Anomaly at Moin Village

Watching the dim lantern at the rear of the carriage gradually disappear into the quiet darkness.

This is indeed a huge gamble!

Ailin thought to himself.

Compared to Arland, Kaer Morhen is much closer to Ban Ade, with a straight-line distance of only 200 kilometers.

Although witchers are not as powerful as warlocks and can only cast simple signs, they are still superhumans, and this is the closest superhuman gathering place to Ban Aard.

Would Wild Hunt conquers all realms not have magical tools to search for extraordinary beings?

Ailin didn't know, but the possibility was really slim, after all, even Ard could distribute some simple tools at the border to search passing merchants.

Therefore, if Henry Gedimidis were to die, Senne and his men would certainly be unable to stop the Wild Hunt.

If twelve powerful sorcerers couldn't kill two severely weakened Wild Hunt, how could they possibly win?

After the academy fell apart and was destroyed, the School of the Wolf was the first to be affected and faced great risks.

It's not even necessary to say that we don't need the Wild Hunt... no... we don't even need to say that we don't need to...

Last month, they barely passed by Senne before being hunted down by the Source Vilgefortz.

With the support of the Northern Continent countries, Senne and his Radical Faction, now in power, will inevitably take action against the School of the Wolf.

So he had no choice but to gamble.

On the one hand, among the scum of Ben Ade Academy, only Henry Gedimidis, who had succeeded before, had the potential to stop the Wild Hunt once again.

If we prepare properly and gather all the powerful warlocks, Druid, clergy, and warriors of the Northern Continent before the Wild Hunt arrives, we might not be without a chance of winning.

And only Henry Gedimidis had the prestige and status to gather warriors.

On the other hand, his attitude towards the Witcher was much better than that of the Radical Faction Senne.

Therefore, compared to the threat from the Wild Hunt, the priority of hating Ban Ad should definitely be put down.

Besides, letting two enemies fight like dogs is also a form of revenge.

"Do you really think Henry Gedimidis is still alive?" Ianna asked, interrupting his thoughts.

"At least they should still be alive now," Ailin said, turning around. "Others may not know, but we all know that of the dozen or so male wizards who disappeared, ten are actually dead."

"The transfer of Henry Gedimidis in the early hours of six days ago was merely a hasty action forced upon Senne and his men after so many members suddenly died."

"Without careful planning, Henry Gedimidis won't die so easily."

"Are you so sure?" Ianna asked curiously. "Hen Gedimidis is already quite old, even by the standards of a sorcerer's lifespan. It wouldn't be surprising if he died of natural causes any day now, especially since he may be seriously injured."

Ailin was silent for a few seconds, then looked up and thought back, just in time to see the statue of the goddess.

The statue of a pregnant woman, draped in a light veil and gently stroking her swollen belly, looks at him with loving kindness.

"Ten days ago, Vesemir and I dealt with a demonic source," Ailin said softly. "His name was Vilgefortz. He was sent by Senne to hunt us down, and he was the one who turned Ernie and Senne into jade statues."

"That battle was extremely difficult."

"Even though we were ambushed, and even though I had the upper hand many times, Vilgefortz had one survival trick after another, and his extreme sensitivity to danger was impressive."

"Mother Ianna."

Ailin turned his gaze to Ianna and Nannick: "Vilgefortz is very young, probably not even fifty years old, while Henry Gedimidis is already over four hundred years old."

"If a demonic source who is not even fifty years old is so difficult to deal with, what about a demonic source who is over four hundred years old and has already climbed to the pinnacle of power, wealth and strength?"

"Senne and his gang weren't prepared beforehand. I don't believe they could have killed Henry Gedmiddis in such a short time."

"Considering Henry Gedimidis's position in Ban Ade, it's possible that the current Radical Faction have significant disagreements about the life or death of their dean."

"As for lifespan..."

Ailin remained silent for a moment.

In the original story, Henry Gedimidis died of a heart attack during the Thanedd Coup.

The Thanedd Coup probably happened around 1260, though he didn't quite remember the exact date, but it was only 1180 now, so there were still eighty years to go.

certainly.

The Witcher world has changed so much because of his appearance, and the future is shrouded in a thick fog. The information in the original work, which was already inaccurate, has become increasingly unreliable.

He truly didn't know how serious Henry Gedimidis's injuries were ten days ago, or whether his heart condition would flare up prematurely.

He is not a prophet.

Moreover, prophets can't predict everything, otherwise Ian Siddi wouldn't have been banished to the depths of the Blue Mountains.

"So it's a gamble, Mother Ianna," Ailin could only say. "At least without considering the unpredictable factor of lifespan, the probability of Henry Gedimidis still being alive is much higher, and in my estimation, it's much higher."

"Therefore, we cannot give Senne too much time, too much time to quell the conflicts within and outside the faction, otherwise Henry Gedimidis will surely die."

Ianna nodded, extending her wrinkled hand to gently ruffle his hair. "Don't worry, I will support Duke Mason's actions in the name of the temple and make the warlock hand over Hen Gedmiddis."

Ailin's eyes lit up immediately. "Thank you, Mother Ianna."

"We should thank you," Ianna corrected him. "For the child of the goddess, it was the best choice for Henry Gedimidis to live. You have shown us the truth."

"Besides, it's only outsiders who need to thank us," she smiled meaningfully, "We... are truly one of us."

Ianna did not elaborate on the topic of her own people.

Although Ailin found the High Priest's tone strange, he didn't think much of it.

To some extent, if he weren't a witcher, the Temple of Melitele wouldn't prioritize missionary work.

Having once communicated "face-to-face" with the Goddess Meritellie and proven it with facts, he is not only one of the temple's own people, but can even be considered a "holy son" of the Meritellie Cult.

In fact, the reason why Ailin is so strongly loved by the citizens of Arland is because

Accepting the goddess's oracle and saving Arland is definitely one of the most important factors.

"It's getting late," Ianna said, glancing up at the sky. "You have to hunt monsters tomorrow, so go and get some rest."

Ailin nodded, said a brief goodbye, and headed towards his cabin.

This is all he can do to deal with the Wild Hunt and Senne.

Although his reputation is growing, decisions between nations are matters on a different level, and he cannot get involved, at least not now.

Now he can only wait for news from the Old Duke and Ianna before making any further plans.

As for whether Henry Geddemidis will ultimately survive...

Then it depends on whether the source of the demon is tough enough.

——

Moin Village is like all other villages on the Northern Continent.

A low fence runs alongside the river, enclosing about a dozen thatched cottages. A crooked signpost at the village entrance marks the gathering place for fewer than a hundred people.

Behind the village lies the sparsely forested Mahakam Mountains.

This area is considered the edge of the Old Duke's fiefdom.

The wind carried the scent of cooking smoke, and Ailin shrugged his neck, which was stiff from riding the horse.

There are six Experience Orbs and one Lesser Experience Orbs left in the "wallet".

However, there are still six "Immortal's Memory Crystal" and eighteen "Sorcerer's Memory" that have not yet been opened.

Poverty prevented him from opening the treasure chest even when it was right in front of him, and it also kept him up all night.

Before dawn, when the canteen was not yet open, he grabbed some dry rations and rode his horse toward Moin Village.

Fearing he would be late, Vesemir led the Witcher ahead of time.

Tracking could find them by following their trail, but the mountain roads were winding and difficult to navigate.

It is very likely that they followed Vesemir's trail, and after Vesemir completed his day's task, he went down the mountain and returned to the same place.

Poverty made him go to bed early and get up early.

"We're finally here." Ailin sniffed and let out a long sigh of relief.

The sky was overcast, and the sun was still below the horizon.

So this smoke is morning smoke, and the smell is so strong, it's not something you'd expect from a small village like this every day.

He wasn't late.

As I rode downhill, the horse's hooves crunched over the tall, dry wild grass.

He soon found a path leading to the village, beyond which was a wooden bridge and the village gate.

The security at the gate was unusually tight; a small village had arranged for four people to patrol it.

They were dressed in black armor, wielding strange, long, silver weapons that gleamed like axes, and each had something resembling a fishing net hanging from their waist.

They were Monster Hunter Army, but they all seemed to be unfamiliar faces.

"Who goes there?!"

Ailin reined in his horse and had just stepped onto the wooden bridge when two guards who had heard the commotion shouted warily.

He hadn't had a chance to reveal his identity.

"Two swords on his back...it's alright...he's not a ghoul...he's a witcher."

The other two guards stepped forward and lifted the guard.

Then one of the guards scratched his head and muttered, "Aren't the School of the Wolf members all in the village? Why are there witchers here?"

"Ailin of the School of the Wolf, I've come to see Master Vesemir."

Ailin dismounted and took the reins.

"Ailin?" The guards were stunned for a moment, then realized what was happening. Their eyes widened and they jogged over. "... Blue eyes... it's Ailin... it's our King Master Ailin of Arland's May King!"

"Yes, it's me." Ailin chuckled softly. "Is Master Vesemir still in the village?"

"Yes... yes... yes..." the guards hurriedly replied, all of them stammering nervously.

At this moment.

Some villagers also came out after hearing the commotion.

"Master Ailin?!" A familiar, deep voice, filled with astonishment.

"It's me, Sir Sala. It's been a long time."

"Yes...it's been a long time," Sala paused, then walked over quickly with delight. "I heard from Arthur that you fell off a cliff while investigating the ghouls. Are you alright?"

The fall off the cliff was an excuse that Vesemir and Ianna came up with to cover up Ailin's injury. He himself did not participate in the fabrication because he was still unconscious at the time.

"It's all right now," Ailin said. "The medical skills of the Temple of Melitele are truly renowned."

"That's for sure," Sala said proudly, patting his shoulder with a noticeably gentler touch. "The best doctors and herbalists in the world are all at the Temple of Melitele."

"Of course, the woman most suitable to be a wife is also in the temple..."

Sala paused for a moment, then raised an eyebrow at him in a flippant manner.

Ailin pretended not to hear, coughed twice, and looked around.

Sala then noticed that the four guards were still standing there, stunned.

They pricked up their ears high, openly eavesdropping.

"Zander, Leo... what are you standing there like idiots for? Go patrol!" he glared at them and snapped, "Don't you want to stay with the Monster Hunter Army?"

"Yes, Sir Sala." The four guards responded and quickly dispersed, but they would look back every few steps.

They continued to whisper among themselves...

"Ailin... that's Master Ailin... I never imagined he was actually so young in person..."

"Is that the sword behind him Elsa from the tavern ballad? What's the name of the other sword?"

"It's just a regular steel sword, right? I've heard that the School of the Wolf of Witchers prefer silver swords to steel swords for hunting monsters..."

"Oh, I see. I thought the other sword also had a grand name. By the way, do you know if the legend that the goddess chose Master Ailin is true or not?"

"How could it be fake..."

"I'm sorry," Sala knew what her men were like and that Witchers had keen hearing, so she smiled apologetically. "These people are new recruits to the Monster Hunter Army. Their training isn't complete yet, so they're being given simple tasks like patrolling and guarding the gates to get started."

"It's nothing." Ailin shook his head and asked about the ghouls. "I heard from Duke Mason yesterday that a lot of people have gathered here, Arthur seems to be stationed here with his Guard Knight."

"What happened?"

Sala frowned slightly, looking as if she wanted to say something but hesitated.

"What's wrong?" Ailin asked, puzzled.

"The matter of ghouls is a bit complicated, let Master Vesemir tell you." Sala stroked his thick beard and looked at the smoke rising from the village. "Come on, I forgot to welcome you in while I was standing here."

"You've come at the perfect time. The villagers are preparing breakfast, and you can even enjoy a steaming bowl of meat soup."

"Alright then." Ailin led the horse and followed Sala into the village.

From the outside, Moin Village doesn't look very big, but in reality, the roads inside are not narrow, enough for three or four horses to pass side by side.

However, to Ailin's surprise...

Despite the heavy security, no carcasses or bloodstains of ghouls were found, either inside or outside the village.

Even using Witcher Senses, there wasn't a trace of blood.

This is not normal.

He had assumed that Vesemir and the young witchers had been stationed in Moin Village for the past few days because of the dire situation, with many villagers being attacked and killed, forcing them to remain on guard day and night.

The Old Duke even added a considerable number of Guard Knight.

But the current situation, despite the heavy security, seems very strange that even ordinary Monster Hunter Army soldiers don't appear to be injured.

"The situation is complicated..." Ailin pondered these four words in his mind.

What kind of situation would make Sala, who has experienced the Wild Hunt and the demonic invasion of the city, describe it as complicated?