The moment Aldric heard the name Bart Rosetti, he knew this matter was no longer something he could simply walk away from. The best course of action now was to maximize his own benefit before the old knight discovered his prospective son-in-law.
"So, what you're saying is that the Sisters of the Pure Heart have the ability to locate newly awakened Seeds within a considerable range?" Aldric asked, his eyes fixed on the witch, his curiosity piqued by the nuns' Black Ship.
Knight Bart's face darkened in anger at Aldric referring to his daughter as a "seed," but as the saying went, a man under another's roof must bow his head. He remained silent, though his frustration showed as he ground the charred head of a cat-shaped doll beneath his iron boots until it crumbled into dust.
Even through her veil, Aldric could tell the witch shot him an annoyed glance before explaining, "It's not that powerful. The Black Ship's detection array can only sense the energy fluctuations of an awakening at the Epsilon level or higher. Even then, they can only estimate the general direction and distance. The real trouble is that the recent explosion might have helped them pinpoint the location of this newly awakened witch."
Aldric gestured toward the ruined remains of the Gilded Eye Jewelry Shop. "She's here? I think I'm starting to understand why the Sisters act the way they do. If power like that goes unchecked, even without the threat of Chaos, she would still pose a danger to ordinary people."
His words made Bart's knuckles whiten around the hilt of his sword, but once again, the knight suppressed his anger. He was here to seek help. If neither this witch nor her so-called ally could save his daughter Carla, then all hope would truly be lost.
"Not every witch or sorcerer possesses such power," the witch said softly. With a flick of her fingers, a thin transparent membrane shimmered in the air and from within, a young girl appeared.
"This is the unfortunate child," the witch continued, her voice tinged with melancholy. "Such power is both a gift and a curse. Whether she learns to control it or not, her life has already changed forever."
Aldric looked at the unconscious girl floating lightly in midair, her body seemingly free of gravity's hold. Her long, golden-brown hair spread weightlessly around her, and though she appeared fragile the faint freckles on her pale cheeks lent her a youthful charm. It was hard to believe that such a delicate body could harbor a force so terrifying.
Perhaps caught in a nightmare, the girl's slender brows furrowed, and faint ripples of energy shimmered in the air. The vibration spread outward in circular waves, pushing through the room like invisible tremors.
Aldric felt a tingle crawl across his skin, as though static electricity had brushed over him. For Bart and the witch, however, it was like colliding with an unseen barrier forcing them backward step by step.
The witch drew a glowing sigil in the air, tearing through the field's pressure. Bart drove his longsword into the floor to steady himself, the steel soles of his boots screeching as they carved deep grooves into the wooden boards.
The witch's eyes flickered toward Aldric, her voice barely above a whisper. "An untouchable? Impossible. He uses the Signs of a Witcher—how could that be…?"
Aldric guessed it was probably his passive ability, Enemy of Chaos, at work again. It could purify even the Father of Plagues' toxins, so it made sense that the chaotic energy of an awakened witch couldn't affect him either.
Meanwhile, Bart, gritting his teeth against the pressure, stepped closer to his daughter. Removing his gauntlets, he reached out with rough, calloused hands to gently brush her face. As he did, her tense expression softened, and the turbulent energy in the air slowly dissipated.
"Carla has been like this for two days now," Bart said, his voice low and weary. "She erupts like that every few hours and the intervals are getting shorter. At first, I thought she had awakened a transcendent bloodline. But she never woke up. Then this lady found me this morning and explained what had really happened."
"I sensed her presence during the first surge," the witch added while casting a restoration spell, slowly repairing the damage to the jewelry shop.
"Fortunately, her father was wise enough to accept my help. But if she doesn't regain consciousness within the next twenty-four hours…" She hesitated, then sighed.
"Then, as you Witchers say, we'll have to grant her the final mercy."
Bart turned to face Aldric, his voice full of grim resolve. "I've heard of the Black Ship and its nuns. I know what kind of people they are. And I've heard the legends of the Witchers as well. This lady told me that you are the only one in this city who can save my daughter. I am but a ruined knight with nothing left—save for my loyalty."
He flipped his sword, gripping the blade and lowering himself onto one knee, offering the hilt to Aldric. His face was solemn, his determination unwavering. For the sake of his daughter, Bart Rosetti was willing to give up everything.
But before the knight's knee could touch the ground, Aldric's boot came to rest beneath it, stopping him. Even armored as he was, Bart could not complete the motion.
Aldric had no intention of accepting such a pledge under these circumstances. He would not take advantage of a man's desperation.
Just as the people of Cerys had their pride, so too did the players of Cathay. They faced every kind soul with fairness and respect.
He recalled Liam's story, of that upright, old-fashioned knight who had once embodied true honor. Now, seeing Bart's desperate devotion as a father stirred something deep within Aldric's heart. If it was within his ability to help, he would not turn away especially when the witch was willing to pay for his assistance.
In Bart Rosetti's eyes, despair had just begun to take root when Aldric spoke softly beside him:
"Witcher Aldric Xune, at your service. Consider this a gift from Liam."
Bart's eyes widened, his body stiffening as if struck by lightning. He could hardly believe what he'd just heard. The young Cerysian whom he thought he'd never see again had once more appeared before him—this time, to save him and his daughter.
[Quest Update: The Witch's Request]
Despite the tangled and dangerous situation in the Port of Anthony, you have once again thrown caution to the wind, disregarding both your mentor's warnings and Priest Richard's advice.
Moved by the misfortunes of Knight Bart and his daughter, you decide to intervene. If you truly pity them, then begin here—rescue the fallen girl. Remember your duty as a Witcher: do not let emotion cloud your judgment.
Difficulty: Dangerous
Rewards: One Advanced Warband Follower Member, one piece of Mysterious Equipment
(End of Chapter)