The Hunter's Code

The threats I've been facing in this world, well, it's like playing whack-a-mole.

The local aristocrats are still conspiring to put roadblocks in the path of the ever more powerful Bulatov Family. And then I have the offworlders from another world — they haven't gone anywhere, either.

They're still opening portals and sending through invaders, although, thus far, these attacks have been isolated grabs for loot and prisoners. A portal opens, offworlders dash out, get what they can, and retreat.

For me, the offworlders have generally been an irritant and not much more. In contrast, the aristocratic enemies within my new world have consumed far more of my energy. That being said, it looks like now, the offworlders have managed to unite, and take over the city neighboring Arkhangelsk.

Does that mean that it is now time for me to turn my attention to ushering out the guests from another world? And will this offworld threat force these local aristocrats to drop their hostilities and band together against our common enemy?

Hard to say, but, like usual, I can only really count on myself and my forces.

Let’s just hope I have what it takes to get the job done!

Mikhail isn’t greedy, no! He’s simply thrifty, practical. And he cannot fathom how anyone can leave trophies behind on the battlefield. No way does that mean he’s stealing them! And of course Mikhail isn't a slave master! Although those who he corralled into signing service contracts might not agree.

The earth mages, for example, who are still busy erecting all sorts of structures toward the successful development of Mikhail’s county. They work in three shifts with no days off.

Meanwhile, Mikhail continues to attract the notice of the emperor, who has even invited him to the capital for a reception....But is that a good thing? And how will the other aristocrats feel about it?

To anyone looking on, it would appear that a certain very young count is beset by too many enemies, especially considering that his Gift has nothing to do with combat. It’s as if the northern region that houses his county is a magnet for offworld invaders. But his enemies also include his competitors, and, of course, neighboring aristocrats who seek to seize the lands and assets of this impudent upstart, this Count Bulatov.

Only what does the count himself think about all this? It would seem that he shrugs off any concerns. You see, he knows full well that it is he who is a threat to his enemies. And if they fail to understand this, that's their problem.

The next book of the series! Me and My Demons (Book 2):

They were just a bunch of ordinary demonologists trying to summon an ordinary demon…but at the moment of summoning, something went wrong. Still, demon or demonologist – what was the difference to them, anyway? Either way, they were going to have fun.

My name is Konstantin and I am no ordinary demonologist. Most people fear demons, but in my case, it’s the demons who fear me…

Why, oh why, are so many loath to have dealings with Healers? In other worlds, at least, everyone knows how powerful Healers of his rank are. But why is it no one realizes how great Healers are at negotiating and concluding contracts? And, moreover, they’re fabulous managers.

Although that might well be why there are few who want to do business with them. Not when they can make geese work. And if Mikhail can force poultry and pigeons to work for him, what hope do mere people have of not falling into bondage under him?

Prince Boschild of Liechtenstein. A man chosen by the emperor himself to maintain order in this small principality. However, the Empire’s glorious ruler clearly underestimated Boschild’s greed and ambition.

Before I, Theodore the Babylonian, arrived in Liechtenstein, things had been plain sailing for the prince. He’d just carried on taking care of state matters, not forgetting to take care of himself in the process. What’s more, he’d been bringing our enemies’ long-term plans to fruition as he did so, which would have ended… very badly indeed. Both for the principality and for the Empire.

But Liechtenstein’s citizens now have me to protect them, and I won’t let anyone harm them.

Dark clouds continue to gather over the small principality of Liechtenstein. Or, more precisely, over its citizens, the common people. The aristocrats and authorities have been weaving their little schemes, and the rebels are still pursuing their own ends. All of them hide behind eloquent slogans, but in reality, they are totally uninterested in the people’s welfare.

Fortunately, however, the citizens of Liechtenstein have a protector — me, Theodore the Babylonian, along with my friends and my guard regiment.

Gangsters, aristocrats, offworlders... What difference does it make? To Mikhail Bulatov, none whatsoever. Any of them could be friend or foe, and he could care less what world they’re from or what their place is in the social order. As for his enemies, any conversation will be equally brief, even if different in content. And yes, those out to get him are ramping up their efforts, and increasing in number. Not that there’s any question of his ability to handle it all. That being said, he must not lose sight of who he is. First and foremost, he is a Healer.

The next book of the series! The Healer's Way (Book 7):

Mikhail came here from a world where not just force, but also a man’s word meant something. But here in his new home, it was different. Not only were there few here who possessed strong Gifts, or were truly powerful mages, there were still fewer who knew how to keep their word.

How, then, was he to restore the status of the Bulatov Family? Of course, as the head of the Family, Mikhail would never give up, and he always managed to find a way to outsmart his adversaries. But since this world was lacking in specialists who were honest, much less competent, he might as well expand his horizons in his quest for worthy allies. Yes, let's see what another world might offer. How about a specialist in artifacts who is rather antisocial, preferring to study necromancy and the magic of death in peace and quiet, even if he was sometimes the victim of boredom? Why not find reliable companions to secure the comeback of the Bulatovs?

Yes, slowly but surely, Mikhail was finding the kind of company he needed, and the castle and lands were growing ever stronger, as was Mikhail himself, although the alien invasions were proliferating, bringing new, even more forbidding adversaries. So expect more adventures, surprising challenges, and more fun!

A good Healer, they say, must use his Gift professionally. Really? No one in my past world would spout such nonsense! Everyone there knew full well what a Healer from the Order was capable of... And they also know that a Healer doesn’t have to kowtow to anybody. But now, I’m no longer in that world. And in this world, I am not only a great Healer, I am also a great count, one that can do far more than heal, as my enemies know full well. But little do they know that I’ve only just begun! I’m on my way to restoring the Bulatov Family’s fiefdom, and I have everything I need now, including forces from another world. Yes, why wouldn’t Offworlders want to serve me? After all, the benefits I provide are excellent, especially the health care. Of course, in return they must work hard... What can I say? Either work, or keep out of my way!

The next book of the series! The Order of Architects (Book 3):

An heir without an inheritance. A weak Mage with huge potential and a wealth of experience. A young man living a second life. That’s me, Theodore the Babylonian.

I am getting to grips with life in Liechtenstein, little by little. But the time has come to get back what is rightfully mine. Most importantly, however, I must show everyone that what’s mine is sacred.

And anyone who has their eye on it… Let’s just say, I wouldn’t want to be in their shoes.

It seems that my former power is gradually returning to me in my new body. I still have all my past experience, however, and everything is proceeding just as it should.

How quickly can I earn money and build my reputation? No, I'm not going to resort to killing and looting. I'm an Architect, after all! I'm going to craft and build things! That's how Architects work! The time has come to rebuild my empire. So… I might end up having to do some killing and looting, after all. I'm not short of enemies…