30. Surprise.

Evening.

Blue Mountain Range.

"Croak~ Croak~"

The sound of drowners echoed faintly from the depths of the forest. Allen, who was using Witcher senses to search for tracks, closed the mutated organs on the sides of his nose upon hearing the sound. In his vision, the red mist produced by the sensory connection of his sense of smell disappeared abruptly.

The Witcher apprentice glanced back at Vesemir, who nodded, signaling him to move freely. Allen nodded in return and cautiously followed the sound of the drowners' cries. Even though he had already determined the enemy was drowners based on tracks and sounds, the Witcher apprentice did not let his guard down.

Caution allows Witchers to live longer. This was a direct quote from the Witcher master. No single sense can confirm the enemy's type and number with 100% certainty. Sense of smell, hearing, sight, and magical perception—none can be absent in a hunt. Furthermore, due to the weakness of Witchers' magical perception, it is more prudent to wear the school medallion during hunts.

Crossing a dirt pit and stepping over soft grass step by step. The shrill cries of the drowners drew nearer. Two bare maple trees couldn't obscure the Witcher apprentice's view. By the river, seven drowners came into Allen's sight.

Using his four senses alternately, Allen confirmed that no other monsters were hiding nearby. The Witcher apprentice positioned himself precisely at the boundary of the drowners' perception. Drawing his sword, the magical power within him surged abruptly. With his left thumb and index finger slightly curved, he traced a triangle in the air in front of him.

"Quen Shield"

A faint yellow light flickered on Allen's brand-new dark leather armor. All preparations complete, the Witcher apprentice no longer hesitated. With a powerful stomp of his right foot, he shot forward like an arrow from a fully drawn bow, slicing through the air and slashing at the necks of two drowners.

"Slash"

"Slash"

Thick blood spurted from the severed wounds, and two drowners died instantly.

Immediately, Allen held his sword in his left hand to guard his front and swiftly extended his right index finger.

Igni Sign.

Heat surged from near his heart, flowed through his right hand, and erupted outward. The shockwave mixed with high temperatures not only made two approaching drowners stumble but also ignited the mucus on the leading drowner's body with a few jets of flame. Although drowners are representatives of water element monsters in alchemy, the mucus they secrete is highly flammable.

Before the burning drowner could be incinerated to death, Allen ended its life with a swift slash. Taking advantage of the next drowner's trembling fear of the flames, the Witcher apprentice danced around it, spinning half a circle.

A flash of silver, and a head slid off its neck. One drowner had overcome its fear of flames forever. Three drowners remained. These monsters were still disoriented by the sudden flames on their companion.

The Witcher apprentice seized the opportunity. Quickly alternating his steps, he inserted himself into the center of the three drowners in just a few strides. His blue cat-like pupils slightly dilated, and in an instant, Allen calculated the angles and swung his sword. A silver arc traced a smooth curve.

"Clang"

The sound of the silver sword being sheathed echoed, and only then did the three monster heads seem to react, sliding off their necks. Black-red filthy blood spurted from the severed surfaces. By the clear river, the stench was unbearable and nauseating. The battle ended in less than five minutes from start to finish. Skilled and efficient.

[Ding! Monster group "Drowners" LV6 exterminated!]

[Reward Calculation: Overcoming enemies, Basic Rating D, Defeating more with fewer +1—D+, Decapitation Intimidation +3—C+]

[Final Rating: C+]

[Loot Obtained: Drowner Heart Extract *7, Small Experience Orbs *7, Drowner Treasure Chests *2]

[Hunting Task: Drowners I (Killed Drowners 189/200)]

[Task Reward: Unknown]

"Clap Clap Clap"

Allen followed the sound and saw Vesemir clapping and walking towards the riverbank.

"In terms of hunting drowners, even I can't be faster than you. No wonder you're called the Drowner Slayer..."

"Master Vesemir!" Allen called out helplessly.

Ever since the Witcher master heard someone call Allen by that nickname, he had been teasing him about it from time to time.

Is "Drowner Slayer" considered a title of honor?

It doesn't even qualify as a proper nickname.

"Alright, alright, I won't say it anymore." Vesemir shook his head, looked up at the sky, and said, "It's getting late. Pack up, let's head back."

In the afternoon, Vesemir did not participate in the hunt. The Witcher master only used his at least LV4 tracking skills to point Allen in the right direction. The subsequent tracking, exploration, hunting, and handling were all done by Allen.

In fact, with Allen's double tracking skills, he didn't even need Vesemir to point the way. The Witcher apprentice had already gained the ability to hunt drowners independently. So, while handling the materials, Allen casually mentioned.

"Master Vesemir, do you think I am capable of hunting drowners on my own now?"

Vesemir nodded and said, "I don't think any Witcher can say you can't. At least in hunting drowners, I couldn't do better than you."

There's hope. Allen felt a surge of joy in his heart and said, "Then from tomorrow, you don't need to come out with me. I can go alone..."

"No!" Vesemir's tone was unwavering as he decisively rejected Allen's request.

"Why?" Allen asked.

"I'm your mentor; I need to be responsible for your life."

As the sun set, golden sunlight slanted over the wide-brimmed black hat. The sharp and handsome face, with eyes obscured by shadows, looked determined and stubborn. Familiar with the Witcher master, Allen knew this was an unconvincible expression. So, with a sigh in his heart, Allen lowered his head and continued handling the drowner materials.

Without Vesemir, even if Allen was familiar with the guards at the gate, he wouldn't be able to leave Kaer Morhen.

Or, even if he managed to sneak out once, what about the next time?

Unless he left the Wolf School for good, but once Vesemir found out, he would lose even his current hunting opportunities. As for leaving the Wolf School and wandering far away. Allen wanted to leave the castle, not to avoid the Trial of the Grasses.

He already had an external cheat, so why would he need to escape? How could he not pass the trial and become a legitimate Witcher?

He was the Miracle Child, destined to save the world!

"Snip"

The last drowner tongue was cut off and placed into the material bag. Allen pulled up the hunting task and took a look. There were 11 drowners left to complete the task, which could be done in another day. If it weren't for the hunting task taking up Allen's task slots, his small experience orb count would be at least a fifth higher.

Unfortunately, only one task could be triggered at a time. Without completing this task, Allen couldn't trigger other tasks. The Witcher apprentice glanced at the "unknown" task reward and sighed, thinking: "Maybe tomorrow, the Monster Hunter Handbook will give me a surprise?"

...….

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31. Mary's Desire.

32. The Drowner Whistle.

33. Killer Lake.

34. The Conjunction of the Spheres.

35. The Drowner King.