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Cintra is one of the Northern Kingdoms, located south of Sodden, Riverdell, and the great Yaruga River. Its neighbors are Sodden, Brugge, and the Nilfgaardian province of Nazair. The capital of Cintra, also named Cintra, lies in the northwest where the Yaruga River meets the North Sea. Originally an elven city called Xin'trea, it was rebuilt by humans after the elves abandoned it five centuries ago during their eastern expansion.

For as long as anyone can remember, the Cintran coat of arms has displayed three golden lions on a field of azure. It is said that under this emblem, the ancestors of the Cintrans sailed into the Yaruga's mouth long ago. The House of Ravens—Cerbins—once used this symbol in ancient days, and though it remains unchanged, since King Coram II's reign, the lions have worn crowns.

Such a famed kingdom naturally boasts a castle befitting its reputation, and a queen who dominates it. Calanthe Fiona Riannon of Cintra, known as the "Lioness of Cintra" and "Ard Rhena," is celebrated for her bravery and beauty.

Though the queen, who won her first major battle at the age of fifteen in Hochebuz against Nazair, is not currently in her castle, she stands on a raised platform with a clear view of the duel arena below.

The clash of weapons echoed through the air, a sound far more pleasing to Queen Calanthe than any delicate melody.

This was the largest arena in Cintra.

In the center, two fully-armored warriors faced off. One, a towering figure in black armor, displayed impressive swordsmanship. His opponent, slightly smaller and clad in plain steel armor protected only by a layer of anti-rust coating, bore a lion's head outlined in gold on his chest. His sword movements were swift and relentless, continuously pressing the black-armored warrior.

The crowd cheered as the host on the sidelines shouted an explanation of the bout:

"Earlier, Sir Vitoni was dismounted and drew his sword to continue the duel on foot!"

The smaller warrior deftly parried Vitoni's strikes, and the lion symbol on his chest seemed to roar to life.

"Come on, Leonis! Young Lion of Cintra!" a bearded noble bellowed, sloshing wine from his goblet onto those in front of him. The drenched spectators, instead of being angry, licked the spilled wine from their lips and joined in the chant.

"Finish him, Leonis! Young Lion of Cintra!"

Amidst the frenzied crowd, a few nobles and ladies remained composed, engaging in quiet conversation.

"He's completely dominating his opponent. Leonis truly is a remarkable warrior."

"Will he remove his helmet when the fight is over? I could gaze upon his face forever…"

"He's only fifteen, right? His opponent, Vitoni, is the captain of the Queen's guard and has been a renowned warrior for years!"

"And don't forget, Leonis is the Queen's nephew!"

The two warriors could barely hear the shouts from the crowd. Their battle had already raged on for a quarter of an hour, far more intense than the spectators realized.

The swords clashed again, then separated. Leonis leaped backward, his silver armor glistening with sweat. His chest rose and fell rapidly as he struggled to regain his breath.

Vitoni could feel Leonis' strength waning. He shifted from offense to defense, patiently waiting for his younger opponent to slip. Despite Leonis' impressive skill, Vitoni remained calm. After all, his opponent was just a fifteen-year-old boy. No matter how proficient Leonis was, his underdeveloped body could only endure so much.

Panting heavily, Leonis refused to give in. Winning second place in the tournament would be a great honor for one so young, but he wasn't satisfied. He wanted more.

Without showing any signs of distress, Leonis' gaze remained locked on Vitoni. In his mind, he silently commanded, Panel.

A translucent black-gray interface appeared before Leonis, visible only to him.

[Name: Leonis Gryphonclaw]

Sex: Male

Race: Human

Level: 10

Talent: Elder Blood (Unawakened)

Experience: 100/1500

Health: 176/200

Mana: Not available

Inventory: Knight's Armor (upper), Knight's Armor (lower), Knight's Greaves, Knight's Gauntlets, Steel Knight Longsword

Skills:

[Muscle Memory (5/5)]+

[Strength Training (3/5)]+

Follower Slot: None (unavailable)

Task: Tournament Part 5 – Champion

He quickly opened the skill panel and saw that he had two skill points available. Glancing at the skill tree, most of which remained grayed out, Leonis gritted his teeth and invested both points into [Strength Training], raising it from (3/5) to (5/5).

A wave of heat surged through his body, his muscles tensing and bulging slightly. The sword in his hand suddenly felt much lighter, and even the fatigue that had been building up seemed to dissipate.

I wish I could have used these points on my Signs, he lamented. But he knew he would need this strength eventually. He steeled himself and stepped forward again.

His movement wasn't rushed, giving Vitoni enough time to react. The captain of the guard raised his sword defensively, prepared for Leonis' attack.

But Leonis wasn't aiming for an easy victory. His strikes were cautious, probing Vitoni's defenses, and as expected, the captain parried them all with ease.

Vitoni assumed Leonis was running out of energy. Confidently, he raised his sword to finish the bout—only to be met with an ear-splitting clang. Leonis' desperate strike nearly knocked Vitoni off balance.

How could this be? Was he holding back all this time?

The battle's momentum shifted dramatically. The crowd, sensing the change, rose to their feet once more. Some began leaping and shouting, cheering for their favored combatants.

"Come on, Leonis!"

"Vitoni! Show him what you did to the Nazairans on the battlefield!"

Leonis, now revitalized by his skill upgrades, pressed his advantage. He launched three powerful strikes in rapid succession, forcing Vitoni to retreat. The older man, already fatigued, struggled to regain his footing.

Finally, Leonis saw his opening. His heavy blow struck Vitoni's longsword, sending it vibrating violently. The steel trembled as if it could no longer endure the strain.

Vitoni's right hand went numb, and he lost his grip on the sword. It flew from his hand, clattering to the ground. He collapsed, looking up to find Leonis standing over him, the tip of his sword poised at his throat.

The crowd erupted into a deafening roar. Flowers and ribbons flew through the air, showering the young victor. Regardless of whom they had supported, there was now only one champion.

Leonis withdrew his sword and removed his helmet, revealing sweat-soaked dark blond hair and sparkling blue eyes. He smiled warmly. "I accept your surrender, Uncle Vitoni."

"You little brat," Vitoni grumbled, shaking his head. He grasped Leonis' outstretched hand, and together they walked around the arena, raising their arms in acknowledgment of the cheering crowd. The atmosphere reached a fever pitch.

Leonis' handsome face flushed with shyness, and the surrounding girls screamed louder, drowning out the noise of the rest of the crowd.

Up on the platform, Queen Calanthe's voice rang out, louder than anyone else's:

"I declare the winner of this tournament! Hail to our champion! He is the Young Lion of Cintra, my nephew!"

"Leonis Gryphonclaw Riannon!"

At the same moment, the panel in front of Leonis flashed, drawing his attention.

[Task Complete: Tournament Part 5 – Champion]

[Character Level +1]

A surge of warmth rushed through his body, instantly healing his injuries and sweeping away his exhaustion.

The morning tournament concluded with a decisive winner. According to tradition, the next step was the awarding of the champion followed by a grand celebration banquet. However, neither the champion nor the runner-up could attend while drenched in sweat and clad in blood-streaked armor.

Fortunately, both Leonis Gryphonclaw and Captain Vitoni of the guard were not seriously injured during the contest. After their wounds were treated, they both bathed and changed into fresh attire in preparation for the feast. In previous years, these banquets were often delayed by several days to allow for the recovery of injured competitors—at times, even joyous celebrations were marred by funerals.

Leonis' wounds were minor, and he stood before a full-length mirror while maids attended to him. His armor had been removed, and now, shirtless, he let the maids apply scented oils to his blonde hair and body.

The maids, familiar with their young master's preferences, ensured the scents were mild. When Leonis first arrived in this world, the strong fragrances used by the maids would often make him sneeze.

By his calculations, it had been over a year since Leonis arrived in this strange yet familiar world. Originally, he was just a college student on Earth, but due to an inexplicable transmigration, he found himself in a completely different world—and even his body had changed.

Luckily, he hadn't come to this world empty-handed. A system panel accompanied him, akin to those in video games.

He thought silently to himself, "Panel."

Immediately, a translucent screen appeared before his eyes, displaying his current stats:

[Name: Leonis Gryphonclaw

Gender: Male

Race: Human

Level: 11]

[Talent: Elder Blood (Unawakened)

Experience: 100/1500

Health: 210/210

Mana: Not enabled]

**[Inventory:

Ornate black trousersOrnate black shoes]**

**[Skills:

Muscle Memory (5/5)Strength Training (5/5)]**

[Followers: None (Locked)

Quests: None]

Upon learning that he had arrived in a kingdom called Cintra, Leonis had already started suspecting where he had ended up. His suspicions were confirmed when he discovered that his aunt was Calanthe, the "Lioness of Cintra," and Queen of the realm.

This was the world of The Witcher. Leonis recalled the original novels, the popular action RPG series based on them, and the American television adaptation. The protagonist of The Witcher series was a Witcher—Geralt of Rivia—renowned for his swordsmanship and his ability to wield magical Signs. He made his living hunting monsters that threatened the Continent, only to become entangled in vast political conspiracies, wars, and even world-ending threats.

This was a harsh medieval world, one ravaged by wars, plagues, and all manner of monsters. The realization that he had been thrust into such a perilous existence shocked Leonis to his core.

Wait—wasn't he the nephew of the Queen? Though a distant relative, he was still part of the royal family. With no surviving brothers or parents, he would surely inherit a title someday, right?

He relaxed slightly.

Still, Leonis couldn't forget why he ended up here. He had been playing The Witcher 3 on Death March difficulty before his sudden transmigration.

With his knowledge of the game, novels, and TV show, Leonis could vaguely recall the general events and key characters, although some details were fuzzy. Armed with that knowledge and his status as a noble, along with the higher education he'd received in the 21st century, Leonis figured his life in this world wouldn't be too hard—until he remembered the fate of Cintra.

If I remember correctly, Cintra is doomed. He recalled the fall of Cintra, where his aunt, Queen Calanthe, would leap to her death after a crushing defeat.

But when exactly would that happen? The timeline was a blur in his mind, and he couldn't pinpoint the exact year. This realization drove him to near panic. Without wasting time, he tried testing for any cheat system that might have accompanied him during his transmigration. To his relief, a glowing panel appeared.

The morning tournament concluded with a decisive winner. According to tradition, the next step was the awarding of the champion followed by a grand celebration banquet. However, neither the champion nor the runner-up could attend while drenched in sweat and clad in blood-streaked armor.

Fortunately, both Leonis Gryphonclaw and Captain Vitoni of the guard were not seriously injured during the contest. After their wounds were treated, they both bathed and changed into fresh attire in preparation for the feast. In previous years, these banquets were often delayed by several days to allow for the recovery of injured competitors—at times, even joyous celebrations were marred by funerals.

Leonis' wounds were minor, and he stood before a full-length mirror while maids attended to him. His armor had been removed, and now, shirtless, he let the maids apply scented oils to his blonde hair and body.

The maids, familiar with their young master's preferences, ensured the scents were mild. When Leonis first arrived in this world, the strong fragrances used by the maids would often make him sneeze.

By his calculations, it had been over a year since Leonis arrived in this strange yet familiar world. Originally, he was just a college student on Earth, but due to an inexplicable transmigration, he found himself in a completely different world—and even his body had changed.

Luckily, he hadn't come to this world empty-handed. A system panel accompanied him, akin to those in video games.

He thought silently to himself, "Panel."

Immediately, a translucent screen appeared before his eyes, displaying his current stats:

[Name: Leonis Gryphonclaw

Gender: Male

Race: Human

Level: 11]

[Talent: Elder Blood (Unawakened)

Experience: 100/1500

Health: 210/210

Mana: Not enabled]

**[Inventory:

Ornate black trousersOrnate black shoes]**

**[Skills:

Muscle Memory (5/5)Strength Training (5/5)]**

[Followers: None (Locked)

Quests: None]

Upon learning that he had arrived in a kingdom called Cintra, Leonis had already started suspecting where he had ended up. His suspicions were confirmed when he discovered that his aunt was Calanthe, the "Lioness of Cintra," and Queen of the realm.

This was the world of The Witcher. Leonis recalled the original novels, the popular action RPG series based on them, and the American television adaptation. The protagonist of The Witcher series was a Witcher—Geralt of Rivia—renowned for his swordsmanship and his ability to wield magical Signs. He made his living hunting monsters that threatened the Continent, only to become entangled in vast political conspiracies, wars, and even world-ending threats.

This was a harsh medieval world, one ravaged by wars, plagues, and all manner of monsters. The realization that he had been thrust into such a perilous existence shocked Leonis to his core.

Wait—wasn't he the nephew of the Queen? Though a distant relative, he was still part of the royal family. With no surviving brothers or parents, he would surely inherit a title someday, right?

He relaxed slightly.

Still, Leonis couldn't forget why he ended up here. He had been playing The Witcher 3 on Death March difficulty before his sudden transmigration.

With his knowledge of the game, novels, and TV show, Leonis could vaguely recall the general events and key characters, although some details were fuzzy. Armed with that knowledge and his status as a noble, along with the higher education he'd received in the 21st century, Leonis figured his life in this world wouldn't be too hard—until he remembered the fate of Cintra.

If I remember correctly, Cintra is doomed. He recalled the fall of Cintra, where his aunt, Queen Calanthe, would leap to her death after a crushing defeat.

But when exactly would that happen? The timeline was a blur in his mind, and he couldn't pinpoint the exact year. This realization drove him to near panic. Without wasting time, he tried testing for any cheat system that might have accompanied him during his transmigration. To his relief, the system panel reappeared.

[Name: Leonis Gryphonclaw

Gender: Male

Race: Human

Level: 1]

[Talent: Elder Blood (Unawakened)

Experience: 0/1000

Health: 100/100

Mana: Not enabled]

[Inventory: None

Skills: None

Followers: None (Locked)

Quests: None]

The panel was almost completely blank. The only listed talent, Elder Blood, was sealed. In the original Witcher lore, the Elder Blood was a potent force that could shape the fate of the world. Leonis vaguely remembered that the Elder Blood gene was primarily passed down through female descendants, while males were often latent carriers or activators.

The Elder Blood—Hen Ichaer in the Elder Speech—was a genetic program initiated by the elven Sages, meant to create a gifted child whose power would surpass their own. Ithlinne, the famed elven prophetess, foretold that a child of Elder Blood would save the elves from annihilation. But when the last carrier, Lara Dorren, chose to mate with a human instead of an elf, the prophecy was thrown into disarray. This union between Lara and a human marked the beginning of the Cintran royal family's involvement in the Elder Bloodline.

However, Elder Blood was feared and misunderstood by many. Some considered it a curse, while others coveted its power. Even in The Witcher world, those who bore this blood were often subject to dangerous scrutiny from mages and the powerful alike.

Though Elder Blood was a monumental force, Leonis knew it was latent within him, and unlocking it was no simple feat. In the original work, it took significant time and energy to awaken, and it was only fully realized toward the story's climax. Leonis couldn't afford to wait that long.

Cintra would be destroyed before he could harness that power, and unlike Geralt, the protagonist, Leonis wouldn't have the same luck or fate on his side. If anything, his bloodline made him a target, and there were many who would capture him to exploit his latent Elder Blood.

This knowledge only increased Leonis' urgency to grow stronger. Over the past year, he had gradually uncovered more of the system's functionality. It seemed to operate similarly to the game mechanics of The Witcher 3, though with several tweaks to fit this world's reality.

The system had been simplified considerably. Stats like attack and defense had been removed, leaving only health, mana, and experience. Each level gained increased his health by ten points and perfectly healed him , and as his health improved, so too did his physical abilities—strength, stamina, and endurance.

It all made sense. A higher health pool would naturally require a stronger, more resilient body.

Experience was gained from killing creatures and completing tasks. However, as in the game, killing monsters yielded pitiful amounts of experience, while quests offered more substantial rewards.

In addition to health increases, Leonis earned a skill point with each level-up. These skill points could be allocated to enhance various abilities, mirroring the original game's system.

The journey ahead would be challenging, but Leonis knew one thing for certain: if he wanted to survive, he needed to level up fast.

[

Explanation of Elder Blood ,Elves , Humans and Magic for readers who are Ignorant of lore

The Elder Blood and its Prophecy in Relation to Leonis

The concept of Elder Blood, also referred to as Hen Ichaer or the Lara gene as of now, is a deeply rooted element of elven prophecy and power within the magical lore of the Aen Seidhe and Aen Elle elves. Originating from the ambitious vision of the greatest Aen Undod mages known as Sages, the Elder Blood was a genetic program aimed at producing a being whose powers would surpass those of even the greatest mages. The program, however, was thwarted when Lara Dorren aep Shiadhal, the last elven carrier of the Elder Blood, chose to mate with a human instead of continuing her lineage with another elf.

This single act disrupted the plans of the Sages and spread the Elder Blood among humans, primarily within the Cintran royal family, where descendants of Lara Dorren carried traces of this extraordinary magic. The Aen Seidhe and Aen Elle elves were once united under the name Aen Undod, but a mysterious cataclysm forced them to split. While the Aen Seidhe stayed in the world that would later be known as the Continent, arriving in its lands some two thousand years before humans, the Aen Elle ventured into another world and became embroiled in a brutal war with the native unicorns. This violent path shaped their society into a xenophobic, warlike culture, where magic and control over time and space were coveted powers.

The Conjunction of the Spheres shattered the once-great magical prowess of the elves, leaving only a few Sages with the ability to control space and time. Yet, the Elder Blood persisted, becoming a point of interest for both humans and mages. It was both feared and revered, as Ithlinne's prophecy foretold the rise of an avenger, born of Elder Blood, who could bring the world to its knees, inciting destruction and possibly salvation. This prophecy would come to be a guiding force for those who sought to harness the power of Elder Blood, including many who misunderstood its true nature.

Elder Blood is an incredibly rare talent, granting control over space and time, though few have mastered it. Most descendants, even those with partial mastery, experienced dangerous and unpredictable bursts of power. This volatility further fed into the dark legends surrounding Hen Ichaer, leading to widespread myths and misunderstandings about the so-called curse of the Elder Blood.

Despite these challenges, the lineage of Elder Blood continued within the human royal family, passing down through several descendants. The main gene of Elder Blood was often latent, and those who carried it did not always exhibit magical powers. This latent gene, paired with an activator gene (often found in male descendants who carried the Elder Blood without manifesting its abilities), could produce a child with the full powers of Elder Blood if paired with another carrier. Such was the case with Calanthe, one of the more prominent bearers of Elder Blood in the royal line.

Ithlinne's Prophecy and the Pursuit of Elder Blood

The Elder Blood was prophesied by the legendary elven diviner Ithlinne Aegli aep Aevenien, who foresaw the world's end in a chilling vision known as Aen Ithlinnespeath. According to this prophecy, the world would face an ice age known as the Time of the White Frost, and all of humanity would perish. The only survivors would be the elves, saved by the offspring of Elder Blood—an individual with elder blood. This prophecy became an obsession for many powerful individuals, especially those who sought to manipulate or control this avenger for their own ends.

The prophecy also predicted signs of impending doom: the Time of the Wolf's Blizzard, the Time of the Sword and Axe, and the Time of Madness and Contempt. These events would signal the approach of the world's end, and the elven blood would soak the earth, heralding the final days of the world.

Due to the prophetic nature of Elder Blood and its potential to reshape the future, it became the subject of intense scrutiny, with secret factions and mages researching ways to control or unlock its power. These efforts were marred by misunderstandings, particularly regarding the complex genetic nature of Elder Blood. Researchers focused solely on tracking the main gene and ignored the latent carriers or activators. This mistake led many to assume that only Ciri, one of the most famous descendants of Lara Dorren, was the sole inheritor of this powerful bloodline.

The Elder Blood and the Wild Hunt

The Elder Blood, or Hen Ichaer, plays a crucial role in the ongoing threat posed by the Wild Hunt, an enigmatic and fearsome force that originates from the Aen Elle elves. The connection between the two dates back to a time when the Aen Undod, a united elven people, was divided by a mysterious cataclysm. This event led to the split of the elves into the Aen Seidhe and the Aen Elle. The Aen Seidhe remained on the Continent, where humans later dominated, while the Aen Elle ventured into a new world, marking the beginning of a darker and more violent chapter in their history.

Upon arriving in this new world, the Aen Elle encountered unicorns, the only other intelligent species inhabiting the land. The elves waged war with the unicorns, seeking to dominate and enslave them. Eventually, the Aen Elle gained control of the Gate of the Worlds, a portal known as Ard Gaeth, which allowed them to travel between worlds. This ability to access different realms made the Aen Elle a powerful and feared force. They created a cavalry unit known as the Dearg Ruadhri or Red Riders, later known to the world as the Wild Hunt.

Led by General Eredin Bréacc Glas, the Wild Hunt traveled across different worlds, capturing young humanoids to serve as slaves. Their skeletal armor, black steeds, and spectral projections gave them a terrifying, wraith-like appearance, solidifying their reputation as otherworldly invaders. Over time, however, the Aen Elle lost full control of Ard Gaeth when the unicorns managed to wrest it from them. This limited the Wild Hunt's ability to traverse realms, forcing them to rely on Navigators, special mages capable of opening smaller portals.

Despite these setbacks, the Wild Hunt continued their raids, particularly targeting the world of the Aen Seidhe. As humans had largely taken over this world, it became the prime hunting ground for slaves. The spectral Wild Hunt became a dreaded omen, known to appear in the sky during winter, spreading terror across the Continent. Led by Eredin, now known as the King of the Wild Hunt, they were believed to steal the souls of their victims, though their true goal was the capture of slaves to serve their empire.

The Wild Hunt's desire for Elder Blood stems from its extraordinary ability to manipulate time and space, a power intrinsic to the culture and magic of the Aen Elle. The Elder Blood lineage, holds unparalleled potential for wielding magic and all holders of it will be Source Sorcerers , particularly the kind of space-time magic that the Wild Hunt desperately seeks to reclaim in full. This makes any bearer of Elder Blood, a prime target for the Wild Hunt, as they can sense the use of Elder Blood's unique powers.

King Eredin sees the acquisition of Elder Blood as a way to restore the lost grandeur of the Aen Elle. With it, they could regain full mastery of interdimensional travel, thus enabling mass conquest of other worlds and ensuring the return of an empire that once spanned across dimensions. Eredin's ultimate goal is to father an heir of Elder Blood, an offspring capable of restoring the Aen Elle's dominance. Such a child could unlock the potential for large-scale invasions of other worlds, bringing about a new age of mass slavery and conquest.

Leonis and the Elder Bloodline

In the context of Leonis, the question arises as to whether his own genetics could be manipulated to awaken the power of Elder Blood. As the last true elven carrier of Elder Blood Lara was female, meaning human male descendants could only be latent carriers or activators, there remains the possibility of unlocking this power. Since males inherit one X chromosome, and females inherit two, there may be a way for system to modify his Y chromosome to carry the full Elder Blood gene, despite its inherent limitations in Human male lineage of lora .

However, even if Leonis succeeds in awakening this power, it would take considerable time and effort to fully develop and control his Elder Blood abilities. In the original timeline, the most prominent bearer of Elder Blood, Ciri, did not fully realize her potential until much later. For Leonis, relying on this power in the short term would be impossible, as mastering the Elder Blood requires years of training, discipline, and an understanding of the intricate forces governing space and time.

Humans

Humans, originating from a homeworld they had destroyed, first appeared in the Continent after the Conjunction of the Spheres. Nomadic tribes such as the Dauk and Wozgor people settled there before the rise of the Nordling culture. The most significant and mysterious event in the Continent's history is the Conjunction of the Spheres, a paranormal event that brought humans and other species to the Continent. Before this, the land was primarily ruled by the Elder Races: elves, gnomes, and dwarves. This event occurred around 230, roughly 1,500 years before the events of The Witcher games. At the time, humans, split into the Wozgor and Dauk tribes, were relatively primitive.

The Landing of the Nordlings

Over 500 years later, in 760, humans began conquering lands for themselves during a period known as "The First Landing" or "The Landing of the Nordlings." This marked the time when humans started venturing into and settling in the Northern Kingdoms. Some humans remained in the South, with speculation that these individuals were part of the original human population due to their distinct appearance compared to those in the North.

The Conjunction of the Spheres and the First Landing are often confused. The former refers to the cataclysm that marked the arrival of humans and various monsters, taking place 1,500 years before Geralt's time (as mentioned in "Baptism of Fire"), while the latter marks the Nordlings' arrival to the Northern Kingdoms 500 years before Geralt's day (noted in "Blood of Elves"). This suggests the existence of an unknown landmass west of the Continent with a sizable human population.

Humans were not immediately united on the Continent; primitive civilizations like the Dauk and Wozgor preceded the First Landing, leaving behind cryptic monoliths foretelling the Curse of the Black Sun ("The Lesser Evil"). Humans may have come from other worlds, as Earth is part of the multiverse in this lore, explaining human presence in Tir ná Lia.

The elves' arrival to the world remains shrouded in mystery. In Blood of Elves, Yarpen Zigrin claims elves arrived before humans, though it's unclear if he refers to the Conjunction or the First Landing. However, Avallac'h in The Tower of the Swallow states, "the Conjunction happened and you humans appear here," implying elves arrived before this event. In The Lady of the Lake, the Alder King suggests that the Conjunction robbed elves of their ability to travel across the multiverse.

Magic: Elves and Humans

Magic entered the world during the Conjunction of the Spheres, with inhabitants learning to harness its power for extraordinary feats, such as telepathy, pyromancy, and divination. Magic is described as Chaos, art, and science. It is Chaos due to its potential for destruction when misused, art for the extraordinary things it can produce, and science for its demand for extensive knowledge.

Though magic is universal, elves have a deeper connection to it and have practiced it far longer than humans, enabling them to achieve things like dimensional travel. Elves perceive magic more mystically, while humans view it more as a science. Not all elves are magicians, but they possess a high aptitude for magic, with genetic predispositions playing a key role in who can wield magic.

Humans learned magic from elves, but the power gap between the two races led to tensions. Elven mages, such as Lara Dorren and Avallac'h, were central figures in magic and its lineage. Humans, due to not being a race naturally made to wield chaos energy , became infertile after prolonged magic use due to hormonal imbalances caused by the magical energy they absorbed. This sterility was often deliberate in Human based academic institutions to minimize familial instincts and manipulate sorceresses into tools of power and politics by their own leaders.

In the world of The Witcher, there is a somewhat of genetic predisposition to magic, meaning not everyone has the ability to learn or wield it. Many individuals with magical potential may go through their entire lives unaware of their abilities, raising families and passing on the "magic gene" to their descendants. This genetic trait can emerge in later generations, with some children eventually discovering their potential to become witches, wizards, or sorcerers.

Elves, on the other hand, are naturally more attuned to magic. Their magical aptitude is inherent, and even among them, figures like Elven Sages are implied to be far more advanced than the typical mage. Humans, who learned magic from elves, were not the original practitioners. It is suggested that the elves did not rely on structured academic institutions like human mages, some of which were known to impose artificial sterility on their graduates to curb maternal instincts and family attachments, focusing their sorceresses entirely on their magical pursuits.

Over time, human mages also developed their abilities, particularly those with partial elven ancestry, leading to the eventual downfall of the elves. Schools like Aretuza were established to help gifted children, particularly "Sources," control their magic.

It's worth noting that Lara Dorren and Avallac'h, her 'intended' mate in a deliberate elder blood breeding program, were both powerful elven mages. The program aimed to preserve and enhance the elder blood lineage, which was believed to possess immense magical potential. However, Lara Dorren defied this plan by eloping with a human mage, Cregennan of Lod. Her union with Cregennan, in open rebellion against the elder blood breeding program, led to the birth of their child. This relationship is significant because it symbolized a break from the elven traditions and the intermingling of human and elven bloodlines, which had far-reaching consequences in the world of magic and power.

Levels of Magical Talent

In the Witcher world, magic users are categorized into three levels:

Source: A Source, like Ciri, is someone born with the innate ability to generate their own magical power, allowing them to use magic without formal training. However, this power often manifests involuntarily, and training is essential to gain control over it. Sources possess a natural affinity for magic that, once it blooms, can be incredibly difficult to manage. If not properly guided, it can lead to mental instability, including catatonia.To prevent such outcomes, institutions like the Schools of Sorcery—Aretuza and Ban Ard—were created to help Sources cultivate and control their powers. In the past, mages from these schools would hunt down Sources, often forcibly removing them from their families, either by force or deceit. However, by the 1260s, this harsh practice faded, replaced by a softer approach. Mages were now required to inform the Chapter of Wizards upon discovering a Source, allowing them to monitor and eventually entice the Source into joining the magical fold.The activation of a Source's abilities is often triggered by stressful situations. This is a double-edged sword, as while they can wield immense power, it remains largely uncontrollable and tends to erupt unexpectedly. Sources act more as conduits or transmitters of magical energy than deliberate wielders of it, leading to potentially catastrophic outcomes. Without control, a Source's power can result in the destruction of entire castles or towns if not properly managed.Having Aptitude: Mages or sorcerers who, with training, draw power from elements and cast spells. Many of these humans have partial and distant elven ancestry.

Pseudo Magic Users: Pseudo magic, at the 'witcher' level, refers to the basic magical abilities that witchers can use, known as 'signs.' These are simple forms of magic that require only a minimal amount of magical power. Witchers do not need to have any inherent magical aptitude, as the small amount of power needed to cast signs is supplied by their witcher amulet.Even though witchers lack natural magical talent before transformation, the mutations they undergo—by magical mutagenic concoctions —allow their bodies to absorb chaotic energy. Their biology is altered in a way that enables them to metabolize this energy into a more manageable form. However, the amount of magic energy that a witcher's body can store is limited. This restricts them to using only basic pseudo magic, such as signs , due to lower magic requirement and access to more manageable magic in their body , which do not require the complex incantations and rituals that sorcerers use to harness chaos energy from their surroundings. Instead, witchers rely on the controlled, but meager, magic energy stored within their bodies, allowing them to use signs. These signs are simple, efficient, and designed for combat, unlike the more intricate magic that sorcerers wield, which draws upon the surrounding chaotic forces.

The First Defeat of an Elven Kingdom

Humans, after surviving in the new world with the help of the elves' kindness and learning magic from them, eventually declared war on the Aen Seidhe elves. In 782, they successfully overthrew an elven kingdom, marking the first time humans had defeated an elven realm. During this period, humans had begun mastering magic and using it against the elves. Ludovic's army took down Divethaf and gained control over Toussaint, sparking centuries of war and tensions across the Continent. These conflicts went beyond humans versus elves, with the Nilfgaardian Empire, whose people had both human and elven blood, threatening to overthrow the Northern Kingdoms.

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A fascinating game—that's the impression I had when I first played The Witcher video games. I was captivated by the mastery of skills available. Yet, at the same time, I found the game too complex and challenging. But now, having transmigrated into this world with a Cheat system modeled after the video game, I couldn't be more thrilled with the gameplay.

You see, while The Witcher's world is filled with magical creatures—vampires, dragons, and the like—the individual combat ability of humans is fairly limited. It's more realistic than other fantasy worlds where a single person with supernatural powers can defeat thousands, or even hundreds. In The Witcher, even defeating ten well-trained warriors is a rare feat, usually accomplished only by exceptionally powerful villains or the protagonists destined by fate. Of course, this excludes ancient creatures, which appear once in millennia.

The notion of "slaughtering a city" has been realized by only a few in the entire history of this continent—and that's not counting catastrophes caused by out-of-control magic or failed experiments.

However, with the system I've gained from The Witcher video game, I, Leonis Gryphonclaw, can achieve strength far beyond that of ordinary people.

For example, with each upgrade, my physical attributes are enhanced. I estimate that by the time I reach level 20 or 30, I could single-handedly defeat giants, creatures capable of withstanding an army.

It's a pity that most of the skills in my panel can't be upgraded just yet. After all, the system is based on Witchers, and this world is also that of Witchers. I suspect I'll have to become one before I can fully utilize the system.

As you know, once transformed into a Witcher, a human body, despite not having inherent magical abilities, can generate magic. The immune system and endocrine system are altered, providing immense poison resistance, adrenaline control, and superhuman endurance.

I believe this is why I can't upgrade any of my [Signs] or most of my [Alchemy] skills. Similarly, any skill related to [Adrenaline] is currently locked.

However, I can still add points to [Brewing] in the [Alchemy] tree, which increases my poison resistance, and in the [Basic Skills] tree, which similarly boosts poison tolerance and adrenaline production.

I figure I can use these upgrades because my current body can already handle minor poisons. If I push it further, the natural increase in adrenaline will allow my body to adapt, potentially unlocking more skills even before I become a Witcher.

As for the [Sign] abilities… perhaps I'll need to awaken my [Elder Blood] talent? The magic associated with the Elder Blood is far stronger than that of a Witcher.

Yet, either of these paths requires too many skill points and too much time, and I'm unsure if either will even work.

For now, the quickest way to increase my power to the point where I can protect myself is to become a Witcher.

As for the locked [Follower] tab in my panel, I suspect it's linked to the game's mount system. In the game, you could summon your horse from miles away with just a whistle, no matter where you were.

It's quite a magical concept, and certainly not something an ordinary human could do.

Shaking off these thoughts, I focused on the task at hand. As I finished, I glanced at my servant, Hardy, who was wiping the spices from his hands. I pondered for a moment and then asked:

"Hardy, would you like to be my 'Follower'?"

"Master, you're joking again. I've always been your 'follower,'" Hardy replied.

The [Follower] column on my panel remained inactive.

Damn. It seems I can't unlock the [Follower] feature that way.

Hardy, my young servant, casually picked up my palace coat and didn't pay my question any real attention. Over the past year, he had grown used to my odd, out-of-context remarks.

I shrugged. Hardy had no idea what I was talking about, and I didn't expect him to. Sometimes it's just fun to break the monotony of life. It was a brief moment of relaxation, after all.

Raising my arms, I slipped into my coat as Hardy fastened the buttons. This aristocratic custom of having someone else dress me had been frustrating when I first transmigrated here. But I've since gotten used to it. Damn feudalism—it corrupts everything.

Regardless, I needed Hardy's help. I knew nothing about noble etiquette or the proper way to wear these complicated outfits and jewelry. I couldn't exactly walk around naked just to avoid being attended to by my servants.

That was when I first learned that different clothes were worn for different occasions—and there was an entire book, thicker than my fist, on aristocratic attire.

Moreover, if I refused Hardy's help, he would be punished by the steward. Even I, as the master, couldn't stop that from happening.

"Hardy, mind your tone when speaking to the young master!" A stern voice came from the door. A serious-looking old man entered, his attire the most immaculate and precise in the entire castle. When he stood upright, every button was perfectly aligned, and I even suspected that each of his beard hairs had been trimmed to the exact same length.

This was Enns, the old butler who had once served Queen Calanthe and later my father. After my father passed, Enns took on the role of our family's head steward and became my guardian until I came of age. He took great care of me when I first transmigrated here.

"It's fine, Enns," I said, excusing Hardy's casual manner. Enns, while excellent in every other regard, was a stickler for hierarchy. When I first arrived, I had affectionately called him "Grandpa Enns," but he had been deeply moved and had politely yet firmly rejected the title.

It became clear to me then that the concept of familial closeness didn't translate well in this world's master-servant dynamics.

Hardy, after being scolded, quickly resumed his usual cheeky demeanor. All of this played out in the reflection of the mirror, where I smiled at my appearance.

I saw a young man with shoulder-length blond hair, neatly combed back, highlighting his sharp features. Hardy, despite his attitude, was always meticulous in his work.

Satisfied, Enns approached, holding a golden brooch in the shape of a lion's head. He pinned it to my chest with reverence.

"This was your father's brooch," Enns said. "He had it made before he was knighted by the Queen. He wore this when he became Her Majesty's knight. Now, it's yours."

"Father…" I murmured the name of my body's former owner. "Leon Gryphonclaw. The origin of our house."

"Yes, indeed," Enns wiped a tear from his eye. "After the Queen was called 'the lioness,' your father strove to earn the title of 'the lion.' You know…"

"To follow in the Queen's footsteps," I whispered.

Apart from being a distant relative of Queen Calanthe, Leonis Gryphonclaw's father was also her great admirer. Not only did he go out of his way to join the Queen's Guard and follow her in her wars, but he also sought to earn the same title as her.

Leonis's father pursued the title of 'Lion' until he was nearly thirty. Eventually, pressured by the elders, he married, and Leonis was born. Despite her marriage, Queen Calanthe continued to treat Leonis's father with respect, and she could be considered kind to Leonis.

The Gryphonclaw knight finally distinguished himself by blocking an arrow for the Queen during a foreign conflict, vanquishing three enemies single-handedly, and leading the Queen out of a siege. He died from exhaustion. After the war's victory, bards composed poems in his honor, such as 'Lion's Guard' and 'Brave Lion Knight,' fulfilling his lifelong wish.

The Lion Knight fell while protecting his Queen.

Queen Calanthe later honored Leonis's father by making him a hereditary Earl, thus establishing the Gryphonclaw name. As a devoted 'Lion' enthusiast, Leonis's father had prepared lion crests and other symbols, originally for personal collection. Consequently, the Gryphonclaw family became a true 'Lion Family.'

Sadly, Leonis's mother, the Countess Gryphonclaw, deeply loved her husband. The elder Gryphonclaw was valiant and handsome, known for his integrity. He had always been the ideal partner for many young women in Cintra.

Mrs. Gryphonclaw, who had long admired the stories of the Lion Knight, considered marrying him the greatest fortune of her life. Shortly after her husband's death, she succumbed to grief, leaving her son Leonis alone.

Leonis fell gravely ill as a result, and the newborn 'Lion Family' was on the brink of extinction. It was during this time that a soul from Earth possessed his body.

"You will definitely surpass the master," the old housekeeper remarked, gazing at the handsome young man in the mirror. He recalled dressing an equally handsome young man in fine clothes when he received knighthood many years ago.

"You will certainly exceed the master," the housekeeper reiterated, "Both the master and the madam firmly believed this."

Leonis stepped forward and gently embraced the old man. He waved his hand, signaling him to sit, and the housekeeper resumed adjusting Leonis's clothing and hair, which Hardy had previously arranged.

The door of the castle hall opened, revealing banquet tables neatly arranged along both walls, already filled with people.

Upon Leonis's arrival, the noisy crowd fell silent. The nobles who recognized him greeted him courteously and exchanged pleasantries. Friends embraced him warmly, while noble ladies turned with flushed faces to watch him pass by.

The Queen and the King were seated on their thrones at the far end, surrounded by extravagant dishes. The runner-up in the swordsmanship competition, clad in armor, stood by. Upon seeing Leonis's smiling face, he rolled his eyes in response. As a Queen's Guard, he would have to stand throughout the banquet.

Of course, as the protagonist, Leonis might not enjoy the banquet.

A smaller throne, matching the Queen's in style, was occupied by a little gray-haired girl. As Leonis approached, she started to rise to greet him enthusiastically, but her grandmother promptly stopped her, pressing her back into her seat.

Leonis saluted the Queen and King at the base of the thrones. The nobles below fell silent, aware that the main event was about to commence.

Queen Calanthe stood, smiling, with a wine glass in her left hand, signaling for the nobles to sit.

"Everyone, the person standing below is the son of Leon, my nephew, and the champion of this tourney. I believe you all know him!"

"Leonis!" someone cheered from the audience.

Leonis nodded politely, smiling modestly.

"Originally, I intended to make the champion of this tourney a knight and offer him a place in my Guard," Calanthe continued with a smile, "but now it seems inappropriate."

The knights and nobles laughed in unison.

"So, I have decided to grant Leonis additional territory!" Calanthe declared, causing a wave of exclamations. "At the same time, I am officially bestowing upon him the title to inherit my brother's Lordship, Gryphonclaw!"

The banquet hall erupted in deafening cheers and applause. Queen Calanthe descended the stairs slowly, holding her sword. Leonis took a step back and knelt on one knee.

The Queen solemnly tapped Leonis's shoulder with her sword. The gray-haired girl watched the blond boy intently. No one paid attention to her standing up involuntarily, and even the grandmother was drawn to the blond boy.

The canonization ceremony focused all attention. Ceremony officers emerged from the side, presenting the Earl's cloak and other ritual items on a plate covered with red velvet.

"Gryphonclaw!"

As the solemn ceremony concluded, cheers once again filled the banquet hall.

"Leonis! Leonis!" The gray-haired girl leaped excitedly and shouted.

Queen Calanthe opened her arms to quiet the crowd, helped Leonis to his feet, and asked him to step aside. She addressed the assembled civil servants and military officers of Cintra:

"In addition to my nephew's canonization, I have another announcement."

"In recent years, the Nilfgaardians have repeatedly harassed us. Although we have driven them back each time, they are like fleas on a wild boar, impossible to fully eliminate!"

"Yes!" shouted one of the generals below, slightly inebriated and irate. "But we are not afraid of the Nilfgaardians, nor are we afraid of war!"

"Yes, indeed," Queen Calanthe nodded, signaling for the general's family to attend to him. "But now, we need not worry about the Nilfgaardians any longer, as we have found a new ally: the Kingdom of Verden."

"My granddaughter Ciri has reached the age for marriage, and I have decided to betroth her to Prince Kistrin of Verden. In return, Verden will provide us with a considerable army, and from now on, our two kingdoms will be inseparable and will fight together!"

The banquet hall fell into stunned silence.

Confusion spread among the guests, but soon, the room erupted into warm cheers.

Queen Calanthe, satisfied, returned to her throne and enjoyed her wine.

Ciri sat stunned in her small seat, pushed back down by her grandmother amidst the gathering audience.

As the festivities continued, Leonis overheard someone whisper, "Isn't Verden our vassal? Why is our princess getting married?"

Leonis Gryphonclaw returned to his room, reeking of alcohol and exhausted. The young servant, Hardy, stepped forward and handed him more comfortable, casual attire. Leonis had felt uncomfortable in his court dress all day.

The old housekeeper eagerly presented a map, with a location near the Cintra border circled.

"Master Leonis, look, this is 'Brokilon,' our new territory!"

Leonis approached and examined the map closely. The territory was modest in size. Given the multitude of nobles in Cintra, it seemed to be a domain abandoned by a lesser noble. Nonetheless, it was now his own.

"I'm not well-versed in these matters, Enns. What should we do next? Pack up and head to Brokilon?"

The old housekeeper looked surprised. "If you wish, young master, we can move to your new territory. However, Brokilon already has a mayor and a tax collector assigned by the Kingdom. Taxes will be collected quarterly and given to us. If you're dissatisfied with the current staff, they can be replaced with our own."

"No need for that," Leonis said, waving his hand. "That means we can stay in the royal capital, correct?"

"Naturally. You're a court noble and a member of the royal family. No one can expel you except the Queen."

"Then we'll stay here for now. What about the items I requested earlier?"

Enns pulled out a book from his pocket and began to read from it. "Your attendants have been selected—ten fine young men. Collecting magic items is proving difficult, mainly due to their cost."

"Acquire as many as you can. Have you bought any already?"

"Yes, I'll bring them to you later." The old butler hesitated. "Master, while I don't intend to interfere with your interests, please remember that dealing with such items can be perilous."

Leonis smiled and replied, "I understand."

He then tossed the clothes to Hardy. "Have my attendants meet me at the training ground tomorrow morning. Also, prepare a bath. Hardy will be sufficient for now. You can rest early."

The servants and the butler bowed and left. Leonis opened the window, letting the cold night air invigorate him.

On his desk lay a small mechanism box. Inside, Leonis found a seal engraved with a lion's head, several medals, and a thread-bound black book.

He took out the book and opened it. The pages were filled with notes and annotations.

On the first page, it read:

[1. Save Cintra] [2. Become stronger] [3. Development] [4. Major Events]

Leonis had a strong inclination for planning. Upon learning of his transmigration, he had familiarized himself with his new situation and began crafting strategies in this notebook.

Survival, gaining strength, potential future crises, and significant events that could become opportunities were all detailed in this small book.

Written in the language of his previous life, English, the book was comprehensible only to him.

Leonis flipped to the [Major Events] section. The page noted: Ciri escapes marriage and meets the protagonist of the original story for the first time.

The next entry: Nilfgaardian invasion.

Following that: The Kingdom of Cintra is destroyed.

Leonis couldn't recall the exact timing of some events in the original narrative. He could only infer the timeline from the events listed in the book.

However, the early chapters of the original story were disjointed and more like a series of vignettes.

With Ciri already committed, the invasion of Nilfgaard seemed imminent.

Leonis reviewed the [Save Cintra] section once more:

[1. Try to find allies for Cintra by any means.] [2. Improve Cintra's technology.] [3. Promote institutional reform in Cintra.] [4. Preserve national strength while waiting for the opportune moment to recover Cintra.]

He took a deep breath and crossed out the first three items. Most of the rulers in the original story lacked vision and could not appreciate the benefits of forming alliances against Nilfgaard. It would be more effective to convince the Nilfgaardian King that the best victory is one achieved without conflict.

Regarding items 2 and 3, Leonis did not possess the expertise in science and engineering necessary for quick technological advancements. Institutional reform was also beyond his interest and capability before the war began.

In the current dire situation, strengthening Cintra to withstand Nilfgaard's might across the southern continent within a few years was unrealistic.

Leonis had attempted to raise awareness about Nilfgaard's threat but was dismissed as a grieving young man. His influence in Cintra had been minimal.

Thus, saving Cintra from destruction seemed impossible. His only option was to preserve as much of Cintra's power as possible.

Hoping that his new territory and the prestige from the tournament might assist him, Leonis wrote:

[Form your own personal guard and rescue as many people as possible when the country falls.]

The list included:

[Ciri, Enns, Hardy, Calanthe]

He thought for a moment and added:

[Develop the territory]

[Make friends with wizards and Witchers]

Leonis then turned to the [Become Stronger] section:

[Go to the battlefield and level up by killing enemies.] [Accept tasks and upgrade.] [Verify if magic items can replace the 'Places of Power' and gain skill points.] [Become a Witcher and unlock all skill columns.]

These were his strategies for gaining strength. Initially, going to the battlefield had seemed too dangerous. His combat power was still below that of ordinary people, and the risk of sudden death was high. So, he set it aside for the time being.

He should focus on accepting quests and upgrading as much as possible, which had allowed him to explore much of Cintra and its surroundings this past year. Despite his efforts, he had barely reached level ten.

Progress in reality was much slower than in games.

The "Places of Power" were relics in the original game that allowed temporary buffs and skill points. Leonis wondered if there were real-world substitutes for absorbing magic power.

Since the current system was not fully unlocked, Leonis considered other ways to grow stronger, such as becoming a wizard. Wizards held high status as royal advisors and political figures.

Unfortunately, becoming a wizard required decades of training, and a wizard younger than a hundred years was considered 'young'.

Leonis feared that he might not survive long enough to complete his training. Moreover, his bloodline, marked by Elder Blood, could attract unwanted attention from wizards. Being forced into magical experiments or blood transfusions was a real threat.

The experiments prepared by wizards for Ciri in the original story were horrifying, and Leonis had no intention of undergoing such treatments himself.

Despite appearing to be a glamorous member of a powerful royal family with a strong bloodline, these titles were either insignificant or would be shattered soon. Survival through the coming war was paramount.

Leonis needed to utilize the system to become stronger within the year. Survival took precedence over everything else.

As Leonis organized his thoughts late into the night, Hardy knocked on the door to remind him to take a bath, bringing him back to the present.

Time was of the essence.

Early the next morning, Hardy knocked on Leonis's room with toiletries in hand, only to find that his master had already risen and dressed neatly.

The windows were closed, casting a dim light over the room. Leonis held a piece of magic crystal in his left hand, which the butler had brought the day before. It was said to be a component used by a Sorcerer for long-distance communication.

Unable to absorb skill points.

Sighing, Leonis set the crystal down and began to ponder. Is it because I haven't become a Witcher yet and can't absorb magic power, or do I need magic items with stronger magic power? Or perhaps my initial assumptions are wrong?

"Master, it's time to wash up. You're scheduled to visit Her Majesty the Queen today," Hardy said softly, noticing his master's fascination with the magic objects on the table.

"Don't speak like that," Leonis said dismissively. Seeing Hardy's raised eyebrows and suppressed laughter, he gave him a playful tap on the head.

"By the way, inform your grandfather that while collecting magic items, he should also gather information about Witchers. If any Witchers appear in Cintra or the surrounding area recently, notify me immediately."

"Witcher?" Hardy was momentarily confused. "Are they... the mutants created by those Sorcerers?"

Leonis hesitated to correct Hardy's misconception. The young servant's understanding was indeed aligned with what most people on the continent and even those outside the Witcher circle believed about Witchers.

All sorts of rumors made ordinary people both revere and fear them, while Sorcerers who knew the truth held a mix of contempt and apprehension.

"Yes, try to gather as much information about them as possible. I'm quite interested in Witchers at the moment."

"Also," Leonis hesitated, unsure whether to proceed. "Ask about someone named 'Master Mirror'."

"Yes," Hardy agreed, though he was unsure of the significance of the name.

'Master Mirror? What a peculiar name.'

Hardy recalled another matter. "One more thing, Master. The attendants selected for you have arrived. They are waiting downstairs. Would you like to see them now?"

"They're here now?" Leonis moved to the window.

He saw ten young men of varying looks and builds standing in the courtyard. They appeared restrained but couldn't entirely hide their excitement.

They didn't seem particularly sharp-witted.

"Let them stand for now," Leonis said. "They've passed Enns's test, but they still have to pass mine."

The attendants were to be the future direct support for Leonis. He didn't intend to train them using traditional methods of the era.

"Let everyone stand?" Hardy asked, clearly puzzled.

Leonis confirmed, "Yes, let them remain standing until I return."

Hardy hesitated before speaking, "Master, are you planning to train them as guards?"

Leonis shook his head. "More than that. I expect them to achieve more."

After washing up, Leonis arrived at the royal castle and was led by a servant to the castle's living room. Inside, Queen Calanthe was engaged with the army general.

Occasionally, through the closed door, the laughter of the Queen and the loud guffaws of the General could be heard.

The Queen, dignified and elegant, was known for her military expeditions and possessed a warrior's boldness and flair, which earned her strong support within the military.

Eventually, the door opened, and Leonis nodded to the departing General.

"Good day, General Vesekid."

"Good day, Lord Gryphonclaw. I haven't had the chance to congratulate you yet."

Inside the drawing room, Queen Calanthe appeared in high spirits. An attendant placed a new wine glass in front of Leonis and filled it.

"Little Leonis, my little lion, did you finally remember to visit your aunt today?"

"Your words sadden me. When would I not come?" Leonis replied with a smile, pointing to the departing general. "Is something wrong, aunt? Is the war not going well?"

"The Nilfgaardians have never been a threat to us," Calanthe said proudly.

Leonis sighed inwardly. Calanthe's youthful fame and fierce willfulness might have contributed to her and Cintra's eventual downfall.

"I came today with a request," Leonis began, noticing the interest in Queen Calanthe's eyes. "I would like you to arrange a position for me in the army... Yes, I want to go to the battlefield."

"Impossible," Calanthe refused. "You are only fifteen and not even married. I can't risk the newly established Gryphonclaw family being wiped out."

The Queen stood up and placed a hand on Leonis's shoulder. "I understand your desire to avenge your father and restore the Gryphonclaw name. You want to earn your own glory, as demonstrated by your performance in the tournament. You are just like your father."

"But now is not the time," the Queen shook her head.

No, the reasons for my father's bravery and fighting skills were different from mine.

Leonis wanted to argue, but the Queen raised her hand to stop him. "However, you're no longer a child, and you should start shouldering some responsibilities. I heard you've begun selecting your own team of attendants. You can start with the city defense army. It's a chance for you to practice real combat and learn how to train soldiers."

At that moment, a system prompt echoed in Leonis's ears:

[Mission discovered]

[Defense of the City. Iron Guard - Part 1]

[The Queen has rejected your request to lead the army. Perhaps you can begin with the city defense army to prove yourself? Everything starts with the most basic training, such as teaching your soldiers how to hold a sword and where to point it.]

[Accept/Reject]

"I will abide by your decision and you won't be disappointed," Leonis promised earnestly.

Calanthe smiled, "I heard you've been assisting people everywhere this year and earned a reputation as 'Gryphonclaw always keeps his promises'. It's a commendable reputation, though it's somewhat demeaning. Now get to work, and try not to wander too much in the future."

"I didn't expect such a trivial reputation to reach your ears," Leonis laughed.

The goal had been achieved, and there were even unexpected benefits. Just as Leonis was about to take his leave, he recalled a few ideas he'd had while reviewing his notebook the night before.

"Aunt," Leonis began, standing up. "I've been somewhat confused about this marriage with Verden. If I recall correctly, my uncle's brother is the King of the Skellige Islands. Why can't we seek troops from him?"

Yes, Calanthe's husband does have a kingly brother.

As soon as Queen Calanthe heard Leonis's words, she stared at him and said with a smile, "So, Ciri won't need to marry the prince of Verden, right?"

Leonis noticed the Queen's shift in mood and responded hesitantly, "That's right. I don't think Ciri herself would be very willing…"

The Queen slammed her hand on the arm of her chair and stood up. "That's enough, Leonis. Perhaps my leniency with you has led to misunderstandings. Do not entertain thoughts you shouldn't have!"

Wait a moment, what do you mean by these words? What is something I shouldn't be thinking about?

Leonis was swiftly ushered out of the room before he could react. Hadn't he only offered advice to help save Cintra?

The guards outside the door exchanged glances. The Queen was known for her temper, but she had always been kind to Leonis. It was rare for her to be so upset.

Leonis looked around awkwardly and asked the familiar guard nearby, "By the way, I haven't seen Ciri in a while. Where is she now?"

The guards remained silent, looking ahead without responding.

Leonis was puzzled. What's going on today? These guards aren't usually like this.

The door to the living room opened again, and the castle steward emerged.

"Princess Cirilla is learning palace etiquette. Until your Guardians approve, you won't be able to see her," the steward said, glancing at Leonis with a peculiar look. "Her Majesty asked me to take you to the city guard."

"Follow me, Lord Gryphonclaw."

Leonis noticed the steward's deliberate emphasis on his last name.

Cintra is one of the most powerful kingdoms among the northern realms and maintains a substantial standing army. Unlike smaller kingdoms that rely heavily on mercenaries during conflicts, Cintra's capital hosts a standing army of 2,000 troops stationed within the city.

Leonis quickly followed the royal steward to the city defense camp. Since it was daytime, there weren't many soldiers training at the camp; most were on patrol or engaged in other duties.

Upon their arrival, the royal steward promptly left, leaving Leonis alone. Evidently, he was not fond of the military environment. While Leonis observed the training, a hearty laugh rang out.

"Hahaha! Leonis, our new champion! Welcome to our city defense army!"

Turning around, Leonis saw a tall gentleman with a scar on his face approaching him with open arms. He enveloped Leonis in a big bear hug.

The knight's strength was considerable, and the embrace against his armor was rather painful.

"That last fight was spectacular! That Vitoni boy was hit so hard his sword flew away!"

"It was a tough battle," Leonis said with a smile, his tone warm. "Long time no see, Uncle Carl."

Despite being sent to the army with a knighthood and lacking military achievements, Leonis's situation was unique. Having won the fencing championship and become the nominal 'first swordsman' of Cintra, he was both a member of the royal family and an aristocrat joining the army.

Sir Carl patted Leonis on the shoulder and scrutinized him.

"You've made your father proud. Not only are you as handsome as he was in his youth, but you're also as brave. If I hadn't known better, I might have called you 'Gryphonclaw' just now."

The 'Gryphonclaw' reference here is not about the surname but a nod to their family's founder.

"I really miss the days when I fought alongside your father," Sir Carl said wistfully, but he soon regained his composure.

"What do you wish to do in the city defense army? It's a shame you're too young; otherwise, I'd make you the deputy commander!"

"I wouldn't be able to handle it even if you asked. I know nothing about commanding," Leonis said with a hint of distress. "I initially hoped my aunt would allow me to go to the battlefield to gain experience as a mid- or low-level officer."

"That's definitely not possible. Do you want the Gryphonclaw family to be wiped out?" Sir Carl exclaimed. "Here's what we'll do. We've recently recruited a hundred new recruits. After two months of training, you'll become their captain. Whether you choose to use them for practice, patrol, or whatever, it's up to you."

"Recruits are preferable. I fear that taking seasoned soldiers might disrupt the city's daily defense routines."

Leonis smiled and thanked him. Did Sir Carl really think he was interested in city defense?

Leonis quickly went to assess his new recruits. It would indeed be excessive to deploy all one hundred at once. He left half behind for continued training and took fifty out into the streets.

After all, it was just a patrol, not a war.

At the entrance of the Three Crows Tavern:

The deputy captain of the century boldly stepped forward and asked, "Lord Gryphonclaw, what's the issue with this tavern? Should we kick in the door now?"

"No, this is where we'll have our drinks tonight. I plan to invite the men for a drink here," Leonis said, glancing at the bulletin board in front of the tavern.

The deputy captain's eyes brightened. The Earl seemed quite generous.

"But before that… ah! There it is." Leonis's eyes lit up as he reached out and took down a notice.

Typically, security issues in cities are handled by specialized law enforcement. However, due to the technological and ideological constraints of the time, many cases remain unresolved, and even soldiers often overlook them.

Thus, unofficial bulletin boards are set up in city centers, squares, and at tavern entrances. People seeking help post ads, hoping to attract mercenaries or others willing to take on odd jobs. This is especially common in villages and small towns.

A system prompt sounded:

[Mission Discovered - Arsonist:]

[The blacksmith shop of Wezlind, a blacksmith in the east of the city, caught fire. He suspects someone jealous of his recent success might be behind it. Whether his suspicions are true or not, he needs assistance now.]

[Accept/Reject]

Leonis turned and handed the task list to the deputy captain:

"Take care of this. Bring ten people with you and ensure it's completed today. I'll visit Wezlind later to get more details. Don't slack off."

The deputy captain was puzzled. He had heard that the new captain liked to help others, but this was unexpected.

At night:

[Mission: Arsonist - Completed]

Hearing the system prompt and seeing the experience bar rise, Leonis couldn't help but smile.

Although there were some complications, the result was satisfactory.

This was the real reason for requesting a position from Calanthe!

While the deputy captain led his team to handle the blacksmith's issue, Leonis continued his patrol around the city.

[Mission: Orphanage - Completed]

[Mission: Continuous Theft - Completed]

[Mission: Repaying Gambling Debt – Completed]

[Character Level Up +1]

Inside the Three Crows Tavern, soldiers in city defense uniforms filled nearly one floor.

"Cheers!"

"You know, this is the first time I've met someone running an 'orphanage' for stray cats. She's an old lady. I think she's lost her mind!"

"Stop it, I encountered a gambler here. When I went to their house, he tried to cheat me. We surrounded him and gave him a good beating!"

"Hey, you won't believe it, but this is the first time I've seen a thief repeatedly robbing the same house for almost a month without anyone addressing it!"

"Brother, that's our responsibility…"