Chapter 206: Conspiracy Arises
The sun was slowly climbing to the center of the sky, and the temperature started to rise.
A yellow bird suddenly landed on the balcony of a villa in the trade quarter. It flapped its wings, moved its claws, and chirped a few times before hopping into the villa.
A puff of white smoke spread across the room, and a tinge of black appeared in it. A moment later, a slender man with dark-gold eyes came out of the smokescreen. Roy took a deep breath and looked at himself. He had returned to his human self, and not even a feather was seen on the ground. This is one precise spell. I’ll have to try it again if I have the chance. He liked soaring across the sky, and he wanted to fly more.
“Congratulations, witcher.” The man sitting before the desk swiveled around. He broke into an ugly grin, and his brown-colored goatee trembled as well. “It was a clean operation. You didn’t even leave any evidence behind. I’d say you exceeded all expectations,” Kalkstein praised. “Mr. Roy, I have to say that you more than made up for Berengar’s mistake. You’ve certainly changed what I think of witchers.”
“It’s also thanks to your plan. So, about that debt…”
“It’s forgiven. And I’ll be giving you your reward. Here, the crystal, as promised.” Kalkstein produced a rhombus-shaped crystal the size of a fist, and it was gleaming brightly.
‘Magic Crystal
Contains a spell made by the famous alchemist—Kalkstein
Random Transfiguration Level 1: Costs 100 Mana. Channel your mana into the crystal for one minute and turn your target into a random animal. Includes but not limited to: cat, dog, lizard, pig, fish, rabbit, and pigeon. One charge per day. Effect lasts for twenty-four hours. Warning: the spell will backfire if the target retaliates during the channeling.’
Roy cocked his eyebrow and tucked the crystal away in his inventory. He turned his attention to the telescope that was standing upright beside the desk. It had a surveillance crystal embedded in it, and the crystal had turned into a colorful screen, slowly playing the scene Roy saw in the laboratory.
Kalkstein made a circle in the air with his right index, and a quill scribbled away on a paper without anyone holding it. For a moment there, only the rustling of the paper was heard in the room.
“Mr. Kalkstein, I’m curious about a part of the records as well, can I—”
Kalkstein tensed up, and his face fell. “What did I tell you before the operation?”
Roy’s heart skipped a beat, and he explained, “I don’t have to read everything. I just need that last bit. It won’t take too long. I can just—”
“Again, witcher, this is science.” Kalkstein interrupted him, and the look on his face was replaced by a happy smile, while Roy felt himself palpitating. His jaw dropped a little. Kalkstein continued, “And science prides itself in discourse. You’re a partner of mine, technically speaking. Of course you can go through Azar’s journal.”
Roy could see the excitement bubbling in Kalkstein’s eyes, and the alchemist beckoned Roy. “Come. We shall watch this together, and don’t tell anyone about this.”
***
The journal of Azar read, ‘This is a gorgeous and magical creature. Legends are told about them, but few have ever seen their true face.’
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‘Experiments show traces of seaweed in the specimen. She might not be amphibious. Her looks might have deceived me. They can’t stay on land for too long. I’m sure she’ll be severely weakened if she stays on land for more than one week.’
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‘The specimen has incredibly low resistance against acid and fire. In other words, she has low defenses. If she is ambushed, even regular weapons can damage her.’
***
‘Rudolf says she possesses some sort of charm magic. She can plant suggestions in the subconscious of humans and non-humans just by talking, looking, and moving. Everyone will be inevitably drawn to her, but this is not anything I can’t handle. Some simple anti-witchcraft equipment should keep her spell at bay. She also takes a liking to people with virtue. I can use that.’
Type: Steel Sword
Materials: Leather, steel ingot, venom extract, sapphire dust
Traits: Weighs 5 pounds, hilt measures at 11 inches, blade measures at 38 inches
Affix:
Sharp Blade: Thanks to its special craftsmanship, Viper Sword has double the sharpness of other steel swords. It can cut through light armor easily and has greater durability.
Venomblade: Viper Sword is naturally venomous thanks to the ghoul part that went into its creation. The wounds it causes are extremely hard to heal, and they will rot if not treated in time.’
Berengar handed the sword to Roy and started the finishing touches of the silver sword. Letho came in as well. He looked at the sword closely. Roy could see how much he liked it, but Letho said nothing about it.
“It’s yours, Letho.” Roy sheathed the sword into the black scabbard made from black snake skin, and he tossed it to Letho.
Letho held the sword, looking a little touched. “You spent a fortune on this, kid. You’re giving it away just like that?”
“I’m used to Gwyhyr and Aerondight.” Roy smiled. He had never planned on changing his weapons. The weapons bound to him were easier to use, after all. The three pairs of swords were meant for Letho, Auckes, and Serrit.
“You’re still the strongest witcher of the school. The school gets stronger if you get stronger. You should be the first one to wield this sword.”
Letho took a deep breath and unsheathed the sword. He swung it around, and gusts of wind swept across the shop. The blade buzzed, and Roy could see nothing but white flashes of light as Letho swung the sword around. “Money well spent.” Letho strapped the sword to his back happily.
Berengar handed him the silver sword a moment later.
‘Viper Silver Sword
Type: Silver sword
Materials: Leather, iron ingot, silver ingot, venom extract, sapphire dust.
Traits: Weights 4 pounds, hilt measures at 12 inches, blade measures at 40 inches.
Affix:
Mana Reduction…
Venomblade…’
Letho finally got his hands on the swords of their school, and for the first time, his face was red with excitement, and he muttered under his breath, “See this, Kolgrim? You didn’t die for nothing. We made these thanks to the blueprints you brought us.”
“Recreating the school’s weapons is just the first step, Letho.” Roy sounded delighted as well. “But it’s a good start. If we keep this up, we’ll eventually revive the school.”
Berengar was exhausted. He leaned against the wall and stared out the window, lost in his own thoughts.
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