Nullform #1: RealRPG Series полностью

The man in the coat stared daggers at me for about five seconds, not speaking. The thug who had moved behind his shoulder was tensed in readiness, showing his boss he could grind this goblin to dust at a moment’s notice. But his red cheeks showed me that the poor guy was embarrassed. He swung so beautifully, so powerfully, but didn’t hit the goblin...

“You insulted him.” The boss nodded slightly at the thug.

“He pushed me, and I almost fell over,” I easily countered. “He shouldn’t be so handsy. If I can’t hit back, I’ll use my words.”

“Give him shoes, too. For his bravery and stubbornness,” the man in the coat ordered briefly. “But only him! Everyone else gets either one or the other.”

I didn’t say thanks, just wordlessly accepted the gray rubber sandals. Then I dropped them onto the floor, shoved my feet into them, and walked away, putting the t-shirt on as I went. I listened carefully to see if any of the goblins who had put in real effort would try and ask for an extra reward, too. As I expected, no one said a word. They all got shoes or t-shirts, then immediately started trading among themselves.

I examined the mechanisms that had been pulled out of the wall — although there was nothing special about them. Gleaming metal cylinders on steel skids with a ring at the end. There were also two rings in the back, fixed to stretched cables leading into the wall. It seemed like the system itself could put the mechanisms back in the wall after the Solar Flame Production Brigade cleaned them.

The man in the coat’s next words confirmed my guess:

“The job is done! You’re all free to go. If anyone wants to work more today, be at intersection 17 in two hours. Same job. Same place.”

Goblins and orcs obediently headed for the exit with smiles on their sweaty faces. They were satisfied at all they had accomplished — not just getting their daily job done, but earning a little on the side, too. I doubted any of them were critically assessing the fruits of their labor. At least they could relax now, lie on a bench and consider themselves hard workers.

A strange muttering sound attracted my attention. “Can’t get it dirty...”

It was Ninety-One. She was crouched on the floor about ten steps from the steel mechanisms we pulled from inside the wall, gazing steadily at the gray t-shirt lying in front of her, muttering over and over:

“Can’t get it dirty... Gotta get it there, can’t get it dirty... Shit...”

I let her be, turning instead to the man in the coat surrounded by his underlings.

“Can I just wait here for two hours if I want to work more later?”

“Fucking goblin. Get lost before I break your arm!”

That’s what happens when you don’t know how to let go of negative emotions! What a tantrum... How didn’t he explode into pieces after a burst of emotions like that? What a sensitive little boy...

“Oh no, the bad goblin hurt your feelings. Why don’t you go cry in the corner?” I asked lazily.

“You’re dead, motherfucker, you’re fucked... I’ll make you a worm right now!”

“Hey!” One shout from the man in the coat immediately put the thug in his place.

The boss pointed a finger at the ceiling, asking in a dangerously smooth voice:

“Do I need to remind you of our motto?”

“No...” The guy cast an angry glance at me, then lowered his eyes.

“Say it.”

“I remember it, I do.”

“Let me hear it!” This command lashed the thug like a red-hot whip.

He started, stood straight, and barked:

“Eyes and ears are everywhere! Be afraid and stay aware!”

“And our second motto.”

“Work hard and work well!”

“Very good.” The man in the coat’s voice softened. “Last question. When did you gain the authority to speak for me, Cortos? You think you’re someone special?”

“No... no, Morris. Not at all!”

“He really didn’t mean anything by it.” This pleading voice was the woman who had called the thug over to deal with the impudent goblin.

Were they more than just co-workers? Did they whisper secrets to each other in the evenings, hold hands, maybe even get up close and personal in a capsule for some sweet, sweaty alone time? It was none of my business. Besides, I had already learned that everyone here was sterile. Male or female, didn’t matter — no one would be making babies. So they were free to have at it as much as they wanted. I noted her interest in the thug’s fate for one very simple reason: She would cover him first if anything happened. And that was no small thing. If there was another plux attack, I would squeal and jump into the thug’s arms, since he was guaranteed protection...

“Stay out of this!” The man in the coat cut in before she could continue. I caught another angry glance, from the woman this time.

“My stupid goblin face is at fault here too,” I repented, raising my right hand above my head. “But it’s all in the past now. So can I stay here and work later?”