The next morning after the battle beneath the orchard brought with it a crisp new wind. I stood alone in the manor's garden. I was taking in the sunlight as I was practicing my sword swings. I was shirtless, and the morning sun's as it's light touched my rich light brown skin. It was warming my screaming muscles that were dripping in sweat.
I use to do this back when I wanted to level up my swordsmanship at Kaer Morhen.
But ever since it reached level 6, my progress has slowed down significantly. Even with my trait lustful obsession, I can only go so far. It doesn't help since I can't tell how much I progress I make in my skills progression until it reaches the next level.
I then summoned the Moon shadow Blade, and BlackBrother, from my hidden inventory. I then began practicing dual wielding. Vesemir never taught us this, saying. "It takes away from casting sign magic with our free hand."
While he isn't wrong, there should be a way of improving that method. Maybe learning quick chantless magic? Or using better swords with stronger runic crest magic. The only problem is I would need to find a runesmith who can bring out their full magical strength. Or I would need to learn how to do it myself.
After swinging my swords for a hour, I stopped when I received a ping from the system.
[System Notification]
[Skill level update Swordsmanship Level 6→ 7(Intermediate)]
Effect: Basic proficiency with swords has increased.
Passive Bonus: +5→ 9% accuracy and efficiency with sword attacks and parries.
Nice, did dual wielding double my experience for my skill proficiency? I wonder if I did the same with sign magic or my other skills will it have the same effect? I might just spend all day and night testing this theory. I then felt my blood rush with excitement. I was about to dive deep into training until I received a ping from the system. Then another feeling rushed through me and it calmed my nerves.
[System Notification]
Ability: Cold-Blooded has activated. Your mental state has returned to normal.
As I read that notification I realized my burning motivation disappeared almost instantly. Man this is weird. How can I have abilities and traits that can contradict each other. I noticed it doesn't happen always. But sometimes my traits and abilities activate with no problems and sometimes they even work with each other. I wonder what's the trick to getting them to work like that all the time.
I then looked at my Elder blood trait. I wanted to see how many ability points I need to increase it's rank.
Trait: Bloodline: Elder Blood(Novice)
Requirements to level up: (0/2) Ability Points or Absorb one Void portal (Rank: Common).
My eyes widen from reading that. So I can absorb Void portals now? Wait so the Void portals will have ranks now as well? Man this is a lot to take in. But there has to be a catch. Probably if I absorb the void portal I probably would fail a possible quest. Or I might lose access to the world it was gonna send me to.
Well either way the quests help strengthen my Elder blood trait. So I will grow stronger no matter what. I then placed my two Ability Points into my Elder Blood trait. The system then began to send me multiple alerts.
[System Notification]
Requirements to advanced Elder Blood: (0/2)→ (2/2) Ability Points.
Trait: Bloodline: Elder Blood(Novice)→Elder Blood(Intermediate)
Effect: Your affinity with magic has strengthen greatly.
Bonus: The stat mana has been unlocked. (True mana has yet to be unlocked)
[New Skill Acquired - Mana Burst Level 1]
Effect: Your body can explode with the power of mana. All attacks, physical and magical will be increased by 10% for 3 minutes. Afterward you will be exhausted. Cool down recommended after use is 24 hours.
Bonus: The higher your quality of mana gets the stronger your spells will be. Mana burst will grant more power. Less mana will be required to cast spells, and rituals.
[Skill Update - Warp Level 1]
Effect: You will be able to teleport 6→9 feet from any location you are in.
Wow this is amazing. With just two ability points I manage to unlock my mana. Not only that, but I gained stronger magical ability and I can learn ands use spells. But I wonder why my sign magic levels didn't increase like last time? And what does it mean by True Mana?
Well I can figure that stuff out later. I am surprised my Warp level didn't increase, but the distance for teleportation did. I should definitely start learning to increase it's at some point. I need to do that for my other skills and abilities as well.
I then decided to put my swords back in my inventory, and grab a towel to wipe the sweat from my body.
After cleaning up and putting on my regular gear. I stepped outside to find Callum and Calanthe. Callum had a half eaten apple in his hand. While Calanthe was speaking to him. From what I could tell from my Witcher senses, she was talking about how their mother has some strange taste.
Then when she noticed me her eyes widen in awe, and her attention focused on me.
"Cain, What happened to you?" I furrowed my brow with confusion from the question.
Wait! Can she tell that I unlocked my mana?
Callum eyes narrowed on me as well. " Hey Cain, how are you feeling?"
"Fine. Well better then fine actually. Why?".
Calanthe with intrigue. "...I can sense magic radiating off of you. And you weren't like this yesterday."
So my theory was spot on. They can tell I have unlocked my mana.
"What does that mean then? Your gonna teach me magic or something?" I said half heartedly, waiting to see what she says.
Calanthe expression of awe turned to one of excitement. The closer I walked towards them.
Then with a predatory look on her face she spoke. "Oh Cain I will do more then teach you. I can feel your magical energy and it feels somewhat different. Tell you what I will teach you magic and spells, but you let me experiment on your body a little."
I took a step back after hearing that statement. "What do you mean by experiment on me?"
I noticed Callum began to look at her with narrowed eyes. It felt like he was used to this and saw it coming.
"It's quite simple Cain, let me take some of your blood, skin and other bodily fluids. And I will teach you how to hone your magical abilities."
Well that isn't half of a bad idea. But can I trust her is the real question. Sorceress' aren't the most trust worthy bunch in the world. Even if I wait that doesn't mean Francesca is trustworthy either. But it doesn't hurt to learn a thing or two before finding her.
I then offered a half-smile. "Fine you have a deal, but I have conditions."
"I be disappointed if you didn't. Go ahead Cain, and make your demands."
"First. Any and every discovery you make from my body you tell me about it. No matter how big or small it might be."
"No problem, what else?"
"Second. You don't put anything in and on my body without telling me. Or without my permission, that includes putting spells, hexes, and whatever else in and on my body. Items are included."
Calanthe smirked. "Those wont be necessary anyway, but I respect the wording and the sense of caution. It shows your are smart."
"Thank you, but I have one more condition. You will not divulge any of my secrets you see me preform to anyone but your brother if he doesn't already know."
Calanthe nodded. "Yes, yes. Keep your secrets a secret. I can promise you on my brothers life I will not divulge them."
"Hey don't you dare swear on my life you experimental freak. I remember how mom punished you when we were little. You experimented on one of the village girls that got mud on your new dress. The next day she lost all her hair, and broke out into hives. And then after you were caught you casted a ritual on her. It made her walk around the village speaking gibberish." Callum said.
"It wasn't gibberish, it was elder speak. You just never learned it so you didn't know it."
"My point is don't swear on my life. My life is already dangerous enough as it is. So please don't add more to it."
I chuckled. These two remind me of me and my sisters from my past life. My sisters. Now that's a thought I haven't had in a long time. I honestly can't even remember their faces anymore. I wonder if I will ever see them again.
I then turned to walk to the castle. "Come on you two, lets go see your parents about our reward.
By mid morning all three of us were in the castle's audience chamber. Lady Meressa stood next to the lord who was seated. Lord Holic, sat next to her with his guards around the room. I noticed Wem was off to the side.
Meressa welcomed us with a nod. "The corruption has been purged. Whatever those druids were doing has come to an end, and the village can breathe easier again. The local nature shall recover overtime."
Callum and I offered brief bow's, while Calanthe stepped forward to recount the battle. She spared no detail, from the runes she recognized. To the magically corrupted Leshen's emergence and the battle that took place. Then to the final blow I delivered. She named all three of us equals in the victory.
When she finished, Meressa turned to the Lord. "Lord Holic?"
Halric's jaw tightened. His gaze passed from his children to me.
I met his gaze directly.
To everyone's surprise, Holic stood, and looked towards Callum and Calanthe
"Callum and Calanthe. You both have done well to live up well to my name, I thank you. I am glad you both were here to help this village." He then stared back at me. "Cain your skills are very adequate. Word travels fast around Hillstead of your skills and how helpful you are."
He then gestured a nod to Wem. He approached us with three filled pouches. "You will each receive 400 crowns. You will also receive rooms inside the castle or the worker houses. This is for whenever you choose to reside in Hillstead, while I am still head of the estate."
That made the three of us widen our eyes in surprise of the Lord's statements. I didn't expect him to say any of this. From the looks on the twins faces neither did they. I don't expect to come back here on my own, but 400 crowns feels nice. Plus free housing is a good bonus.
We then nodded. Taking the bag of coin. "We appreciate your hospitality."
Holic's gaze lingered on me a moment longer. Then Wem handed me a sealed letter.
"This is a letter of introduction to the queen of Cintra. Give it to here once you are there. I don't have that much influence, but it says you are skilled and seek to form political alliances. You can do the rest by letting your skills impress the nobles. Remember this. She is a lioness of a woman, but she is trustworthy. Just be mindful you will have to work twice as hard to ear her trust. This is because you are of elven descent, and she is in constant conflict with them, for waiting to take back their ancestral land. Do not make me regret doing this, and do not bring shame to my house."
I was surprised to hear that. I was even more surprised to get this letter with his backing. I thought he doesn't like elves but here he is helping me? I don't know why, but I won't look a gift horse in the mouth.
"Thank you my Lord. I appreciate this, and I will make sure not to embarrass you or your family. Should you ever need my help in the future I will answer you call."
Holic just stared at me with a analyzing gaze. "See that you do. Especially if you should happen to make something of yourself Witcher." He said coldly.
Later that evening, the village came alive.
Lanterns were strung from rooftop to tree, musicians played from atop wagons, and long tables were filled with bread, roasted meats, mead, and laughter. Children danced in circles, farmers toasted one another, and guards mingled freely with their neighbors.
I was busy cooking up a storm for the people of the village. I saw this as a perfect opportunity to level up my cooking skill. Plus the Lady Meressa, had offered me 500 orens to cook for all of Hillstead. I even received a quest. Not to mention she provided me with plenty of ingredients. So used everything to make some new dishes I remembered from the Witcher wiki page.
Fried Groats from Blaviken Inn: Groats (such as barley, buckwheat, or spelt) that have been cooked and then fried in fat. Served with a sunny-side-up fried egg on top.
Effect: First time Permanent Buff (+4 Strength). 24 hour buff (+2 Strength, + 1 Constitution)
Roasted ham & baked apples: Tender, juicy pork is marinated in a sweet and savory honey apples mixture, giving it a complex flavor profile. It's then roasted with dark stout beer, which adds a bitter, smoky undertone. The dish is further spiced with caraway, cloves, and nigella seeds for a full-bodied finish.
Effect: First time Permanent Buff (+1 Strength, +2 Intelligence). 24 hour buff (+1 Strength, +1 Intelligence)
Baked Apple: A baked apple stuffed with dried fruits and a caramel-rum sauce.
Effect: First time Permanent Buff (+2 Intelligence, +1 Wisdom). 24 hour buff (+1 Intelligence, +1 Wisdom)
The food was simple to cook, and everyone loved it. By the time I finished cooking I everything used up all the ingredients. I made sure to same some for myself. I wanted to make sure to take the first time buffs. Then the system ping.
[System Notification]:
[Skill level update Cooking Level 5→ 6(Intermediate)]
[Stat Update – Physical Growth Detected]: +5 Strength. +3 Intelligence. +1 Wisdom]
[Rare Quest Complete:[Chef of Hillstead]
Objective: Have the village of Hillstead fall in love with your cooking.
Rewards: +4 Stat points to Charisma. 1 Rare Equipment Chest.
Nice my cooking skill increased along with my stats. I wonder what will happen when I get to the advanced skill setting? Will my stat buffs increase greatly? Maybe I should start learning to add mana into my cooking. That could help my mana stat increase with my cooking skill, and other stats as well.
I decided to open my status window and open and invest my stat points.
[Status Window]
Name: Cain Age: 15
Race: Half-Elf (Mutated)
Title: Monster Hunter(Novice) (Currently Equipped) (+1)
Class: Witcher (Wolf School)
Trait: Bloodline: Elder Blood(Intermediate)
Strength: 33 (+1)
Dexterity: 30 (+1)
Constitution: 29 (+1)
Intelligence: 30 (+1)
Wisdom: 31 (+1)
Charisma: 21 (+1)
Luck: Unknown
Mana: 5 → 12
Stat Points: 7→ 0
Ability Points: 0
Abilities & Skills:
Mind's Eye: Level 2
Cold-Blooded
Swordsmanship: Level 7 (Intermediate)
Meditation: Level 3
Cooking: Level 6
Alchemy: Level 3
Regeneration: Level 1
Poison Resistance: Level 2 (Toxicity Threshold:0/150)
Warp: Level 1
Mana Burst Level 1
Sign (Magic):
Aard – Level 5
Igni – Level 5
Yrden – Level 5
Quen –Level 5
Axii – Level 5
Heliotrope – Level 5
Inventory:
Black Brother Sword
Elven Set( Moon shadow Blade, Spirit Hood, Necklace of Harmony)
Cat School Set( Hooded Cloak, Enhanced Boots, Enhanced Trousers)
Superior Wolf School Bracers
Runestone: Lesser Glyph: Aard, Quen
Runestone: Quen
Potion of Minor: Vitality (2), Elixir of Clarity (1), Tonic of Fortitude (1), Greater Vitality (1)
Scroll of: Lesser Restoration, Cure Wounds (Minor)
Gem: Topaz (1) Sapphire (1) Garnet (1) Amethyst (1)
Potion of : Bear, Cat, Reflex, Heroism, Arcane Focus
Elixir of Recovery (2)
1 Rare Equipment Chest
Broken items: 4
Mysterious Lockbox (Mythical)
Broken Key Fragment (1/6) (Mythical)
I can't believe my mana stat was so low. But I have to start somewhere. I will use different methods later to increase it besides stat points. Maybe I should try the eastern meditation method to help me. What was it called again? I think cultivation.
I really don't remember most of the Chinese manhua I read that talked about it. I think Korean manhwa talk about it in some way to. But I believe they're cultivation method focused more around ascending magic circles, while creating one or more mana cores in their body.
I remember that one the most so I will try that and see how it works. It should help me improve the quality of my mana in some way. And if the method does work. I will use it to help recruit some sorcerers and sorceresses' to my side.
But for now I'm gonna relax and enjoy this festival, I earned it.
I then sat with Callum and Calanthe near a central fire pit. We were stuffing their faces with the food. While others around us were speaking of tales from the past.
Wem then came over and shared some of his stories. Callum and I found out Wem new Vesemir. They crossed paths multiple times over the years. The old man even taught Wem a thing or two when they had to kill a den of Bruxa. Apparently they were hiding as brothel. While the ring leader worked as a assistant to the village mayor. That way the Bruxa were able to stay atop of any big news in the town.
"Wow you never told me that story Wem." Callum chuckled.
Wem drank his ale before speaking. "Because you were to young to hear that story kid. Your mother would have cursed me or something if she found out."
The villagers came by one after the other giving praise or asking what's it like being a Witcher. Their fear and distrust of me had disappeared.
Then Lord Holic stood on a stage, a goblet in hand.
"People of Hillstead," he began, loud enough for all to hear, "This village has stood for generations. It has weathered war, plague, and now darkness beneath our very feet. But we are here because of these three heroes." He said gesturing to us. "Two were born of this village and are my children and one is from unknown lands. They stood and fought back the night."
He raised his goblet towards the three of us.
"To Cain and Callum the Witcher's and protectors of Hillstead. And to Calanthe, the greatest sorceress to come from our humble Hillstead."
The three of us were surprised by his statement and declarations. We just raised our own cups in silent acknowledgment.
The cheer was thunderous.
Later, as the celebration carried on, I stepped away from the crowd and the light of the fire, moving toward the shadows near the castle's hill. I needed a moment of quiet. My social battery was drained.
But the quiet didn't last long.
I heard quite footsteps approached softly on the stone path. I turned to see Lady Meressa. Her dress a shade darker than wine. It clung gently to her bountiful figure. Her neckline was modest but low enough it reveal a not so modest amount cleavage. Her cheeks were flushed, either from the wine or a mixture of the cold air and fire from the celebration.
She stood close, very close. Close enough that I could smell the floral undertone of her perfume. It was mint and vanilla.
"You did more than I had expected," she said softly. "I thought I should give you a gift."
I tilted my head. "What do you mean? I basically earned 900 orens working for you? Or do you mean the letter and the Lord's toast in front of the village?"
She had a faint sly smiled on her face. "I selected the amount you all would be paid. But yes the toast was my idea. I could tell how the villagers looked at you, and I believed it would help you create connections. But lord Holic chose of his own volition to give you the introductory letter. It seems like he see's something in you, it might be the same thing I see as well."
This is interesting. I can't read her and that puts me on edge. The world of the Witcher is very political, it just also happens to have magic and monsters too. I need to pay close attention to her. She could be a great future ally, or another pair of eyes I should watch out for.
I gave a slow nod. "And what do you see in me?."
"Let's say I see your potential. A Witcher with a political mind, and magical power to back his blade along with his ambitions. No one has even seen something like you before. And I believed I should align with you incase you grow into a powerful figure one day. And what's even more interesting I can sense magical energy radiating off you. Its not much but it wasn't their yesterday. And it seemed to have slightly increase since this morning when I last saw you. You are a mysterious case Cain. And like my daughter I like to understand all the mysterious things around me."
She leaned in slightly, her hand reaching to my crotch. Her voice was silky and smoothed.
"So Cain, will you let me understand you?" She said her hand caressing my chest
I was surprised and lost for words. I didn't know if I should have told this woman my age, but I didn't know the age of consent or if the people of this time even had one.
But what hit me the most in this moment was how hard I was getting.''
Meressa smiled with Joy. "My... oh My. Young, tall, strong and hung. You really are full of surprises Cain. So tell me have you been with a woman yet?"
This was bad. My goddam enhanced Witcher hormones are going crazy. It doesn't help that I'm also going through puberty right now. I haven't been with a woman since my past life. And I be lying if I said I didn't want to bend this sexy MILF over and blow her back out.
But I can't for so many reasons. The most important one being, She is Callum and Calanthe's mom.
"No. I haven't. Not to mention I'm only 15, and your children's close friend?" I said hoping that would kill the mood, cause it didn't kill mine.
But Meressa's smile just grew bigger. "I don't mind being your first Cain, I will consider it a honor to show you the ways to please a woman's body. And 14 is the same age most boys enlist in military. And as for the fact that your friends with my children. They simply don't have to know. She said chuckling.
In that instant I folded hearing those words of confirmation. Meressa then guided me to the house near the bottom of the castle hill. Her former home before moving to the castle. Meressa then snaped her fingers and multiple candles in the house lit on fire.
She then waved her hands, and her dark red dress vanished. My clothes did the same, and reappeared on the dresser neatly folded. She then gestured me to bed.
"Now Cain follow my lead and I will show you the body of a woman."
Lady I know the ways to please a woman, and that look of surprise on your face when I ravage you will be worth it.
Outside Callum and Calanthe saw me leaving close with their mother. Callum's smile disappeared, and his face looked calm and composed. He then saw the elven woman Tilda. He then the celebration with her. The two were arm and arm, as they left for her place.
While Calanthe face gave away more of how she was feeling. The air around her hummed with magical power. She then grabbed a bottle of wine and headed back to the castle. She was muttering curses in elder speech.