Chapter 15: Old Friends

Ray's journey through the village was accompanied by the warm glances and friendly nods of the villagers. The reputation he had unwittingly earned as "the smiling witcher" had preceded him, a testament to his compassionate approach and willingness to help without expecting immediate reward. As he walked through the streets, the sense of camaraderie and appreciation was palpable.

The village had changed since his last visit. The atmosphere was more relaxed, the tension that had once hung in the air now replaced with a sense of security. The absence of the wolf threat had undoubtedly contributed to the change, and Ray's role in that transformation hadn't gone unnoticed.

A group of children played in the village square, their laughter echoing as they chased each other in a playful game. Ray's presence drew their attention, and one by one, they gathered around him, their curious eyes wide with wonder. With a warm smile, he crouched down to their level, engaging in their chatter with genuine interest.

"Are you really a witcher?" one of the children asked, eyes wide with excitement.

Ray chuckled softly, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Yes, I am. But don't worry, I'm not here to hunt monsters today."

A collective sigh of relief rippled through the group, followed by a chorus of eager questions about his experiences and adventures. Ray regaled them with tales of his encounters with creatures both fearsome and fantastical, his words painting vivid images that captured their imaginations.

As the children hung onto his every word, Ray's gaze shifted to the adults watching from a distance. Their smiles held a mixture of gratitude and approval, a silent acknowledgment of the positive impact he had made on their lives. It was a far cry from the stereotypical image of a brooding and solitary witcher.

After bidding farewell to the enthusiastic children, Ray continued his journey with a heart full of contentment. The title of "the smiling witcher" was one he wore proudly, a reflection of his commitment to not only combating monsters but also fostering connections with the people whose lives he touched.

Ray's thoughts wandered as he journeyed along the winding path. He couldn't help but reflect on the reputation that witchers often carried—an image of cold, emotionless hunters who existed solely to rid the world of monsters. It was a reputation not entirely undeserved, given the rigorous training and mutations that witchers underwent. The Trial of the Grasses, the transformative process that granted them their enhanced abilities, came at a cost, dulling emotions and empathy in the process.

But Ray was different. His unique situation allowed him to retain memories and emotions from his past life on Earth. He understood the value of human connections, the power of empathy, and the importance of fostering positive relationships. While he was undoubtedly a skilled witcher, his interactions with the villagers he helped and the smiles he shared set him apart from the stoic figures that people often imagined.

As he walked, he remembered the stories from his Earth life—tales of knights and heroes who faced challenges with courage and compassion. He had admired those characters for their ability to connect with others, to understand the struggles and dreams of those they protected. In this world, he saw an opportunity to embody those ideals while still wielding the skills of a witcher.

Ray's musings were interrupted as he caught sight of a merchant's cart up ahead. The merchant was engaged in a spirited conversation with a group of travelers. Ray approached, his smile genuine as he greeted the merchant and exchanged pleasantries.

The merchant's eyes widened as he recognized Ray. "Ah, the smiling witcher! I've heard tales of your kindness from the villagers down the road. They say you refused payment for your services."

Ray shrugged modestly, his smile unwavering. "Sometimes helping others is its own reward."

The merchant's smile widened as Ray spoke, clearly impressed by the witcher's outlook. "Well, it's a rare thing to find a witcher with such a heart. People will remember your deeds."

As the conversation continued, Ray's attention was drawn to one of the travelers engaged in the conversation with the merchant—a familiar face that he hadn't expected to encounter. It was Lireth, the young woman he had helped save from the elves' camp weeks ago. Her eyes widened in recognition as she met Ray's gaze.

"Wait," Lireth interjected, her voice tinged with disbelief. "You're the witcher who helped us, aren't you?"

Ray's smile turned into a warm grin as he nodded. "Yes, that's me. I'm glad to see you safe."

Lireth's expression softened, a mixture of gratitude and surprise crossing her features. "I can't believe we're meeting again like this. Thank you for what you did for us."

Ray's gaze held a kindness as he responded, "I'm just glad I could help. How have you been?"

Lireth's lips curled into a smile as she recounted their experiences since their last meeting. She mentioned how they had returned to their village, how her siblings were doing, and how the elves' camp had dispersed. Ray listened attentively, genuinely interested in her story.

After a while, the merchant excused himself, leaving Ray and Lireth in conversation. They spoke of their respective journeys, shared anecdotes, and laughed over shared experiences. Ray learned more about Lireth's life, her aspirations, and her dreams for the future.

"It's been a challenging journey," Lireth admitted, her gaze thoughtful. "But meeting you back at the camp, it made me realize that there's good in this world. You gave me hope."

Ray's brows furrowed slightly as he considered Lireth's words. The mention of the Scoia'tael and their plan to resettle in old elven ruins piqued his interest. He had already been involved in discussions about the nonhuman struggle for a better future. Lireth's request seemed like another step in that direction.

"What do you need?" Ray asked, his tone steady and curious.

Lireth met his gaze, her eyes earnest. "We're going to settle in these old elven ruins, an ancient fortress. But the place is infested with monsters. We'll need help clearing them out so that we can establish a safe haven for our people."

Ray nodded in understanding. "I see. And what kind of monsters are we talking about?"

Lireth's expression turned grim. "All sorts. Harpies, drowners, nekkers, and worse. They've taken over the ruins, and it's become too dangerous for us to even approach."

Ray's lips curved into a thoughtful smile. "Sounds like a challenge. But I've dealt with my fair share of monsters. Count me in."

Lireth's eyes lit up with a mixture of relief and gratitude. "Thank you, Ray. Your help means a lot to us. We're planning to head there in a couple of days. I can meet you at the crossroads nearby, and we can go together."

Ray's smile remained genuine. "It's the least I can do. Let's meet at the crossroads then. I'll be there."