Witcher's Atelier

The rain was getting heavier, and the water droplets hit the windows with a clattering sound.

Going up to the second floor of the Lame Sam Inn, Victor pushed open the door and walked into the room. With the witcher's extraordinary five senses, all the clues in the room were revealed.

The messy room was full of traces of battle, broken tables and chairs, overturned medicine bowls, unfinished magic circles, and kicked telescopes.

There was also a pool of dried blood on the side, which was rusty red. It was probably left by Sedrak being chopped by Reso. Anyway, it couldn't be the menstruation of the sorceress, who had stopped menstruating for many years.

However, Victor didn't care about the things on the ground, but looked up at the ceiling. The unfamiliar ceiling had interlaced beams, and there was an obvious handprint at the end of the dust.

Leaping up, his left hand climbed the position of the handprint on the beam, and the witcher moved his right hand up to explore, and let go after a few seconds. In his palm was a special "secret tube".

It is a smooth stone cylinder with six donut-sized marble discs tightly stacked in a delicate brass frame; the two ends of the cylinder are also glued with marble, so you can't see the inside at all.

Each donut disc is engraved with complete ancient letters, and you can turn them together to spell out any six-letter word.

The working principle of the "secret cylinder" is the same as the combination lock on a bicycle. If you turn the disc and spell out the correct password, the entire secret cylinder will open.

Inside the secret cylinder, the secret message is written on a very thin piece of papyrus, which is wrapped around a fragile glass bottle filled with vinegar. In this way, when someone tries to force open the secret cylinder without knowing the password, the glass bottle will be broken, and the vinegar in the bottle will quickly dissolve the papyrus, and the information on it will not be known.

There was a note on the outside of the secret cylinder, with only one sentence written on it, "Where snakes and wolves play"

Sweeping the messy clothes aside, Victor sat on the bed, stared at the note for a moment, and rotated the secret cylinder to "Ｖ－Ｉ－Ｚ－Ｉ－Ｍ－Ａ (Vizima)".

The next second, a "click!" sounded, and the witcher exerted force with both hands to pull outwards, successfully pulling open the first layer of the secret cylinder, revealing the second tube of the secret cylinder and the second note.

The second tube of the secret cylinder was gray and far less eye-catching than the first tube, but the exquisite snake-shaped pattern on the outer shell showed that it was not as simple as it appeared on the outside.

"The true master of the north wind", looking at the note, the witcher understood the riddle of the questioner almost without thinking.

In ancient language, "master" can also be interpreted as "master" or "expert". In other words, this riddle is actually asking who is the expert in making the north wind. The answer is so simple that it is completely free.

Victor rotated the secret tube to "V-I-C-T-O-R (Victor)".

"Ka!" Another mechanism sounded, but this time the witcher did not rush to open the gray secret tube, but took out a thin needle to carefully observe the snake-shaped pattern outside the secret tube.

Sure enough, after the password was correct, a small hole suddenly appeared at the position of the snake's eye. The thin needle was poked in, and the mechanism sounded "Ka!", and another small hole appeared in the tail of the snake. The thin needle poked again, and another "Pa!" sounded, and a small hole appeared in the snake's belly.

At this point, he stopped and put away the needle, because if he poked the snake's belly again, the secret would be destroyed immediately! "You can only poke twice with both the head and the tail." Only four people in the world know this sentence.

With both hands exerting force outward, the "secret tube" opened with a sound, and finally, Victor took out the "papyrus" wrapped in the acetic acid bottle...

"The Message in the Secret Tube"

My friend, I am sorry to communicate with you in this way.

But... maybe this is the most appropriate.

I'm sorry to involve you and White Wolf in the assassination of Foltest, but this is not our intention.

Someone has offered us an offer that we cannot refuse, and commissioned us to kill the king. The so-called offer that we cannot refuse means that we cannot refuse and do not want to refuse.

In other words, my current actions are not forced, but I hope to accomplish the task as much as possible.

You and White Wolf may be the biggest variables in the execution of the mission. I know you tried to stop me, but I don't need you to stop me. I know what I am doing.

As for the innocence of White Wolf, as long as he hides for a while, his grievances will be washed away in the near future. Maybe you are willing to tell him that his sorceress lover is not injured.

It is difficult for you to imagine how many people actively or passively provided help in the process of killing the king. The complex entanglements are full of political stench that I hate and you don't like!

So "Get away!" If you think it's too intense, "Please get away!"

The Knight of Skellige and the Duke of Red Wine of Toussaint, it has been a long time since a witcher has been recognized so widely. You should cherish your feathers more and don't get involved in the matter of killing the king!

If we succeed, I promise to tell you all the causes and consequences when we meet again. If we fail, we hid the books of the Viper School in the sewer where we first met, and please send them all back to Kaer Morhen.

Finally... Even if you encounter bad things, such as the witcher you know degenerating into a killer, don't be disappointed with humans, and don't give up your mission. There are always people who can understand you.

Reso of Guleta

...

Frowning after reading the note, it is obvious that this is the "explanation" that Reso left for himself after Sediq fainted.

From the fact that the Viper School would hide things on the beams, and the way to open the secret tube, he told himself on the banks of the Yaruga River. Maybe he was ready at that time to let himself discover it at the right time.

Being immersed in thoughts does not mean that the five senses are closed. Victor was suddenly alert to the sound of approaching footsteps. He neatly put the secret tube and papyrus into the herbal bag.

The next second the door opened, and Weiss walked in. She slammed the door, walked to the bed and glared at Victor.

The adjutant of the blue-clad Iron Guard was dressed quite neatly today, with every button buttoned in the right place, complementing the serious expression on her face.

Rain, hotel, next to the bed.

People, women, women and men, stood and sat, staring at each other beside the bed.

"It's you?"

"it's me."

"You came."

"I am coming."

"You shouldn't have come."

"I'm already here."

"You're here after all."

"I'm here after all."

Silence, a long silence.

The two people, who looked like clay and wood sculptures, were facing each other, and the sound of rain could not be heard.

"What are you doing here?" The woman finally broke the silence.

"Following the clues of the king-slayer." He said it clearly, word by word, without any hesitation.

After pondering for a while, the woman slowly said: "Why do you have to help him?"

"Friends of the poor and the humble!" Still crisp and clear, without any hesitation.

The woman's face changed slightly, "Let's go! This matter is getting more and more complicated, involving a game at the national level. You, a witcher, can no longer intervene. If you continue to mix in, you will only be shattered to pieces!"

“What if I refuse to quit?”

"Don't engage in meaningless entanglement. We know that killing the king has nothing to do with you. Now is the last time to tolerate it. If you continue to be ungrateful, Roche will really deal with you, and the pursuit of bounty hunters will no longer be a joke."

"One or two of them want me to go away, okay, I'll just go."

"Are you serious?"

The man spread his hands lazily, "Maybe?"

The adjutant of the blue-clad Iron Guard stared at the man in front of him. He is very young, but his eyes will never be forgotten by anyone who sees them. The sea is quiet and deep, and the blue is so melancholy.

She knew that the young man in front of her was definitely not a human being, but she also knew that a mere demon hunter was of no importance in the face of the general situation!

Outside the window, the rain kept falling.

The sky was gradually getting darker, and the blue-clad iron guard looked around the messy room, feeling indescribably helpless.

She smiled bitterly and said: "It's up to you! I have persuaded you after all. You may not know that Angoulan made big news last night, and he was almost killed by seven or eight arrows!"

"What!? What's going on?" The young man's calmness was shattered in an instant, and he suddenly jumped up and grabbed the woman's shoulders.

Seeing him in such a hurry, Weiss burst out laughing, "Tsk tsk! She pretends to be so cool, but it turns out there is something you care about... Don't worry, she is fine, the arrows are stuck in the leather armor. It’s not penetrated. Which master’s product is this? I’m curious!”

"Speak clearly now and I will give you one next time!"

Without showing off, she raised her eyes and looked at Victor, "I don't know the details. She seemed to have provoked Rowledo's men, but she didn't want to tell me the reason. She only asked me to find a way to send her out of the city just because she was busy with her. It’s okay, I didn’t go after Iorveth.”

Letting go of Weiss' shoulders, the witcher caressed her chest and said, "Thank you, thank you very much, I really have to go now!"

The iron guard in blue crossed his arms and said, "Get away! Or if I'm more reserved, please get away!"

Hearing this announcement, Victor, who had just opened the door, paused in his steps, sighed at the funnyness of deja vu, then shook his head and disappeared into the rain.

…

In the mud outside a herbal medicine shop in Fugang.

The rain hit Hongguo's skin, and the foul-smelling gasps squirmed above her. Her dull pupils reflected the darkness of the sky, just like her mood at the moment.

She was once a happy fifteen-year-old girl with a loving father, an honest herbal medicine merchant, a gentle and kind mother, and a loving and honest housewife.

Although their family's life in Floating Port is not considered wealthy, compared to their uncle living in Robin Dan or even the uncle in the forest, the conditions are already quite good.

However, such a small happiness was all destroyed in the riots. Her home was invaded, her father was dragged to the hanging square and she did not know whether she was alive or dead, while her mother fell silent next to her.

There were no tears or wailings. She knew that she would die soon, but she tried to remember every face that appeared in front of her in turn. She wanted to curse them and everything in the "Floating Port" with her life.

…

"Go out of the city and find Angouleme, then get the Phantom Troupe as far away as possible! Get out of this muddy pond!"

Victor thought this rational idea was easy to achieve. He just needed to avoid places with screams and then use "Yaxi" to get rid of the city gate guards.

But as soon as he rounded the corner, he was pinned in front of the herbal medicine shop and couldn't move.

"Kick-kick-kick-kick-kick" is so strange. Where did the sound of gnashing of teeth come from?

Ah, hey, hey, hey...it was me who sent it──

──Monster! Damn you!

…

Some time later, in the Blue Guard's office, Vernon Roche noticed a voice shouting crazily outside and listened suspiciously.

"The devil wearing an iron mask. Blood is flowing everywhere. The monster is here again. The monster has killed many people. Go and provide support." Geralt, the white wolf sitting opposite him, repeated what he heard word for word. Clear words.

Roche suddenly realized, "It's Angoulan again? But hasn't she already escaped from the city?"

Knocked on the door, the office was opened, and Weiss walked in with a meaningless look on her face, "Roche, there is a commotion outside about a guy wearing an iron mask, dressed exactly like the guy who broke into the garrison mansion last night.

He started from two streets away, killed more than 20 rioters along the way, and finally cut down the guards at the pass, escorting a small group of non-human races out of the city.

Now Loredo is furious, sending many men to guard the city gates and hunt down suspected non-human races."

"Could this be done by Angulan?"

"It's unlikely, I personally sent her out of the city, but I guess the other person should also have an iron mask..."

Although Weiss didn't say who the "other person" was, the three people present knew it well.

Roche waved his hand, "Then forget about this matter, Weiss, sit down too, let's discuss the details of Operation Dawn! This chaos can't continue, we are few in number, and we must completely eliminate Loredo in one assault!"

...

While the Iron Guards were discussing the details, the rain kept falling.

In Robindam, a village outside the floating port city, there is a stream flowing by. Iorveth is sitting on a tree beside the stream playing the flute, and Victor is naked washing blood in the stream.

When the song "With You" ends, it may be the performance of the player, or the mood of the listener, anyway, it sounds a little sad.

"Thank you for bringing those people out. You didn't need to do this." Iorveth's voice is warm and full of emotion.

Wading ashore, Victor puts on his pants, "It's just an unbearable outburst. Next time it doesn't happen in front of me, I will still treat it as if it doesn't exist."

The witcher's tone is very cold, but the blood-red reincarnation eyes show that he is not as calm as he seems.

Iorveth loosened his scarf and began to bandage again. "I have sent someone to inform Angouleme, she will be here soon. And at dawn, the Scoia'tael will attack the floating port, you--"

"--I refuse to participate! I will not participate.

Killing mobs is one thing, attacking towns is another, I will not betray my own people, no matter what, I am still a human!"

The elf tucked his black hair tightly under his scarf, "Don't joke, you are a witcher, they don't think you are human, they even want you!"

"It's just a little misunderstanding. I think I am more human than many of them... mobs... those mobs...

No, I am a real human!

Humans are not that ugly!

It's not me who is wrong, it's this world!"

Victor roared suddenly, turned around and shot an Alder bomb through the rain curtain, splashing the stream water.

He exhaled, "Sorry, I'm quite excited now and can't control my emotions. Can you leave me alone for a while?"

Jumping down from the tree, Iorveth put away the flute, "Of course, I understand your position. I was wrong just now and pushed too far."

The witcher waved his hand to indicate that it was okay, and the elf bowed and left.

...

Half an hour later, in the big tent set up by the stream, the alchemist stopped stirring.

The cauldron seemed to be not emitting light, but in fact it was restrained and suppressed by him, and the weapon inside had been enchanted.

[Name: King Guardian]

[Type: Weapon]

[Quality: Epic]

[Attack Power: Strong]

[Features: Terrible Overlord, Destructive Power, Increased Sharpness]

[Enchantment: None]

[Remarks: Even if I am the only one left]

The blood red in his eyes returned to the blue, and after waving twice, Victor sheathed the sword.

Then he took out the beef pie and Lafite red wine, sat down beside the low table to relax, and enjoyed himself with a mouthful of red wine and a mouthful of pie.

"At this moment, Victor missed Angouleme deeply, because his hypocritical and weak brother could only find a trace of peace of mind by the side of his resolute and decisive sister..."

After pausing his chewing, Victor slowly turned his head and stared at Angouleme who had appeared at some point. Her snake-style stealth technique was indeed well-trained, and her narration was also quite helpful.

"Speaking of this resolute and decisive lady, where did you hear that I was hypocritical and weak and needed to calm my mind?"

"I met Iorveth on the road and he told me that. I thought it was normal. You are a person who is easily entangled."

As soon as he finished speaking, Angouleme, who felt something was wrong when he put down the pie and red wine, immediately pulled back. However, at this distance, the lightning reflex decisively defeated the eagle eye vision. Victor kicked the pig's butt with a precise and ruthless kick, causing her to roll to the side of the tent.

"Asshole! If you don't punish a naughty kid for three days, he will tear down the roof!"

Walking up arrogantly, the leader looked down at the members, "Now tell me the truth! What trouble have you made this time that you can't stay in the floating port because of the pursuit of the garrison!"

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