
Aesthetics 11



Two-handed axe
Hunting knife
Some basic clothing
Fur cloak
Boots and wristbands
Travel supplies (sharpening stone, flint, rope, file)

Chernika
Intelligence 15
Body 10
Perception 10
Resilience 15
Energy 10
Aesthetics 10




Elven swift bow
Cool cross
Mitre and robe, richly decorated
Thin gloves, knee-high boots
Decorative glasses
Packet of candies
Book of scary stories with unexpected endings
Theotian cosmetics