World of Karik: A Game of Villains 37 The Conversation

We huddled around the dying fire. Petrovich said that it was time for bed, and appointed the Major and the ex-cop keep watch for the night.

"Cat," he softly said and gestured me to move aside with a short nod.

What the hell was this guy up to again? A little irritated and still tormented by curiosity, I followed the Lancer.

"Listen," he started, as we moved to a safe distance. "I know that you and I got off on the wrong foot…"

Petrovich was obviously hesitating, not from embarrassment, but because he had to communicate with someone who he found unpleasant. The inner turmoil was clearly displayed on his face.

"It happens," I said vaguely.

"So here's the thing," Petrovich clearly felt as if a weight had been lifted from his shoulders. "As you can see, we can't stay here forever."

I nodded cautiously. Did Petrovich decide to share his secrets with me? He was obviously going to say that we needed to get out. Saying "staying here forever" definitely had a point. Olga was right after all.

"Once we all reach level 20," the Lancer continued, "the base will no longer be a safe place. We are few, so we must go. Not immediately, of course," he added hastily.

"I have a question, Petrovich," I interrupted him. "Why are you talking to me about this?"

He laughed.

"Oh, Cat! I'm twice your age and twice as smart, even though you tend to disagree. Do you really think that I would feel offended by my opponents not sharing my ideological views? I'd look like a child if I couldn't negotiate with you."

"Thanks for the advice," I said being genuinely thankful. But where what was he trying to achieve with this?

"The exit point should be in the North," the Lancer said.

"What makes you think that?" We only ever spoke about the far forest before. From what I've heard, there were only a couple of large settlements and a singular intersection of trade routes. I didn't bother myself thinking about where to go next, hoping that I would figure that out once I get to it; unlike Petrovich, who had prepared in advance. That was something worth of respect.

"The hardest thing is getting there," he answered calmly. "You don't think this is all just so that we could have fun developing our skills and then leave with ease, do you?"

I said nothing.

"I spoke to the merchants, Cat," the man said gravely. "The strong ones make their way North. So I'm right."

Maybe you are. But if this is your only argument...Your theory is rather shaky. In any case, I was much more interested in the conclusions that he wanted me to draw.

"Reasonable," I lied and got a few dozen deception points. Did he really believe that? What kind of ego did this man have? "Still, there's no need to hurry, I agree with you. Going north now would be suicidal."

"There is another way," Petrovich quietly said.

"That way being?" Now we were somewhere.

"We need a new base and new people," he said.

A bigger palace and more slaves, all sprinkled with "let's all work together and make our way to the exit". Lovely plan.

"What do you suggest?" I played along.

"We don't get into trouble for a whole month," Petrovich answered right away. "No long hikes, no fighting with the Reapers, anything like that. During this time, we will recruit more people. We will not miss a single bloody dawn, and maybe we can lure someone from other squads. Or capture them."

He said the last words very firmly.

"What do you mean?" Be careful, Vasily, this is clearly something serious.

"Our Mikhail is a bit thick-headed," Petrovich looked around, as if fearing that the Major was standing nearby and eavesdropping, "But he sees things. He saw other people during our last campaign. They were weak, level three or four. They were leveling-up not far from us, but they didn't notice us. At least that's what he says. And it looks like it was a proper squad, too, six people or so."

I mentally sighed. I can understand that it could be difficult to count several dozens of people. But five or six — was that really so difficult?

"And you suggest we take them?" I asked, already knowing the answer.

"Well done, Cat," Petrovich smacked my arm. "It's risky, I know. But the longer we sit here, the worse it gets. And here's our chance to grab a squad of weaklings. We'll get rid of those who try to fight us, and spare the others under the condition that they join us."

"That won't work, Petrovich," I shook my head. "They, too, have a base… We don't know where it is, and they don't know where ours is either."

"You think that I didn't consider that?" the Lancer looked offended. "We're not looking for their base. They'll lead us to it."

And I didn't like what my gut feeling was suggesting.

"Capture a prisoner?" I licked my dry lips.

"Well done," Petrovich smacked my arm again. "That's what I want to discuss with you."

Thought so. I looked at Petrovich, not knowing what to say.

"You participated in the campaign together with Baldy," the Lancer reminded me. "Take any squad member with you. They'll listen if I order."

What does he want? Why is he trying so hard to recruit new people? What are you up to, old man?

"I promised not to get in your way, and I kept my word. You promised to benefit the squad, and now it's your turn." This time he truly spoke like a leader who demanded what he was owed. This was unexpected.

Chapter end