章 101: The Quarry Encounter
"Ah, so it's about the commission. I believe I've heard about it too," Triss remarked after absorbing the conversation between Keira and Wayne. She gently patted her slightly full belly, then let out a playful yawn before speaking with a smile.
"Keira, I happen to be free tomorrow. If someone is willing to treat me to a sumptuous dinner tomorrow night, I might just consider joining her to tackle this commission."
Triss wasn't making this suggestion out of malice. As a royal advisor, she rarely had opportunities to handle problems directly. Despite possessing formidable powers, sorceresses like her seldom had chances to utilize them to their full potential. This situation often led to a sense of unfulfillment, both in terms of combat prowess and practical experience.
Keira's reaction was one of mild surprise upon hearing Triss's proposition. She reached out and took Triss's hand, leaning in closer with a happy smile.
"That's fantastic, Triss! This gives us the perfect chance to discuss your combat expertise. As the esteemed sorceress of Maribor, I'm sure your skills are truly extraordinary."
As they conversed, the two delved into discussions about magical abilities once again.
Triss and Keira hailed from privileged backgrounds, enjoying excellent education and luxurious lifestyles akin to nobility. Despite their sorceress status, they never compromised on their quality of life. This upbringing shielded them from the cynicism and ambition often associated with sorceresses who had endured hardships since childhood.
In comparison to some other renowned sorceresses, Triss and Keira were already established members of an affluent class, enjoying the benefits of their upbringing and status.
Wayne observed the camaraderie between Triss and Keira, sensing the deep bond they shared. In the game's storyline, only Triss risked rescuing Keira when she faced public execution, ensuring her friend received a proper burial. Their roles as royal advisors likely contributed to their strong friendship.
As the two sorceresses conversed, Wayne found himself growing bored and decided to pass the time with a game of Gwent. To his surprise, Maisie, usually clumsy and reserved, displayed unexpected talent in the game. Despite Wayne's attempts to go easy on her, he still emerged victorious, earning two Orens and some valuable experience.
The evening passed with Gwent matches and lively chatter until nightfall. Triss opted to stay overnight at Keira's house, preparing for their expedition to the quarry the following day. Despite having guests, Keira brazenly led Wayne into her bedroom, unperturbed by Triss's teasing glances. Though slightly embarrassed, Wayne found the company of a beautiful woman far more enjoyable than solitude.
Their Gwent match continued late into the night, with Keira eventually enlisting Maisie's help to challenge Wayne. Maisie, feeling especially shy in the presence of guests, added an extra layer of amusement to their game.
The next day, Wayne, Triss, and Keira set out from Vizima City towards Baron Corb's quarry, attracting curious looks from bystanders. The quarry, located near a small village, covered a vast area and boasted high-quality stone, making it a vital resource for the construction efforts.
The quarry held significant importance as the hereditary fiefdom of the Baron Corb's family, stretching back nine generations and serving as a crucial source of income. Upon spotting Keira and Triss, the rotund baron's excitement was palpable. To him, the quarry's monster problem seemed trivial with two royal advisors present. Wayne, however, received little acknowledgment from the baron, who failed to recognize him as a witcher and instead focused all attention on impressing the sorceresses.
Unfazed by the baron's attitude, Wayne instructed Keira and Triss to wait outside while he ventured into the quarry to gather information and devise a plan to address the commission. Guided by a miner's leader, Wayne swiftly reached the site of the monster sightings—a deep mine with a vast, funnel-shaped pit formed by years of excavation.
Despite three days having elapsed since the soldiers' exploration, evidence of the gruesome encounter remained. Dried blood and mutilated corpses littered the area, attracting swarms of flies and emitting a putrid stench. Wayne's experience told him that such a scene would inevitably draw scavenging creatures—beastly beings driven by the scent of flesh and blood.
Sure enough, as Wayne ventured deeper into the cave, he heard the unmistakable sounds of feeding. Turning a corner, he came face to face with two grotesque ghouls, their massive forms engorged with abscesses and flaking skin as they gorged themselves on the remains, oblivious to his presence.
Witnessing the scene before him, Wayne remained calm and composed. He regulated his breathing, carefully assessing the situation. Once he confirmed that the two ghouls were the only immediate threats, he extracted a peculiar weapon from his arsenal—Electric Blade. Wrapped in a wooden handle, it emitted a faint blue glow, promising both physical and lightning damage—a perfect tool for combating creatures like spirits. Wayne saw this commission as an opportunity to test the might of this newly acquired weapon.
First, he fortified himself with a layer of Quen shield, shielding against potential harm. Then, bracing himself against the putrid stench permeating the air, Wayne tightened his grip on the blade and propelled himself forward with a powerful kick. With lightning speed, he aimed a forceful slash at the back of the nearest ghoul.
Ghouls, lacking in intelligence, remained fixated on their feast. By the time they registered Wayne's approach, it was too late.
The Electric Blade, surpassed ordinary short swords in sharpness. Wayne's strike cleaved through the ghoul's back with minimal resistance, severing bones and spine, leaving a cavernous wound that exposed internal organs. The ghoul emitted a pitiful cry, immobilized by the grievous injury.
At the sound of its companion's distress, the remaining ghoul sprang into action, leaping over the corpse and lunging towards Wayne, mere meters away. However, Wayne was prepared. With swift reflexes, he wielded his blade directing a precise horizontal slash toward the oncoming ghoul.
Empowered by his magical prowess, Wayne's sword crackled with energy, conjuring a bolt of lightning as thick as an arm. With astounding speed, it surged forth and struck the rushing ghoul in a blink of an eye.
The intense heat of the electric current overwhelmed the ghoul, rendering its movements rigid and uncoordinated. Frozen in place, it resembled a lump of meat, its flesh sizzling from the scorching heat. With a swift motion, Wayne swiftly dispatched the incapacitated creature, delivering a decisive blow with his blade, severing its head effortlessly.
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