novelnext Chapter 94 Ron's Recruitment Operation
Chapter 94 Ron's Recruitment Operation
Chapter 94 Ron's Recruitment Operation
Triss stood on the wooden crate, her gaze sweeping over the crowd. The lamplight cast her long red hair into a flame-like glow, and the warlocks around her gathered around, their restless footsteps ceasing.
"We've been waiting for a chance to escape, but we have to wait until we're sure Cowell is willing to take us in, until we raise the money to rent a boat, and until we find a captain we can trust."
Her voice was steady and resolute, each word sounding as if it had been repeatedly hammered: "But everyone, delay will only lead to unforeseen changes. We cannot hesitate any longer; we must set off today!"
"You're insane!" a sorceress in the crowd retorted, arms crossed. "The streets are full of witch hunters."
"So we'll go down the sewers to the port, and our allies will help us clear a safe route."
The other male sorcerer shook his head, his voice low and pessimistic, "Even so, we'll be caught. Just you wait, we're doomed."
The surrounding warlocks nodded in agreement, their whispers filled with suppressed despair. "And is it really safe once we reach Kovir? Kovir borders Redania; will they be pressured into handing us over to Radovid again?"
"Perhaps, but at least we will fight back and die with dignity..." Triss raised her voice, her tone becoming more forceful, "instead of being tied to stakes and crying, begging the witch hunters not to burn us!"
The wine cellar fell silent; some people lowered their heads, while others clenched their fists.
Just then, the door leading to the sewers was pushed open.
The sound of heavy, rhythmic clattering of armor plates and footsteps came from behind the door. The warlocks' expressions shifted from silence to terror; some already held magical flames in their hands, while others instinctively retreated. "It's... the witch hunters have caught up??"
The door swung wide open, and a deep, resonant voice boomed, echoing through the ground. "Well said, Triss. I appreciate your words, but the warlocks' concerns are not entirely incomprehensible."
Ron emerged from the secret passage, followed by four thousand elite veterans of the regular army.
They wore not ordinary breastplates, but full-body heavy lamellar armor, standard heavy infantry equipment. Only their cold eyes were visible beneath their visors. Heavy armor-piercing weapons hung at their waists, and they carried double-edged spears, crossbows, and large shields on their backs.
The soldiers poured into the wine cellar without a word and lined up on both sides.
"Thump!!"
The gun barrels fell in unison, causing the ground to tremble slightly. The sorcerers surrounded in the middle stared wide-eyed, some even holding flames, but the light was as faint as a candle in front of the silent, armored soldiers.
Ron looked around, his gaze burning like a torch.
"Now you have another option. I, Lord Velen, Ron Arenicos, sincerely recruit warlocks and alchemists. Those who join will be under my protection and need not worry about Radovid and his witch hunters."
Those who wish may sail to Calard Manor today. Over a thousand elite soldiers are stationed there; anyone who attempts to harm you will face the steel and fury of my knights.
Ron stood in the center of the soldiers' ranks, the firelight casting his massive shadow onto the wall.
"At the same time, as the lord and protector of Kayla Metz, a member of the Sorcerer's Guild, any sorcerers who join will be led by my chief advisor Kayla, who will be in charge of matters involving magical research. I, as an outsider, will not interfere too much."
The warlocks snapped out of their daze, first staring at Ron, then glancing at the two rows of heavily armored soldiers beside him, and began to whisper among themselves.
"Is it that Lord of Velen? The one who restored order to Velen?"
"It is said that he personally slew the dangerous monster, the petrified chicken-snake, demonstrating his formidable martial prowess."
"No, individual combat strength is not worth paying attention to. A witcher can do that too, but he has an army. Look at those heavily armed soldiers. Any one of them could kill seven or eight witch hunters."
"So Kayla Metz was under his protection?"
"If even members of the Sorcerer's Guild are acceptable, then it should be no problem for insignificant nobodys like us..."
'
Triss walked over to Ron and smiled wryly. "Uh... Ron, how does it feel to turn such a tense occasion into a job fair?"
"I'm sorry, Triss, but if I don't speak up now, I might not have another chance. Besides, most of the warlocks here are still willing to follow you. As for those who have other ideas, let them decide for themselves."
"Alright, it's good that you're willing to shelter them, and Kayla can take care of them while you're there, but we should get going."
Ron turned his gaze to Erwin and nodded. "Okay, let's go."
Erwin was surrounded by sorcerers, some asking if he had an independent laboratory, others asking if he could provide alchemical materials.
Someone held up a notebook, wanting Erwin to read it right away. Erwin, holding a notepad in one hand and adjusting his glasses with the other, was pushed against a barrel by the crowd.
As they walked along the sewers, soldiers lined both sides, their large shields raised to protect the sorcerers in the middle. The sorcerers looked visibly more relaxed, and some even let out a soft sigh of relief, feeling a long-lost sense of security as they were protected by so many soldiers.
"There's another couple waiting for you to send someone to pick them up," Geralt whispered as he walked beside Ron.
"A male alchemist, a female sorceress from Aretusa, Bertholdt and Annies, were unwilling to risk going to the port, so I persuaded them to seek refuge in your territory."
"Geralt, thank you for the surprise." A glint flashed in Ron's eyes. "My territory needs a lot of talent to develop, which is very important to me. I will arrange for people to protect them as soon as possible."
The sewer routes had been cleared in advance, and the group arrived at the port without incident. The nearby roads had been blocked by regular troops, and anyone attempting to break in would be killed on sight.
Two boats were moored in the bay not far away. One was dilapidated, with most of the paint peeling off the hull. The other had brand-new sails and its hull was clearly well-maintained. Several strong sailors were standing on the deck waiting.
Triss turned to Dixter. "Dixter, how's the ship?"
Dixter spread his palms and shrugged. "It's just a pile of junk. The wood is rotten, the sails tear like old underwear, and..."
"Can you hold out until Kowell?" Triss interrupted him.
Dikos paused for a moment, then replied uncertainly, "If there's no storm, it should be fine..."
'
The warlocks nearby were stunned. They thought the new ship was prepared for them. Several warlocks exchanged glances and subtly moved behind Elwin. Triss caught a glimpse of this but said nothing.
"Erwin, count how many warlocks are willing to come with us, and arrange for a squad of soldiers to escort them to the manor. Kayla will be in charge of the arrangements," Ron ordered.
Erwin quickly counted, "Six have joined from the Kingfisher side, and just now... three more arrived."
Erwin glanced in the direction of the wrecked ship. "Maybe they thought it might not make it to Corviel."
"Good, you and this group go first. There are two others waiting in the city for backup. I will send someone to escort them to the territory."
"Alright, be careful here. I'll come back for you as soon as possible." Erwin walked towards the ship with its brand-new sails.
"Well, I was originally planning to go straight back to the territory, but Dixcher said he has something important to discuss with me, so I'll stay another day."
Several warlocks followed closely behind Elwin. One of them glanced back at his companions still in the port, hesitated for a moment, and then continued forward.
The sea breeze flapped the sails loudly. Triss stood on the dock, counting the number of people boarding. Dixter stood next to her, his belly protruding. Ron leaned against the dock, watching Erwin's ship leave the port first.