"Thank you very much, witcher," the commander said, shaking my hand while holding back tears. After finishing the monster and posing after the battle, I returned with the promised head for the commander. However, I didn't realize I would be seen so much because, as I entered the city, the citizens began to cry while waves of thanks came toward me. I felt a bit embarrassed, so I quickly headed to the barracks.
"Don't worry, commander, it was just my job."
"Maybe, but thanks to you, this city will be saved."
Rubbing my head in embarrassment, I extended my hand.
"May I have my reward?"
"Oh! Yes, wait a moment."
Then the commander took out a pouch and handed it to me.
"600 crowns, as promised."
"Thank you."
"By the way, do you know why this monster had such strong hatred?"
"It's just speculation, but I think it's a curse, as an ancient stone tablet mentioned a judgment made on a terrible pirate who was transformed into a shark monster."
"So you're saying our ancestors prayed to a criminal?!"
"Yes, even if it's just a supposition."
"I see. Come on, I'll walk you back."
Then the commander opened the door, and what awaited me was a row of soldiers holding their swords like knights do.
"What is this?"
"It's a gift from everyone. We thought you would appreciate it, especially to thank you, because among the dead were brothers in arms. So, to show our gratitude, the soldiers arranged this."
As soon as the commander finished his sentence, the soldiers all started talking at once.
"Thank you, witcher!!"
Then their thanks kept ringing out as I walked toward the door where families were waiting. Seeing me, they moved toward me before bowing.
"Thank you for avenging my husband."
"Yes, thank you."
"Thank you."
"Me…"
Then they all bowed to thank me, along with their children. As I asked them to stop, they stood up before leaving. Finally reaching the door, I was about to leave when the commander spoke.
"May I know what nickname you go by, witcher?"
"Isn't my name enough?"
"No, I want people to know how incredible the one who saved us is."
As I thought about a name, strangely, only one name came to mind.
"Aquila."
"Aquila?"
"Yes, it means eagle."
"Very well, from now on, we will refer to you as the White Eagle."
Then I left, unaware that this name would quickly spread across the world.
-------
"Is it time to part ways?"
"Indeed, but if you feel like it, I'm sure Geralt won't say no to your visit."
"Aaha, you're probably right. Well, thanks to you, I'm inspired. I promise the world will hear about the White Eagle who defeated the shark monster."
"You're not obligated."
"Oh, but I am! After all, why should Geralt get all the stories and not you? Don't worry, with me, you'll be welcomed with open arms every time. And of course, thanks to the lovely person that I am, I'll help you with the success of those ladies," he said, nudging me with his elbow.
I sighed at his unrealistic words because I knew I was lucky to have come across reasonable people. I could have easily ended up in a place where sorcerers were hated, like in The Witcher 3. In fact, I had learned something too—well, I think I did—because the situation with the little girl kept coming back to me. Although I had only given her food, a feeling of remorse lingered, and honestly, I realized I was extremely fortunate to meet people who love me and whom I can call family, seeing this world in a more mature way.
Looking one last time at the city that was celebrating, for the first time in a long while, the death of the monster and the rebirth of Port-Neuve, I said:
"Come on, Ganon, let's go—heading to Kaer Morhen."
Ganon galloped lightly on the main road. While galloping, I often found that I loved these moments—riding calmly, the wind gently blowing on my face; it's a feeling that only those who have ridden horses know.
After about a few hours, I stopped by the road, a bit in the woods. Picking up some dead branches, I started a fire, as the weather was beginning to cool down. Sitting next to the fire, I got into a meditation position and then plunged into what I call my subconscious.
Arriving in a dark area, I saw orbs bearing the symbols of the witcher signs, with, of course, a frozen orb representing my ice power and a green orb signifying the ancient blood power, which shone with a bright green light.
"Although I see them often, I'm still always in awe of how incredibly beautiful these orbs are. Every time, I feel calm."
But the moment I woke up, I drew my sword because I heard noises in the forest. Looking toward the source of the sound, I saw a werewolf growling at me, surrounded by wolves. Ganon, panicked, I slapped his rear with my hand to make him flee, then focusing again on the enemies, I thought:
"Why is a werewolf appearing so close to the road?"
The werewolf howled, and then a wolf sprinted toward me. Dodging its attack, I decapitated it in the process, then dodged another wolf's attack, stabbing it in the thorax. Seeing two wolves charging at me at the same time, I used Aard on the ground to propel myself slightly into the air, managing to avoid them and then hit them with an Igni, causing them to burn instantly. Wiping the blood off my sword by shaking it, I looked again at the werewolf that was finally stepping out of its dark zone.
"Are you tired of hiding, huh?"
Howling at me, it rushed at an incredible speed, arriving in front of me in an instant. Honestly, I was surprised I hadn't managed to dodge it, receiving a claw strike. Gritting my teeth, I shot a wave of ice at the werewolf, causing it to recoil. Not wanting to stay on the defensive, I continued my attacks, alternating sword strikes and ice powers. But seeing that it wasn't working, I launched Igni and the ice power simultaneously, successfully creating a cold mist.
Under normal circumstances, my ice power would have absorbed the fire power, but I reduced its coldness to create this mist. As the werewolf panicked from not being able to see, I waited, not realizing I was increasingly reacting like a predator. If someone had seen me at that moment, they would have seen a hooded man with coldly shining blue and green eyes. But if one analyzed more deeply, they could see a true sadism, the pleasure of watching the prey struggle uselessly even though it was already dead.
Then an opening appeared, and without a word, I swung my sword toward its two legs, cutting them at the same time. I looked into its eyes, filled with hatred—if the werewolf even understood that feeling.
"Unfortunately, you've lost. May you repent in your next life."
I killed it by stabbing it in the head.