After reading the system's introduction to these three artifacts, Wayne felt a surge of satisfaction. The magic book from Prince Kael'thas, in particular, was far more valuable than the initial description suggested. Its capabilities were exceptional, and the depth of its functions surpassed anything Wayne had anticipated.
This magic book wasn't just a simple tome—it was a comprehensive, intelligent repository of magical knowledge. Meticulously crafted by four of the most powerful high elf magicians of Silvermoon City, it had accompanied Kael'thas for centuries. Within its pages, the prince had documented his journey from a mere magic apprentice to the verge of becoming a great magician. The book had numerous magical features, making it an ideal tool for anyone pursuing the arcane arts.
To put it plainly, this book was a sophisticated, magical library. It could absorb and transfer knowledge from any other book, with no upper limit, and offered a range of practical abilities, including quick referencing, meditative reading, and even the transference of magic itself. In short, it was designed to accelerate the learning process, turning the user into a true master of the arcane.
It's no wonder Kael'thas became a renowned magician in Azeroth. Not only did he possess extraordinary talent, but he also had the advantage of this tool, honed and refined by the greatest minds of the high elves. The book was no longer in its original state—it had evolved over centuries, containing Kael'thas's complete magical journey. It held almost all of his notes and studies, as well as a vast collection of high elven knowledge.
If Wayne chose to dedicate himself to this path, he could use this book as a foundation to follow in Kael'thas's footsteps, potentially becoming a great magician himself. Although the chaotic magic of the Witcher world differed from the arcane magic of Azeroth, Wayne's innate talent for magical conversion made this less of an obstacle and more of an opportunity.
Setting the magic book down, a smile tugged at the corners of Wayne's lips as a thought crossed his mind. If he ever had the chance to visit Aretuza College, he could use this book to transcribe all the texts in their vast library. It would be like acquiring a treasure trove of knowledge, far surpassing anything the Warlock Brotherhood could offer, and all without spending a single oren.
The second reward, the magical vegetable seeds, also caught Wayne's interest. He had been concerned about how to sustain the food supply for the giant family, but these seeds offered an ideal solution. The system's description revealed that these seeds required minimal external conditions to thrive; as long as they absorbed enough magic, they could grow rapidly. It was a concept similar to the water creation spells and magic bread used by the mages in the world of Azeroth—wherever there was magic, there would be food.
This didn't diminish the value of the super genetically modified corn seeds, though. Even in the Witcher world, there were areas where magic was weak or entirely absent—deserts, swamps, and other harsh environments where ordinary crops couldn't survive. In such places, the resilience of the genetically modified corn could prove invaluable, ensuring a reliable food source even under the most challenging conditions.
The last item, the Legendary Mystique Magic Array[Myth Lock], was an intriguing puzzle. Wayne didn't fully understand its principles, but its design was undeniably user-friendly. The array appeared as a globe made of magic crystal, with a central, upright, oval-shaped colorful crystal surrounded by sixteen smaller floating crystals.
This magic array was controlled by three rings: one main control ring and two sub-control rings. The main control ring had full authority, while the sub-control rings' permissions were determined by the main ring. A masterpiece of high elven magic from the world of Faerûn, this array was a powerful barrier capable of imposing various restrictions on any enemy within its range. It could effectively neutralize opponents below the legendary level and even exert some influence over those above it.
What was even more surprising was that the entire Magic Array possessed a form of simple intelligence, much like the AI of a modern device, which could assist the user in managing and operating the array. Wayne, with a wry grin, named this AI "Afu." However, according to Afu's own assessment, the array couldn't function properly at the moment. It required a continuous and substantial input of magical power to operate, akin to how a machine needs a constant energy source to run.
Once fully activated, the Magic Array's coverage area could extend up to a diameter of one hundred kilometers—a vast region, comparable to a small kingdom. The sheer scale of this potential barrier brought to Wayne's mind the powerful magic node located in the back mountain of Kaer Morhen. Although he wasn't an expert in such matters, Wayne speculated that this magic node might just provide the necessary energy to power the array, certainly more so than any ordinary environment could.
The power of the Magic Array, as described by the system, was formidable. If it could be fully operational, it would establish an unparalleled magical barrier—one that could transform Kaer Morhen and the surrounding lands into a sanctuary, a stronghold that could shield the Witcher Order and their territory from any external threats. This array was, without a doubt, one of the most potent artifacts Wayne had ever obtained. Despite the challenges in meeting its operational requirements, Wayne was determined to find a way to harness its power.
This new development fueled his ambition. The task of rebuilding the Witcher Order could potentially advance by leaps and bounds with the deployment of this legendary Magic Array.
Buoyed by this thought, Wayne carefully secured the two treasures, placing them in his space bracelet for safekeeping. As for Kael'thas's magic book—no, it was now Wayne's magic book—he placed it into his magic pocket, a cherished item he could access at any moment.
With this magic book, Wayne could now delve into arcane knowledge whenever he wished, accelerating his mastery of the magical arts significantly.
As Wayne left his room, he noticed that Syanna had returned. Letho and his two brothers were in the backyard, engaged in their rigorous sword practice. The sound of iron swords clashing echoed through the air—sharp and clear—indicating how deeply engrossed they were in their training.
The three Witchers from the Viper School seemed less than thrilled about their new roles as bodyguards for a mercantile enterprise. Despite the generous rewards Wayne offered, these men were accustomed to living on the edge, where the thrill of danger and the promise of a hard-earned reward kept their blood pumping. The mundane routine of a 9-to-5 existence didn't sit well with them.
However, their boredom was tempered by their anticipation of the knowledge Wayne had promised them. They were eager for the day when he would share the secrets of the Witchers with them, and this promise kept them loyal and focused.
Wayne understood this but wasn't overly concerned. A stable, peaceful life—like the idyllic setting of a hero's final rest—might seem unappealing at first to those who had known nothing but chaos and bloodshed. But with time, even the most hardened warriors might come to appreciate the quiet beauty of such a life, finding it difficult to let go once they had tasted its simplicity.
As Wayne descended the stairs, he addressed Syanna, who was sipping a drink by herself.
"How did it go with the store?" he asked. "Did you find a suitable location? Vizima City is still under development, and the entire commercial district is being planned. You should have plenty of options."
The moment Syanna saw Wayne coming downstairs, she set her glass aside and hurried to his side, her demeanor obedient and attentive. She reached out and clung to his arm, a far cry from the proud and distant daughter of a former duke she once was.
Since Wayne had entrusted her with significant responsibilities, Syanna had fully embraced her new role. The titles—whether slave, lover, or subordinate—mattered little to her now. What mattered was her position by Wayne's side, where her talents were valued, and she received the recognition she craved.
Her ambitions, however, stretched far beyond becoming a mere successful merchant. This was merely the first rung on her ladder to greater things. One day, when she had established herself, she would prove to those who had scorned and mistreated her that the so-called "Curse of the Black Sun" was nothing more than a cruel joke.
"Master, I've found three potential locations for our shops," Syanna began, her voice soft yet filled with determination as she leaned against Wayne. "The first is in the heart of the business district—spacious and situated in a prime location. It's perfect for attracting the wealthy merchants and nobles of Vizima. However, the rent is steep, but the profits could be equally high if we cater to the city's elite."
"The second option is near the Temple of Melitele, within the temple district. It's popular among the middle class and conveniently close to the city gates, making it ideal for merchants and the more affluent citizens to spend their coin."
"The third location is down by the docks. Once the port is fully operational, it will become a hub for merchant ships. Though the area is rougher and located in a slum, it's precisely those transient traders and sailors who might be most interested in Gwent and tobacco, perhaps even more so than the city's permanent residents."
After laying out the options, Syanna rested her head on Wayne's shoulder, her voice taking on a playful, coquettish tone. "Master, each of these locations has its own advantages. Which one do you think is best?"
Syanna herself favored the affluent district, believing that the luxury and exclusivity of the tobacco shop and Gwent parlor would appeal more to the city's wealthier inhabitants. She imagined that catering to the nobility would spread their reputation quickly and bring in the highest profits. However, she was unaware of Wayne's broader vision—to make Gwent a national pastime, something embraced by all levels of society. For that, reaching a broader audience was essential.
Wayne considered her words for only a moment before giving Syanna's increasingly rounded backside a playful pat. "No need to hesitate, Syanna."
"If all three locations are promising, then we'll take them all. Open all three stores at once. Vizima is a large city; three shops will only help us establish a stronger presence."
Seeing Syanna's surprise, Wayne waved his hand nonchalantly. "High investment leads to high returns. As for Gwent, we don't have enough cards in circulation yet. I want you to start gathering craftsmen skilled in painting and card-making. We'll set up a dedicated workshop to produce Gwent cards on a larger scale."
He gently stroked Syanna's smooth black hair, his tone shifting to one of encouragement. "This endeavor is crucial to me, Syanna, and I believe in your capabilities."
"We'll name this venture the Anna Trading Company. Who knows? Perhaps one day, the name Anna Trading Company will be known across the world."
…
After handling the immediate business matters in Vizima, Wayne made his way to visit Keira. With Triss currently staying at Kaer Morhen on a sort of extended leave, Keira's workload had increased significantly. As a sorceress who appreciated luxury and indulgence, Keira was less than thrilled with the additional responsibilities.
The moment Wayne arrived, Keira, with her characteristic directness, didn't hesitate to voice her displeasure. "Wayne, where have you taken Triss? Get her back here, and quickly!"
"It's all well and good for her to enjoy a vacation, but I'm swamped with royal duties. I had planned to visit the market today, maybe get my hair done, but I've been stuck working instead."
Wayne responded with a smile and an apologetic look, offering Keira a large box of cakes and snacks he had prepared himself. Placing them in her hands, he said, "I'm sorry, Keira, but Triss is occupied with something very important at the moment."
He then shared the plan he had discussed with Triss, revealing, "Triss mentioned that she intends to gradually hand over her responsibilities as royal advisor to you, so she can focus on other matters. It won't be long before you're officially Temeria's chief royal advisor."
Keira's eyes widened in surprise, but suspicion quickly replaced her shock. Narrowing her eyes, she looked Wayne over sharply and asked, "Hmph, while Triss might not crave power as much as I do, she's not one to shy away from influence and status. What exactly are the two of you up to that would make her give up her position?"
Wayne merely shook his head, offering a noncommittal response. "Maybe you don't know Triss as well as you think. Her ambitions aren't the same as yours."
Keira, however, wasn't satisfied with this answer. With a sudden, fierce determination, she grabbed Wayne by the collar, pulling him towards her bedroom. "Don't try to brush me off with vague answers, Wayne. And don't forget, I was the first woman you ever shared a bed with."
Despite her petite and almost delicate appearance, Keira was anything but demure. Her straightforward and sometimes volatile nature often caught people off guard. As she dragged Wayne, who was much taller and stronger, it almost looked comical—a small rabbit pulling along a large bear.
But Wayne knew Keira well enough to understand her intentions. She wasn't truly angry—just frustrated at being left out of the loop. He didn't resist, allowing her to lead him, knowing that for Keira, the most effective way to get the information she wanted was through what she considered "more intimate" discussions.
...
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