Witcher: The Half Elf

Seeing is believing. While everyone could sense Eskel's enhanced strength, some Witchers remained skeptical about the effectiveness of the secondary mutation without experiencing it firsthand.

After all, more than two centuries had passed since the dissolution of the old Witcher Order. Nearly all current survival methods of Witchers were relics from that bygone era. Since the Order's disbandment, the lack of sorcerer assistance had stifled innovation. Beyond refinements in swordsmanship, the mutation formulas and potions used by Witchers had remained largely unchanged for hundreds of years.

Understandably, many Witchers adopted a cautious attitude toward such groundbreaking advancements.

Ned, known for his straightforward nature, was the first to challenge Eskel to a duel with real swords and shields. A few days earlier, the two had sparred, with Ned eking out a hard-fought victory thanks to his physical dominance, heavier armor, and formidable weaponry. The Bear School's reputation for excelling in close combat seemed untouchable.

Clang! Clang! Clang! Clang!

This time, however, the battle unfolded differently. In the fierce clash of steel, Ned quickly fell behind. His once-unassailable strength was outmatched by Eskel, and his reaction speed lagged far behind. The duel, though friendly, could have been decided within a minute in a real fight—and Ned would almost certainly have lost.

Eskel's swordsmanship, already top-tier, was now bolstered by his improved physicality, making him a near-perfect combatant. His transformation was undeniable, and his overall strength had surged significantly.

The onlookers, witnessing the duel, couldn't hide their envy. A palpable hunger for the secondary mutation experiments spread through the crowd. Every Witcher knew that their survival hinged on their strength, and no one could ignore the allure of becoming stronger.

Yet, as seasoned veterans, they also understood an eternal truth: nothing in the world came without cost. To gain such power, one would have to give something in return.

Over the next two weeks, Vesemir, Geralt, Lambert, George of the Griffin School, and Letho of the Viper School all underwent the secondary mutation at the secret facility. Each of them emerged stronger, their combat abilities enhanced, and some even saw improvements in long-standing injuries. Remarkably, certain genetic imperfections caused by the Trial of the Grasses were partially repaired, demonstrating the procedure's restorative capabilities.

Among them, Vesemir's transformation was the most striking.

"By Melitele's grace, old man! Did the sorcerers cast transformation magic on you?" Lambert exclaimed upon seeing Vesemir. "You look... younger. Almost like you did when I first became an apprentice seventy years ago. Fewer wrinkles, darker hair—damn, this secondary mutation might even extend our lifespans."

Lambert, energized by his newfound strength, couldn't resist teasing Vesemir as soon as they returned to Kaer Morhen.

Vesemir chuckled softly, his voice carrying the weight of centuries. "I've lived long enough, Lambert," he replied. "Longevity has never been my desire. But... if I can live a little longer to watch the young ones in the Order grow and thrive, that would indeed be a joy."

His words silenced the group, filling the room with a quiet reverence. For a moment, the Witchers, often hardened by life's trials, allowed themselves to dream of a brighter future.

The old Witcher was in a rare good mood—not because his rejuvenated appearance promised him a longer life, but because the Order was flourishing. For Vesemir, a survivor of the original Witcher Order, this resurgence offered him hope and a renewed sense of purpose. To witness the rebuilding of what was once lost gave him reason to look forward to the future.

Wayne, ever attentive to his mentor, had a special bond with Vesemir. In The Witcher 3, Vesemir's death at the hands of Imlerith to protect Ciri was a moment of profound sadness for all fans. For Wayne, Vesemir was more than a mentor; he was family. In a life where most of his loved ones were long gone, the Wolf School companions were his closest kin, and he was determined to go to great lengths for them.

The secondary mutation project, which promised to rejuvenate aging Witchers and strengthen their abilities, was a priority for Wayne. He poured more energy into this initiative than into the development of the Witcher mutagen formula itself. For Wayne, the well-being of his family—his fellow Witchers—came first.

However, this day brought more than just optimism. Wayne had something else to share with Vesemir—news that could be either a pleasant surprise or a source of unease.

"By the way, teacher," Wayne began casually, "when our Order's Wayne Chamber of Commerce opened a base in Novigrad, we encountered a rather unique countess there."

"She is Countess Mignole, likely in her forties now. She's a renowned collector in Novigrad, particularly of artifacts connected to Witchers."

Wayne continued, his tone deliberately nonchalant. "After Syanna spoke with her, we learned that she's actually an old acquaintance of yours, teacher. It seems she's been looking for you and wishes to meet."

At this, Wayne glanced meaningfully at Vesemir. Geralt, Lambert, and Eskel, who had been idly listening, immediately perked up. They exchanged knowing glances, their curiosity piqued. Wayne, as they knew, rarely spoke without purpose. His carefully chosen words always carried weight.

Sure enough, Vesemir's reaction didn't disappoint. When Wayne mentioned Countess Mignole's name, Vesemir's newly youthful features betrayed a flicker of surprise. His expression softened with a trace of nostalgia, and he sighed.

"In the blink of an eye, so many years have passed," Vesemir murmured. "I never expected she would still remember me."

Lambert, ever the mischief-maker among the Wolf School, couldn't resist chiming in. "Old man, who is this countess? Was she your lover?"

Vesemir ignored Lambert's teasing and hesitated briefly before speaking to Wayne.

"Let it go, kid. Mignole is just an ordinary woman, and it has been over twenty years since we last met. Knowing she's alive and well is enough for me. I wouldn't want to disrupt her life."

But Wayne wasn't ready to let the matter rest. He pretended to be surprised and responded apologetically, "Ah, is that so?"

"Still, teacher, Countess Mignole has a few artifacts in her collection that are incredibly important to us Witchers. I initially offered her a generous sum, but she refused to sell. When she learned I was your apprentice, she insisted on visiting Kaer Morhen and meeting you before considering the matter."

"I've agreed to her request and will make arrangements for her to visit in the next couple of days," Wayne said, his tone calm yet deliberate.

He paused briefly, noting the flicker of unease on Vesemir's face, and added, "However, if you truly don't wish to see her, I'll respect your wishes. I'll let her know and cancel the meeting."

Wayne hesitated for effect before continuing, "It's just... a shame. The artifacts in her collection are exceedingly rare and authentic. If we miss this opportunity, who knows when we might come across them again?"

The aging Vesemir immediately saw through Wayne's subtle maneuvering. With a pointed glare at his apprentice, he let out a soft sigh, closing his eyes briefly in thought.

"You've always been one to make decisions on your own, haven't you, boy?" Vesemir muttered, shaking his head. "Fine. I'll meet her when she comes."

Rising from his seat, Vesemir stretched slightly and continued, his voice tinged with a mix of nostalgia and resignation. "It's been a long time since I've seen anyone from those days. The longer we live, the fewer of them remain. That's the burden we Witchers carry—outliving the ordinary folk we once called friends."

He sighed deeply, his words heavy with experience. "One day, you'll understand this, Wayne. You all will."

Without giving the younger Witchers a chance to reply, Vesemir turned and began heading toward his chambers. His voice softened as he spoke to himself, reflecting on the weight of time and loss. The others in the hall of Kaer Morhen watched him leave, their expressions thoughtful.

As soon as Vesemir was out of earshot, Geralt, Lambert, and Eskel immediately converged on Wayne, their curiosity unmistakable.

Apparently, they were also interested in Vesemir's past.