Midday had barely touched the remnant melting frost of the Orchard when I dropped into the darkness below the orchard.
The well shaft gave way to a collapsed stone corridor, slick with moss and veined in twisting black roots that pulsed faintly like arteries. The air was thick with the scent of damp rot and lingering decay magic.
Callum landed behind me, his silver blade drawn, and his eyes alert.
Calanthe descended more gracefully, her boots levitating against the stone as her fingers glowed faintly. Shen then touched the ground with a soft quiet touch. She then raised her hands and orbs of white light levitated into the air, illuminating the space around them.
As Calanthe looked around the tunnel, she examined the markings, and objects around them.
"This looks like a hidden shrine," she said quietly. "A lot of ruined and symbols around the walls . Ancient. But it's been... hollowed."
Callum's and my medallions vibrated harder with each step forward. "Be on guard. Were getting close to the source of this magic."
I took out and then coated my silver sword with the Rootbane Oil, and gave the rest to Callum, who did the same.
Callum then handed me a vile, it was a thunderbolt potion.
"Made these just in case, I also got some cats, and swallow too."
"Thanks." I grabbed all three and drank them in succession.
Callum and Calanthe looked at me like I was crazy.
"Be careful Cain. Your gonna poison yourself before the fight even starts." Callum said with a worried tone.
[System Alert: You have been poisoned: Toxicity +95]
[System Alert:Poison Resistance:(Toxicity Threshold:95/150)]
[System Alert:RegenerationActivated]
My golden eyes went black as black veins appeared around my face, but my golden cat slit irises remained. Then slowly one by one, the veins slowly lightened around my face. I grunted in pain as the potions burned but I cold feel regeneration slowly healing the poison in my veins.
My face became more clear as slightly dark veins appeared across by my light brown skin.
"Argh, that wasn't fun, but at least I will be ready for what's down here."
Calanthe just looked at me for a second and disbelief. "You must have a strong body to take three potions at once."
I nodded. "Just slightly above average for a Witcher. Now lets take care of this thing."
We then moved as one, navigating the narrow hall. At its end, the corridor opened into a vast underground chamber. twisted roots had grown into the stone walls like veins. Black masses like tumors were spread all throughout these veins.
At the center of the chamber, looked like a circle of dead druids, their skeleton corpses fused to bark and black masses. In the very center was a massive, half-decayed root cage with a black mass pulsing like heart.
It was hanging above a glowing sigil on the ground that the corpses surrounded.
That mass. It's beating like a heart."
Then we heard a scream.
The bark split and a creature emerged, a massive, malformed Leshen hybrid, parts of its body rotted, fused with man and root. A black antlered helm crowned its face, black vines slithered across its limbs like snakes.
Calanthe eyes widen with exactment, and her face showed curiosity.
"That seems to be a Leshen, but so much different. What were these Druids doing down here." Calanthe said her posture shifted to one of readiness.
[System Alert Codex update: Corrupted Root-Heart Leshen]
Type: Mutated Hybrid (Nature / Necromancy)
Weaknesses: Holy Fire, Fire(Igni), Ritual purification, Yrden,
Here comes the system again to the rescue. I can't do holy fire or a ritual purification, but I can do fire.
I leapt forward first, casting Yrden to slow its approach. The creature shrieked as a purple glow shifted over it's body. It then lashed out with clawed vines. I ducked under the arc, my sword singing as it slashed across its thighs in a quick motion.
Callum darted in behind, using my distraction to land a slash across the Leshen's shoulder. Then casting a quick Igni to the wound. The monster spun using it's arm as whip. Callum casted a quick Quen and blocked the strike. The barrier shatter in one hit, sending him skidding across the chamber.
"He's fast!" Callum groaned.
"You guys hold him off. I can cast a strong enough fire, that can burn this monster and it's corruption away."
Calanthe said, with her hands close together as a small fire started to flicker between her palms.
Callum nodded and tapped his medallion, signaling.
I knew what he meant. Tag team just like back in the day with Coen and Geralt.
We then stood side by side of each other, with our swords at the ready. Then without a word we rushed to the different sides of the Leshen.
As the monster came in for a claw swipe, I parried high, and Callum ducked low, and sliced at it side. The Callum casted Yrden, as jumped back from the forming circle, casting Igni, at the monsters face. As the Leshen stumbled back, Callum slashed at the back of it's legs. I then casted Aard, sending a strong telekinetic wave, that slammed the monster into the chambers wall with a loud "WHACK."
We were beating the Leshen back. But it wasn't down yet.
"ROOOAAAAARRRR!!!!!"
It roared, releasing a wave of pulsing magic with necrotic roots.
Calanthe raised one of her hands while keeping another still charging the orange flame that was now flicking blue. and invoked
"FlammaVinea." She said as vines of pure fire surged upward, meeting the roots midair and incinerating them.
"Keep cutting away at it" she called. "I just need a few more seconds."
Callum and I nodded. I dashed left to draw the Leshen's gaze. Callum mirrored right, casting Aard to stagger it. As we harried it with our silver swords, I noticed it's wounds were slowly burning. The Rootbane Oil, on our swords was taking a effect.
Calanthe moved into the center of the chamber. She knelt. Her hands that were holding the flickering flame, and then she placed the flame and her hands on the ground.
Her voice, low and resonant, began a binding chant.
Then in a instant, blue glowing runes etched themselves across the floor and walls of the chamber, forming a circle beneath the creature.
"Ten seconds!" she shouted.
I lunged, sword carving deep into the Leshen's ribs. Black sap splattered and sizzled on the stone.
Callum drove his sword into the monsters foot, keeping it rooted to the floor.
"NOW!" Calanthe roared.
Callum and I jumped back. Blue flames surged upward in pillars of runic fire, burning the Leshen in place. It screamed, writhing, unable to flee.
I dashed forward, and drove my silver blade straight through the core of the root-heart.
The beast fell and, the body collapsing into ash and splinters. The surrounding roots, and black masses burned away in the blue fames.
After a moment the blue flames went out and silence returned to the chamber.
System Notification: [Epic Quests Complete: "Roots Beneath the Orchard"]
Rewards: +2 Random Stat Points,1 Epic Equipment Chest.
Reputation: + 45
System Notification: [Epic Quest Complete: "Hillstead Nobility"]
Rewards: +2 Random stat point. 1 Epic Equipment Chest.
Bonus: For exceeding the required amount. 1 Ability Point. 1 Rare Equipment Chest
Okay this is nice I definitely want to open these chest as soon as possible. Who knows I might be able to give the twins something. Especially Callum. Finding a master Blacksmith that can make a Witchers sword to the same quality or better is extremely hard to find.
Calanthe then exhaled hard, rising to her feet. I offered a hand, which she took after a moment.
"That's was a strong flame. It took care of the leshen and it's corruption. Not to mention those flame roots from earlier were amazing." I said.
"They were modified spells. That is my specialty, to find new ways of using spells if not creating new ones altogether. The blue flame is a combination of multiple. spells or their natures."
"Thats impressive. Think you can teach me it sometime?"
Calanthe just brushed her hair behind her ear, with a small smile on her lips. "We shall see. Maybe if you have the talent like you say you do for magic, and not just these Witcher signs. By the way, that was some powerful sign magic. I can start to see what you mean."
That's when Callum walked up, panting with his silver sword in his hand. It was broken and half melted.
"My sword, It's ruined! Vesemir is gonna kill me, and Coen will never let me live this down."
She gave a tired smile. "Worry not brother, I am sure the lord will give you a good enough reward to find a smith to make you a new one."
I nodded in agreement. "Don't worry Callum, we have more then enough materials back at Kaer Morhen. We can make more swords if we need to."
Callum sighed hard "I know, but I haven't even been a Witcher for a full year, and my sword is already destroyed."
I placed a soft hand on his back
"Tell you what, we can't do anything about it right now. So lets go back up top, and report this to your mom and the Lord, after that we can figure out the rest."
Callum nodded with a small smile returning. "Yeah that's a good idea. We should probably look around for any thing useful and destroy the rest."
"That's actually a good idea brother." Calanthe said with a smile.
The chamber began to collapse around them as the corrupted magic faded. When then looked around the adjacent rooms I decided to open my chest.
[System Notification: Chests Opened]:
Item: (Epic)Elixir of Recovery (x2)
Effect: Instantly restores 75% Health and 50% Stamina.
Bonus: Removes all negative status effects (poison, bleeding, burning, curses).
Item:(Epic) Mutagen – Corrupted Root Hearted Leshen (Hybrid)
Type: Mutated Hybrid
Properties: Nature and Death Energy in equilibrium.
Potential Effects (depending on refinement): +10% Life Regeneration (temporary), +10% Sign Potency
Minor necrotic retaliation (enemies that strike the user take 3% damage back)
Warning: "Corrupted by ancient magic. Handle with extreme caution — it seeks to root into the soul."
Item: (Epic) Twin Swords – "Black Brother" & "White Sister"
Type: (Set)
Appearance: Black Brother: Deep ebony sword with faint red glyphs that pulse when in combat. White Sister: Silver-milky white blade with a soft glow; faint light trails from its edge.
Black Brother: Effect: +3% stamina regen for every monster or person killed.
White Sister: Effect: +3% health regen for every monster or person killed
Base Bonuses: +15% damage to monsters, +10% attack speed when dual-wielded, +10% parry efficiency against supernatural entities.
Set Special Ability - Twin Resonance : When wielded by two warriors who are battling together : +5% synergy bonus to speed, reflexes, and strength (increases to +10% the longer they fight together). Resonance is lost if the blades are separated.
Hidden Abilities are (Locked) Requirements have not been met:
[Unknown] Flow Spirit – Activation requires emotional resonance.
[Unknown] Moon & Sun Alignment – Requires blades to accept wielders.
Flavor: " Blades wielded by a brother and sister, who took on the world together. They died wielding their swords and left a piece of their soul in the opposite blade. To always protect and watch out for the other sibling so they would never be alone.
Item: (Epic) Scroll of Greater Restoration
Effect: Cures any curse, biological diseases, or magical corruption.
Item:(Rare) Ring of Mana Application
Effect: +5% overall mana efficiency.
Bonus: +3% to Sign regeneration rate.
Potion of Heroism
Effect: Gain +10% temporary HP and +1% to all attack for 10 minutes.
Potion of Reflex
Effect: +15% reaction time and dodge efficiency for 3 minutes.
Potion of Arcane Focus
Effect: +10% Sign strength and +5% spell critical chance for 5 minutes.
My eyes then widen as I read the contents of the items I received. And I received a lot. The twin swords were perfect for me and Callum. Well for as long as we fought together. I know at some point we will go our separate ways, but the set bonuses are amazing. It would great if I could unlock the hidden abilities on my own, but I can just let him borrow one of the blades until we get him a replacement sword.
Now this ring of mana, I can definitely give this one to Calanthe. Right now my sign magic is powerful, and will continue to get stronger so I don't need it. Well at least until I learn some real magic.
This mutagen on the other hand is making me excited and nervous at the same time. I could absorb it become more powerful, but that soul thing is making me iffy. I should probably hold off until I find something better or a defense against the possible soul corruption.
Everything else is good and can be saved for later.
I returned to the other with the swords and ring in my hands. They were both amazed at my discovery. I gave Callum the choice between the two swords, and I gave Calanthe the ring.
"Wow that's nice of you Cain, and if I'm to be honest I don't know if I want one of these swords. They could be curse. What do you think Calanthe..."
As Callum looked to Calanthe she was examine the ring. It was a beautifully created item with silver and imbedded with runic markings. She then placed it on her finger and smiled.
"Calanthe! Is that even safe?"
Calanthe just smiled and kept her eyes on the ring. she was admiring it's beauty
"Oh calm down brother, Of course it is. I already checked these items for curses the moment Cain showed them to us. If anything they are very powerful with magic. I can feel this ring strengthening my magic somehow. So pick a blade and be done with it. I recommend the White one. White has always been your color."
I just smirk at how on point this girl is. She is so confident and beautiful, not to mention smart this sorceress is. She's has the brains from what I seen to back up that confidence.
Callum then took the white sister sword, and smiled. "Fine, fine no need to be smart about it."
After that we destroyed the rest of the underground chamber. Then together, we climbed out of the darkness.
I looked back only once, my eyes narrowing at the broken root heart.
Something told me this wouldn't be the last time I encounter these magical mutant monsters.
Back in my room that evening, I activated the system interface.
[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(Novice)
Strength: 28 (+1)
Dexterity: 30 (+1)
Constitution: 29 (+1)
Intelligence: 27 (+1)
Wisdom: 26 (+1)
Charisma: 18 (+1)
Luck: Unknown
Stat Points: 7
Ability Points: 2
Abilities & Skills:
Mind's Eye: Level 2
Cold-Blooded
Swordsmanship: Level 6 (Intermediate)
Meditation: Level 3
Cooking: Level 5
Alchemy: Level 3
Regeneration: Level 1
Poison Resistance: Level 2 (Toxicity Threshold:0/150)
Warp: 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)
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)
So far so good. I just need to wait to meet the Lord and Meressa tomorrow. Seemed like they went away for the day for a urgent matter and retired for the day when they returned. Hopefully the reward is good. I know the money will go a long way for us. I need to figure out how I am going to invest it so I can grow a good merchant business, or maybe become a official mercenary group.
Decision's , Decision's. I also need to find some capable people who can help with Kaer Morhen up keep and revitalization. No matter that won't be solved overnight until I meet the right people. I just need to rest and worry about tomorrow.