Witcher: The Half Elf

The meeting didn't last long, and much of it had been consumed by Sabrina's rather extravagant "services." Despite this, Wayne had no intention of putting the sorceress in unnecessary danger. He was not the kind of leader who would sacrifice his allies carelessly unless the situation truly demanded it.

After finalizing their next steps and agreeing on a future rendezvous, they parted ways. The corrupted sorcerers of the Dark Society might lack sharp intellects, but their spellcasting abilities remained formidable. Caution was necessary to avoid exposing Sabrina's undercover role.

As Wayne made his way back to the manor, a familiar voice chimed in, breaking the quiet of the forested path.

"I find your world fascinating, Wayne," said Raani, her voice as calm and composed as always.

Raani's doll-like appearance remained unchanged from a few years ago. Her pristine, ageless exterior gave the impression of being untouched by time. However, her bond with Wayne had grown significantly closer, evolving into a relationship that could be described as friendship. She had taken on the role of his magic mentor, teaching him intricate magical principles and guiding his understanding of the world's arcane energies.

"Fascinating, you say?" Wayne responded, his curiosity piqued. "What caught your attention this time, Raani? Did you notice something unusual?"

Floating effortlessly, Raani's puppet form circled him briefly before settling gracefully on the branch of an apple tree. Her serene demeanor gave no hint of her boundless curiosity. She spoke with measured precision, her tone unwavering.

"Your world is governed by remarkably stable rules. Unlike many worlds, where chaos frequently disrupts order, this one operates under a consistent and unshakable system. Every entity, whether sorcerer, druid, or magical creature, is merely a product of these rules. Their abilities are limited to what the system permits.

"But what intrigues me most," she continued, "is the presence of destiny and prophecy. Spells that claim to foretell the future... This implies a preordained design. Could it be that your world is under the influence of some higher-dimensional entity, guiding these outcomes?

"And you, Wayne, who tread this path of destiny—do your actions stem from your own choices, or are they merely the result of a greater power manipulating your decisions?"

Raani rarely spoke at such length, and her musings were not without merit. Unlike her homeland, the Lands Between—a realm plagued by decaying rules and dead gods—this world was clearly shaped by a force that maintained its order. Her insights reflected a keen understanding of its inner workings.

Wayne, however, took her philosophical musings in stride. He smiled faintly, a spark of humor in his tone.

"Raani, your experiences have been limited," he said with a hint of playfulness. "In many worlds, rules are unyielding, but that doesn't mean they are controlled by some omnipotent being. Even gods, as powerful as they might seem, are bound by these rules. They can die, they can suffer, and their influence, no matter how vast, has limits."

"As for destiny," he added, "I've always been skeptical. Prophecies aren't so much about foretelling an unchangeable future as they are about identifying the most likely outcome based on current variables. They are probabilities, not certainties."

Raani was silent for a moment, her expression unreadable. Finally, she said, "Perhaps you are correct. But I remain unconvinced. For now, I'll focus on my research."

Her tone shifted slightly, indicating a new subject. "I have nearly completed my foundational studies of this world's arcane systems. It's time to delve into the deeper laws—ancient magic that predates the current era. The elves' arcane knowledge intrigues me, particularly that of their sages who brought their magic from another realm."

"I'll need access to their texts, as well as any ancient tomes you can procure from institutions like Aretuza and Ban Ard Academy."

Wayne chuckled at her straightforward request. "That's quite a shopping list, Raani. But I think it's manageable. Once this current mess is resolved, I'll arrange a visit to Aretuza. Dean Margarita owes me a favor, and I doubt she'll deny me access to the library. As for Ban Ard, I'll find a way to secure an introduction."

"As for the elves," he continued, "Francesca will likely grant my request. She values our alliance and won't refuse something so minor."

Wayne's confidence in his ability to acquire such coveted knowledge was well-founded. His extensive network and considerable wealth made even the most elusive resources attainable. After all, few could resist the allure of gold or the chance to build rapport with someone of Wayne's influence.

"But," he added with a mischievous grin, "you said this was a deal. What are you offering in return, Raani?"

After hearing Wayne's words, Raani's expression carried a hint of pride, though her voice remained calm and measured.

"You can gain the assistance of a master of magic," she said.

"A master magician proficient in every spell contained within the grimoire. I have also studied your Witcher mutations and developed an approach that could significantly improve the success rate of your Trial of the Grasses."

"I assure you, it will not disappoint."

...

Upon returning to the manor, no one noticed Wayne's brief absence. Most were still deep in their dreams. However, Aragorn and Alex were not present. According to Syanna, she had sent the two promising young men to the finest brothel in Cintra, where experienced and elegant ladies would "educate" them.

Syanna held a peculiar belief: exposing men to the realities of such encounters early would prevent them from being easily deceived by illusions of love later in life. Wayne was initially amused by her reasoning. Though unconventional, he decided against intervening. Instead, he ensured Syanna understood her actions shouldn't extend beyond this, punctuating his point with a rather personal demonstration of authority.

The next morning, Sabrina's efficiency bore fruit as she relayed critical intelligence.

Among the two fallen warlocks operating near Cintra, one—a male warlock named Quitto—was planning an assault on a village called Arbor in the Kingdom of Verden.

The village was remote, inhabited primarily by lumberjacks and hunters who sustained themselves by selling timber and game. Sabrina's intel indicated that Quitto's goal was not destruction but the acquisition of live "experimental materials"—villagers, to be precise.

Wayne found this intriguing. What kind of experiments required numerous living subjects? Could they be related to research on Princess Pavetta's Elder Blood?

The mystery warranted investigation.

The Kingdom of Verden lay nearly a day's journey from Cintra, but such distances posed no challenge to Wayne. While teleportation wasn't an option due to the lack of coordinates, his spectral steed, Udis, was more than up to the task. Swifter than any ordinary horse and unhindered by terrain, Udis closed the distance rapidly.

By the time Wayne arrived at Arbor Village, the sun was still above the horizon, and the impending attack had yet to begin.

The scene was one of tranquility. Dogs barked lazily as villagers prepared their evening meals. Children ran down narrow dirt paths, and hunters returned from the forest. The arrival of Wayne, mounted on the spectral Udis, drew curious and awed gazes.

For a brief moment, Wayne was struck with a pang of guilt, a rare sentiment for him. The monsters now plaguing the Northern Kingdoms stemmed, in part, from his own actions. While life in this era was already fraught with hardships—plagues, famines, and wars—a man like him was not one for undue sentimentality.

He dismissed the thought. Greater crises loomed on the horizon, from the inevitable Nilfgaardian invasion to the specter of the White Frost. Compared to these apocalyptic threats, the current monster scourge was but an ominous prelude.

"This is the place, Raani," he said after surveying the area.

"Open a portal here. If I'm to protect the villagers and deal with Quitto's monsters simultaneously, I'll need help. Summon my companions."