A mythical-level mission?
Wayne was taken aback. He had assumed that "epic" was the highest rank the system could offer, but now he was facing a mission of mythical level. And the rewards were exceptionally enticing: the first stage alone offered two ability points—a resource he sorely needed.
Even after leveling up seven times in Middle-earth, Wayne had only accumulated ten ability points, far short of the twenty required to unlock the second stage of his Ancient Blood. How could he not be excited?
Wayne maintained a composed exterior, though his heartbeat quickened. He cleared his throat and, adopting a serious expression, addressed Ranni:
"Ranni, I've traveled to many worlds and gained some understanding of the dangers they pose."
"I understand the risks that visitors from other realms can bring to the home world," he continued, his tone measured. "If I am to accept your commission, you must agree to one condition."
The doll—remarkably lifelike—managed to express a slight frown, giving her an almost human air. "You've traveled to many worlds?" she inquired.
Wayne offered a vague but honest reply: "Yes, I've seen many worlds. Some are perilous, home to gods of immense power who could destroy entire realms with ease. Some are bleak, devoid of life, their lands withering. Others are prosperous, with countless worlds linked by incredible feats, beyond what most can imagine."
He paused, letting the weight of his words settle. "Revealing the location of one's home world is a dangerous act. It invites the risk of invasion from outside forces, potentially dooming one's world to enslavement."
Ranni listened intently, nodding thoughtfully. As the Princess of the Moon, well-versed in the art of starlight sorcery, she understood the concept of countless stars and worlds beyond her own. Many of the gods in the Lands Between had come from distant worlds to impose their own laws upon her realm. The idea of venturing to other stars to seek new laws and reclaim balance was something she had long considered as a possible way to save the Lands Between.
This unexpected journey to another realm, she now realized, was a tremendous opportunity to unravel the mysteries of foreign laws. If she could understand more of these laws, the possibility of restoring her world would become a tangible reality.
Recognizing that the man before her might hold more value than she initially realized, she considered his request for a moment before speaking, her tone slightly reluctant:
"Very well. State your condition."
She added, almost as a warning, "But if it is a demand without reason, I shall not accept."
Wayne's face softened into a calm smile. "Don't worry, Ranni. It's not unreasonable," he assured her.
"I only ask that you agree not to act in any way that would endanger this world," he said. "This is my home, and I can't risk it being jeopardized because of actions taken here."
Ranni's gem-like eyes gleamed with understanding. Seeing that his request was both reasonable and protective, the tension in her expression softened. Raising her slender arms, she intertwined her fingers to form a delicate rune, and with a faint murmur, she spoke:
"I accept your condition."
"In this way, the contract is formed."
As Ranni's words fell, Wayne sensed a subtle magical connection forming between himself and the doll before him. It wasn't an intrusive force, nor did it threaten his safety. Instead, it felt more like a binding promise, deepening the understanding between them.
With the contract in place, Ranni and Wayne exchanged a lingering glance before she spoke:
"Unraveling the laws of this world will take time. We must begin with the basics."
"For now, I shall remain by your side, observing everything and learning your knowledge and magic," she continued. "I trust you will assist me well, Wayne."
Without waiting for a response, Ranni's doll dissolved into a glimmering cloud of dust, disappearing before Wayne could react. All that remained was the small bell, etched with intricate magical runes, resting on the table.
Yet through their new connection, Wayne sensed that Ranni's presence had not vanished. She had simply taken on a more ethereal form, remaining by his side in a magical invisibility that ordinary eyes couldn't detect.
As a man with many secrets, Wayne felt slightly uneasy about this new presence constantly nearby. Fortunately, Ranni, a visitor from another world, was still unfamiliar with many aspects of the Witcher's realm, so any of his peculiarities wouldn't seem too unusual to her.
With the lottery complete and the afternoon stretching ahead, Wayne tidied up his room and set off for Vizima's bookstore. Given that a curious otherworldly demigod was now following him, he decided it was best to keep Ranni engaged with something besides his every move. Otherwise, her constant observation would be rather awkward.
Upon arriving at the bookstore, he was immediately greeted by the owner, who recognized Wayne as a regular. As someone with a deep appreciation for reading, Wayne had purchased many books from this shop in the past.
"Wayne, it's been a while! We just received a new batch of books. Care to take a look?"
Wayne, a generous and valued customer, was always greeted warmly. Glancing at the books lining the shelves, Wayne considered his needs before replying:
"One of my juniors has reached the age for learning and needs some introductory books."
"Could you prepare a selection of all the foundational books suitable for children? I'd like them to cover a broad range of knowledge."
The bookstore owner's eyes sparkled, sensing a large order. He brought out a decent bottle of red wine, offered Wayne a seat, and got to work gathering the books Wayne had requested.
Wayne didn't touch the wine, accustomed as he was to the quality of elven vintages, which made most ordinary wines feel lacking.
Ten minutes later, the bookstore owner wheeled over a small trolley stacked with around sixty or seventy books. Bound in medieval paper and printed with early techniques, they were quite hefty.
"Wayne, there are sixty-seven books here," the owner said, smiling proudly. "They include children's books, poetry, fairy tales, histories of the kingdom and the northern lands, and other enlightening subjects. This collection should meet your requirements."
"Would you like me to have these delivered to your home?"
Wayne gave the books a quick glance, nodded, and replied, "That will do. No need to deliver—just bundle them up with a rope, and I'll carry them myself. Let's settle the bill."
…
A few minutes later, Wayne carried the stack of books, which weighed several dozen kilograms, as though they weighed nothing. Medieval books were costly, and the sixty-seven he had purchased amounted to nearly five hundred orens—enough for an average family to build a house in the countryside.
Finding a quiet inn nearby, Wayne rented a secluded room. Once inside, he set the books down on the table, then took a seat and said softly, "Ranni, here are the books you wanted. Start with these, and when you're done, I'll find more for you."
As he finished speaking, an elegant, small doll appeared on the table. Ranni's puppet looked at Wayne for a moment, adjusted her pointed witch's hat with one hand, placed a hand on the books, and, forming a delicate hand gesture, caused the books to transform into magic dust and disappear. She gave Wayne a slight nod and said simply, "Thankyou Wayne."
With that, she fell silent, her form disappearing much like the books had.
Watching the reserved sorceress vanish, Wayne couldn't help but smile at her familiar air of quiet pride. There was a certain charm in her demeanor, that faint hint of superiority.
But Ranni's abilities were indeed remarkable. They seemed less like conventional magic and more akin to manipulating the very laws of existence. When she made the books vanish, Wayne, with his keen perception, hadn't felt any magical fluctuations—a clear indication that Ranni's remaining strength was perhaps even more potent than he had initially anticipated.