Witcher: The Half Elf

Wayne sighed inwardly as he listened to Francesca. Her words hinted at the challenges facing the elves and the underlying tension within their ranks. It was clear that Francesca, as their leader, was caught between the demands of her people and the reality of their precarious situation.

Her suggestion to exploit King Demavend's absence and weaken Aedirn was a calculated move, fueled by years of frustration and injustice. Wayne understood the temptation but knew the timing was not yet right.

He chose his words carefully, responding in a measured tone. 

"Enid," he began, "I understand the desire for retribution. The years of oppression your people have faced would inspire anyone to strike back. But showing the elves' strength now could unite the fractured northern kingdoms against a common enemy. That's a risk we can't afford."

Francesca sighed softly, her delicate features betraying her internal conflict. "I know you're right, Wayne," she admitted. "But the sentiment among my people is growing more radical. The influx of elves and other non-humans into the Valley of Flowers has only fueled these feelings."

She paused, her voice tinged with weariness. "Many of them endured years of humiliation and hardship. They see showing strength as the only way to earn respect. And honestly, our current living conditions only validate their frustration. The Valley of Flowers can barely sustain them."

Wayne reached across the table, taking her hand in his. Her skin was soft and cool, like a sculpture of porcelain. He gently stroked her hand and spoke with sincerity.

"I understand the challenges, Enid. I'll have the Wayne Chamber of Commerce allocate more resources to the Valley of Flowers to improve the quality of life there. But I still believe patience is crucial in dealing with Demavend's actions."

He leaned back slightly, his tone shifting to a more strategic one. "Your intelligence network in the south should have reported the brewing storm. Nilfgaard's rise is no accident. Their military meritocracy is a powerful engine, and the usurper king won't miss an opportunity to consolidate his position by exploiting the chaos in the north."

"This is the prelude to a war that will engulf the entire continent. Within ten years, we'll see a conflict on an unprecedented scale. That war will also be the moment for the elves to seize their destiny."

Wayne's gaze sharpened. "For now, channel the radical energy of your people. Select the most eager among them and form an army. Train them rigorously, like a disciplined military force. This will not only ease their restless anger but also prepare the elves for the battles to come."

Francesca nodded slowly, her expression softening. "You're right," she said quietly. "We've waited for thousands of years. What's a little longer if it ensures our survival and resurgence?"

She bit her lower lip lightly, a sign of the weight she bore as a leader. "I'll trust your judgment, Wayne. It's time to prepare my people for the future."

Wayne smiled at her resolve and continued to reassure her. The atmosphere between them grew more intimate as Francesca's emerald eyes met his, their shared understanding deepening the connection. However, just as the moment threatened to shift into something more, a sudden knock broke the tension.

A loud, raspy voice echoed through the door. 

"Wayne! Wayne! The project you assigned me has made a major breakthrough!" 

Before waiting for a response, the voice continued. 

"But we've run out of experimental materials, and I need more research funds!"

Wayne sighed, a flicker of irritation crossing his face at the interruption. Letting go of Francesca's hand, he chuckled awkwardly.

"That's Kalkstein," he explained. "You've probably heard of him, Enid. He's eccentric but brilliant. I've hired him to advance some of our Order's research."

Francesca covered her mouth with a delicate hand, laughing softly. "Of course I've heard of him, Wayne. Kalkstein has quite the reputation. I suppose his enthusiasm hasn't dulled over the years." 

Francesca remarked with a knowing smile, 

"Kalkstein isn't one to wield great magic in battle. Instead, his true passion lies in research. He's not the kind to chase power, which is why, even as a professor at Ban Ard Academy, he's often excluded from its inner circle of influence."

"He's an exceptional researcher, though."

After sharing her insights, Francesca gracefully stood, leaning down to place a light, affectionate kiss on the corner of Wayne's mouth. Her soft voice carried a hint of tenderness as she said:

"Since you still have matters to attend to, I'll take my leave. Organizing an army will require my attention in the coming days."

"When you have some free time, come visit the Valley of Flowers. Ada has been analyzing the dark magic in you and has developed some intriguing ideas. You should stop by her lab—it may prove helpful."

As one of the most knowledgeable spellcasters in the known world, Francesca's suggestions were always worth heeding. Wayne nodded in acknowledgment, his eyes following her elegant figure as she exited the council chamber.

Once Francesca was gone, Wayne turned his attention to Kalkstein, whose face brimmed with excitement. The middle-aged man, oblivious to the scene he had interrupted, gave Francesca a fleeting, curious glance before stepping forward. Carrying a wooden box with little care, he plopped it on the table before Wayne.

"Wayne," he began, his voice laced with enthusiasm, "these Witcher potions are truly remarkable! They enhance physical strength to an extraordinary degree, doubling combat efficiency in no time at all. Simply incredible!"

However, his tone shifted slightly as he added, "The only downside is their toxicity. Ordinary people can't tolerate them. If we attempt to neutralize the toxic elements, we end up with potions that are far less effective. They're not universally applicable."

"If we could overcome that limitation, kings and adventurers alike would pay exorbitant sums for these formulas or finished potions."

Kalkstein, lacking in social grace, failed to notice the slight irritation in Wayne's expression. Instead, he took a seat and launched into an explanation of his latest findings.

Having worked with Kalkstein, Wayne had come to understand his peculiar nature. Talking about etiquette or workplace dynamics was pointless with someone like him. If Kalkstein possessed such skills, he likely wouldn't have been relegated to obscurity in Vizima, scrounging for research funding.

Wayne decided not to waste time on formalities and instead examined the contents of the wooden box. Inside were several syringes crafted from pure silver, each as thick as a finger and adorned with intricate elven craftsmanship.

Kalkstein, pride radiating from his posture, smiled broadly as he explained, "Wayne, I based these six injection-type potions on the formulas you gave me for Swallow, Thunderbolt, and Tawny Owl."

He stroked his mustache and added with a touch of awe, "This invention—the syringe—is revolutionary. I believe it could spark an unprecedented medical revolution if introduced to the healing arts."

"Of course, the idea was yours, Wayne. Should I ever publish a paper, I'll make certain the world knows this game-changing tool was the brainchild of the Witcher Wayne."

Wayne didn't care much about academic recognition or having his name on papers. While such achievements might drive Kalkstein, they held little importance for him.

"Why are there six syringes here? Two for each potion—what's the difference?" Wayne asked as he examined the samples Kalkstein had presented. The syringes were crafted from pure silver, thick as a finger, and exquisitely detailed, yet sturdy. Clearly, they were the handiwork of the master elven craftsmen at the workshop.

Wayne had only provided three potion formulas, yet the box contained six syringes. Kalkstein's research had evidently gone beyond the initial instructions.

The middle-aged man's face lit up with pride at the question. Picking up two labeled syringes, he began his explanation with the enthusiasm of a scholar who lived for discovery.

"Wayne, this is the result of following your innovative ideas," he began. "In the past, witchers consumed potions orally. Not only was this inefficient, but it also introduced a significant amount of toxins into their bodies. After ingestion, they would need time to meditate for the potion to take effect."

"This often meant that witchers had to prepare in advance before facing powerful foes. If there were errors in intelligence or unexpected developments, they were caught off guard."

"Now, by injecting the potion directly into the bloodstream, the absorption efficiency is increased more than tenfold. The potion takes effect in under thirty seconds, making it far more suitable for sudden and unforeseen situations. This method dramatically improves a witcher's adaptability in combat."

Kalkstein's tone turned serious as he addressed another issue. "Oral administration also doesn't allow full absorption of the active ingredients. Many toxins remain in the witcher's system, accumulating over time. This often weakens their bodies in the long term, shortening their lifespans and health."

He gestured at the syringes. "Wayne, using the formulas you provided, I've refined the manufacturing process. I've removed many impurities from the potions, significantly reducing their toxicity. Although the cost of production has increased about tenfold, the benefits are immense."

"Take these two syringes, for example," he continued, holding them up. "Both are versions of the Swallow potion. One is the standard formula, and the other is a more potent variation."

Kalkstein's demeanor shifted to a more professional tone as he described his work. "The ordinary version retains the efficacy of traditional decoctions but has approximately one-third the toxicity. Witchers with standard poison resistance can safely use three times as many different potions to enhance their combat abilities."

"As for the enhanced version, its toxicity is comparable to the original decoction, but its effectiveness is increased two to threefold. When used in conjunction with other potions, it could significantly amplify a witcher's combat capabilities."