The only thing that the lawyer made me happy about was that according to one of the points of the Barliona rules, if a player goes out into reality, and not of his own free will, the mandatory presence at certain points is postponed until his return. So if I go into the game and find that Altameda is no longer mine, I have every right to go to court, although there have been no such precedents yet - the corporation also strictly adheres to the laws. At the same time, dominance over the castle, as the lawyer said, remains with me, and not with my wife or named brother - this is about Anastaria and Plinto. At least some bright spot in this dark world.

Dmitry, greetings! - Already in front of the house, Alexander contacted me by phone, - I hasten to please you - the transfer of your character is completed, and you can enjoy the game right now. As a sign of the inconsistency in the actions of our services, the corporation is giving you a small gift, which, of course, will not affect the gameplay, but will make your stay in Barliona a little more enjoyable. We are talking about the ability to select projections assigned to your clan - now everyone can get the projection they want, and not the one generated by the Simulator. It seems to us that the possibility of such a choice will be an extremely pleasant thing for the players of your clan, and for yourself.

Thank you, that’s very kind of you,” I muttered in response to such a “generous” offer. Considering that there will be no one left in the Legends of Barliona except me, I need to be able to change my little dragon like a dog needs a bicycle - in principle, you can teach how to use it, but on your own four it’s somehow more reliable.

If you have any questions, feel free to call me or my colleagues in the adaptation department,” Alexander continued. - All the best and good luck to you in conquering Barliona!

Short beeps were heard in the receiver, informing me that this was the end of my relationship with the corporation - they adapted me, returned me home, gave me an unnecessary gift and put a huge “closed” stamp on me. From now on I am on my own.

While I was at the lawyer's house, a cleaning company restored my apartment to its human appearance, cleaning it to a state of crystal white. Everything that was possible and impossible sparkled, even the time-worn wallpaper pleased the eye with its updated color - somehow they were returned to their original color. Now there was nothing to remind us that this room had been completely deserted for about a year, rather reminiscent of a bachelor’s lair. Which, in essence, is what it was.

Having finished all the housework, I sat down on the bed and began to hypnotize the capsule. On the one hand, I couldn't wait to return to Barliona and find out what had happened to my clan over the past week. Is the castle still intact, how many people are left, what means do I currently have at my disposal? But there was also a stopper - if I return to Barliona, then I will again begin to “hear” Anastaria’s thoughts. I’m unlikely to be able to find the strength to adequately respond to her presence in my head, and I really didn’t want to play the role of a hysterical woman. The task for the near future is to come up with a way to make Phoenix regret the episode that happened, and you cannot give a reason to mock yourself again. In general, it’s a dilemma that I can’t solve right now.

The capsule didn’t give me an answer whether or not to enter Barliona, so I opened the computer and decided to check my email - I’ve been free for two days now, and I still haven’t bothered to do this. In the past, I did not allow myself such luxury - offers to participate in various competitions had time limits and if you did not have time to register, the competition would pass by.

Dmitry, greetings! We are strangers, but we have one point of contact - Phoenix. Just like you, I became a victim of this clan and now I am eager to take revenge for everything they do to this game. I don’t know your plans, you may not even want to return to Barliona after what they did to you, but just in case, catch the link to the video. You will understand why Phoenix needed to throw you into the mine. Look, think, and if you decide to take revenge, I suggest you join forces. Now it doesn’t matter who I am or what resources I have, it’s enough that they exist. Make a decision, Shaman!

Among hundreds of notifications about the competition and spam that made it through the filters, there was a letter that was surprising in its essence. Moreover, what was interesting was not the text of the letter itself, which speaks volumes, but rather the fact that such a letter was in my mail. It turns out that someone is well aware not only of what actually happened, but also knows who Shaman Mahan is, what his email address is and, quite obviously, where he lives. The sender's address looked like " 2233443322 ", which said one thing - this is a disposable mailbox, intended for one single letter and receiving an answer to it. Very interesting…

The letter was so interesting that I decided to ignore the first rule of the network - do not follow unfamiliar links and started the video. Immediately the scene of the last moments of Shaman Mahan in Barliona appeared before my eyes. My heart sank when I heard Anastaria’s words again, a wave of hatred towards this girl and Leite, as an ardent representative of the community of players who had betrayed me, again covered me completely, but even through the raging emotions I perfectly saw the picture - the moral destruction of the Shaman. Me. If I met Anastaria now, I’m not ready to give one hundred percent guarantees that I would leave her alive, even under the threat of spending the rest of her life in the mine. Finally, I, who is in the video, sat dazedly on a stone, waiting for the countdown, after which I disappeared into the surrounding space. Shaman Mahan ceased to exist in a game called Barliona. At least temporarily.

The camera panned to the opening passage. The huge slab, which Anastaria could not destroy, easily moved to the side, revealing the standard entrance to the Dungeon. However, as soon as the passage opened and the players took the first steps towards it, a star fell from the sky and turned into two angels - black and white.

The tomb was opened by the Creator! - loudly proclaimed the black angel, who, surprisingly within the framework of Barliona, did not even have a name.

From now on and forever, this Dungeon takes on the “Primary” status! - the white angel echoed him. - Any loot obtained in this location will be of the “Unique” level or higher! But this status will only apply to the Creator himself!

Where is he? - asked the black angel. - Where is the one to whom we will give the Original key to the most desirable place in Barliona?

“He’s not here, the guards,” Anastaria answered, bowing her head. - Having opened the tomb, the Creator was inflamed with anger and hatred for this world, leaving it forever. You won't be able to give him the key...

There is no falsehood in your words! - the white angel exclaimed in surprise. - How could the Creator become angry with the world as soon as he opened the passage? Who will get the key instead? Was the discovery in vain?

There is someone here who is allowed to receive the key,” Anastaria continued, after which she pointed to Barsina. - Here she is! Give her the key! She will be able to replace the Creator.

Confirmed! - proclaimed the black angel. - Barsina has the right to receive the key. But we are patient! If the Creator does not appear to us within a month, the key will be given to Barsina and the Free Residents will be allowed inside. But anyone who wants to get past us before this time will be destroyed! We said everything!

Please forgive my insolence,” said Anastaria. “If the Creator does not appear on time, will the Dungeon lose its status?”

If the Creator does not appear before our eyes, we will call Barsina Worthy of the Creator! The Dungeon will not change its status and twenty intelligent people, including Barsina, will be able to enter the Dungeon.

The angels fell silent, blocking the entrance to the tomb with their huge bodies and, suddenly, Anastaria and Helfire, who were standing next to them, flew towards the passage. Moreover, they flew there against their will, as if they were pushed by someone invisible, and at the same time powerful enough to send the two highest-level players flying. Plinto!

Path of the Shaman. It's only begining Vasily Makhanenko

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Title: Path of the Shaman. It's only begining

About the book “The Way of the Shaman. Everything is just beginning" Vasily Makhanenko

"The Way of the Shaman. Everything is just beginning" is the sixth book in the fantasy series "The World of Barliona", which came from the pen of Vasily Makhanenko, an author whom all LitRPG fans consider a talented science fiction writer.

This series is written in the style of the popular RPG Might and Magic. This is a medieval world where magic and mythical creatures reign - elves, gnomes, orcs, dragons. Vasily Makhanenko managed to carefully and in detail recreate the game world, successfully integrating elements of the game system into the narrative. The author paid much attention to the personality of the main character and his immediate circle. Their thoughts and feelings will be understandable to the average person thanks to simple language with a dose of humor and irony used to suit the place and situation. The writer leaves many clues in his books, which provide an opportunity to develop the plot in new directions.

In the novel “The Way of the Shaman”, Dmitry Makhan, already known to readers from previous books in the series, who became a real legend of Barliona - the Shaman, successfully completed his imprisonment in a special, virtual prison. Instead of spending eight years in places not so distant, he will have to spend eleven whole months fighting and experiencing all kinds of adventures.

However, Barliona does not want to let her hero go so easily; she complicates his task, blurring the line between two realities. Apparently, simply leaving the capsule was not enough; he would have to complete his Path.

Vasily Makhanenko is a modern science fiction writer, originally from the Belgorod region. He graduated from the Faculty of Physics and Mathematics and works in Moscow, where he combines work in the field of project management and literary activities. He has published more than ten books, highly appreciated by fans of science fiction literature. All of Vasily Makhanenko’s works, including the novel “The Shaman’s Path,” are based on the mechanics of computer games and are distinguished by a sense of humor and non-trivial plots. His novels grab you from the first lines, depriving you of sleep and peace until you can turn the last page. Even those who have never played an RPG will not be able to resist the desire to try one of them after reading the novel.

On our website about books lifeinbooks.net you can download for free without registration or read online the book “The Path of the Shaman. Everything is just beginning” Vasily Makhanenko in epub, fb2, txt, rtf, pdf formats for iPad, iPhone, Android and Kindle. The book will give you a lot of pleasant moments and real pleasure from reading. You can buy the full version from our partner. Also, here you will find the latest news from the literary world, learn the biography of your favorite authors. For beginning writers, there is a separate section with useful tips and tricks, interesting articles, thanks to which you yourself can try your hand at literary crafts.

© Makhanenko V., 2015

© Eksmo Publishing House LLC, 2015

Chapter 1
Exit

Despite the fact that the lid of the cocoon had long since moved away, I could not find the strength to get up and return to the real world. Directly in front of my eyes hung a fluorescent lamp, a standard accessory of any office space, or, as in my case, the place where ex-prisoners were taken out of the gaming capsule, but I looked at it and saw infinity. There was such confusion in my head that I grabbed onto the only correct thought, like a drowning person grasping at a straw, and tried not to let it go anywhere: I am free! I, Dmitry Makhan, who incurred the wrath of an entire city, received freedom! I managed to exchange eight years of imprisonment for some eleven months of gaming!

But these thoughts did not bring joy.

The terrible phrase “...you are no longer needed!”, thrown by Anastaria, appeared in my head. I diligently cleared my brain of it, but the events of the last thirty minutes of my stay in Barliona diligently climbed to the forefront of consciousness.

-Are you even alive there? “There were notes of alarm in the voice I heard, and the bearded face of a man loomed over me, whose right eye was hidden behind a bandage, partially hiding, among other things, a scar that began on the forehead and went like lightning to the lower jaw. - He seems to be alive, so why are you lying there? Usually prisoners jump out like a bullet, kissing the floor, and you still lie there. What happened?

“The analysis of the patient’s functional blocks is completed,” a metallic female voice said literally a second later. – The body is functioning normally, no deviations were found, physical condition is 88% of normal.

- Listen, I can’t mess with you! I still have nine autopsies to do today, so let's get moving. You are a freelancer, so they will come for you in about thirty minutes. You’ll sit in the waiting room for now... Can you hear me or not?! Rinse at least something!

“I hear, I hear,” I muttered, finally clearing my brain. I didn’t want to take it out on this man - life had already punished him, so I waited until the last bar holding me back moved aside, sat down and took a deep breath. My head immediately began to spin, bunnies danced before my eyes, but I continued to sit - stop being weak, it’s time to grow up.

“Shower straight ahead and to the left,” my interlocutor added, moving away from the cocoon, “the clothes are already there.” In general, I’m not your nanny, you’ll figure it out yourself. By the way, congratulations on your achievement! Getting released early is like a new level in the game. Even two...

Having said these words, the technician turned around and went about his business, so I had no choice but to put my feet on the floor and take the first step towards the indicated door. To my great surprise, I didn’t have enough for the second one...

I can’t explain what happened to my body, but as soon as I took the second step, my legs gave way, a wave of terrible pain passed through my body, twisting my muscles, and a hundred small fireworks exploded in my head, giving rise to interesting and strange thoughts: “Achievement for getting out of capsules! These are two levels! Where is my pleasure?

After eleven months of playing, I became so used to enjoying new stat levels or specialties that I stopped noticing them completely. Only particularly important cases, increasing Jewelry by several points, still forced me to kneel in sweet languor, subconsciously preparing my hands to create the next masterpiece. Next dose of drug for prisoners.

With a dull groan, I fell to the floor, ceasing to feel my own body - the desire to get a level up overshadowed the rest of the world.

- What, do you feel bad? – the mocking voice of the technician broke through the fog of consciousness. - It’s okay, be patient, it should let go now. Lets everyone go...

The muscles were twisted so that all that was left was to wheeze and moan - the thirst for the “dose” was crazy. At some point in time, I realized that the old technician was the reason why I was feeling so bad! It was he who did not give me a new dose, it was he who pulled me out of the capsule, it was he...

- ABOUT! This is what bothers you! - a surprised voice rang out when I began to growl dully and crawl towards him to bite him to death. - Okay, you’ll die by accident. You will enjoy it.

A short flash of pain flashed in the shoulder area, after which a warm and stunningly pleasant wave of happiness spread throughout the body. My muscles relaxed, my bones stopped dancing a jig, my mind began to perceive this world again and I rolled over onto my back, completely oblivious to the fact that I was lying naked on the cold floor. My gaze rested on the white ceiling with the notorious fluorescent lamps, along which beautiful unicorns walked and collected bouquets of flowers. It’s strange, I don’t remember that Ishni had arms, this unicorn looks more like a centaur, only with a horn...

- It seems like you’ve only been in prison for a year, where did you manage to get hooked like that? – obscuring the centaur, who began to sing songs, the one-eyed face of the technician appeared before his eyes for the second time.

“The level of reality perception is 35%, the patient is in the black zone of exposure, the recommended adaptation period is two months and fifteen days,” the equipment summed up my condition. I wish I could thirst for her with the Spirit...

- Black zone? – the technician’s single eye spread all over his face, revealing to me a terrible Cyclops. So trust the NPC after this! They said that all the Cyclops were destroyed, but here one is standing right above me. “You know, soaring, I even wondered what happened to you.”

The Cyclops pulled away, returning the joyful centaur to me. He continued to collect flowers and sing songs, when he suddenly raised his head up in fear, tucked his tail, and a moment later fell to the ground. The Master, a black Dragon, floated across the sky.

Majestically soaring the air with its huge wings, the Dragon fascinated and forced one to admire its power and beauty. His whole body was filled with power, he was the true master of this world, and no one and nothing could overthrow him from the throne. Even Sirens.

Anastaria...

Barliona...

I am Dmitry Makhan, a former prisoner...

The dragon flapped its wings one last time and disappeared, returning the whiteness of the ceiling to its place.

“The level of reality perception is 85%, the patient has moved into the yellow exposure zone, the recommended adaptation period is fifteen days,” the equipment responded instantly.

“Cough,” the technician coughed. - What is this going on? Black, yellow. Listen, the doctors will arrive in ten minutes, let them take care of you themselves. The shower is right there, the clothes are right there. There’s no point in bothering me...

I sat up abruptly, not experiencing any discomfort at all - no dizziness, no weakness, no desire to feel the next “dose”. My entire consciousness at the moment was filled with one thing - hatred. I never thought that I could experience this terrible feeling, but it was precisely this that now became the formative core for an organism broken by constant pleasure. The hatred that gripped me was so enormous that if Nastya caught my eye now, I wouldn’t think twice about it... Although no, I don’t want to go to the mines a second time. We need to act more thoughtfully. We need... we need to take revenge, the main thing is to figure out how. This is what I will do immediately after I finish the adaptation.

– The level of perception of reality is 100%, the patient has moved into the green zone of exposure, the recommended adaptation period is three days...

- It doesn’t happen like that! – the doctor exclaimed, having familiarized herself with my data. Carefully holding the tablet with thin fingers with huge nails painted with rather beautiful intricate patterns, the doctor constantly looked up in surprise, as if I should not exist. The white robe did not hide the attractive forms of a regular visitor to virtual capsules or gyms - and I would give 80 to 20 that it is still a capsule. Gyms are not in fashion these days. – Dmitry, how are you feeling?

“As far as I understand, the system has already rendered its verdict,” I simply shrugged, trying not to engage in unnecessary polemics. I didn’t want to explain the reasons why I managed to “return” to reality - this matter concerns only me and the Phoenix clan. While I was putting myself in order, a final and irrevocable thought formed in my head - there would be revenge. Now it doesn’t matter how I do it - I’ll figure it out as the play progresses, but it’s clear for sure that the act of Phoenix and my supposed friends cannot be left unpunished. Otherwise I will stop considering myself a human...

“I gave it away, but...” the doctor faltered, raising his blue eyes to me in confusion. – It is impossible to leave the black exposure zone on your own! This have not happened before! For all twelve years of practice!

“Someone should always be first,” I noted philosophically, after which I changed the topic: “Doctor, tell me, will my hair start to grow?” Or will I remain bald for the rest of my life?

“You can just Svetlana,” the girl sighed, obviously realizing that she couldn’t get anything from me now. – They’ll start, don’t worry. There was a special solution in the capsule that blocked their growth, so... Dmitry, I would like to do one more small test before we go to the rehabilitation clinic. I need your consent to read your brain while you're awake. Do you mind?

“Okay, I have nothing to hide,” I answered good-naturedly. If at the beginning of the conversation I involuntarily associated Svetlana with Nastya, trying to find a catch in any word, now it seemed to me that I had known this doctor for a very long time and I really didn’t want to upset her with a refusal. Besides, she is a doctor, and who refuses a doctor? Only very sick people...

As I was told, we must travel the two hundred kilometers separating institutions for holding criminals from institutions for their rehabilitation in just an hour. According to the doctor, there are seven color zones of susceptibility to pleasure - from maximum black to minimum green. Moreover, the lower the level, the further away the corresponding rehabilitation center is located. The doctor didn’t bother me with conversations about the meaning of life and my future place in this mortal world, so I stared at the trees passing through the window and began to think about a plan for revenge.

The first thing you need to do is get your Shaman back. Let him be pulled out of the prison servers and transferred to public ones. Starting the game from scratch when there is such a monster is very short-sighted.

Secondly, as soon as I enter the game, I need to fly to Ankhurs and demand an audience with the Emperor or the High Priestess, I don’t know who is responsible for marriages. I will demand a divorce from Anastaria and the return of all my personal property - what Anastaria took out of my bag belongs to me. You should definitely consult with a gaming lawyer about this – are things pulled from an open bag considered loot? If not, I will bring Anastaria to justice, if yes... It’s better not to think about it, because losing Chess is very offensive.

Third, you need to resolve the issue with the clan. I don’t need it anymore, because I frankly can’t cope with it. The position of head of a gaming organization, even one consisting of ten people, imposes certain responsibilities that I absolutely do not need. When I return to the game, I’ll say goodbye to everyone who remains and officially close the clan... Although no, I’ll just remain alone in it. Losing projections is also not good.

Fourth, my two most important assets are Altameda and the giant dolphin squid. These two entities will definitely become cobblestones that will pull me to the financial bottom. Considering that my clan will no longer have “Leite” training and getting their hands on my budget, the issue of receiving money needs to be resolved independently. Or, which I really don’t want, sell Altameda to another clan. I don't see any other way out yet.

By the way, how much money do I have left? At the moment when I confirmed leaving the game, the figure of 140 million flashed before my eyes. A year and a half ago, I couldn’t even dream of such an amount, but here... A hundred was spent on the exit, some will be spent on the salaries of the remaining players until I kicked them out, in any case, about thirty should remain. I will count on this. Thirty million... Maybe we should take them out, buy ourselves a luxurious house and live without any Barliona? I’ll get some training, find a job and live peacefully without all these Anastars, Ehkillers, Phoenixes. Why is it a bad idea to send everyone away for a long time?

The fact that until the end of my days my bones will be gnawed by an impoverished toad and a hamster. If I could still cope with each of them individually, then against two at once my efforts are in vain. I want to return what is mine and punish those who took it away from me. At the same time, destroy the Phoenix clan itself to hell. And two questions at once:

First: how can you destroy a gaming clan?

Second: how can I protect myself in reality from the angry Anastars and Helfairs? Somehow it doesn’t seem to me that they will perceive my attempts to harm the clan as an event agreed upon by everyone and, if they fail to come to an agreement with me in the game, they will find me in reality. And in the game it will be very difficult to come to an agreement with me.

Write a statement to law enforcement agencies? I wonder what to indicate there - “I’m going to destroy the leading gaming clan of Malabar, so I’m afraid for my life”? There is a 75% chance that I will be sent to compulsory psychological treatment as a person who went against the rock. So this is not an option. Everything will need to be carefully considered, so I return to the first question - how can you harm the gaming clan?

Send everyone to be reborn? Well... A very adult and serious punishment, considering the difference in our levels. Spending money on hiring players to purposefully send Phoenix leaders to be reborn... It’s hard to imagine more nonsense. This option disappears immediately, but you can use it if necessary.

The only thing that I think will hit the clan is finances. Something needs to be done with Phoenix’s finances so that there are fewer of them and then... But how? Gold is an inalienable item, hacking Phoenix's accounts is a direct path to the mines, taking away Legendaries - you need people who will do this. The only way to make things bad for the clan is disappearing into oblivion - I shouldn’t storm their castles...

- Dmitry, what happened? – the doctor asked worriedly as I jumped in my seat, almost hitting my head on the ceiling of the car. She brought an analyzer to my eyes, which confirmed that my level of perception of reality was still 100% and I was in the green zone of exposure.

“It’s okay, just thoughts,” I reassured her, returning back to the window. I don't need to storm castles! I have Altameda!

At the moment, I know that Anastaria's entire sea property is one ship worth ten million gold. Considering the ease with which she parted with such money, activating the squid while paying taxes is stupid - the exhaust will be much less. Until players in the south of the mainland have positive relations with pirates and start buying ships, a lot of time will pass, and it is not a fact that Phoenix representatives will be among them. So the naval revenge plan is unrealistic, but! I have Altameda!

The special thing about my castle is that it can move from one place to another. Once every three months this procedure is free, but in normal times it costs about ten million. If I recruit a crowd of people that will crush the resistance of the survivors after the collapse of Altameda on the Phoenix castle, then I will launch miners who will smash the castle to pieces, as we did with Glarnis... As far as I know, Phoenix has about seven castles, the maximum of which has 29- th level, and the minimum is 18th. In order to raise the castles to such a value, it was necessary to invest a lot of money, so if you lower all the castles to the first... This is already more interesting than hunting for each individual player in the clan.

Now the Shaman's return has become even more desirable, since Anastaria has thoughtlessly provided me with her entire map, including Phoenix's personal territories. My Shaman knows exactly the coordinates of each castle, which makes my revenge more realistic. It remains to resolve the issue with the people.

And with a castle...

According to the Emperor's requirements, the owner is obliged to spend three months in the castle. I honestly fulfilled this requirement for a whole month until I left the game, so I had another question for the gaming lawyer - if the castle ceases to be mine, is this legal, given the mandatory rehabilitation? If you follow the logic, Altameda should remain mine in any case, but this point needs to be clarified. You can't go wrong here.

Next, we need to deprive Phoenix of leadership in missions. No scenarios - no production, and the salary does not go anywhere. It’s a pity that it’s impossible to solve this problem alone—the corporation definitely needs a leading clan to rely on. You'll have to cooperate with Etamzilat or Bespaly. I am sure that improving the financial situation of the clan is a priority area of ​​their interests.

What else can you do within the game framework? You can't destroy a character forever, you can't harm him in any way... Stop! Artifact of Curses! There is a possibility that the Cursed Chess was the brainchild of a corporation and I was forced to make it without the possibility of repetition, but it is worth conducting the experiment. If you manage to tie a character to any object with the obligatory performance of certain functions, that’s another nail in Phoenix’s coffin.

As a consequence of the previous point, you definitely need to meet with Kriy and find out where and how the Rogzar crystal was obtained. Remembering the features of this item: “...movement speed is reduced by 75%, the values ​​of all characteristics are reduced by 50%, the regeneration rate of Life, Mana and Vigor is reduced by 90%, and the value of experience gained is 90%. It is impossible to sell, exchange, throw away, steal, destroy...“, he directly asks to get into the personal bags of Anastaria, Barsina, Leite and other representatives of the glorious clan of the fire bird. We need to hit on all fronts...

- We've arrived. – The doctor’s voice pulled me out of the sweet dreams of planning revenge back into reality. The main points have been sketched out; the question remains of their verification, elaboration, rejection of the impossible ones and inventing new ones. For revenge is a dish best served cold.

It would be a huge stretch to call the institution to which I was taken a rehabilitation center. In my mind, this was supposed to be an epoch-making structure behind barbed wire, because there are prisoners in it, and there had to be bars on all the windows to prevent the adapters from jumping, but the reality was strikingly different from my imagination. A coniferous forest cleared to perfection, neatly trimmed lawn grass, small houses, people in white robes sitting or lying on the grass, the pleasant sound of birds chirping - an ideal picture of human existence appeared before me. For complete joy, there were not enough robots that would fly between people, deliver food and provide natural care, so that those who adapt would not have to strain at all. As I got closer, I saw that several people were playing tennis on the courts located behind the houses, some were swimming in the pool, some were working in small workshops, doing wood carving or stucco. In one of the distant houses I saw a blacksmith furiously hammering on a piece of iron, but no sounds reached us - the force field around the house prevented the noise from spreading through the forest. A similar field was located above the sports fields, providing complete peace for people relaxing on the grass.

“This is where you will be for the next five days,” Sveta said, smiling. – Come on, we need to register your arrival, issue a control chip and determine where you will sleep. You will also be introduced to a set of preventive measures prescribed by analytical programs, but I will not burden you with boring information. Rest, recover and become a full-fledged member of society...

By the end of the second day in rehab, I was howling with idleness. Over the past year, I don’t remember several consecutive hours during which I did nothing - we don’t take sleep into account. There were always some activities - Dungeons, leveling up Jewelry, completing tasks. Time flew by instantly, as if someone had sped it up several times. Here...

I lay on the grass, slept, went through procedures, lay on the grass again, slept again, grass again, tried to play several times, but neither tennis nor football were ever my favorite sports, so this activity did not bring me any pleasure. Again I slept and lay on the grass, again procedures and grass... Just the thought that I would be doing the same activities for three more days made my face contort - I need activity...

- Busy! – the blacksmith said without even turning in my direction. “There’s only one forge here, and I’m not going to leave here.” For any questions, contact the administration!

“I don’t need an anvil,” I answered, wincing from the heat. After talking with the doctor and explaining my problem to him, I received practical advice - to try to create in this world, not only in Barliona. In the morning, he went to the forge, since all the necessary materials were here, but came across a blacksmith who began to defend his habitat.

- Then get out of here! There are different people hanging around here...

Having found a Jeweler's set on the shelf, which turned out to be a complete analogue of the one I had worked with in Barliona, except for the mass, I jumped out of the forge into the fresh air of the forest - the force field restrained not only sounds, but also heat. Apparently, the blacksmith is an active masochist who decided to take revenge on iron for all the years he spent in Barliona. It is unlikely that someone who spent less than a year in the mines needs rehabilitation.

Having sat down under the first fir tree I came across, I opened the Jeweler’s set and felt a sharp pang of nostalgia - despite the fact that the last time I created was just a couple of days ago, creating Chess, I had been working directly with the tools for a very long time. I can’t even remember when...

The hands, which had never before held a bolt, crucible, or other... gel in reality, took a coil of copper wire and, with several deft and practiced movements, twisted the first ring, without even using a jewelry bolt. Having meticulously looked at the result, I shook my head and put the ring aside - it turned out to be some kind of cheap thing that did not have a single characteristic. You probably need to work through Design mode...

The usual darkness enveloped me on all sides, and a wire in my hands appeared right before my eyes. So! It’s not interesting to twist an ordinary ring, I’ll try to make a braided pattern, inlaid with this stone,” an image of a transparent stone, which was also in the set, appeared next to the ring. If after this the ring has no characteristics, then I don’t even know - I’ll have to go to the head of the Masters and ask what I’m doing wrong. But first we make beautiful weaving, was it in vain that I taught them so much?

– The patient has moved into the black exposure zone! - As soon as I finished with the ring, making sure that the result completely satisfied me, strange sounds broke through the darkness of the designer, constantly repeating one after another: - The patient has moved into the black exposure zone! The patient has moved into the black exposure zone!

The tedium of these sounds was so unbearable that I opened my eyes, winced as usual from the light emanating from my hands - I managed to create a masterpiece, and now messages about leveling up would start flying - and stared at the honest company frozen a few steps away from me. In front of me stood a dwarf I already knew who had been driven out of his forge, two trolls playing the game “Hit your opponent with a dart,” a huge orc thoughtfully scratching his head, and a small dwarf pressing some buttons on his hand. The usual collection of onlookers gathered to look at the masterpiece I created.

- Shargak larange! – said the dwarf, apparently addressing me. Shaking my head, indicating that the current language was not familiar to me, I was about to say in Malabar, Kartos and other languages ​​familiar to me that I did not understand my interlocutor, when suddenly among the trees I saw her - Siren. The two-meter creature didn’t even try to hide, pointing its trident straight at me, grinning nastily and reveling in its impunity - a crowd of onlookers is no obstacle to it, only a real Dragon is able to defeat Anastaria.

Uh-uh... Which Anastaria?

Another wave of emotions, causing goosebumps all over my body, passed through me - the same Anastaria who...

– The patient has moved into the green exposure zone! – the analyzer squeaked and the forest fell into silence. The hatred for the Sirens and their specific representative filled me so much that I could not control the trembling in my hands, dropping the created ring to the ground. I was literally pounding, an alarm bell sounded in my head, but reality began to be perceived as it really was. Without dwarves, orcs and sirens. Rrrr! Killing this creature is not enough!

“If you understand me, nod your head,” said a small man, whom I perceived as a gnome.

“I’m not your dummy, nod your head,” I said, trying to come to my senses. - How long have I been squashed like this?

“Five minutes,” said the blacksmith. “Then your analyzer went so crazy that I had to cover you with a dome so that the doctors wouldn’t come running.”

Only now I noticed that we are inside a power shield that blocks all sounds.

“Thank you,” I squeezed out, realizing that if the doctors had seen me, I wouldn’t have gotten away with five days. They will put you in a clinic for two months and conduct experiments.

“If you want to get out of here, do nothing for the remaining time, just sleep,” the blacksmith again took the floor. “We don’t hand over our own, everyone has seizures, but if the doctors see it, they’ll send you to the yellow zone. Believe me, it's worse there. Be there! – the shield disappeared, and the whole five went about their business, as if nothing special had happened. Just think, someone entered the black zone of exposure and stopped perceiving this world. It's OK!

Picking up the created ring, without even considering the subtlety of the work, I put it in my pocket and thought about it. I’m starting to like something that’s happening less and less - twice already I’ve crossed the line beyond which the perception of the world was erased, while I couldn’t find any objective reasons for this phenomenon. If it weren't for the last thirty minutes of Barliona, which charged me with emotions for the rest of my life, I'm not sure I would have been able to return to normal on my own. The only explanation I saw for such events was that for me Barliona had become a reality, and I involuntarily tried to transfer it into this world...

By the way, a very uncomfortable question immediately arises: what would have happened to me if not for these emotions? Imagine that I redeem myself by selling the castle, chess and the Eye, would I have enough emotions to return to reality, or would I turn into a houseplant, craving only one thing - pleasure and living in my own fantasy world? Somehow I don’t like the answer to this question - no, I would enjoy the flight of the Dragon and not even think about the Sirens! A wave of stunning hatred again passed through the body, shackling the chest like a steel hoop. Oh how! What happens, do I still need to say thank you to this creature for allowing me to remain human? He'll get over it!

The remaining four days I was a perfect adapter - no sudden movements, words, mood swings or conflicts with others. All butterflies and flowers, pink snot and other ostentatious tinsel, which I tried to hang for the doctors, showing that I had completely adapted to the current realities of life. There were no more attacks, but I did not allow my hatred for Anastaria to fade, constantly remembering the last thirty minutes of Barliona. Forming a plan for revenge faded into the background, as I realized that everything I could come up with now was truly baby talk. Even an attack using a castle - who can guarantee that Altameda will remain a level 24 castle? Nobody. It is unlikely that the developers have given such power into the hands of a simple player that could affect the financial condition of the leading clans. Most likely, Altameda will be destroyed if it falls on the Phoenix Castle, because it will be controlled by the player, not an angel. It was Urusai who was allowed to attack Glarnis without unnecessary difficulties, but such freedom will not be available to me.

- How are you feeling? – the doctor asked, calling me for an official discharge. According to the analyzer's decision, the adaptation period for a man named Dmitry Makhan is completed, and he can be released into the wild. To the official will.

“Thank you, okay,” I assured the doctor. For all four days, Svetlana constantly circled around me, trying to see in me signs of aggression, an attack, or something else that would allow her to detain me indefinitely, but I held on. The girl could not understand how I managed to leave the black level of exposure, believing that someone had made a mistake - either the analyzer when making the diagnosis, or they, releasing me into the wild. I really hope it's the first.

“I have a gift for you,” I said, trying to change the subject. – In memory of one of my patients, so to speak.

Reaching into my pocket, I pulled out the wire ring I had created on the first day and placed it in front of the girl. In five days I had seen enough of the results of my work, so now I fully understood the indescribable surprise painted on the doctor’s face - in front of her lay a chic wicker ring holding several simple rhinestones with an intricate wicker lock. If anyone asks me to repeat this, I will look at such a person as if he were sick. It is impossible to create such a ring by hand; this requires delicate equipment, which was not in the Jeweler’s kit. However, the fact remained that in a state of complete immersion in the game, my brain did something inexplicable with my hands, forcing me to create such a masterpiece. If I were in Barliona, the craft would definitely increase by one...

“Dmitry, put your signature here, here and here,” asked the escort, who took me all the way to the house, returning all my things and handing over the keys to the apartment. “That’s great,” he added as soon as my three squiggles appeared on the form. “I hope I never see you again in real life.” Hard labor, you know, is not good for anyone.

This novel by the famous modern science fiction writer Vasily Makhanenko continues the story of Dmitry Makhan, known in the gaming world as the Shaman. The effect of complete immersion in virtual reality is created, the narrative language is light and dynamic, the characters and emotions of the characters are carefully described. The writer prepared answers to some questions from readers, explaining why this happens to his hero and how it is interconnected. At the same time, there are episodes that will be continued in the next novel.

After Mahan was betrayed by those he considered close to him, he thought about many things. His time of imprisonment in the virtual world has come to an end, and this is not a bad option - just under a year of games, battles and adventures instead of eight years in prison. But everything turned out to be much more complicated. The gaming world of Barliona is in no hurry to let go of the Shaman; the boundaries of the real and virtual worlds are blurred. You can’t just leave the capsule; you still need to complete your Path. Mahan no longer trusts anyone, life has taught him to rely only on himself, so now he will think carefully before collaborating with someone. Another thing is that circumstances sometimes force you to make a decision...

On our website you can download the book “The Way of the Shaman. Everything is just beginning” by Vasily Mikhailovich Makhanenko for free and without registration in fb2, rtf, epub, pdf, txt format, read the book online or buy the book in the online store.

Despite the fact that the cocoon lid had long since moved away, I could not find the strength to get up and return to the real world. A fluorescent lamp hung right in front of my eyes, a standard accessory to any office space, or, as in my case, the place where former prisoners were taken out of the gaming capsule, but I looked at it and saw infinity. There was such confusion in my head that I grabbed onto the only correct thought, like a drowning man clutching a straw, and tried not to let it go anywhere - I am free! I am Dmitry Makhan, who incurred the wrath of an entire city and received freedom! I managed to exchange eight years of imprisonment for some eleven months of gaming!

But these thoughts did not bring joy.

In my head, no, no, yes, the terrible phrase “...you are no longer needed!”, thrown by Anastaria, appeared in my head. I diligently cleared my brain of it, but the events of the last thirty minutes of my stay in Barliona diligently climbed to the forefront of consciousness.

Are you even alive there? - There were notes of alarm in the voice I heard, and the bearded face of a man loomed over me, whose right eye was hidden behind a bandage, partially hiding, among other things, a scar that began on the forehead and went like lightning to the lower jaw. - He seems to be alive, so why are you lying there? Usually prisoners jump out like a bullet, kissing the floor, and you still lie there. What happened?

The analysis of the patient’s functional blocks is completed,” a metallic female voice said literally a second later. - The body is functioning normally, no deviations were found, physical condition is 88% of normal.

Listen, I can't mess with you! I still have nine autopsies to do today, so let's get moving. You are a freelancer, so they will come for you in about thirty minutes. Just sit in the waiting room for now... Can you hear me or not?! Rinse at least something!

I hear, I hear,” I muttered, finally clearing my brain. I didn’t want to take it out on this man - life had already punished him, so I waited until the last bar holding me back moved aside, sat down and took a deep breath. My head immediately began to spin, bunnies danced before my eyes, but I continued to sit - stop being weak, it’s time to grow up.

Shower straight ahead and to the left,” my interlocutor added, moving away from the cocoon, “the clothes are already there.” In general, I’m not your nanny, you’ll figure it out yourself. By the way, congratulations on your achievement! Getting released early is like a new level in the game. Even two...

Having said these words, the technician turned around and went about his business, so I had no choice but to put my feet on the floor and take the first step towards the indicated door. To my great surprise, I didn’t have enough for the second one...

I can’t explain what happened to my body, but as soon as I took the second step, my legs gave way, a wave of terrible pain passed through my body, twisting my muscles, and a hundred small fireworks exploded in my head, giving rise to interesting and strange thoughts: “Achievement for getting out of capsules! These are two levels! Where is my pleasure?

After eleven months of playing, I became so used to enjoying new stat levels or specialties that I stopped noticing them completely. Only particularly important cases, increasing Jewelry by several points, still forced me to kneel in sweet languor, subconsciously preparing my hands to create the next masterpiece. Next dose of drug for prisoners.

With a dull groan, I fell to the floor, ceasing to feel my own body - the desire to get a level increase overshadowed the rest of the world.

What, you suck? - the mocking voice of the technician broke through the fog of consciousness. - It’s okay, be patient, it should let go now. Lets everyone go...

The muscles were twisted so that all that was left was to wheeze and moan - the thirst for the “dose” was crazy. At some point in time I realized that the old technician was the reason why I was feeling so bad! It was he who did not give me a new dose, it was he who pulled me out of the capsule, it was he...

ABOUT! This is what bothers you! - a surprised voice rang out when I began to growl dully and crawl towards him to bite him to death. - Okay, you’ll bend over again, by chance. You will enjoy it.

A short flash of pain flashed in the shoulder area, after which a warm and stunningly pleasant wave of happiness spread throughout the body. My muscles relaxed, my bones stopped dancing a jig, my mind began to perceive this world again and I rolled over onto my back, completely oblivious to the fact that I was lying naked on the cold floor. My gaze rested on the white ceiling with the notorious fluorescent lamps, along which beautiful unicorns walked and collected bouquets of flowers. It’s strange, I don’t remember that Ishni had arms, this unicorn looks more like a centaur, only with a horn...

It seems like he’s only been in prison for a year, where did you manage to get hooked like that? - obscuring the centaur, who began to sing songs, the one-eyed face of the technician appeared before his eyes for the second time.

The level of reality perception is 35%, the patient is in the black zone of exposure, the recommended adaptation period is two months and fifteen days, the equipment summarized my condition. I wish I could thirst for her with the Spirit...

Black zone? - the technician’s single eye spread all over his face, revealing to me a terrible cyclops. So trust the NPC after this! They said that all the Cyclops were destroyed, but here one is standing right above me. - You know, soaring, I even wondered what happened to you.

The Cyclops pulled away, returning the joyful centaur to me. He continued to collect flowers and sing songs, when he suddenly raised his head up in fear, tucked his tail, and a moment later fell to the ground. The Master, a black Dragon, floated across the sky.

Majestically soaring the air with its huge wings, the Dragon fascinated and forced one to admire its power and beauty. His whole body was filled with power, he was the true master of this world, and no one and nothing could overthrow him from the throne. Even Sirens.

Anastaria...

Barliona...

I am Dmitry Makhan, a former prisoner...

The dragon flapped its wings one last time and disappeared, returning the whiteness of the ceiling to its place.

The level of reality perception is 85%, the patient has moved into the yellow exposure zone, the recommended adaptation period is fifteen days, the equipment responded instantly.

Cough,” the technician coughed. - What is this going on? Black, yellow. Listen, the doctors will arrive in ten minutes, let them take care of you themselves. The shower is right there, the clothes are right there. There’s no point in bothering me...

I sat up abruptly, not experiencing any discomfort at all - no dizziness, no weakness, no desire to feel the next “dose”. My entire consciousness at the moment was filled with one thing - hatred. I never thought that I could experience this terrible feeling, but it was precisely this that now became the formative core for an organism broken by constant pleasure. The hatred that gripped me was so enormous that if Nastya caught my eye now, I wouldn’t think twice about it... Although no, I don’t want to go to the mines a second time. We need to act more thoughtfully. We need... we need to take revenge, the main thing is to figure out how. This is what I will do immediately after I finish the adaptation.

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