Observing Wayne's unwavering confidence, Deacon Ozick refrained from further remarks and promptly led the Witcher to the site where the three missing lumberjacks were last seen. It was an unremarkable open space on the forest's edge, but in comparison to other logging stations, this location ventured deeper into the forest. Perhaps that's why the lumberjacks disappeared here.
Upon reaching the crime scene, Wayne immediately held his breath and focused, utilizing his acute witcher senses to search for clues. Initially expecting an imperceptible and unsolved case, Wayne surprised himself by discovering scattered logging axes in the grass within 10 minutes. Messy footprints adorned the ground, and a faint scent of fresh blood reached Wayne's keen nose. Leaning in, he discerned the scent of sweat, a greasy aroma akin to rust—human blood, but not in excessive amounts. It was evident that some lumberjacks had been either killed or injured.
Instead of hastily following the blood trail to locate the lumberjack, Wayne squatted on the ground, meticulously observing the disorderly footprints. Soon, he discerned clues from the footprints—large, four-fingered imprints reminiscent of massive beasts, ruling out the possibility of wild bears or wolves.
Ozick, standing nearby, noticed the footprints larger than a human palm, sinking deep into the ground. Realizing that a colossal and ferocious monster had attacked the lumberjacks, he couldn't help but express concern and ask Wayne about it.
"Wayne, can you identify what kind of monster it is?" Ozick inquired.
Wayne, stroking his smooth chin, recollected the knowledge acquired from Kaer Mohan and affirmed, "It was a werewolf that attacked them. However, I find it peculiar. What could be the reason for a werewolf to target these loggers? Loggers who have just arrived here typically have no connection with these cursed creatures."
Ozick, unfamiliar with the term werewolf, being a confidant from the southern kingdom who had recently arrived with Leverdon, expressed his ignorance of the various monsters in the north. The middle-aged deacon pondered aloud, "Werewolf," before suggesting, "Wayne, are you confident you can locate this werewolf's lair? Should we go to the city and inform the guards to handle it?"
Wayne shot a mildly amused look at the naive Southerner. He knew well that the guards in the northern city were unlikely to pay attention to incidents outside the city, and even if the city hall did take notice, under the influence of wealthy businessman Leverdon, a mere team of guards would be dispatched.
Given the werewolf's formidable stature, towering meters high, razor-sharp claws capable of tearing through ordinary chainmail, and resilience that defied conventional damage, Wayne doubted the effectiveness of a standard guard force. Even with silver weapons, the guards, unless they were all seasoned warriors, would at best leave a few scars on the werewolves. Werewolves, being cunning and vicious cursed monsters, posed a significant threat even to fledgling Witchers, leading to fatalities at their hands.
It's no surprise that the system rated this task as expert-level. Thankfully, Wayne possesses the magic storage bag containing all the potions, bombs, and sword oil needed to confront werewolves. With the master-level silver sword crafted by Master O'Henry, Wayne remains confident in facing an ordinary werewolf.
Rising to his feet, Wayne addressed Deacon Ozick, "Deacon Ozick, werewolves are formidable monsters transformed from cursed humans. Until I return, it's best not to venture into the forest. I wouldn't want to return to find more casualties."
Ozick, aware of Wayne's expertise in handling monsters and respecting him as a friend of their boss, Leverden, nodded promptly, "Certainly, Wayne. I will organize the loggers to focus on tasks that don't require entering the forest today. But please, exercise caution. You're the boss' friend, and if something were to happen, the boss wouldn't spare me."
Wayne acknowledged Ozick's concern and, considering the inconvenience of taking his mount, Lucifer, into the forest, handed over the care of the horse to Ozick without further pleasantries. Without delay, Wayne set to work, tracing the scent of blood and following footprints into the forest.
Evidently, the werewolf lacked experience in evading pursuit, as it left an easily traceable trail. About an hour later, Wayne, guided by his heightened senses, arrived at the outskirts of the forest near a hunter's hut far from the small town on the outskirts of Vizima. The lingering scent of blood and fresh footprints suggested that the injured logger and werewolf had entered the hut approximately half an hour ago. Wayne contemplated the current situation, wondering what he would find inside.
Yet, Wayne refrained from hastily entering the house to assess the situation. Instead, he sat cross-legged in concealed grass outside the cabin. Retrieving the storage bag by his side, he carefully extracted three bottles of medicine, a vial of sword oil, and three alchemy bombs.
Among the potions were the Thunder Potion, enhancing strength and damage; the Swallow Potion, for injury restoration; and Elixir, which helps in amplifying Sign damage. Wayne's mutation level, currently at level four, limited him to consuming three witcher medicines simultaneously. Beyond that threshold, the strain on his body would become burdensome. Nevertheless, with his proficiency nearing its peak, Wayne anticipated unlocking a professional specialty skill that would allow him to endure another potion for additional potent enhancements.
Suppressing the unpleasant odor of the potions, Wayne closed his eyes and swiftly consumed them during a brief meditation. The concoctions promptly invigorated his body. The Thunder Potion notably increased his strength, causing a slight muscle enlargement and dulling his pain perception in correlation with heightened strength.
Drawing his silver sword, Wayne meticulously coated the blade with cursed sword oil and discreetly stowed the second steel sword and scabbard in the grass. This precaution was essential; excess equipment only hinders combat efficacy in reality, unlike in games. Additional swords and scabbards would impede his agility and attack capabilities.
Only when all preparations for the impending battle were complete did Wayne take a measured breath, step out from the concealed grass, and approach the main entrance.
It was unwise for Wayne to impulsively enter the cramped hut, engaging in combat with a massive monster with thick skin and flesh within such confined quarters. Instead, he opted for a strategic approach, shouting, "Werewolf in the house, you've been exposed. I am a Witcher, and I came here to deal with you. If you have anything to say, you can come out and talk to me."
This method served the dual purpose of drawing the werewolf out of the house while allowing Wayne to understand the motive behind the werewolf's recent attack on lumberjacks at a distant lumberyard.
In response to Wayne's call, the room remained silent, yet his keen hearing detected a creature with heavy breathing gradually approaching the door. Through a tiny crack, Wayne could even catch a glimpse of the thick gray hair on the tall figure. Just when he suspected the werewolf might be incapable of speech due to anger-induced madness, a hoarse, angry roar erupted from the gate.
The werewolf bellowed, "Witcher, I have heard of your legends. You are monster killers. However, this matter is none of your business. I am acting for revenge. My wife, Paula, died in the forest, naked and wounded, blood staining the ground. When I found her, she was dying, and she told me that several loggers had gang-raped her. She is the person I love the most. She doesn't even despise me as a werewolf. I must avenge her.
......
Thank You for Reading :D
Drop your stones here, so it serves as a motivation for me.