Chapter 12: Meditation

The cave's interior was a refuge from the outside world, its walls casting dancing shadows as the flickering campfire provided the sole source of illumination. Ray settled himself onto a makeshift bedroll, his thoughts consumed by the recent battle with the endrega queen. Pichu, nestled on Bonney's head, emitted a soft, soothing hum that seemed to reverberate through the chamber.

Closing his eyes, Ray focused on the memory of the fight. The clash of steel, the surge of adrenaline, and the fiery power of Igni—all of it played out in his mind's eye. He allowed the sensations to wash over him, his senses heightened by his Witcher training and his growing connection to his elven heritage.

As he delved deeper into his meditation, Ray began to analyze the changes he had felt in his Igni sign. The flames had burned brighter, the heat more intense. It was as if the magic itself had responded to his will with newfound vigor. He recalled the way the endrega queen's chitinous armor had crackled and smoldered under the force of his Igni, its efficacy beyond anything he had experienced before.

With each breath, Ray visualized the magic coursing through his veins. He tapped into the essence of his elven blood, allowing its power to intertwine with his own. The connection felt seamless, as if they were two halves of a whole, converging to create a symphony of potential.

Pichu's presence added to the serenity of the moment. Its soothing energy seemed to harmonize with Ray's meditative state, creating a tranquil atmosphere that allowed his thoughts to flow freely. He pondered the implications of his enhanced magic, the possibilities that lay before him in this world where sorcery and swordsmanship intertwined.

As Ray's thoughts delved deeper into the connection he shared with the ancient gate, a sense of intrigue and curiosity swirled within him. The gate was no mere relic—it was a conduit to other worlds, a source of untold power and possibilities. He marveled at the symbiotic relationship they had developed, his magic fueling its potential and, in turn, reaping the rewards of newfound abilities.

With each passing day, Ray felt the ebb and flow of energy between himself and the gate. He could sense its hunger for magic, its thirst for the essence of the creatures he defeated. The notion that this exchange could hasten his journeys between worlds excited him, offering a tangible benefit to his efforts as both a Witcher and a wanderer.

The tranquility of the cave, coupled with the gentle crackle of the dying campfire, seemed to amplify Ray's introspection. His soul-connection with the gate felt like a secret thread binding him to a greater cosmic tapestry. He knew that he held within his grasp a power that could reshape his journey, allowing him to traverse between worlds and cultures like a traveler between realms.

Ray's mind drifted to the memories of his past experiences, including the peculiar quest "A Greedy God" from The Witcher 3, the tale of the Allgod and the gullible villagers

At Wastrel Manor in Velen, follow the road south until you come across some ruins where two peasants, are talking. They'll explain that they're making an offering to their deity, the Allgod, who has been responsible for protecting and blessing them - or so they think. One of their forefathers had reportedly been out gathering brushwood when a bush caught fire - a miracle as far as he was concerned - and out of nowhere a voice spoke to him demanding offerings and worship. However, the Allgod has cursed them as their offerings are meager on account of the war going on.

In the midst of the night, as the moon hung high and the stars twinkled in the sky, Ray's thoughts turned to his next potential challenge: the Allgod. The concept of a sylvan masquerading as a deity intrigued him. Sylvans, mystical creatures with a goat-like appearance, were known for their cunning and sly nature. They often inhabited dense forests, using their wiles to outwit and confuse their prey.

Sylvans possessed certain weaknesses that Ray was well aware of from his Witcher training and experience:

Silver Sensitivity: Like many creatures of the Witcher universe, sylvans were susceptible to silver. Silver blades and ammunition were particularly effective against them, causing heightened damage due to the metal's inherent magical properties.

Fire Vulnerability: Sylvans had an inherent vulnerability to fire. Flames and fire-based attacks could cause them considerable harm, disrupting their agility and causing them to retreat or become disoriented.

Deceptive Nature: While sylvans could use their trickster nature to their advantage, their overconfidence could also be exploited. They often underestimated their opponents, leading to moments of vulnerability if their opponents managed to outwit them.

With Pichu still slumbering by his side, Ray's thoughts began to shift into strategies. He envisioned the upcoming battle, considering how to exploit the sylvan's weaknesses. Fire-based signs, such as Igni, would be crucial in this encounter. Additionally, the use of silver weapons would provide the necessary edge to penetrate the sylvan's defenses.

The realization that sylvans were descendants of the Elder Races and related to the Aen Seidhe elves added a new layer of complexity to Ray's understanding of the Allgod. The knowledge that this creature held the potential for great power and innate magic stirred his curiosity further. While sylvans were cunning and devious, their connection to ancient and powerful lineage could make them formidable adversaries.

Ray's mind continued to consider both the potential dangers and rewards of confronting the Allgod. The power it possessed, derived from its ancestral roots, meant that it would likely wield magic and abilities that surpassed those of common monsters. He knew that relying solely on his sword and signs might not be enough to overcome such a foe.

The thought of the ancient gate and the potential rewards it held began to play a significant role in Ray's contemplations. He envisioned himself standing before it once more, the gate's symbols aglow with vibrant energy. The allure of greater power, new abilities, and the knowledge that he could harness the sylvan's essence as he had with the endrega queen's remained ever-present.

As the night continued to unfold, Ray's mind delved into the intricacies of the sylvan's behavior and habits, Ray's musings eventually melded into a peaceful state of rest, his dreams a realm where magic and reality intertwined, where the ancient gate shimmered as a portal to new horizons.