Dawn arrived, and Roy exited his meditating state. One look at his character sheet, and he felt like roaring in delight. Even though he used up the components he spent a month collecting, he gained more than 600 EXP in exchange. It was worth it. EXP bar is full. Full Recovery can be used anytime, and I have almost everything the Manticore Trial needs.
Roy was getting closer to fulfilling the terms of becoming an intermediate witcher.
‘Witcher rank: Beginner
Rank up conditions:
1. Take another Trial (non-Viper)
2. Kill monsters who have >10 in any single stat and gain their mutagen (8/10).’
Two more mutagens and I can ask Coral to hold that Trial for me once we’re in Novigrad next time.
***
He tucked Gryphon the squirrel into his hood and went down the stairs. When I see the Wolves again, I’m going all out with the convincing, and Geralt’s gonna be my first target. I know all the people he cares about. I can hit him where it hurts most.
Roy ran into Lambert when he exited the tower.
He was in black armor and tight pants. Two sword hilts protruded from his back, and his hair was slicked back. The witcher seemed like he was going on a long trip. Roy noticed him muttering under his breath, and there was excitement in his eyes. “Is your offer still up?”
So they agreed? A delighted Roy quickly said, “I never lie, Lambert. The brotherhood always welcomes you.”
“Not the brotherhood, kid.” Lambert shook his head in disdain. “Just listening to your speech almost put me to sleep. Building an organization and researching the Trial recipe? Talk is easy, but I’m no fool. That wasn’t enough to convince me. If I waste my time on something that stupid, I’d have no freedom to speak off.” Lambert scoffed. “I have no ambition or dreams to speak of. If anything, I’d rather be a mercenary who gets all the girls and plays Gwent all day. The brotherhood is too heavy a burden to bear.”
“You have easier options.”
“If that was supposed to be a lie, you aren’t doing a very good job at it.”
Roy nodded. “What about Geralt and Eskel? What was the result of your discussion?”
Lambert shook his head. “We think your idea isn’t bad, but it’s too radical. Too ahead of its time. An alliance is the best for now. Gathering around a bonfire every winter to talk about our triumphs and losses is the way to go for now. The brotherhood should wait until things are more established.”
Not like the Northern War is going to give us that much time. You sure you don’t want to do this? Roy thought to himself, but he said, “Time is of the essence. You have no idea about the danger that is to come. Ten years down the line—”
“Ah, that again? Who knows what the future holds?” Lambert shook his head. “If that time comes, we’ll deal with it.”
Roy squinted at him. Looks like I’ll have to go with Plan B and convince them one by one. And this loudmouth is gonna be my first target.
Lambert changed the subject. “Let’s talk about the jobs you mentioned. The alchemist and bodyguard jobs. I’m very interested in them.”
“But I thought Geralt said Wolves only take requests for a living. Doing anything else would be breaking the tradition.” Roy wondered why Lambert was willing to take the opposite stance.
“Geralt, Eskel, and Vesemir are made of the same stubborn mold. There’s a generational gap between us. A few gaps if Vesemir is included.” Lambert’s face lit up. “But I’m young. Just about thirty years older than you are. I don’t reject non-traditional work. Working as an alchemist or a bodyguard for a year or so is a-okay.”
“You don’t seem to like Vesemir very much.” Roy paid attention to his expression.
“Precisely speaking, I hate him. If he hadn’t forced me into coming to this remote castle with the Law of Surprise, I’d have been a grandfather by now. But let’s not talk about him. Are you gonna take me for the job or nah?”
Strength: 6
Dexterity: 9
Constitution: 8
Perception: 8
Will: 4
Charisma: 3
Spirit: 5
Skills:
Chimera (Passive): Harpies have the best traits of eagles and fish. They can fly and survive underwater. Their strong digestive system allows them to ingest rotten and fresh meat. Human flesh included. +2 to Dexterity, Constitution, and Perception.’
***
“What are they, the erynias’ family? They’re as ugly as them. No, erynias are more colorful.” Roy quickly grasped the air and brandished a hand crossbow. At the same time, he cast Quen and covered himself with a yellow shield.
“Look out for yourself, kid! It’s every man for himself!” Lambert unsheathed his silver sword and went into the ox stance. He half-crouched, ready to strike at first notice.
A white flash flew through the air, and the bolt hit its target.
The harpy let out a scream before it fell like a kite that lost its string.
Footprints appeared on the snowy ground as Roy dragged his blade and pounced at the harpy like a cheetah on a hunt. He fell down like a meteorite and thrust his blade through the harpy’s blade.
‘Harpy killed. EXP +80.’
“Look out!”
Roy quickly ducked and rolled away.
The claws that were intended for his nape missed, and a harpy made its landing. The impact from its claws stirred up a little storm made of snow and grass.
It was getting ready to make the next attack, but it never came. Roy got up right away and pushed his left hand forward. The air current made the harpy fall, and the young witcher took a step ahead. He stepped on the monster’s chest while plunging his blade into its neck. Blood spurted like a fountain, and its head rolled away.
He turned around and brandished his hand crossbow. Right away, he fired two bolts that pierced the back of a harpy’s head, and it fell down beside Lambert.
The Wolf flicked the blood off his sword. He too had taken care of two harpies. “Not a bad shot, you.”
“And you swing a mean sword.” Roy gave him a thumbs up and went to loot the monsters.
Fifteen minutes later, the witchers packed up and made their way to the boat beside the lake.
***
***