Raani who likes reading

Once Wayne joined the fight, the tables quickly turned.

Aside from Kalkstein, about seven of the mercenaries who accompanied him survived the ordeal. Although Kalkstein's mercenaries were well-equipped and relatively strong, they suffered heavy losses under the relentless attack of the fallen archers. A large part of their disadvantage stemmed from Kalkstein himself. As a scholar and alchemist, he was more focused on theory than on practical combat. In battle, his lack of experience became apparent, and he panicked, rendering him unable to command his forces effectively.

Additionally, the dense mist hindered their horses, which refused to enter, leaving the mercenaries encumbered by heavy armor and supplies, unable to retreat or maneuver effectively. Without long-range weaponry, they were essentially outmatched by the archers' hit-and-run tactics. 

Unlike their low-intelligence game counterparts, the fallen archers were more cunning. Corrupted by the forces of hell, they retained enough intelligence to exploit their strengths, overwhelming the mercenaries by staying mobile and striking from a distance. 

When the enemy finally retreated, both Kalkstein and the remaining mercenaries collapsed on the ground, gasping as they recovered from the brutal encounter. Their exhaustion was evident; they were physically and mentally drained.

Wayne approached Kalkstein, ignoring the mercenaries, and extended his hand. "I saved your life, Kalkstein, but it wasn't for free."

"If the chance arises in the future, you'll repay me."

Kalkstein hesitated, studying Wayne's face before reaching out to take his hand. With Wayne's help, he stood and dusted himself off, straightening his robes to regain some dignity. "Oh! Yes, of course, no problem."

"Have we met before? You're a skilled archer. Please, tell me your name. I'll see that you're compensated properly once we're out of here."

Wayne held his gaze for a moment before responding, "You can call me Wayne."

"I'm not interested in money," he continued. "Currently, I'm traveling with Keira and sometimes stay in Vizima. If you're looking for Keira, you're welcome to follow me."

Without waiting for a response, Wayne turned and walked toward where Letho and the others were waiting. Given their current unfamiliarity, he kept the interaction curt. The mist hampered teleportation spells, so without Wayne's guidance, Kalkstein and his men would struggle to find their way out.

After Wayne had walked about ten meters, Kalkstein and his mercenaries, too shaken to collect their companions' bodies, supported each other and followed him.

Wayne glanced back, and Kalkstein met his look with an awkward smile. "Wayne, Keira and I are acquaintances. Since we're here, it seems only proper to pay her a visit."

Wayne recognized the excuse but chose not to expose it. Instead, he nodded and led them to his resting place.

Keira and the others were a bit surprised to see Wayne return with another group of people. However, when the two sorceresses saw that the leader was Kalkstein, they exchanged a glance but chose not to comment.

Both sorceresses knew that, unlike many ambitious young Sorcerers, Kalkstein was a dedicated researcher. He served as a professor at Ban Ard College for male sorcerers and held a significant status. Given the state he was in upon his return with Wayne, it was likely he'd lost any interest in competing for a reserve seat on the Supreme Council.

After introductions were made, Kalkstein briefly recounted his recent experiences, which took the group by surprise.

It turned out that Kalkstein had entered the competition as an assistant to another Sorcerer, and together they had recruited about a hundred mercenaries in Kaedwen. They had set out nearly three days before Keira's group and were on their fifth day in the fog.

Initially, things had gone smoothly. Although they encountered numerous zombies and fallen demons along the way, with the help of the mercenaries, they managed to hold their ground, sustaining only minor losses.

But that morning, they'd been ambushed by an entirely new kind of threat. Rather than facing the usual mindless undead, they were attacked by fallen archers—once-living humans, now turned into monsters under the influence of hellish power.

Many of these fallen humans had once been residents of Kaedwen, prisoners who hadn't escaped when the fog spread and had been captured alive. Through some dark ritual, these prisoners were transformed and brainwashed, becoming subservient minions to a darker force.

During the ambush, Kalkstein's Sorcerer companion became the main target, holding off the attackers and allowing Kalkstein and a few of the mercenaries a chance to escape. Otherwise, they both would have likely been killed or captured.

Keira and Margarita listened, their faces growing more serious as they absorbed the gravity of the situation.

When they'd entered the fog, they expected to deal only with mindless monsters. Now, they faced a different threat—humans turned into cunning foes who would employ ambushes, deception, and all manner of tactics. Unlike mindless undead, these foes could strategize, and that made them infinitely more dangerous.

Noting the somber expressions around him, Wayne shrugged, addressing Keira casually, "So, what's the plan, Keira?"

"Whether you choose to advance or retreat, I'll support you."

Before Keira could respond, Kalkstein spoke up with a look of concern, "I think we should retreat, Lady Keira. My companions and I had over a hundred men, and we were completely overpowered by these fallen humans."

"Though they're fewer than we are, the otherworldly magic has transformed them, giving them combat effectiveness that surpasses ordinary humans. They feel no fear and have no sense of retreat."

"And now, with fewer than twenty of us here, I don't think our odds are very high."

"Of course, Wayne, it's not that I doubt your strength," Kalkstein added with a smile to Wayne, Letho, and the others, "I just don't see the need to take this risk."

With the initial pleasantries out of the way, Kalkstein had already learned that the four rugged men accompanying Wayne were all Witchers. Despite their numbers, they held far greater power and skill than the hundred or so mercenaries he'd previously hired.

After hearing Kalkstein's words, Keira's delicate face furrowed in thought, and her gaze drifted to Margarita. She quickly noted Margarita's somewhat distracted expression and the way her eyes kept darting toward Wayne's muscular frame and chiseled features. Keira knew her friend well enough to guess exactly what was on her mind.

Margarita, the headmistress of Aretuza, was a powerful and enviable figure, admired by women and feared by men. But she had a peculiar weakness—she was absolutely captivated by strong, attractive men. Over her centuries-long life, she'd had more than a dozen romantic relationships, and each breakup would leave her just as distraught as a love-struck young girl. Her last relationship had ended three years ago, and Keira could tell Margarita was very much interested in Wayne.

Since the lively night at her house just days earlier, Margarita had often drifted off into her own daydreams, her focus scattered. It was clear that Wayne's presence was affecting her.

Keira, however, wasn't bothered by it. Sorceresses often led chaotic private lives. Their long lives and abundant power frequently fueled desires for new thrills and companionship. Keira herself didn't mind sharing Wayne's formidable strength with Triss and felt the same about Margarita, seeing it as a form of trust and friendship.

With Margarita lost in thought and Wayne backing her decision, Keira finally bit her lip, steeling herself before speaking.

"Wayne, I knew there would be dangers when I joined this hunt. I don't want to miss this opportunity."

Wayne nodded, his voice steady. "Then let's move forward. These fallen humans aren't that different from regular soldiers. As long as we're careful, they won't pose much of a threat."

"Who knows, we might even capture a few and gain some valuable information about the enemy from them."

With Wayne's assurance, Letho and the others had no objections. They organized their watch shifts and took the opportunity to rest.

Kalkstein and his mercenaries, after failing to dissuade them, resigned themselves to Wayne and the others' determination to press on.

With no other options and hesitant to leave alone, Kalkstein and his mercenaries had little choice but to stay with Keira's group for safety. 

For added security, Keira insisted on a mutual aid contract with them, establishing shared responsibilities and a clear division of any spoils they might find.

---

After nightfall, most of the group succumbed to exhaustion from the day's battles and turned in early. Even the two sorceresses, too drained to indulge in any further diversions, went straight to sleep. 

As the most capable among them, Wayne volunteered to keep watch, allowing the other Witchers to rest and recharge for the challenges ahead.

In the quiet of the night, the mysterious witch, Raani, who had been subtly urging to speak with Wayne throughout the day, finally took her chance. She materialized across from him, seated on a railing opposite his fire, watching him with her bright sapphire eyes, filled with a haunting charm.

"What is it, Raani? Watching me like that… if there's something you need, just say it."

Across from him sat her delicate doll form, silent and expressionless. A faint smile crossed Wayne's face as he addressed her gently.

Though her powers were likely diminished, perhaps reduced to this hollow vessel, her presence alone commanded respect. Whether she could one day prove to be an ally or even more, Wayne decided she was worth every bit of patience.

The doll's jewel-like eyes blinked once, her tone calm and unwavering:

"I've finished reading the books you gave me."

"I need more, especially those with knowledge of your spellcasters."

Wayne felt a pang of surprise and admiration. Raani had indeed read at an impressive pace, finishing over sixty eight volumes in less than three days. Knowing her nature, she must have taken in every word. Her talent, patience, and discipline were clearly leagues above the ordinary.

Her request, however, posed a challenge. In the medieval world, books were precious and scarce, particularly those holding magical knowledge. He had already invested tens of thousands of gold coins and more than a bit of personal charm to acquire a small library from Aretuza, currently stored in Kaer Morhen. Fetching them for Raani would take more than a day or two.

Her doll form remained perched on the railing, unblinking and calm, her gem-like eyes focused on him in quiet anticipation, waiting for his response.

After a few moments of consideration, Wayne retrieved Kael'thas' Arcane Compendium from his storage. The book had been with him for nearly a year, but Wayne, not one to devote all his time to study, often prioritized enjoying life, fine wines, and beautiful company. His time across the Nine Realms of Middle-earth had been spent mostly on travel, even improving his riding skills rather than fully utilizing the magical treasure.

Despite feeling a tinge of reluctance, he offered the invaluable tome to Raani, saying:

"This is a rare treasure. It's not just any magic book—Kael'thas' Arcane Compendium can absorb and catalog books from every world I've visited. It holds countless tomes, not only from this realm but from several others I've traversed."

Raani's eyes seemed to brighten slightly as she gazed at the gem-studded, inscription-covered tome in Wayne's hands. With an unshaken expression, she asked in her calm, measured voice:

"Are you offering this tome to me, Wayne?"

'Offer it to you? Dream on,' Wayne thought with a wry grin but maintained his polite smile.

"Not quite," he replied. "The knowledge within represents years of effort and holds immense value. But I'll lend it to you so you can study the contents—on one condition."

At the mention of a condition, Raani's brow furrowed slightly, though she nodded and replied, "Tell me your terms. If they're reasonable, I may agree."

Wayne noted the gleam in her eye—Raani was clearly interested in the compendium's knowledge. He chuckled to himself, then proposed his condition:

"My condition is simple. As you learn each type of magic, you teach me what you've learned. I've a unique affinity to adapt to the arcane forces of any world, and I'd like to harness this magic as well. If you help, I could cast spells across different realms."

Raani looked at him with a spark of intrigue, holding his gaze thoughtfully for several seconds before she replied:

"Are you asking me to be your magic instructor, Wayne?"

Wayne pondered her question briefly before replying, "Not an instructor, no. Think of it as an alliance. My potential will carry me far, and having a powerful ally could benefit us both. A friendship, perhaps?"