Sergei smiled sarcastically, putting one hand on Valeria's shoulder and pulling her closer to him. With his other hand, he gently introduced the blade to her waist, feeling her nervous tension. "Always watch your back, baby," he whispered in her ear, enjoying her fear.

Oleg, who was training them at that moment, could not stand it and snapped: "Give me the knife, and take a couple of steps away from her." His voice was full of determination and discontent.

Sergey indifferently gave the knife to Oleg, not even trying to resist. Anyway, they were at Valeria's house, training her to become the new plague doctor. Valeria didn't like all this-deaths, attacks, explosions-but she agreed to it for the promised solution to all her problems. She did not argue, although her inner anxiety did not leave her.

Suddenly Valeria heard someone knocking on the door upstairs. She turned to leave the basement and open the door for a new guest, but Oleg stubbornly put his hand on her shoulder, stopping her. "Let Sergei meet the new guest," he said, and his words made Sergei smile broadly. His eyes lit up with anticipation.

When Sergei went upstairs, his steps were quick and decisive. He theatrically opened the door, peering through it with an almost insane smile. "Oh! You're Lera's friend, aren't you? Well, don't stand on the threshold!" His voice was full of sarcasm and slight madness, which only enhanced his charisma.