The drowner's foul, bloody stench drifted across the training ground, which fell into a brief, deathly silence.
Paul swallowed and exclaimed in shock, "Gods, Arwen... he actually killed that terrifying drowner."
Horton, who had narrowly escaped the drowner's attack after Arwen kicked him to the ground, stared at Arwen in shock, even forgetting to get up.
Not far away, Vesemir's amber cat eyes were likewise filled with surprise.
Geralt sheathed his silver sword. When his gaze met Vesemir's, the corners of his mouth curved slightly, as though saying that even Vesemir could misjudge someone.
Vesemir gave a dry cough.
"Everyone, over here!"
With a slight flick of his wrist, Arwen shook the blood off his training sword and walked briskly up to Vesemir.
Vesemir first checked Blyde's injuries, then took a small black bottle from inside his jacket. He removed the oak stopper, poured some of the liquid into Blyde's mouth, then poured more over the wound on his right arm.
Arwen watched with his cat eyes. The bleeding wound on Blyde's right arm quickly stopped bleeding, and even formed a thin scab.
It's a potion, Arwen thought. It worked so quickly on such a long wound. Incredible.
Vesemir's tone was reproachful. "Don't try to show off when you don't have the ability. You'll only drag others down."
"Get that wound bandaged later. A few days' rest and you'll be fine. Back in line."
Blyde nodded in shame and returned to the line.
Vesemir swept his gaze over everyone, and the atmosphere grew oppressive.
Even Geralt, standing to one side, became attentive.
"Some of you surprised me in this training session. Others disappointed me."
"Aiken, I know you work hard at your sword training and want to prove yourself, but your youth made you impulsive, blind to the danger in front of you."
At those words, Aiken first lowered his head, then muttered sulkily, "Master Vesemir, if Blyde hadn't suddenly interfered and thrown off my rhythm, that drowner wouldn't have hurt him. I could have killed it just like Arwen."
Vesemir frowned and strode forward until he stood before Aiken, his burly frame radiating an overwhelming sense of pressure.
"Oh, damn it, are you saying Blyde dragged you down?"
Aiken's pupils trembled. He swallowed and involuntarily took a step back.
Vesemir pressed him further. "Aiken, raise your head and tell me, what is the witcher's code? Say it loud!"
Aiken was too frightened to speak.
Vesemir snorted, snatched the training sword from Aiken's hand, and turned to Arwen.
"Arwen, you tell me."
Arwen stiffened, frantically searching his mind for what he knew of the witcher's code.
Thanks to [Dual Souls], he quickly recalled it.
"Master Vesemir, it is to protect humanity and protect our companions."
Vesemir declared loudly, "Good. Very good!"
His gaze fell on Aiken again, fierce and ferocious. He grabbed Aiken by the collar and lifted him straight into the air, speaking each word distinctly.
"I remember telling you from the very first day you picked up a sword that you must learn to help one another. You learn swordsmanship not to kill or be killed, but to save lives-your own, and those of others."
"And now you're actually blaming your companion for dragging you down. You should be ashamed."
Aiken kept his head lowered and clenched his fists, not daring to resist, his eyes filled with resentment.
"I was wrong."
Vesemir snorted. "Reflect on this when you get back. Until you've understood it, you're not allowed to touch a sword."
Only then did he set Aiken down. His gaze swept over the other apprentices again, and all except Arwen lowered their heads without being told.
The reason was simple: they could tell Vesemir was deeply dissatisfied with their performance against the drowner.
Vesemir took a deep breath. "Today's drowner trial is over. I hope you remember the fear you felt today. Next time, Geralt and I won't be there to watch over you."
"All apprentices, listen up. Twenty laps around the castle. No lunch until you've finished."
"Yes, Master Vesemir!"
The apprentices shouted in unison and hurried toward the castle walls.
Geralt watched their retreating figures, seemingly recalling the days when Vesemir had trained them.
But of the apprentices in his group, none had survived except Eskel, who was a little older than him.
"Hm?"
Geralt made a sound of surprise, noticing that Arwen, who should have followed the others, was still standing there.
Vesemir looked at him with his arms folded, the anger still lingering in his cat eyes.
"Tsk, tsk, Arwen. I actually forgot about our little hero. Didn't you hear what I just said? All apprentices."
"Or do you think, like Aiken, that they're holding you back?"
"Or are you looking for praise and a reward just because you killed one drowner?"
The corner of Arwen's mouth twitched slightly.
Now he knew where Geralt had learned to speak with such a venomous tongue at times.
He had probably learned it all from the stubborn old man before him.
Arwen first gave an apprentice's salute.
"Master Vesemir, while I was fighting the drowner just now, I felt my swordsmanship improve a little, but I couldn't fully grasp it right away."
"So I wanted to ask what you were going to do with those four drowners over there. Could... could you let me challenge a drowner again?"
At this, both Vesemir's and Geralt's cat eyes narrowed slightly.
"Geralt, listen to what this boy is saying. Truly remarkable."
Geralt straightened his back, taking a proper look at the witcher apprentice before him for the first time.
Arwen had not expected such straightforward praise from Vesemir either. He scratched his head and gave a bashful smile.
Vesemir clapped his hands. "Since you've asked, as a witcher, I'll certainly oblige."
Noticing Vesemir's pointed look, Geralt gave a wicked grin and strode over to the wooden stakes.
Arwen perked up and licked his dry lips.
Three more drowners, and I can get the drowner mutagen to 100%. With Vesemir and Geralt here, this is the best opportunity. I hope it doesn't disappoint me.
Arwen was already imagining what kind of enhancement the drowner mutagen would bring.
But just then, Geralt circled around the drowners, drew his sword, and severed all the silver chains with a single slash.
The four drowners had long since become frenzied at the scent of blood. Their dead-fish eyes, gleaming savagely, all fixed on the bloodstained Arwen.
Arwen stiffened, his hair standing on end, and immediately shouted to Vesemir.
"No, Vesemir, I meant one-on-one!"
Vesemir stepped aside. "Silly boy, isn't this the challenge you asked for?"
"You've already proved yourself one-on-one. Besides, out in the wilderness and swamps, where will you find a place that lets you fight monsters one-on-one? If you want a challenge, of course it has to be exciting."
"Don't just stand there, Arwen. Draw your sword!"