Kael examined the cover of the book. It was thick and old, its pages yellowed with time. When he opened it, the detailed drawings and descriptions inside caught his attention. It contained information about wolves, vampires, nekkos, griffins, and many other creatures.
Aedrin continued: "A witcher's greatest advantage is knowing his enemy. Each creature you face has strengths and weaknesses. And remember, not every creature can be defeated with a sword. Sometimes you need poisons, sometimes traps, sometimes magic. The better you know your enemy, the better your chances of survival.
Kael looked at a drawing of a vampire on a page. It looked quite menacing, with long fangs and bright eyes. Below it were the different types of vampires and the most effective tactics to use against them. "What about humans? What should I know about them?"
Aedrin raised his eyebrows. "Humans... can be the most dangerous of enemies. For creatures are driven by instinct, but humans plan, betray, fight for power. As a witcher, you will have to fight not only monsters, but also humans. And sometimes the most terrifying creature is none other than a human. Witchers try to stay neutral, but it is not always possible. Sometimes it is difficult to stay out of human wars.
Kael nodded. He had come to realize that survival in this world was not based on physical strength alone. He closed his book and looked at Aedrin. "So what do we do now?"
Aedrin smiled. "Now you will apply what you have learned. We'll practice some basic creature-hunting tactics before nightfall. Are you ready?"
Kael picked up his sword again and stood up. "I am ready."
Aedrin led Kael to the weapons stand beside the courtyard. There were silver and steel swords, various potions and traps. "Witchers usually carry two swords. Steel is for humans and common enemies. Silver is for monsters. But being a witcher is not just about knowing how to use a sword. Take this bomb."
Kael took the small glass vial that was handed to him. Inside was a dark, greenish liquid. "What is it?"
"Frost bomb. Some creatures are sensitive to cold. If you throw this near a creature, it will slow its movements and give you an advantage. Let's try it now."
Aedrin placed a practice target in the center of the courtyard. "Get close to it and use the bomb just in time. But remember, you can't rely on the bomb alone. Swords, potions, and magic must also be part of the battle. The greatest secret of being a witcher is learning to use all your skills together.
Kael grabbed the bomb and moved toward the target. As soon as he moved, the battle instincts he had learned over the years kicked in. He remembered his Jedi training, but this time he tried to act without relying on the Force. He threw the grenade quickly, the glass bottle exploding in front of the target, sending icy smoke into the air. At the same time, he lunged forward, trying to strike the imaginary enemy with his sword.
Aedrin shook his head. "Not bad. But things will be more complicated in the field. Tomorrow we will prepare for a real hunt. That's all for today."
Kael took a deep breath. He was tired but satisfied. He had completed his first training session and was beginning to feel like a real hunter. But deep inside he wondered what he would face tomorrow. Maybe his first hunt would be much harder than he thought.
The next morning, Kael woke up in the cold courtyard of Kaer Morhen. The air was crisp and cool, his breath evaporating and disappearing into the air. His muscles still ached from the previous day's training, but he was used to the pain. He knew from his Jedi training that you had to push yourself to the limit to get stronger. Today was his first real hunt.
Aedrin approached Kael as he warmed up in the courtyard. He held a scroll in his hand. "Our target today is a pack of nekkers hiding in a cave not far from Kaer Morhen. It has not been cleared for a long time, and recently they have begun attacking passing merchants. They are small, but dangerous creatures. Most sorcerers see them as easy prey, but to a novice they can be formidable.
Kael shook his head. "Nekkers... I read about them in a book. Small, fast moving creatures. They usually attack in groups, don't they?"
Aedrin smiled. "Good. We'll see if you can remember what you read in the book when you're in the field." Then he opened a bag, took out a potion bottle and handed it to Kael. Kael hesitated and raised his hand. "I haven't turned into a witcher yet, I can't use potions."
Aedrin nodded. "That is true. Those potions can be fatal to someone who has not mutated. Then we'll try another way to help you see better in the dark." He pulled a piece of dark cloth out of his pocket and handed it to Kael. "We will blindfold you with this. You have to learn to trust your other senses."
Kael took the cloth, blindfolded himself and couldn't see for a while. Aedrin told him to listen to the sounds around him and to feel the environment before entering the cave. Kael slowed his breathing and listened to his surroundings. The howling of the light wind, the distant animal sounds and Aedrin's steady breathing... Everything became clearer.
Journey and Preparation
As the morning sun rose behind the hills, Kael and Aedrin made their way through the snow-covered forest. Kael's boots sank into the frozen ground under a thin layer of snow. On the way, Aedrin told him more about the Nekkers.
"These creatures are cowardly but ravenous. They usually attack in packs. When you kill one, the others pause for a few seconds. If you can take advantage of that, your job will be easier."
Kael memorized his master's words. "So what is the best tactic? Should I kill them from a distance or should I be more aggressive?"
Aedrin thought for a moment. "It depends on the situation. If the group is very large, it is wise to use bombs. But in a one-on-one fight, you need to move quickly. A witcher sets the pace for his opponent, he can't keep up."
After a while, they reached the entrance of the cave. Faint screams echoed from inside. The Nekkers were inside. Kael took a deep breath and removed his blindfold. Unable to drink a night vision potion, he squinted his eyes and tried to adjust to the darkness.
Aedrin smiled. "Good. Now get your silver sword ready and we'll go in."
The Fight for Survival in the Cave
Kael unsheathed his sword and entered the cave. It was cold and damp inside, water dripping from the stone walls. Footsteps echoed, but the Nekkers had not yet noticed them.
As he moved further inside, he saw small shadows moving in the corner. A group of nekkers were busy with a rotting animal carcass in the center of the cave. Their red eyes burned brightly. Kael felt his heart quicken. He had fought countless times as a Jedi, but this was different. He had to survive on instinct and training alone, without relying on the Force.
"You make the first move," Aedrin said in a low voice. "Put one down with a good hit and then we'll see what you do."
Kael nodded and moved forward cautiously. He tried to control his heart. He clenched his hands and took another step. He gripped his sword with both hands, and just as he prepared to strike, his foot hit a small piece of stone. The stone rolled and made a resounding noise.
The Nekkers immediately looked up. They hesitated for a moment, then rushed toward Kael with high-pitched screams.
Kael took a breath and took aim at the first one. Swinging his sword quickly, he sliced the neck of the nearest creature. Nekker's blood splattered across the cave floor. The others hesitated for a moment, but soon resumed their attack.
Kael stepped back, pulled out a grenade, and quickly threw it to the ground. As the frost bomb exploded, a sharp cold spread through the cave. The Nekkers staggered, their movements slowing. Kael took the opportunity to throw a second and a third.
But more came. Kael's back hit the cave wall and a Nekker leapt at him, claws raised. At the last moment, Kael sidestepped and sliced the creature's leg. The creature screamed in pain.
Just then, Aedrin lunged forward and slashed at three nekkers with his sword. The silver blades sliced through the creatures' flesh with ease. Kael took a deep breath and repositioned himself.
The last of the nekkers tried to flee, but Aedrin would not let them. After the last of them were hunted down, silence fell. Only Kael's rapid breathing could be heard in the cave.
I apologize for not posting recently, dear readers. I haven't updated because I was studying for my exams.
I will go back to my usual routine and probably post a Q&A about the universe and the book tomorrow. If you have any suggestions for the female lead, please let me know. I have most of the ideas decided, but I haven't finalized anything.
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