Chapter 99 A New Future
It looks like a rapid healing spell, but the effect is clearly stronger…
Arthur silently recalled, realizing that it took the Dryad nearly a minute, from stopping the gushing blood to the wound fully healing.
Compared to the rapid healing spells of healers, this performance could only be described as adequate—but that was just the surface.
Triss had said that due to mutations, a Witcher's internal body structure was very different from that of normal humans, and general healing magic was ineffective on them.
In other words, if a human healer were present, he would have to use a scalpel to cut open Geralt's wound, and then use the most basic healing magic to specifically treat the injured blood vessels, nerves, and muscles.
Compared to that, the Dryad's healing method could almost be described as effortless.
Thinking of this Dryad's future fate, a look of pity appeared in Arthur's eyes—if Eithné were wise enough, with this miraculous healing magic alone, the Dryads would have the capital to maneuver freely among the surrounding human kingdoms.
Unfortunately, just as Morien had long since died in the war, the Dryads' indifferent attitude towards humans had never changed.
As his thoughts drifted, the scene before him began to change rapidly. Scenes of Geralt and Morien jointly battling evil monsters in the forest flashed by like a revolving lantern.
Leshens, Giant Centipedes, and some monsters Arthur hadn't learned about yet, all fell beneath sword and bow, and the distance between the two of them grew closer and closer. Finally, beneath a towering oak tree, Geralt's short sword found its sheath.
The last longer scene was in Duén Canell, in Eithné's treehouse hall. Geralt sat uneasily before Eithné, and outside the window behind him, the giant oak tree was covered in snow.
And the Dryad Queen's expression was colder than the snow:
"Morien is not just my daughter; she is the only pure-blood Dryad still capable of reproduction. She is the entire hope and future of Brokilon."
"No monster will reach her before I fall."
Geralt swore, but he clearly misunderstood the meaning of the Dryad Queen's words.
"Little Witcher, do you truly not understand, or are you deliberately playing dumb?
"Did those old men at Kaer Morhen not tell you that Witchers cannot conceive life?"
Geralt stammered:
"I know, but Morien said she had a way to fix this…"
His words were cut short by Eithné:
"Morien is my youngest daughter, and one of only two Forest Speakers in Brokilon, so she has been spoiled beyond recognition, thinking she can solve all problems.
"But this time, it concerns the fate of all Dryads, and I cannot let her act recklessly again."
He stood up, but gestured for the Witcher not to move, then looked down at Geralt from above:
"I am telling you these things so that you can prepare yourself mentally.
"You can still stay by Morien's side in the future, but she also has a mission that must be completed—her womb must conceive as many lives as possible, no matter how."
Geralt's face was as white as the snow outside the window; he glared fiercely at Eithné, as if he wanted to devour her alive.
"What, do you want to draw your sword against me? Then come on!
"I'm also curious if a Witcher's sword is as miraculous as the legends say!"
Eithné's silhouette suddenly elongated and grew, extending all the way to the high dome of the hall, her entire being seemingly transforming into an indescribable monster.
Geralt's body trembled, but Arthur knew it wasn't fear, but extreme exhilaration under the influence of a large amount of adrenaline.
In this state, even without drinking a potion, the Witcher's sword would surely be faster than lightning.
Arthur thought this, feeling a little curious about how Eithné managed to escape unscathed.
But Geralt ultimately did not draw his sword; he slumped his right hand, like a deflated ball:
"Your words reminded me, I also have my own mission. Besides Brokilon, the human world also needs the protection of Witchers."
He adjusted the belt on his chest and walked out of the house with his head held high.
Eithné followed behind him, trying to persuade him to stay:
"Don't you want to stay by Morien's side? This decision is equally difficult for her; with you by her side, things will be much easier."
Swish!
A flash of sword light suddenly appeared between the two of them. Eithné hastily retreated, and a long, diagonal slit appeared on her emerald green dress, from shoulder to thigh, and quickly widened.
The Dryad Queen subconsciously pressed down on the falling fabric of her skirt, her beautiful face distorted with anger:
"You dare!"
Geralt's voice was hoarse, as if he had just swallowed a red-hot coal:
"You are the Queen of Brokilon; you can dictate the fate of every Dryad.
"But I am a Witcher; I am not your subject! If you continue to insult me so wantonly, this forest will soon have two more corpses!"
As the Witcher put away his long sword and left without looking back, this memory finally came to an end.
"How could Her Majesty Eithné do such a thing? It's outrageous!"
As a member of Brokilon, Faive also saw the complete memory fragment. She clenched her small fists tightly, her cheeks puffy with anger.
As a native Dryad, she possessed a complete mind and would not, like the transformed Dryads, unconditionally support any of Eithné's decisions.
Even though Eithné repeatedly proclaimed that bearing offspring was every Dryad's greatest mission, the little Dryad could still empathize with Geralt's anger.
"I don't want to go back to Duén Canell; I want to go with you all!"
The little Dryad puffed out her chest and said:
"Big guy, want to come with me?"
The Treant shook its trunk, refusing:
"Protecting trees… I cannot leave the forest until I receive orders from the Forest Speaker."
"Don't be impulsive, Faive."
Maria also advised. As a native Dryad, Faive's skin, though not as verdant as a pure-blood Dryad, was still emerald green and absolutely impossible to conceal.
"Actually, you don't have to make contact with humans right now."
Looking at Faive, Arthur suddenly had an idea:
Since native Dryads, untouched by harm, possessed independent minds, would the minds of those transformed Dryads also gradually recover after the Elf Phantom was destroyed?
He pondered and said:
"You could very well establish new settlements outside Duén Canell and take in those Dryads with different ideas."
Faive's eyes lit up, and she clapped her hands:
"That's right, why didn't I think of that! Sister Maria, would you be willing to stay and help me?"
Maria shook her head sadly:
"Eithné might tolerate your mischief, but she will never forgive my defiance. Brokilon no longer has a place for me."
"Not so fast. Before that, I need to confirm one more thing."
Arthur looked up at the Treant and asked:
"If my command conflicts with Eithné's, whose will you obey?"
The Treant's tone was slow, but without any hesitation:
"You are my creator; of course I will follow your commands."
Arthur nodded, pointing at Faive:
"If the task I give you is to help Faive establish a new settlement and protect her from attacks from Eithné, can you do it?"
According to previous experience, Eithné only appeared strong; when truly facing a powerful enemy, she was quite rational.
If the Treant agreed to provide protection for Faive, perhaps the Dryads could indeed forge a different path.
.............
I want to take a moment to express my gratitude to those who support me on this journey. Your contribution make a real difference!
As a patron, you unlock:
Exclusive Access: Get advanced +120 chapters ahead of everyone else.
👉 Join now: P-a-treon/Chaos_God
(Just remove the- hyphen to access normally)
Thank You so much For your Support and for Reading!