In the elves' territory, the surviving humans who had been running for their lives finally found a brief moment of rest and replenishment. After days of fleeing, they were exhausted—but now, with their strength and spirits restored, they set off again. The journey that should have taken nearly three days was completed in only two, driven by their urgency and determination.
(TN: On the vast land belonging to the Pokémon, lmao elves = pokemon)
During the journey, the Witcher Gonz began formally instructing Aldric. His lessons ranged from the history of witchers, to the code of conduct they lived by, to the kinds of man-eating beasts, corrupted monsters, and non-human races that roamed the southern lands.
Even though they were on the move, Aldric never once paused in his learning. To accommodate the slower pace of ordinary humans, both the seasoned and the apprentice witcher deliberately slowed down, which made teaching far easier.
The wounded sailor, Terry, still perched on the back of the white wolf, crept closer to listen in. When he realized that Gonz didn't mind his eavesdropping, he became bolder—trailing openly behind Aldric, listening intently to every word. To him, the knowledge being spoken of—witchers, magic signs, alchemy—was something that belonged to myths and legends.
When the group made camp at night, the sailors would handle all the chores, a gesture meant to comfort Ted and his companions. Gonz, meanwhile, would take his apprentice away from the campfires, using the quiet of the night to instruct Aldric in the use of Signs and the fundamentals of alchemy and herbology.
The old captain would, in turn, sit with each sailor for a private talk. After his conversation with Terry, he emerged from the tent with a heavy sigh, his face lined with melancholy before he retreated back inside.
Aldric didn't notice. He was preoccupied—his attention fixed on the glowing interface of his personal status screen.
"After a period of study, your skill: Knowledge (Monsters) +1."
"After a period of study, your skill: Knowledge (Geography) +1."
"After a period of study, your skill: Knowledge (Arcane) +1."
"After a period of study, your skill: Wilderness Survival +1."
"After a period of study, you have obtained partial knowledge of the Sign: Quen. You have grasped some of its core principles—continue your studies to master it fully."
"After a period of study, you have received your first Gwent card — Ciri (Cirilla Fiona Elen Riannon). As your teacher gazes upon you with reluctant admiration, you understand this card is of great value. You have learned part of the game's rules—continue collecting your cards and strive to become a true witcher."
…
Finally, on the night of the second day after departure, the survivors caught sight of the great walls of Port Anthony.
Port Anthony was the largest human settlement in the region, one of the very first colonial port cities established in the Far South. Had it not been for the storm, Aldric would have arrived here directly aboard Captain Rockfell's ship to officially begin his adventure.
The city had been founded by Viscount Anthony, one of the first pioneering nobles to brave the voyage from the distant land of Gaul. Crossing the ocean with his knights, he built Fort Anthony upon this barren coast.
Because it lay near the deepest northern harbor of the southern colonies, ships from all nations naturally gathered here. Over time, the fortress grew into a bustling city—Port Anthony—and its founder rose from viscount to Count Anthony.
Five years ago, the ambitious count sought to expand his dominion—but his ambition met ruin. On the frontier, he clashed with the greenskins who had crossed the seas from the northern tundra. Those ferocious monsters shattered his army and his dreams alike, killing the count in battle while he was still in his prime.
After his death, his ten-year-old son, Anthony II, inherited the title and the city. But the boy was far too young to manage the complex web of factions and rivalries within the port. Many of his late father's knights left, taking with them settlers eager for adventure to chase after new lands and riches.
Ted's old home, Rogue Camp, was one such place—a small village founded by a knight named Rogue, who had since perished. Dozens of similar camps dotted the jungles and wilderness, varying in size and stability, but all of them owed their existence to Port Anthony.
As they approached the city, Ted and his men learned that Rogue Camp had been destroyed. With heavy hearts, they bid farewell to their companions, determined to find the refugees and rebuild.
"I'll lead them out of this hardship. We'll rebuild Rogue Camp from the ground up!" Ted declared passionately, his large beard shaking as he spoke. "When that time comes, I'll look forward to seeing you all again. I'll treat you to the finest ale! Especially you, brave Aldric—if you ever need my help, don't forget me! I'll be ready to fight by your side anytime!"
He embraced each of them in turn, even Gonz, who—despite his cold demeanor—did not refuse the hearty farewell. Then Ted led his two followers away, striding off toward the horizon.
Watching them leave, the old captain turned to Aldric and the Witcher. "Well then, it's time we said goodbye too, brave man from Cerys… and you, honorable witcher. Your presence has made me ashamed of the slanderous rumors I once believed about your kind."
Captain Rockfell gave them both a graceful bow of apology, then turned to his sailors. "You're all free to go. I'll submit the report to the Maritime Guild myself and take full responsibility."
The sailors exchanged uneasy glances, their eyes saying what their lips could not. But before anyone could speak, the captain waved his hand to silence them.
"No need for words," he said softly. "I'm old now. It's time to leave the sea and go home to my family. Even if you all swear that our ship was lost to a storm, no one would ever hire a captain who abandoned his own vessel."
Aldric, puzzled, asked carefully, "Is there trouble, Captain? Is there anything I can do to help?"
Rockfell gave a weary smile. "Our ship sank less than thirty nautical miles from shore. Everyone did their best, but we still ran aground and went under. Technically, it was the storm's fault—but no one will believe a shipwreck that close to land. Rather than live under the shame of being called a liar, I'd rather take full responsibility. Considering my years of service, the shipowners won't punish me too harshly."
Aldric nodded awkwardly. Don't tell me the system caused this just to hand me a quest…?
"I do have one small request," the captain continued after a pause, his tone softening. "Forgive me for troubling you, especially after all you've done. I cannot repay your kindness, but… I hope you'll accept this."
He gestured toward Terry, who was standing nervously beside him. "The boy has been through a great deal. He wishes to follow you—to serve as your attendant."
"Huh?" Aldric blinked in surprise.
At that moment, a glowing prompt appeared on his interface:
'An NPC admires your courage and strength and wishes to become your follower. Do you accept?'
(End of Chapter)
TN: I feel like I'm editing more in this novel than in any other novels. Chapters are short but man I'm editing on it more to keep the status screen uniform.