Witcher: The Half Elf

Vilgefortz, regarded by many as the most formidable sorcerer of his time, was as deadly with his metal staff as any Witcher was with a blade. His martial prowess, combined with his mastery of magic, made him an adversary feared even among the most skilled warriors and sorcerers.

His infamous exploits included breaking Geralt's legs during a duel, dispatching Yennefer in a single spell exchange, and obliterating Regis, the high vampire, with such force that he nearly vaporized him entirely. Vilgefortz had even defeated Geralt's entire party in one fell swoop. If not for a twist of fate that led to his eventual downfall, his involvement in the Northern Wars could have drastically altered the outcome.

When Wayne confirmed that this dangerous figure was indeed Vilgefortz, he couldn't help but feel a mixture of relief and apprehension. While the plot had deviated significantly from the original timeline, it remained within his expectations—lucky, though not entirely fortunate.

From his hidden vantage point, Wayne observed Vilgefortz, who appeared engrossed in studying Princess Pavetta's condition, entirely unaware of the looming threat.

Wayne's mind raced. The implications of Vilgefortz's presence were staggering. A sorcerer of such renown could not be left unchecked, especially one as ruthless and ambitious as Vilgefortz.

Though immensely talented, Vilgefortz was a source mage, unaffected by magic-blocking materials such as dimeritium. His blend of raw power, martial skill, and cunning ambition made him a disaster waiting to happen.

Resolute in his decision, Wayne stepped lightly, using his enhanced reflexes and stealth to close the distance between them.

However, his plan for a silent approach was soon foiled. Whether due to innate caution or extraordinary sensitivity to magical presence, Vilgefortz suddenly sensed the danger.

Without a word, Vilgefortz raised his right hand, and a ring on his finger flashed with magical energy. The light coalesced into a tangible form, streaking through the air like a bolt of lightning, obliterating several experimental tables as it hurtled toward Wayne.

Wayne reacted instantly, activating his Blink ability. In a flash, he appeared directly behind Vilgefortz, Statik electric blade in hand. The weapon buzzed with energy as Wayne swung it down in a deadly arc toward the sorcerer's back.

The blade tore through the air with a crackling sound, aiming to incapacitate Vilgefortz in one clean strike.

But Vilgefortz's reflexes were extraordinary. Sensing the danger, he spun on his heel, bringing up his signature metal staff to block the incoming strike.

KENG!

The clash of metal sent sparks flying, the sound reverberating through the hall. Though Vilgefortz managed to block the blow, Wayne's immense strength and the chain lightning infused in the blade proved too much.

The staff splintered under the force of the strike, breaking into two jagged halves. Simultaneously, the lightning surged through Vilgefortz's body, sending him flying across the room. He crashed into several experimental tables, his body rolling to a halt, arcs of electricity dancing across his scorched form.

Smoke rose from his burnt flesh, and for a moment, Wayne believed the battle was over.

As Wayne advanced to ensure Vilgefortz was dead, a sudden force gripped his ankles, halting him mid-step. Looking down, Wayne saw the two shattered halves of Vilgefortz's staff writhing like living serpents.

The metal shards had transformed into venomous snakes, their jagged ends resembling fangs. They coiled around his legs, their sharp edges scraping against his dimeritium-plated greaves, seeking to pierce his flesh.

If not for the sophistication of his equipment, crafted by master blacksmiths with exceptional skill, Wayne might have been overpowered by the two venomous metal snakes. At the very least, his legs would have suffered severe puncture wounds.

The strength of the metal snakes was astonishing. Their twisting force rivaled that of constricting pythons, tightening mercilessly around Wayne's reinforced greaves. The sharp, jagged ends scraped against the adamantine plating, threatening to pierce through. Their relentless constriction felt as though they were attempting to shatter his legs.

With no other choice, Wayne raised his Statik electric blade and struck at the snakes coiled around his legs.

It took several decisive strikes before he severed the snakes into three useless pieces. Only then did their crushing grip relent, allowing him to move freely again.

This success was largely due to the exceptional craftsmanship of the Statik electric blade. Its edge, designed to channel and enhance energy, easily sliced through enchanted steel. Without such a fine weapon, Wayne might have been delayed long enough for Vilgefortz to gain the upper hand.

Yet, as Wayne freed himself, he noticed something alarming. Despite enduring the devastating combination of chain lightning and his powerful slashes, Vilgefortz had risen again.

The once-handsome sorcerer was now a grotesque figure. His face, burned by the intense heat, was a mess of charred flesh. Clumps of his brown hair were singed away, and his once-elegant robes clung to his mangled body, soaked with blood and fused to his melted skin.

Despite his horrific injuries, Vilgefortz betrayed no sign of pain. Instead, his bloodshot eyes locked onto Wayne with unnerving intensity. His lips trembled into a sinister smile as he raised his hands, chanting an incantation under his breath.

A vast magical circle, glowing with ominous energy, materialized beneath Vilgefortz's feet. Its intricate design spanned twenty to thirty meters, extending across the hall and encompassing the experimental table where Princess Pavetta lay unconscious.

Recognizing the danger, Wayne acted immediately. With practiced precision, he raised the adamantine crossbow attached to his left arm and fired a magic-breaking bolt.

The dark golden arrow streaked through the air with a piercing whistle, striking true. It burrowed into Vilgefortz's skull, shattering one of his eyes and exiting through the back of his head. The force of the impact sent Vilgefortz staggering backward, collapsing onto an experimental table with a dull thud.

But Wayne's momentary relief was short-lived.

Despite the devastating wound, Vilgefortz clung to life. The summoning circle beneath him continued to grow in power. Cracks began to form in the floor as intense heat and molten lava spread outward, the air shimmering with the oppressive heat of a summoning spell reaching into the elemental plane of fire.

Wayne's gaze darted to Princess Pavetta, still unconscious and vulnerable within the ever-expanding circle of destruction. For a brief moment, he considered finishing off Vilgefortz to ensure the sorcerer couldn't recover. But the sight of the helpless princess tipped his decision.

With a burst of speed, Wayne sprinted to the experimental table. He scooped up Pavetta, cradling her limp form under one arm, and activated his Blink ability. In a flash, he reappeared in a corner of the hall, well outside the radius of the blazing circle.

As soon as his feet touched solid ground, a deafening crack echoed through the chamber. The summoning spell's energy reached a critical point, and the floor beneath Vilgefortz gave way.

A roar, deep and primal as if echoing from the depths of the abyss, erupted suddenly. As the floor of the attic shattered, a terrifying creature emerged from the magic circle summoned by Vilgefortz—a colossal humanoid monster composed of magma, flames, and glowing molten rock.

Standing approximately fifteen meters tall, the creature had elongated, sinewy arms and thick, powerful legs. Its head, seemingly sculpted from volcanic rock, featured a massive, gaping maw that continuously belched streams of flame. Its humanoid outline was barely discernible amidst the inferno engulfing its form.

This was a fire elemental—a monstrous entity from the elemental plane of fire. Such creatures were rare even in the history of the Continent. Wayne vividly recalled tales of a fire elemental that decimated the royal escort of the Flying Lion School in the Kingdom of Zerrikania. On that grim day, hundreds of soldiers and spellcasters perished in the inferno, leaving only a handful of survivors to recount the devastation.

Fire elementals are nearly indestructible through conventional means. Their bodies, composed entirely of hardened magma and searing flames, radiate heat so intense it can incinerate anything within its proximity. To defeat one without the proper resources is unthinkable.

However, this fearsome monster was not beyond Wayne's capabilities. What Wayne lacked in magical mastery, he made up for with ingenuity—and an almost limitless supply of coin. From his arsenal, a barrage of Northern Wind bombs, capable of freezing even molten lava, could bring down the elemental. No matter how imposing, it was still bound by the laws of its creation.

Cradling Princess Pavetta in his arms, Wayne carefully ensured her swollen belly was supported and shielded from any sudden jostling. The risk of causing a miscarriage, which could endanger both mother and unborn child, weighed heavily on his mind.

Even as he secured the princess, his sharp eyes scanned the area behind the fire elemental. He searched for any sign of Vilgefortz. The notorious sorcerer, however, was nowhere to be seen. Whether he was cloaking himself with magic or had already fled the castle through some hidden spell, Wayne could not determine.

This realization brought a pang of frustration.

Wayne had struck a severe blow against him, and for now, the sorcerer might be forced into hiding. But he knew this calm would not last. Wilgefortz's survival meant he would return, biding his time and preparing his next move. Wayne sighed inwardly, fully aware of the consequences.

While he had the strength to face Wilgefortz in battle, his concern lay with those close to him. His friends, allies, and loved ones lacked the power to withstand such a formidable enemy. The thought weighed heavily on his mind, spurring him to action.

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