214. All Witchers Must Die!!!
[Monster group "Pale Widow" Lv47 exterminated!]
[Reward calculation: Crushing victory, base rating D, over-level kill +2—C-, decapitation deterrent +3—B-, victory against overwhelming odds +2—B+]
[Final Rating: B+]
[Loot acquired: Pale Widow's Heart Essence4, Experience Beads10, Pale Widow's Treasure Chest*4]
Ignoring the "ding ding ding" sounds of dismissal echoing in his mind, Allen walked into the oak forest. The cat school's dual-hand sword LV5's stunning technique proved to be reliable. Two warlocks lay beside a sturdy oak tree, fast asleep, showing no sign of waking up soon.
It would be at least another half hour before they regained consciousness.
"Rustle, rustle, rustle."
A series of footsteps approached from behind, followed by two startled cries.
"Professor Tomas Moreau!"
"Professor Makarov!"
Tomas Moreau?
Allen's heart stirred, but he maintained a calm expression as he turned his head: "You know them?"
Radek glanced at Allen with awe and nodded. Before today, he had thought that wizards were the ultimate power in the world. But today, he deeply realized a fundamental truth of life—
A wizard caught by a warrior is doomed.
Tomas Moreau and Makarov were both veteran warlocks, even if they belonged to the academic type who spent most of their days immersed in research. They undoubtedly knew several powerful spells. Yet, they were utterly helpless against this young witcher.
Their resistance had been even weaker than a group of drowners.
When Allen circled behind the two warlocks and knocked them out smoothly, Radek and Bogdan couldn't help but imagine themselves in their place. Their necks and the backs of their heads tingled with phantom pain.
Swallowing hard, Radek glanced again at the black robes adorned with celestial symbols, which only senior warlocks were qualified to wear. He gulped and said: "Professor Makarov is a master of alchemy, very kind, the type of mentor the apprentices at Ban Ard most hope to follow."
"It's said he's been trying to improve the aging-preventive potion 'Mandrake Brew' and 'Verdant Sigh,' hoping to create a true elixir of immortality."
"Professor Tomas Moreau is the most esteemed wizard in the field of genetic mutation."
"Most of the books in the academy on mutations, especially those about witch… witchers, were written by him…"
Radek paused mid-sentence.
He glanced at Vesemir and Allen, hesitated for a few seconds, then continued: "It's… it's said that Professor Tomas Moreau harbors a deep hatred for witchers because of his child."
"He often spreads propaganda about the threat and evil of witchers in the academy, and there's a rumor that…"
"The defamatory book 'Monsters, or A Description of Witchers' was written by Professor Tomas Moreau."
"I've heard about that too," Bogdan chimed in. "I even attended Professor Tomas Moreau's lecture on witcher physiology."
"In that lecture, he certainly expressed a strong hatred for witchers…"
Radek and Bogdan didn't hold anything back, revealing everything they knew.
As famous troublemakers in the academy who had faced a lot of discrimination, they didn't have much loyalty to Ban Ard. Along the journey, they had received a lot of help from the two witchers, so they had no intention of hiding anything.
Besides…
When those four monsters had attacked, it was clear they hadn't cared about Radek and Bogdan's survival. So why should they worry about two warlocks they barely knew?
Thus, without needing any pressure from the witchers, they eagerly spilled everything they knew.
Tomas Moreau…
So he's really the one who invented the second mutation process, the "father of witchers"…
Allen glanced at the warlock lying on the ground, surprised. Their backgrounds and appearances lined up. No wonder those glasses looked so familiar…
But the method of the second mutation…
Has it already been developed?
Allen was lost in thought for a few seconds.
So these warlocks from Ban Ard really were targeting the witchers?
He subconsciously turned his head and met Vesemir's gaze. The two witchers shared the same confusion and bewilderment in their eyes. They weren't puzzled about why Ban Ard was hostile toward them.
Rather, it was that this battle had been too easy!
Not to mention Vesemir's status as a master witcher.
Although Allen had hidden some of his abilities during the apprentice tournament, he had still shown master-level skill.
Ban Ard had only sent these two warlocks to deal with them?
Were they just here to be defeated?
If they had really uncovered the truth about the Conjunction of the Spheres, why would they send only these two weaklings to stop them?
Vesemir stroked the beard on his chin and looked up at the sky.
The sun was setting. The sky was gradually darkening. They weren't far from Vergen now, no more than an hour's ride. But taking these two warlocks into town would definitely cause problems.
"Let's set up camp. We'll spend the night outside and head into town tomorrow."
Vesemir instructed Radek and Bogdan. The two warlock apprentices, understanding the situation, nodded and headed toward the horses. Apart from Radek's horse, which had been killed by the Pale Widow, the other horses hadn't gone far and had been found after the battle ended.
After watching Radek and Bogdan retrieve the horses, Vesemir turned to Allen and asked quietly: "Allen, what do you think?"
"Could they have come because of… 'that'?"
Allen, hearing this, glanced at the two warlocks on the ground, stayed silent for a moment, then shook his head: "It doesn't add up. I don't think so…"
Recalling the different reactions of the two warlocks before knocking them out, Allen paused and suggested: "We won't figure it out by guessing here…"
"Let's wake up the one called Makarov. I have a feeling he'll be more willing to talk…"
-------------
Makarov was dreaming.
In the dream, no earthquake occurred. He successfully brewed the "Makarov's Elixir of Immortality," named after himself. He surpassed the legendary mage Ortolan, becoming the greatest alchemist in history. His apprentice was still alive, growing up, wearing the black celestial robes, inheriting his mantle.
Then he took on a whole new generation of students.
Establishing an alchemy academy independent of Ban Ard in Kaer Morhen. After his death, the Makarov Academy on the Blue Mountains passed down his magic and alchemical techniques…
Wait!
Why Kaer Morhen?
Isn't that the witchers' stronghold?
Something's wrong!
I… I seem to have forgotten something?
Witchers…
Witchers?
Witchers!
That's it!
The witcher with those beautiful blue eyes!!!
"Hiss~"
A sharp pain shot through his philtrum, pulling Makarov back to consciousness. He blinked groggily, only to meet a familiar pair of cat-like pupils.
"Ah!!!"
"The blue-eyed witcher!!!"
His terrified scream startled three people. Even Radek and Bogdan, busy pitching tents dozens of meters away, looked toward the oak forest. Allen, bewildered, jumped to his feet.
Blue-eyed witcher?
Was he talking about him?
Watching the warlock wriggling on the ground like a caterpillar, Allen was at a loss.
Why such a strong reaction?
I only knocked him out, didn't do anything else!
Vesemir was also startled by the scream but quickly stepped forward and asked sternly: "Speak! Why were you tracking and attacking us?"
Hearing Vesemir's stern voice, Makarov trembled all over. His confused, dazed eyes quickly became clear. Then panic descended once again. He remembered what had happened to him. He had been captured by two witchers!
-----------------
After some emotional soothing and intimidation.
About four or five minutes later.
"...So, you were actually after Bogdan and Radek?"
Allen and Vesemir exchanged glances, a bit of absurdity in their eyes.
"Yes, Dean Hen Gedymdeith suspected that someone outside had used the apprentice's combat competition to orchestrate this Conjunction of the Spheres."
"So he sent us to bring back all the sorcerers who left Ban Ard without permission."
Makarov cautiously glanced at Vesemir and Allen. Especially at Allen, with his blue eyes. Decades without battle...
No, that's not right!
He's a sorcerer of the academy; he's never fought at all! Those cold blue eyes, so close before he blacked out, had terrified him. For the first time, Makarov experienced what true killing intent was!
So now he was very honest, answering everything they asked. He was just an ordinary professor at the academy. Why would he risk his life for Ban Ard over some research funding?
Thinking about funding and research, Makarov sighed deeply in his heart. It had been a string of bad luck recently. Failed experiments, dead apprentices...
And then he ran into Tomas Moreau, a madman with no self-awareness!
Damn Tomas Moreau!
What was with that childish nickname?
"Blue Death" suits that fierce little witcher perfectly.
He had almost gone to meet the real Grim Reaper because of Tomas Moreau's arrogance. The more Makarov thought about it, the angrier he became. Before Vesemir and Allen could ask any questions, he glared viciously at his still-sleeping colleague and said: "It's all Tomas Moreau's fault. He was the one who insisted on attacking you."
"Let me tell you, this guy is a pervert. He got himself rescued when he was in danger and treated the child as payment for the favor..."
"Then he turned around and made trouble for the one who saved him..."
"Ungrateful bastard!"
"The Law of Surprise is a fundamental rule of the world, and this sorcerer doesn't even understand that?"
"Also... he doesn't truly love that child of his..."
"He didn't try to get the child back on the spot. After more than ten years, he realizes he can't have children anymore, and only then does he remember the offspring he left behind in Kaer Seren..."
"Utter scum!"
"And there's more..."
"I heard from some rumors..."
"The reason he's so successful with genetic mutations is all thanks to that child..."
"He killed and dissected his own offspring, leading to all his research success..."
Makarov rambled on, like a machine gun firing off words. The two witchers couldn't even get a word in. Amid the sorcerer's spittle-laden tirade, Vesemir and Allen exchanged bewildered glances, a bit speechless. But at least they got the information they needed from Makarov's ranting.
This pursuit and attack weren't because Ban Ard had uncovered the truth about the Conjunction of the Spheres. It was merely a personal vendetta from a madman. Both Allen and Vesemir breathed a sigh of relief at that.
As for whether Makarov's words were true?
Well, looking at the team Ban Ard had sent...
Allen glanced at Makarov, who was barely able to support himself on his legs, swaying with enthusiasm as he continued badmouthing his colleague. If this was all an act, well, Allen would accept it.
At this point, having gathered enough information, Allen was just about to interrupt Makarov's increasingly excited rant.
At that moment.
Tomas Moreau suddenly woke up. However, he didn't speak. After glancing around to assess his situation...
He didn't struggle, beg for mercy, or curse...
He just lay there on the ground, coldly staring at Vesemir and Allen, listening to his colleague's slander. Behind the cold crystal lenses, his eyes were bloodshot. Within his calm expression, the deepest madness was barely suppressed. Makarov continued his tirade for a while longer. Finally, he realized that the two witchers' focus wasn't on him.
So.
Makarov slowly stopped talking, following the witchers' gaze.
Instantly.
The white-haired sorcerer froze. He saw a pair of glasses coldly staring back at him. And then.
Letting out an awkward laugh, Makarov stiffened his face and, under the witchers' gaze, slowly turned around, dragging his limp arms, and curled up on the ground, no longer speaking. The awkwardness was contagious, even infecting Allen and Vesemir.
For a moment.
The entire oak grove fell into silence.
Only the distant crackling of the campfire, lit by Radek and Bogdan, could be heard.
"Kill me, witchers!" Tomas Moreau suddenly spoke. "Otherwise, I will hunt you down relentlessly, giving you no peace."
"Believe me, I've uncovered your secrets."
"If you let me go, one day, you will die by my hand!"
Hearing Tomas Moreau's threat, or rather, his plea for death, Allen realized.
This madman was serious!
"D-Don't listen to him! If you let us go, I'll personally speak to Dean Hen Gedymdeith..."
"I'll make sure we keep him locked up tight!"
At this point, Makarov had no time for awkwardness. Like a cat whose tail had been stepped on, he jumped up from the ground, terrified.
Damn it!
If the witchers killed Tomas Moreau, would they really let me go?
Damn lunatic!
Monster!
Though he cursed his colleague in his heart, on the surface, Makarov still tried to defend Tomas Moreau.
Saying he was mad, that he didn't mean it...
Vesemir and Allen, meanwhile, were both troubled by how to deal with the two sorcerers. Releasing them was out of the question. Tomas Moreau was serious, so serious that the witchers had no thoughts of trying to persuade him.
But killing them all?
Allen sighed.
Even without witnesses like Radek and Bogdan, even if he killed all four of them...
With the abilities of Ban Ard's sorcerers, they could easily uncover the truth.
Besides.
Even if Allen had the desire, Vesemir would never stand by and watch him kill the other three innocent sorcerers.
And moreover...
Even Allen himself wouldn't do that. The more your enemy wants you to do something, the more you shouldn't do it.
Was Tomas Moreau really just seeking death?
If he wanted to die, he could just find a tree and bash his head in. Why rely on the witchers to do it?
"Hahaha..."
Tomas Moreau suddenly burst into maniacal laughter: "What are you hesitating for?"
"Do you think that not killing me will stop Ban Ard from waging war against Kaer Morhen?"
Allen and Vesemir's faces didn't change in the slightest.
Until they heard the next words...
"When the heavy snow falls upon Kaer Morhen Fortress this year, it will mark the day of the Wolf School's extinction..."
"No..."
"Not just the Wolf School, but the Cat, Griffin, and Bear Schools..."
"All witchers must die!"
"All witchers must die!"
"Hahahahaha!!!"
....…
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