"Stay calm," Gonz said steadily. "What you just drank is a potion designed to help witchers control their internal organs. It's called Tranquil Thought."
He straightened his clothes, then knelt down on both knees with his back perfectly straight, centering all his weight on his thighs.
His longsword, White Wolf's Claw, rested horizontally across his legs. Gently placing his right hand on the hilt, the witcher closed his eyes. His breathing grew faint and shallow—barely perceptible—but his voice remained calm and even.
"This potion is made from hellebore, mandrake, hawthorn, and spurge. As for the other ingredients—there are no words in the human tongue that can describe them. To mortals and most transcendents, this mixture is a deadly poison. In fact, most witcher potions are lethal to ordinary people. Remember that well."
Aldric, who had collapsed on the floor moments ago, managed to nod weakly. The dizziness and nausea were beginning to subside, and his mind, clouded and chaotic just moments earlier, was slowly regaining clarity.
"The first time you drink Tranquil Thought, it's normal to experience discomfort," Gonz explained. "Your body will adapt over time. Now—find a posture that feels comfortable to you, but one you can still spring into battle from at any moment. Focus on your breathing. Slow and steady. The slower, the better."
Following his teacher's words, Aldric mirrored the witcher's posture, kneeling on the floor. As the lingering discomfort from the potion faded, his concentration sharpened, his senses heightening to unnatural levels. The sound of blood rushing through his veins—something he'd thought to be an illusion before—echoed clearly in his ears.
He could hear it—the rhythmic surge of blood, perfectly synchronized with the beating of his heart. Aldric immersed himself in the breathing technique he'd learned at Wuju Academy, his breaths becoming longer, deeper, and slower. Gradually, even his heartbeat calmed, its pace falling to a tranquil rhythm.
Had someone observed him with an infrared camera, they would have seen his body temperature steadily dropping.
Gonz's lips curved into a faint smile. "During meditation, we constantly excavate the potential within our bodies. What you're experiencing now is not the full potential of your body, only the beginning. The longer we live, the stronger we become."
Aldric was deep in meditation and gave no response, but Gonz continued speaking, as though certain his pupil could still hear him.
"Through meditation, our bodies heal more quickly than when awake. Our perception becomes sharper, our hearing and sense of smell are our last line of defense when alone in the wild."
"Meditation allows you to rest efficiently without lowering your guard. You can recover strength without ever worrying about a knife cutting your throat in the night."
"Since the ancient times of the celestial convergence, witchers have followed the Law of Surprise when choosing successors. Most of those chosen—called Children of Surprise —are bastards in the literal sense. Some are 'children of promise,' newborns or orphans taken in by fate itself, though they never realize their destiny until much later."
"The moment I saw you, I knew you were a special, unexpected child, a Child of Surprise. Witchers love unexpected children, and you've lived up to expectations, successfully passing the Trial of the Grasses. Perhaps, the future of our order rests on your shoulders."
"Kaer Morhen—in the Old Tongue, it's pronounced Kael Ahm'ila Han, meaning Fortress of the Ancient Sea. It stands on the edge of the civilized world, within the Blue Mountains of Kaedwen. It was named so because the land where it was built was once covered by a vast ocean. When you go there someday, you'll still see the remains of the colossal sea beasts that once ruled those waters..."
"The Aard Sign, aside from knocking enemies back, a skilled witcher can use it to produce effects not inferior to a mage's spells..."
"The Quen Sign, my favorite one. It can protect you from harm, yes—but it has other uses, too. For example, sound isolation—like what I'm doing right now..."
"The Igni Sign—ha! So many young fools are drawn to our ranks because of this sign alone. They think it's glorious to wield fire. Unfortunately, most don't live long enough to master it. I remember one of my peers—was his name Magnus? Or Magna? He was amazing with Igni—could even conjure flames shaped like a phoenix. Sadly, his body mutated beyond control, and I was forced to..."
"The Axii Sign—that one's restricted by the Council, forbidden for use on humans. Just like how mages claim they never use Charm Person on mortals. Pretend I didn't mention that one. The Council has other things to worry about now anyway..."
"And the Yrden Sign, that one's a nightmare to learn. You'll need to memorize all thirty-two rune words and understand how they combine into countless formulas. I barely ever used it myself..."
And so, through the witcher's endless monologue, the night passed quietly.
When Aldric finally awoke, it was already noon. Terry was carefully polishing his leather boots nearby, while a hearty meal awaited on the table.
"Congratulations," the system message flashed across his vision. "You have mastered the witcher-exclusive skill: [Meditation]."
The system notification appeared on his retina as always after a notification.
"Under the careful guidance of your Witcher Master, Gonz, you have learned [Meditation] overnight.
From now on, you may use [Meditation] in place of sleep. While meditating, you cannot be ambushed or caught off guard.
Your Perception +1 while meditating.
Upon leaving this state, the bonus disappears."
[Meditation]:
Throughout nearly a millennium of witcher history, the methods of meditation have evolved greatly. The current form draws heavy inspiration from the Eastern monks and sword saints—focusing the mind while relaxing the body, maintaining vigilance while letting one's internal organs rest.
During meditation, the witcher's body gradually repairs itself, the organs cleanse accumulated toxins, and the witcher maintains peak condition. It is said that the most accomplished witcher masters can split their focus during meditation, practicing combat techniques within their minds. With each night, they grow stronger.
—"Only by seeing beyond all distractions can one perceive the smallest truths."
The following morning's notification had also changed:
"After a night of [Meditation], you awaken refreshed and rejuvenated, as if reborn. You gain 500 Life Experience Points!"
"Due to synergy between [Meditation] and your special talent [Lesser Regeneration], your [Condition: Moderate Injury] has improved to [Condition: Healthy]."
Then came a long list of skill updates:
"Under Witcher Gonz's instruction, your Knowledge (Arcane) +2."
"Under Witcher Gonz's instruction, your Knowledge (Monsters) +3."
...
"Through the witcher's personal tutelage, you gained new insights into the Aard Sign. Proficiency +30."
"You have partially mastered the techniques of the Igni Sign—though you haven't fully learned it, you are close."
"From the witcher's descriptions, you have gained a preliminary understanding of the Yrden Sign. With enough effort, you may one day comprehend its mysteries."
(End of Chapter)