The unexpected episode of the night passed just like that. Geralt had long lost count of how many times he was awakened by the vibration of his necklace; today's encounter was just ordinary life for a Demon Hunter.
Werewolves aren't hard to deal with.
This is the wilderness of the Velen region. Poverty is always accompanied by more Death and Chaos, and a multitude of carrion-eating creatures are the Sovereigns here.
Swamps, forests, underground caverns, these places are all the same. The business I've received over the past few years, as long as it's near Velen, is almost always related to carrion-eating creatures or Ghosts.
Some stories are truly tragic, but a demon hunter's life is like that; I must feel as little external emotion as possible, just work, then take the payment and leave.
Traveling with Ciri meant the two of them only shared one payment. After deducting the money for food and drink, they almost had to camp outside all year round.
Ker Morhan needs considerable funds every year for maintenance and repair. After the snow melts each year, many places in the castle need fixing.
When Vesmir was alive, everyone from the Wolf School would return there to reunite each year. Geralt hopes it will be the same in the future.
And now someone is willing to travel together. Although he doesn't know their purpose, as long as they don't show hostility, Geralt doesn't mind how many people join him on the road.
The Wolf Faction are the alien species among Demon Hunters; they are more humane than other Demon Hunters.
Even if it's just a little, it's very noticeable on Demon Hunters. Demon Hunters from other schools wouldn't make friends with Vampires or Giants.
And the stranger is just a human, warmly playing cards together, which Geralt thinks is fine.
In the following days, the group mostly kept traveling; Speed wasn't very fast, and Geralt seemed always to have things find him.
There'd be Water Ghosts emerging by the water's edge, packs of Corpse Ghosts when crossing a hill, and deer-headed spirits or Woodland Nymphs in the forest.
However, Geralt didn't seem to mind, or you could say he got used to it. After solving the problems of villages along the way each day, he handed the money pouch to Ciri, who cheerfully counted the coins.
Of course, there's an upside; after stepping in a few times, Su Ming helped quite a bit. Although the Nightfall Greatsword wasn't quite suitable, with the right sword oil applied, it could still effectively harm monsters.
After fighting side by side, relationships seemed to have improved.
Ciri admired Su Ming greatly, constantly asking for his training tips.
She was sure he's human, but a human swinging his sword to cleave a seven or eight-meter tall deer-headed spirit in half was indeed impressive.
Su Ming thought about it, deciding to ask Geralt.
"Doesn't Ker Morhan train Demon Hunters anymore?" he walked along, matching Mo's Speed.
Geralt was riding on Horseback, nibbling a piece of bread, "Why ask that?"
"It's about Ciri." Su Ming removed his helmet, tidying his hair, "Without undergoing the Green Grass Trial, her Life ultimately will be just that of Ordinary humans."
Geralt handed him a piece of cheese, topped with a handful of raisins, "Sometimes talking to you feels like facing another Demon Hunter; you know too many things, my friend Dandelion would surely like you."
"I know a way to significantly extend her Life so that in the future when you're out together, she won't be mistaken for your aunt."
Su Ming used the cheese as a plate, pinched a raisin and tossed it into his mouth.
Geralt thought about it, "Is it safe? The Green Grass Trial has indeed stopped; to my knowledge, no school on the Continent is currently training new members."
Su Ming tried feeding the cheese to Mo, but Horse seemed to look at him disdainfully. He awkwardly rubbed his nose.
"Yes, at my home, there's a potion called Leech Potion that can extend a person's Life, keeping their appearance youthful."
"Just for that purpose? No increase in fighting power or toxin resistance?"
"Well, longevity is sometimes what people pursue. Isn't Life itself already valuable enough?"
"What's the exchange condition? You hope I should agree to what condition?" Geralt knew there was never a good deed without compensation.
Su Ming touched his beard, chuckling, "It's really not a condition. I run a school back home with some girls younger than Ciri there; I hope Ciri can attend."
Geralt sighed, patting Mo's neck, "Ciri's situation is quite special; some frightening existences hunt her; she needs to learn the abilities to deal with monsters."
"I know, the Wild Hunt, but to me, they're not a problem."
Su Ming intended to lure the Wild Hunt, keeping Ciri under constant watch to monitor any movements from the Wild Hunt.
Moreover, in the Marvel World, Ciri is actually safer, with Master Gu Yi backing her; any hunt that comes doesn't matter.
Don't know if the Wild Hunt has a deity they believe in, but if they dare to take a trip to Marvel, they'll surely remember the Trinity Emperor of Mount Wei...
Geralt noticed some Spider Silk clues, clutching the reins in his hand, "You want to deal with the Wild Hunt; do they have something you want? Are you planning to use Ciri as bait?"
"Calling it bait sounds too harsh; I'm here to negotiate. I'll ensure her absolute safety and provide her with that valuable potion. The required reward I'll take from the Wild Hunt—not good?"
Su Ming signaled for him to relax a bit and not clench the Yakexi Seal in his hand; Mental Abilities are useless on him.
The roadside scenery remained unchanged, but Geralt exhaled deeply, lost in thought.
Ciri rarely had peers as playmates, practically growing up in Ker Morhan from a young age; if there really is such a safe place, it seems quite nice.
"I must follow along too," he said.
"Hiss—that's a bit tough; to reach there, you need the abilities only Ciri and I have. But perhaps if you find some witches and simulate a Celestial Convergence, a path might be forged."
Su Ming touched his chin thoughtfully. If Geralt wants to see, it shouldn't be a problem, though he needs to inform The Ancient One first, and he's not quite certain how it can be achieved.
"Are you from the Otherworld?" Geralt understood upon hearing Celestial Convergence; the presence of so many creatures in this world is thanks to the last Celestial Convergence.
Vampires and other monsters came from another world.
"I thought you'd have figured it out when drinking; didn't our brewing technology seem better than yours?"
"Can't decide it myself; you'll need to ask her opinion. But you'll need to follow us back to Ker Morhan once; I have some folks to discuss with." Geralt once again fell into a long silence, still uneasy.
Su Ming nodded, tearing cheese to eat, "You want witches to examine me, ensuring Ciri doesn't fall into enemy hands; I understand. But her abilities allow a return anytime. She can attend classes and play over there during the day, returning to your side at night; what's there to worry about?"
"Those are matters for later—don't assume I've already agreed." Geralt shook his head, wanting to hear what his family had to say.
"Alright, but consider the potion and think about spending eternity alone; ponder more on mutual benefit." Su Ming smiled, fastening his helmet.