[Meditation Afterglow (green): You have gained an initial understanding of the power of the four elements. While meditating, mental energy recovery speed increases by 10%. After leaving meditation, you gain a magical blessing lasting 2 hours, increasing the power of spells you cast by 5%.]
Another new talent!
Arwen formed the Igni Sign with his left hand. Orange flames danced at his fingertips. Judging by their color alone, they were indeed considerably stronger than those he had cast before.
Besides, meditating before battle was definitely an excellent way to get himself into the best condition.
It aided both combat and meditation. Overall, it was a very good talent.
He dismissed the flames on his fingers and discreetly glanced at the others beside him.
Vesemir and Eskel chatted while leaning against the stone wall. Aiken and the other three gradually opened their eyes as well. A sharp gleam lay within their four pairs of catlike eyes, and delight showed at their corners. Clearly, they had all gained a great deal.
Vesemir approached. After exchanging a few words about their experiences, they got up, gathered their things, and set off for Kaer Morhen.
Because they had to transport Old Spearhead's corpse, it was already afternoon when they returned to the castle.
As soon as Eskel's Scorpion and Vesemir's brown horse returned to the stable, they drank incessantly from the trough, snorting through their nostrils. Clearly, they were exhausted too.
The others also looked tired.
Except for Arwen, who felt reasonably well thanks to his [Giant Bloodline].
That day, the witchers were in no hurry to celebrate. Vesemir knew the newly minted witchers needed rest, especially Arwen and Aiken. One had just fought a life-and-death battle against Old Spearhead, while the other was severely wounded.
After hastily eating a simple meal in the kitchen, they went to the graves behind the mountain to offer the Foglet's head in tribute to Blyde, then headed to the second floor of Kaer Morhen.
Vesemir took a ring of keys from inside his clothes and tossed it into Paul's arms.
"The room numbers are engraved on the keys. Each of you four can choose a room of your own."
Paul clutched the keys, his eyes wide.
All four came from ordinary backgrounds. Even Winston, who was the best off, was only a cobbler's son.
But even he had never had a room of his own. They had always crowded together.
"Paul, what are you standing there for? I can't wait."
"A room of my own! I'm going to fill it with trophies, just like that Wyvern head in the laboratory."
Anticipation shone in Horton's and Winston's eyes.
"Wait. Let Arwen and Aiken choose first. They contributed the most during the Trial of the Mountains," Paul said.
Horton and Winston realized this too and agreed:
"That's right. They should choose first."
Aiken grunted, an unpleasant laugh coming from his mouth.
Vesemir nodded. "Good. Aiken has trouble getting around. Take him to choose a room first."
"As for Arwen, there's no need. Lady Viris's room has been left for him."
"Lady Viris?"
Surprise appeared on Arwen's face.
Paul let out a long, strange cry, his expression inquisitive.
"Lads, I believe I taught you that prying into other people's private affairs is very rude."
With Vesemir having spoken, Paul and the other three had no choice but to give up. They turned away and busied themselves looking for rooms they liked.
Vesemir took out a separate key and placed it in Arwen's hand.
"Go on. She should have left some things for you."
Arwen pressed his lips together and approached the second room on the left.
He inserted the key and turned the lock.
"Click."
The wooden door slowly opened.
A scent he had not smelled in a long time greeted him.
He instinctively stamped his feet, wiping the mud off his boot soles before entering the room and stepping onto the red, lace-edged carpet.
He looked around. The room was spotless, its furnishings unchanged from when they had parted a year and a half ago. The mahogany desk by the window...
Suddenly, he noticed a sheet of parchment lying on the desk.
Seeing this from the doorway, Vesemir quietly closed the door, keeping Paul and the others from disturbing him.
Arwen walked over and picked up the parchment. It was a letter.
"To Arwen, witcher
Kaer Morhen
Written at Aretuza Academy, June 4, 1230
By the time you read this letter, I imagine you will have successfully passed the final trial and become a true witcher. Congratulations.
I have left a copy of Common Low-Level Magic of the Four Elements in the room as a congratulatory gift.
I have also returned ownership of this room to Kaer Morhen. However, I put considerable effort into some of its furnishings. As you have probably noticed, I have also kept some books on the shelves.
I spoke with Vesemir. Once you pass the trial, this room will be your reward.
I hope you make good use of it. You are welcome to visit Aretuza.
Tissaia de Vries"
Arwen rubbed the paper with his fingers and read the letter carefully from beginning to end.
He had never expected Tissaia to leave him such a wonderful surprise.
He put the letter back on the desk and turned his gaze toward the bookshelf. Books stood in neat rows, including that precious set of World History.
He approached the bookshelf, running his hand over the covers of row after row of books.
His eyes lowered slightly, and his hand finally stopped on a parchment-bound book embossed with blue patterns.
He pulled it out.
"Common Low-Level Magic of the Four Elements."
Arwen's breathing quickened. Holding it, he walked step by step to the window and opened it.
He leafed through the contents.
Fire spells: [Fireball Spell], [Fire Ring]...
Water spells: [Water Bullet Spell], [Water Arrow]...
Earth spells... air spells...
Though they were all low-level spells, each element included three to five practical spells. How precious it was went without saying.
The setting sun outside the window gradually sank, and he returned the book to the shelf.
He rubbed his temples. Even with [Dual Souls], his mind still felt groggy.
After yawning, Arwen turned his gaze toward the screen at the back of the room.
To the left of the screen stood a chest for storing clothes. Behind it was a large wooden tub connected to a water pipe.
"A bathtub?"
Arwen was delighted. He had long since become utterly sick of his sticky body.
A relaxing bath was definitely the best choice right now.
A magic circle was engraved on the silver faucet.
He recalled the [Water Guiding Spell] he had just learned from Common Low-Level Magic of the Four Elements.
He extended his right hand and softly recited an incantation.
Guided by his mental energy, the magic circle sent warm, clean spring water gushing out.
Arwen also noticed a black opening directly beneath the bathtub, with another magic circle engraved above it to make draining the water after a bath easier.
Now he knew where Tissaia had spent most of her efforts in this room.
It was on this very bathtub.
Though somewhat extravagant, it suited Arwen's southern tastes perfectly.
He stripped off his clothes, sat down in the steaming tub, and let out a long breath.
Only now did his body relax completely.
Two years of training, spent treading on thin ice, had finally come to a successful end.
He opened the panel.
Basic Meditation, School of the Wolf Witcher Swordsmanship, Herbal Alchemy, Signs, magic.
Those rows of skills ensured that he would not have much free time in the future either.
Arwen took a towel and draped it over his face.
Sigh...
There were so, so many things to do, and so, so many places he wanted to go.
But the most important thing now was to get some proper rest.