The moment Callum began to outpace me, I knew the duel had crossed an invisible threshold.
His strikes came harder now—shorter, tighter arcs of violence that carried crushing power behind them. Every clash rattled my arms to the bone. My parries were still clean, my reactions sharp, but I was being forced backward, boots grinding into the dirt as each exchange stole ground from me.
Callum was smiling. Not a mocking or cruel smile. It was the smile of a predator enjoying the hunt.
His emerald, cat-slit eyes burned with ferocity, locked onto me with absolute focus. In that moment, I was more then his brother, or his rival Witcher—I was his prey.
Steel screamed as our blades collided again and again, sparks bursting like fireflies between us. The crowd roared, though it felt distant, muffled by the pounding of blood in my ears.
That's when it happened. Our swords met in a brutal crossing strike—too much force, and momentum, from our superhuman strength, for these regular steel blades to handle, all packed into a single instant.
CRACK.
The sound was sharp and unmistakable.
Both our blades snapped. The upper halves spun through the air before clattering uselessly into the dirt.
Silence slammed down over the arena. No one talked, but they were on the edge of their seats to see what we would do next.
For a heartbeat, neither one of us moved. I stared at the broken hilt in my hand, then tossed it aside without ceremony. Callum did the same, his smirk widening as he rolled his shoulders loose. "Well," he said lightly, stepping forward. "Now things are getting interesting."
He dropped into a fighting stance.
So did I. But mine was more focused on CQC I had learned from my past life in the military.
Here we go. Bare hands. No steel. No Witcher Signs. No tricks. Just skill.
I exhaled slowly, centering myself. The Witchers of this world fought with swords. They were Brutal, efficient, and effective. But their hand to hand combat is just slightly better then the average commoner or peasant. Compared to my knowledge their techniques are unrefined, but their superhuman strength and reflexes will make a whole world of difference. What they lacked was structure beyond killing intent with normal people. They didn't understand modern martial disciplines, leverage, transitions, joint manipulation, or the principals. Why would they, they were made to fight monsters.
But Callum is a anomaly. He grows stronger in the middle of fighting and adapts quickly. If I couldn't beat Callum with a blade, I would beat him with technique, but I would have to be quick.
Callum didn't give me time to settle into the thought. He moved quickly. The distance between us closed in an instant, his right fist snapping toward my head with terrifying speed. I brought my forearm up just in time to block— Impact exploded through my bones.
The punch still landed. Pain lanced up my arm as the force rattled my shoulder. Before I could recover, his leg swept low, shin smashing into my own with bone-jarring force. I hissed through clenched teeth as pain flared white-hot.
Then it hit me. Callum wasn't just fighting. He was copying me from when I used these same techniques on him back at Kaer Morhen.
I saw it in the way he moved. Every movement. Every shift of weight. Every transition I had ever shown him at Kaer Morhen during our sparring—and late-night training sessions when I'd slipped into habits from my past life—he mirrored them flawlessly.
Military CQC. Boxing , Wrestling. He'd watched. Learned and adapted. And now he was using my own techniques against me. This was getting bad now. if he got me with holds I was screwed. He was still a lot stronger then me.
The crowd gasped as we exchanged blows faster than the eye could track—jabs, hooks, elbows, knees—superhuman speed turned raw martial combat into a blur of motion. Dirt flew beneath our feet. As our sweat sprayed with each impact.
From the royal box, Tristan leaned forward sharply.
" It's over," he said under his breath.
Queen Calanthe turned to him. "What do you mean?"
"With blades, Callum would've had the advantage," Tristan said grimly. "But unarmed… Cain's techniques is more refined. Callum's strikes are fast and powerful, but he wastes motion. He relies on instinct. As to the Witcher Cain who looks like he is in complete control of the situation."
As if on cue, the truth of his words became truth. Callum lunged with another heavy right hook.
I took the hit to the ribs, and felt something crack.
The air exploded out of my lungs as pain knifed through my side. I staggered, vision blurring for half a second—but I didn't fall.
This ends now. I thought.
Before he could retract his arm, I moved. I caught his wrist, pivoted my hips, and pulled. The motion flowed seamlessly—muscle memory guiding me as I turned his momentum against him. With a over-shoulder throw.
Callum's feet and body left the ground.
The crowd erupted as he slammed into the dirt with earth-shaking force. I followed him down instantly, keeping control of his arm, rolling with him and locking my legs into position. Putting him into a arm bar.
I tightened the hold, controlling his shoulder, and isolating the joint. The arena fell deathly quiet as they were surprised by what I was doing.
Callum grunted, muscles bulging as he struggled. And then— He started lifting me.
My eyes widened. "What the hell is wrong with this kid?" I thought grimly.
His strength surged, raw and growing, his arm trembling but rising inch by inch against the lock. I tightened my grip, applying more pressure—not to cripple him, but to force the issue. "I don't want to hurt you," I said through clenched teeth. "Yield."
Seconds passed.
Then a full minute.
Finally, through ragged breath, Callum growled, "I… yield."
I released him instantly. The crowd exploded.
I then rose to my feet and offered him a hand. He took it, letting me pull him up, laughing breathlessly.
"Damn, Cain," he said, rubbing his arm. "What was that move? Thought you were about to tear my arm off."
I snorted. "You're one to talk. Seriously what is with that monstrous strength of yours."
Callum grinned wider. " I can't explain it, I always been like that. But you've got to teach me more of that stuff."
I studied Callum for a moment, then extended my hand again.
"Are we good?"
Callum clasped my forearm tightly. "Of course, brother."
The announcer's voice rang out over the cheering crowd. "Victory goes to the Witcher Cain!"
I lifted Callum's arm, earning another wave of thunderous applause. I then glanced toward the stands. Calanthe still looked at me with indifference—but it seemed softer now a little less cold.
Queen Calanthe and Pavetta clapped openly, the young princess beaming.
And then there was her. The Elven woman from earlier. Her blue eyes pierced straight through me, she seemed unreadable, but I felt as if she was assessing me .
That's when the system pinged:
System Notification: Rare Quest Complete
"Nobility of a Witcher Knight"
Rewards Received: 1 Rare Chest. +1 Ability Point
Bonus Rewards: +2 Charisma. +2 Strength. +2 Wisdom. 1 Mysterious Gift Box
Nice I managed to complete the quest and the bonus objectives. I wonder what this mysterious gift is. If it's anything like the last one I might be sent to another world. I closed the interface and turned back to Callum, smirking.
" You know this puts me up by one."
Callum laughed. "Don't get comfortable Cain. I'll beat you twice next time."
Later that day, in private, Callum and I stood before Queen Calanthe and Princess Pavetta. Calanthe stood off to the side next to the elven Woman. Tristan , Eist Tuirseach, and Stregobor stood near the queen. The air was heavy with formality, I feel like things aren't going to be so simple as getting the money.
"I apologize for the delay Witcher's," the Queen said smoothly. "The crowd would not appreciate seeing two Witcher's leave with so much coin. Especially one being a elven"
Tristan stepped forward, presenting two heavy bags.
"Cain, for being the winner of the tournament" the Queen said, " I present you your prize of five hundred ducats."
Then to Callum, "Two hundred and fifty ducats for being the runner up."
We accepted the bags bowed deeply in thanks. "Thank you your grace," we said in unison.
Then she continued. " Now that the matter is take care of, I have a question for you two young monster hunters. Would either of you accept squire ship under Sir Tristan? Cintra could use two young warriors of your caliber. With the years of training you both have done I doubt you would remain a squire for a full year to half of one."
Callum and I were a little surprised. We knew the tournament was used to recruit up new talent, but I didn't think she would still ask us since we are Witcher's. Not to mention me being half elven.
Callum declined politely. " I am honored your Grace, but I will have to decline this gracious offer. Should you ever be in the market for a Witcher to solve your problems, I will gladly answer the summons as a child of Dol Blathanna."
The queen smiled. "Well said young Witcher. You really are your mothers son, I still cannot believe your also Holic's child as well. But you have the features of the family that skipped him. But you are also Tristen's nephew so you come from two powerful blood lines."
Callum and I looked at each other in confusion. "Your grace what do you mean about two powerful bloodlines?" Callum asked.
The queen looked to Calanthe and Francesca. "If you have questions on your lineage then ask your father and mother about it. Those are personal family matters."
Then she turned to me.
"What about you Witcher Cain. You should know, you being half-elven and a Witcher means you will be held to a higher standard. You will not be trusted or may even be attacked on the regular. By more then just monsters. "
I bowed. "I understand the responsibility of this position, and thank you your grace for offering it to me. I will humbly accept it, Your Majesty. If you would allow me I have a letter of introduction to present."
The queen raised a eyebrow in intrigue. "Who has written this letter of introduction."
I then presented my letter. "From the lord of Hillstead your grace."
Stregobor grabbed took the letter and looked over it. " No curses, or magic is on, or in this letter your grace."
The queen then broke the seal and began to read the letter. The Queen laughed as she read the letter. " Oh Lord Holic is still calculating man, I see. Witcher Cain you keep getting more and more interesting."
She continued. " Tell me. Why do you want a foot in the world of politics. Your a monster hunter and a glorified mercenary. Your life is about coin, not the dealings of nobility and the politics of war."
I spoke my vision aloud. " That is right your Majesty, I am a Witcher and those things you said our my bread and butter. I need Coin to survive, but more importantly I need monsters to hunt. No monsters mean no coin. Unless there was another Conjunctions of Spheres incident. The Witcher's will no longer be needed. Since we cannot reproduce naturally it is only a matter of time until we either die in battle against monsters or a mob of people and magic users, or of old age. and I can't tell you I know of any Witcher's that die of old age."
I continued after noticing everyone's attention on me. " The Witcher's can do a lot more if we can grow and evolve. Which I plan to do. From how we are made, to how we help the world. That is how we survive. I want to redeem the name of the Witcher's into something greater, and getting a foot into the world of politics is the first start.
The queen studied me long and hard. " That was well said young Witcher, but we shall see how strong your ambitions are and how far they can go. Considering your elven heritage and Witcher background, you seem to be a dark horse that no one will bet on but has a lot of potential. So as I said. We shall see, Witcher Cain."
I nodded. " By the way your grace I am also looking for a sorceress. Lady Meressa of Hillstead gave this letter to help me find her.
As I presented the letter glowed green. Which meant I was close to the sorceress.
That's when the elven woman stepped forward.
"I will take that Witcher." She said with a cold indifferent tone.
That's when the system pinged
System Notification: Epic Quest 'Mysterious Sorceress' Complete
Rewards Received : +2 Random stat points. 1 Epic Equipment Chest.
She met my gaze.
"Who are you?"
As she opened the letter and began to read it. " I am Francesca Findabair."
My eyes widened from her statement. So this is Francesca. I looked at her up a down and can say without a doubt she is the most beautiful woman in the Witcher series.
Francesca continued. "So tell me, half-elf Witcher," she said coolly. "Why should I teach you magic, letter of introduction or not what do I gain from it?"
My jaw tightened as I paused as I chose my next words carefully.
[Status Window]
Name: Cain Age: 15
Race: Half-Elf (Mutated)
Title: Monster Hunter(Rare) (Currently Equipped) (+1)
Class: Witcher (Wolf School)
Trait: Bloodline: Elder Blood(Intermediate)
Strength: 35 (+1)
Dexterity: 30 (+1)
Constitution: 29 (+1)
Intelligence: 30 (+3)
Wisdom: 33 (+3)
Charisma: 23 (+1)
Luck: Unknown
Mana: 19(+2)
Stat Points: 2
Ability Points: 2
Abilities & Skills:
Mind's Eye: Level 2
Cold-Blooded
Swordsmanship: Level 7 (Intermediate)
Meditation: Level 3
Cooking: Level 6
Alchemy: Level 3
Regeneration: Level 2
Poison Resistance: Level 3 (Toxicity Threshold:0/175)
Warp: Level 2
Mana Burst Level 2
Witcher Sign (Magic): Level 5
Inventory:
Black Brother Sword
Elven Set (Moon shadow Blade, Spirit Hood, Necklace of Harmony, Elven Ring)
Cat School Set ( Hooded Cloak, Enhanced Boots, Enhanced Trousers)
Superior Wolf School Bracers
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)
Elixir of Recovery (2)
Broken items: 4
Mysterious Lockbox (Mythical)
Broken Key Fragment (2/6) (Mythical)
Mysterious Gift Box
1 Rare Equipment Chest
1 Epic Equipment Chest