ALL NOVEL 79. The Genius Allen?
Allen walked down the mountain path, his steps crunching softly in the snow. In his view, Killer Lake shimmered with its gentle waves, hidden among the trees. Though he couldn't see anyone, he knew they were there, waiting and hoping for his safe return.
Taking a deep breath, Allen adjusted the grip on Old Speartip's hair and quickened his pace. Suddenly, a vibration emanated from his chest. Instinctively, he entered the magical vision granted by his wolf medallion. He noticed a flash of white light in the sky not far away. An uncomfortable feeling of being watched made his scalp tingle, as if someone was aiming at him.
Someone was observing him with a magical device. "So, the Wolf School has such magical tools," he muttered to himself before continuing on. This was Wolf School territory; the observer was likely a witcher from his own school.
As Allen's footsteps continued crunching through the snow, the shimmering waves of Killer Lake grew larger in his sight. Before he could clearly see the figures among the trees, his medallion vibrated again.
A gentle force appeared behind him, pushing him forward. While he could resist this force with a simple movement, Allen decided to let it guide him. The scenery blurred into shades of white and gray, but in two or three seconds, everything returned to normal.
Before him, snowflakes fell in a hazy mist, but he could smell the fresh scent of the lake. "I'm at Killer Lake," Allen thought. He pondered the force that had just moved him when the snow mist was suddenly swept away by a gust of wind. A slender figure rushed toward him, embracing him tightly.
Instantly, the scent of oranges mixed with a hint of cardamom filled his senses. "It's Vera," Allen realized. Hot tears trickled down his neck and into his armor, combining with the warmth of the hug. Allen hesitated, then instinctively wrapped his arms around her.
When he realized what he was doing, his heart warmed, knowing that Vera was worried for his safety. Whether her overprotective feelings stemmed from a desire to have a child or relief over the safety of an investment, it felt good to be cared for. He gently patted her thin back and softly said, "Miss Vera, I kept my promise and returned!"
Vera stiffened at his words. With a snap of her fingers, Allen felt a tremor in his chest, and she released him. She stepped back and looked at him. Allen looked back at her. Her familiar, flawless makeup showed no signs of tears. If it weren't for the lingering warmth on his skin, he might have thought the tears were a figment of his imagination.
"Allen, welcome back," Vera said, smiling as she stepped aside. The snow mist had long dissipated, and Allen saw Vesemir, his face filled with relief.
"Allen, congratulations on becoming a true witcher!" Vesemir said. Allen, not having time to express his gratitude, spotted a familiar figure with surprise.
"Letho? What are you doing here?" Allen thought he'd have to wait until next winter to see him again.
Letho glanced at Vera, shivering slightly, and forced a laugh. "Well... Vera happened to run into me in Ard Carraigh and brought me back..." He quickly changed the subject, "Also, congratulations on becoming a true witcher! Looks like we'll see you at the long table in the castle hall tonight."
Allen silently thought that it didn't seem like Vera had simply brought Letho back along the way. Since Vera was nearby, he didn't ask further.
Just then, a voice came from behind. "You... you're Allen, right? What are those things on your back?" An elderly witcher with graying hair hesitated before stepping forward to ask. The other witchers also turned their attention to his back.
They had been curious since Letho noticed Allen's burdens. Their sharp senses identified them as monster parts. However, the snow mist from the magical pull had concealed the items, and Vera's sudden rush had kept them from asking earlier.
"It's the heads of the Ice King and Old Speartip!" Allen pulled out a knife for processing materials and cut off Old Speartip's hair. With a thud, the heavy monster heads sank into the snow. Everyone's gaze fell to the ground.
For a moment, Killer Lake was silent. Witcher master Danthe stared at the ground, not daring to look away, as if the two heads would disappear if he did. The single eye, gray skin, and signature long hair—it was indeed Old Speartip. Besides some damage to the skin, the Drowner King's head matched the one he'd seen before.
But why would the Drowner King appear during the mountain trial? Shouldn't such a large monster have its own territory? A flood of questions overwhelmed Dandy, leaving him unsure where to begin.
The other witcher masters shared Dandy's confusion. Some, having just returned to Kaer Morhen, didn't even know what kind of monster the Ice King was and were whispering amongst themselves to find out.
"Allen, can you tell us how you did it?" the chief witcher asked, breaking the chaos.
Allen nodded and recounted the story he'd prepared. "After Hughes and the others left, I planned to shake off Old Speartip and find a chance to enter the cave... Suddenly, the ground shook, and the Ice King emerged from Old Speartip's cave..."
Half an hour later, the story was told. Allen left out his encounter with the Drowner King, attributing the monsters' appearance to a sudden event. Everything else he told was a blend of truth and fiction, describing how he benefited from the battle between Old Speartip and the Ice King.
Only Vera had the ability to discern truth from lies, but she was on Allen's side. So, he felt no guilt, speaking confidently and honestly. His straightforward demeanor convinced the witchers.
The story's biggest flaw was the appearance of the Drowner King, but the events had indeed happened. The Drowner King's head lay at their feet. Could Allen have controlled a Conjunction of the Spheres to summon the Drowner King from another world? Compared to that possibility, they preferred to believe Allen was either very unlucky or very fortunate to encounter two consecutive Conjunctions.
Another point of interest was...
"Can you show us that ice spear spell?" Letho asked curiously after hearing the story.
Allen nodded, having anticipated this. Such abilities couldn't be hidden; he would use the skills he had gained from the chest in the future. Given his exceptional performance in the Signs class, it was better to use his talents openly and have the witchers believe in his genius.
Under their expectant gazes, Allen began reciting the mysterious incantation.
"Kwalah... kwalah la... kwah kwah la..."
...….
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80. The Ancient Ritual.
81. Who is Allen?
82. How to Handle the Corpses?
83. The Cold and Ruthless Leader.
84. Is Allen Going to Get the Axe?