Chapter 8. The War

Aska left, and after she left, Kaas felt as if he have been dipped into a barrel of fatigue and stress.

"Where am I in a hurry? Only 5 days, and I am already making such rash decisions. Wow, martial arts, and she, as ill luck would have it, did not even try to dissuade me!"

"Such impulsiveness, it must have a reason."

"But there is no reason. It turns out that I invent problems for myself. Did I want to show myself off in front of the girl?"

"Or did I decide that once I was in another world, I should correspond to the book heroes from a past life? But, in those books, battles have always been an integral part of culture, because despite the magic and superpowers, those worlds were more reminiscent of the Middle Ages."

"But here, the world of the future!"

"It is clear that Aska will only be glad if I quickly join the local life, in addition, ratings, here are almost synonymous with the word "money", but ..."

At this thought, he stopped himself from worrying, and jabbed his finger at the icon where there was a record of the fights, only glancing at the slight tremor in his hand, but the scene that appeared distracted all his attention.

This time, there were not adults in the arena, but rather teenagers, about fifteen years old.

Looking at their duel, Kaas shuddered and goose bumps went down his spine…

There was no courtesy between the fighters, it was not sparring, but a real, ferocious battle.

"What did I get myself into? Why didn't I choose something with rules? It may be colorful and useless ... but safe!"

At this time, in the arena, one of the fighters, abruptly, in a jump, attacked the falling opponent with his knee into the body.

* crunch *

"What was it? Are these ribs?"

It's one thing to watch a fight on the screen, cheer, leave comments while eating dumplings with sour cream, and another thing, to understand that he himself signed up to participate in such a thing.

No matter which of the opponents hit, Kaas felt it as if he had come directly to him.

Yes, he is not fifteen, but only ten, and most likely their fights will not be so serious and fierce.

"Exactly, maybe I can study just for myself. It's unlikely that I'm going to be forced to perform in something like that."

"Besides, what's stopping you from getting into classes and becoming cool like him? In a couple of years ..." he asked himself dreamily looking at the winner, on whose knee there was a large red spot, the result of his victorious strike with consequences in the form of an open fracture of the opponent's ribs. And on his triumphant face, there was the same bloody hematoma - an elbow print.

Kaas paused the video. The competition, in fact, was of the highest quality and extremely exciting, but Kaas wanted to rest, and this sight, right now, did not help at all.

The main thing that he took out from there is that all the main strikes are there, everything is almost like on Earth. Two arms, two legs, one head, what new can people come up with in terms of techniques?

And yet, it became clear - it will hurt, will be very painful. After all, even his rather gentle training in the distant past did not look like a resort. And in the books that he loved so much, the main characters would laugh at such a simple test, they literally walked through the seas of fire and mountains of blades, while chopping hundreds of enemies like cabbage.

But books, these are books, paper will endure any fantasy.

"It seems that I disliked the language classes so much that I threw myself into a 'pit of fire'".

However, he did not even think to refuse. Surrender in the face of a beauty, showing yourself as a rag and a coward because of a workout routine? In addition, there are more than a thousand styles, perhaps martial arts play some role in this world?

"Conclusion? need to train!"

"What another conclusion can there be? Sport is needed in any case, and martial arts usually allow you to develop in a balanced way."

"And in general, why did I always want to study? To become strong, to be confident so that I can withstand any difficulties and dangers."

"Don't be a sissy! Do not get tired all the time and be in good shape". Of course, it would not be easy to explain this to a child, but years of experiences and regrets put the final point on this choice. Until this can harm, there will be only one benefit, the main thing is not to go crazy and not maim yourself.

"And yes, as I did not immediately think! Years of training before any performances!"

"Where to begin? Everywhere they wrote that the foundation or base was important, but usually, the legs and lower back were meant. However, this is only strength, the real basis is reflexes, they will help to avoid strikes, hit first, win before the enemy gets to me."

"Of course, reflexes without strength, like strength without reflexes, can be considered useless."

Kaas pondered, lying on the bed and looking at the ceiling, trying to convince himself that he needed to practice, train. Without realizing it, he finished off the full meal, recalling more and more scenes from his favorite web stories, where the hero bravely fought bad guys and rescued countless beauties.

With these fantasies, he fell asleep without making a single training movement.

***

* crash, crackle, noise of repair works *

"This neighbor again ..." Kaas grumbled in his sleep with displeasure, who once again did not manage to finish reading his book …

***

This intolerable noise literally pushed him out of sleep, it was so intense that it seemed to follow him into reality.

- What is it? Did you hear it? - grumbled the disoriented and not yet awakened Kaas, rubbing his eyes that did not want to open yet …

- No, I didn't, - Aska replied in a much more cheerful voice.

- So, I didn't dream about the repair works?

- Repair works? The repair was definitely a dream! This is war! - She shouted with almost undisguised delight.

Aska at that moment looked like a child who had unexpectedly received a box of her favorite chocolates as a gift.

- War? What kind of war? - gradually, more and more returning to reality, Kaas asked in an alarmed voice.

- The most real war!

- And who attacked us?

- Neighbors!

- What neighbors? - he asked, remembering the roar of repairs that Vaslilich arranged for him from the ninth floor at least once every six months.

- The Prius Republic!

Then Kaas finally woke up. But this did not help at all to understand what was happening.

- Aska ... - he began, but she didn't let him continue.

- Look!

A familiar scene appeared, but with an unusual landscape consisting mainly of windbreak and dust, and above it, in the bright morning sky, a bizarre-looking object was hanging, sparkling and shimmering with red-black-orange colors. Aggressive, elongated, majestic ...

Suddenly, it practically disappeared, leaving behind ripples and air-dust bubbles accompanied by a roar and crackling, small tongues of flame and even short electric discharges right in the atmosphere, which immediately disappeared one after another, as if accompanying this object. Following this, in the place above which the route of this object passed, the earth seemed to explode. Trees soared into the sky, turning into untidy, smoking debris, and even small stones soared into the air as if a powerful volcano had awakened beneath them.

Everything around was filled with clouds of dust spinning in the air as if they were alive, and there was the same sound that reminded Kaas of the sounds of repairs.

* ram-tam-tam-tam-tam *

The sound was more like the sound of a hammer drill, but it was accompanied by squeals and loud bangs.

The same object appeared on the stage again, but ... right there, as if ripples passed through it, its colors faded to a dark gray color, then, it began to fall and crumble, as if it were made of sand or dust. The chaotic gusts of wind raging around, caused by it literally a second ago, practically scattered it, and in a short moment, it disappeared, mixing with the surrounding disorder, smoke and dust.

- What's this? Enemies? Where did they go?

- These are hooligans! From Prius! They were destroyed! - then she stopped short, - Okay, wait, look ... - she said, and immediately, this object appeared again, and a man, apparently an announcer, talking about what was happening.

The scenes followed each other, at first there was only this object, but already with comments to it, and as it became clear to Kaas from some fragmentary words that he could understand that it was an ordinary vehicle, although it looked like a hybrid of a sports car, an airplane or a spaceship, then showed its cockpit and passengers.

In its booth there was a company, two guys and two girls, they all laughed, and their faces were painted with excitement. They spoke in an unfamiliar language, but translation into Kiva's language was present, and in addition to it, Aska's efforts were also translated into Russian.

From that, Kaas understood that these were really hooligans, more precisely, just some teenagers who decided to make some noise and tease others.

- Aska, can you briefly explain what is the matter and what has the war to do with it?

- Obviously, you saw how much destruction they caused, flying near our border! This is not the first incident, and earlier, they have already been warned!

The destruction was truly impressive. But it didn't get any clearer.

- Okay, - she said in a condescending tone, - you yourself heard this noise.

- You do not yet know that the city in which we live is located eighty kilometers from the border of Prius. And these were the children of high-ranking officials of the Prius Republic, and they, for the second time, arrange such a mess. Last time it cost compensation and warning, but the harm was many times less.

- Aska, but what does the war have to do with it? Were there many casualties? - Kaas repeated his question. As if in the old world on Earth there were few hooligans and incidents, albeit less large-scale, but usually, this did not lead to wars. However, flying at such speeds in the atmosphere, they really could easily destroy an entire city.

- There were no casualties among the people, and they brought more harm on their territory.

- And the war, - Aska with a serious expression on her face, sweetly squeezed her palms into fists, - in accordance with the international agreement on the preservation of borders and territories. If there is malicious harm to the country, war is declared!

- This is the law, and there was already a warning about this kind of incident. The evidence is written down and presented, look, the high guard will make a message now! - She said, gesturing sweetly and energetically.

The picture changed to the appearance of a majestic obelisk in the form of a white and black blade directed into the sky and as high as a good skyscraper. A person stood in front of it, but contrary to all Kaas's expectations, there was not a majestic hero, but a slender and young girl ...

- Aska, she's dressed the same as you! - suddenly exclaimed Kaas energetically pointing towards the stage with his finger.

It was the same military uniform as the one Aska was wearing right now, with the same cut and style, the same pure white color.

- No, I'm dressed like her! - Aska remarked with delight. - Isn't she really cool?

The girl, with light-golden hair, braided in two braids, intersecting at the level of the shoulder blades, stood facing the obelisk and with her back to the audience, as if performing some kind of ritual.

After a couple of local seconds, she turned around, a blade in her hand, in the same white style as her clothes. She was slightly less attractive to Kaas' taste than Aska. But who would be able to make a confident choice between the two perfections?

- Yes, she's beautiful, - he agreed reluctantly. Complimenting other girls is like walking into a restricted area, even though Aska's eyes literally glowed with admiration when she looked in her direction. It is still unknown what is better in such a situation, to praise or to remain silent.

- I'm not talking about beauty, - Aska objected indignantly, - Kaas, she became the supreme guard at twenty-two, when the former decided to retire! Do you remember what I told you about the contests?

- Yes of course.

- So, the only condition for participation is to be an adult, among almost one hundred thousand applicants, she reached the final with seven others, and as a result, she won the main test, completely defeating six of them in a duel!

- They did what? Fought? - Kaas stared at this fragile girl, apparently no more than fifteen years old, who right now, with a calm but stern look, seemed to be looking directly at him.

In his view, the last record of the fight over Zemtsu immediately surfaced, only the winner in his imaginary arena was this seemingly fragile and graceful girl, whose white clothes were covered in blood, but her gaze was the same, calm and resolute.

- Surely! And it was an amazing battle, they waged a virtual war, all against everyone, which lasted for a whole month. Her tactics and strategy are still used today as a shining example of ingenious and unexpected solutions, - Aska said with delight, immediately partially destroying Kaas's heroic fantasy.

- You said still? She looks no more than fifteen!

- Well, yes, Vasi Kariz, became an adult at the age of 14 and decided to stop her appearance in this state. At twenty-two, she became the supreme guard, now thirty-nine, and she has held her post for three five-year iterations without the slightest compromise.

Here Aska's fiery speech was interrupted by the High Guard herself, starting her speech.

- You already know what happened. The Prius Republic has tested our patience many times, each time going farther and farther in its disdain and petty provocations.

- But now! Millions have suffered! She said with an emphasis on the last word.

- Aska, but you said …

- Wait, listen!

Vasi Kariz, with small pauses, emphasizing the solemnity and importance of the moment, continued:

- Part of our western border is in disarray, the ecosystem is disrupted, the zone of aggression has affected eight cities.

- Violators were immediately stopped in accordance with international agreement and the laws of the Kiva.

- Acting on security protocol, I, the High Guard, Vasi Kariz, declare a state of war between the Kiva and the Prius Republic. - She said in a solemn tone, at the same time, taking out a blade from its scabbard, which was like a miniature copy of an obelisk, proudly waving it, pointed it to the sky and began to declare:

- Citizens of the Kiva who are on the territory of the Republic of Prius will be immediately evacuated.

- Citizens of the Prius Republic will be expelled from the Kiva, beyond the border line.

- Any relationship with the Prius Republic will be suspended for fifty years, or until otherwise decided.

- Any aggression against the citizens or the territory of the Kiva will be suppressed in accordance with the conditions of the state of war.

- All damage caused will be assessed and claimed for compensation.

- In case of refusal to transfer compensation, a decision will be made in accordance with the laws of the Kiva.

At this she finished her speech, and with a chopping motion, as if performing an execution, she lowered her sword. Without unnecessary gestures or pathos, she sheathed the blade in one graceful movement. The platform on which she stood in front of the obelisk became empty.

- You said that no one was hurt? - Kaas blurted out hastily.

- You asked about the victims, but nobody really died. However, from the point of view of the Kiva Law, even you suffered.

There was bewilderment in Kaas's eyes, which Aska immediately rushed to resolve:

- You were not allowed to sleep normally, noise, stress, and this despite the fact that our city is not the closest to the center of events, among the eight of which she spoke. There are about a million people living in each city, so count it.

- War, because I was not allowed to sleep?

- You can count it like that, but it's not that simple, - Aska shook her head, - don't think only about yourself, almost eight million citizens have suffered, fear, stress, interrupted business, many changed plans, injuries, ruined things. Even if individually these are trifles, but all together, this is already a big deal.

- In addition, a significant area that needs to be restored to its original form. And this is not only fallen trees, but an entire ecosystem.

- But war, Aska !?

- War? State of War! Every time to carry on endless empty dialogues, just wasting time, and this does not mean that we are going to destroy the Prius Republic right now. At least until they do stupid things out of a desire for revenge, for example. But you can be sure they won't like the consequences.

- Consequences?

- You heard of compensation!

- And what compensation can there be? Restore the forest, ecology, pay something to people who have not had enough sleep?

- You're thinking too simple. For starters, people will not be paid anything. You already know how insurance works, whatever the actual damage, it will be corrected.

- For example, which one?

- For example? - she thought, - if you dropped and broke something, it should be compensated. Or if you get injured you will have to be reinstated. Just an interrupted sleep, this is not only an interrupted sleep, every citizen will undergo an absentee examination, the degree of harm will be assessed and, depending on the results, treatment is offered if necessary. Data about your condition and its changes from the beginning of the incident are already recorded and will be transferred to the medical center.

- Apart from everything else ... how much do you think the mobilization of Kiva's army will be estimated? Losses from the severance of trade relations? Cost of deportation of citizens of the Republic of Prius and evacuation of citizens of Kiva back? And there won't be any discounted cost, it would rather be ten times the price!

Kaas took a deep breath in excitement.

- But if they do not want to release our citizens? Will they begin to take revenge?

- They won't start if they don't want the territory of their Republic to be cleared. Kiva's laws do not provide for any compromises.

- There is news right now, look.

On the scene shown, it was only clear that this was not Kiva, all the inscriptions were apparently in the language of the Prius Republic and the sounds of speech were incomprehensible.

- What should I look at?

- The parents of these teenagers were arrested pending clarification of the circumstances. And as it is said, so that they do not do even more stupid things. Among them are two high-ranking ministers. And most likely this is window dressing and an attempt to shift the blame on specific people. But such an event would not initially have happened without the approval of their large ruling circle, it is forbidden to move arbitrarily in any country on such powerful ships. You saw what such maneuvers lead to. But they will hide it in every possible way and make themselves look innocent.

- What if they are really innocent?

- Innocent? Is it not their problem what happens on their territory and is done by their citizens? They still have to pay compensation, to the last coin. And only after that, questions about the state of war, cooperation and so on will be raised.

- And if they don't want to pay?

- In this case, Kiva will certainly not attack. As a result, however, it will cost the Prius Republic a lot more. Kiva is not the last country on the planet, our technologies are in demand, and the allies are interested in cooperation with us more than with Prius.

- Besides, and perhaps even more important, - Aska said after a short pause, - the cost of advanced medical services in the Kiva is significantly lower than in other countries. Especially, everything related to youth and long life. For most officials, breaking off relations with Kiva for the declared fifty years is almost tantamount to death, or poverty, if they want to continue similar procedures in Great Lankia, for example.

- So, in the coming years, they will do everything to make up for all the damage as soon as possible.

- But why then did they do it? Couldn't not have known about the consequences?

- How do I know what's going on in their heads? Experts will think about this for a long time. Perhaps they did not believe that Kiva, where there is no central government, would go so far, they tested the limits of patience and determination. Or maybe they decided that Vasi Kariz, being a young girl, would not dare to do anything serious? There have been no major conflicts for almost a hundred years.

- Hmm ... - Kaas sat down helplessly on the bed, the morning, as they say, began on the wrong foot.

- Well, at least there is no real war, - he muttered helplessly, looking at his trembling hand and clenching it into a fist.

- Strictly speaking, we are now at war with two countries, but for you, this only means that the Prius Republic will be struck off the list of countries for school trips.