Witcher: The Half Elf

"This is a friend of mine from another world, named Herald, a magic knight. As the captain of this magic ship, he will be working with our Witcher Order for the foreseeable future."

Wayne's voice carried confidently across the terrace, though his heart raced as the first of the Witchers arrived. Lambert, who had been taking some time off recently, was the first to appear, weapon in hand, his expression a mix of concern and intrigue. He was quickly followed by Vesemir, whose gait, though steady, carried the weight of years and battles fought long ago.

The elder witcher, though still a formidable presence, was visibly slower than in his prime. Wayne had often considered how best to help Vesemir extend his lifespan and regain some vitality. The upcoming secondary mutation experiment, once tested on Gaetan from the Cat School, might provide an answer. And if it succeeded, Wayne mused, he might also take a detour to Novigrad. Perhaps he could reunite Vesemir with his old flame, a mature widow who still held a place in the old witcher's heart. Such a gesture would be a fitting tribute to the man who had done so much for their Order.

Moreover, Wayne's newly acquired Azerite ore, known for its life-nourishing properties, could serve as a powerful supplement for Vesemir and the others. When the time came, he intended to share it with his brothers-in-arms. Wayne had always prided himself on his generosity, ensuring that those close to him reaped the benefits of his successes.

"Damn it, Wayne, you've done it again!" Lambert broke the silence, his habitual sarcasm cutting through the tension. Though his tone was teasing, his wide-eyed gaze betrayed his astonishment as he stared at the massive ship hovering in the air.

Clicking his tongue, Lambert continued, "Those Royal Griffin eggs you brought back last time from another world have turned into Eskel's little obsession. That guy barely takes contracts anymore. He just spends his days doting on those griffins like they're his own kids."

Lambert shook his head in mock exasperation. "He keeps saying he'll ride one around the Continent someday. But before we even get to see him do that, you show up with this," he gestured toward the magic ship. "It's high-end, even for you, Wayne. If you flew that thing over the Northern Kingdoms, the kings, nobles, and mages would lose their minds!"

Wayne chuckled, acknowledging the validity of Lambert's concern. "You're not wrong, Lambert. This ship would cause a stir even in the Wild Hunt's ranks. But rest assured, I won't flaunt it until we're absolutely ready."

Vesemir, who had been quietly observing, finally spoke, his voice grave and steady. "That's a wise decision, Wayne. While the new Witcher Order has grown beyond anything we could have imagined, remember that it's still fragile. Your rise has been meteoric, but your foundation is not yet solid."

The elder witcher continued, "You know as well as I do the state of witchers across the North. The old Orders were targeted by sorcerers and kings alike because they upset the balance of power. The result was near annihilation."

He sighed heavily, the weight of history evident in his tone. "Even now, the remnants of the Wolf, Griffin, and Cat Schools struggle to survive. If the new Order you've built becomes too prominent too quickly, we may face the same fate. So tread carefully, boy. Our swords may be sharp, but daggers in the dark are far deadlier."

Wayne nodded solemnly, acknowledging the wisdom in Vesemir's words. "I understand, Vesemir. I'll take every precaution to ensure we don't repeat the mistakes of the past."

Satisfied with his answer, the gathered witchers and apprentices slowly began to disperse. Even Lambert, despite his playful nature, offered a small nod of approval before heading back inside.

As the commotion subsided, Wayne turned his attention back to the massive ship floating above. It was an incredible asset, no doubt, but it also presented a host of challenges.

"Damn," Wayne muttered under his breath. "What am I going to do with this thing?"

High-level magical constructs such as magic ships are not like simple weapons or armor that can be equipped and used instantly. Operating such a complex vessel requires skill, knowledge, and training.

Wayne considered this thoughtfully. It would take him years to fully master even a rudimentary magical device, let alone pilot such a mysterious and powerful ship. Expecting to operate the dragon boat without preparation was unrealistic.

As his thoughts swirled, inspiration struck. His gaze fell on Herald, the stoic Magic Knight standing nearby. The knight's imposing figure and obedient demeanor gave Wayne an idea.

"Herald," Wayne called out, his tone curious. "As a Magic Knight, do you possess the skills to pilot a space-faring magical vessel? Specifically, are you capable of operating the magic ship above us?"

Herald turned to face his master, the blue gemstones in his helmet glowing faintly. His voice, deep and metallic, carried no hesitation.

"Master, as an intelligent, armed Magic Knight, my system includes a wide array of pre-installed professional skills. These encompass the operation of numerous models of space-faring magic ships."

"However," Herald continued, "the ship in question does not match any model or data currently in my system. While I cannot confirm my ability to pilot it directly, my intelligent system is equipped with advanced learning capabilities. Given sufficient time, I should be able to master the operation of any magical vessel."

Wayne's lips curved into a satisfied smile. Herald's response was better than expected. Here was a knight of immense strength, unwavering loyalty, and the capacity for self-directed learning—a perfect candidate for the role of captain.

The knight's presence aboard the dragon boat could serve multiple purposes: protecting the ship from potential saboteurs, maintaining it in prime condition, and providing a powerful support option for the Order whenever necessary.

Nodding in approval, Wayne extended his hand and summoned the powers of the Mystic Lock. With a simple gesture, he transported both himself and Herald aboard the hovering ship.

The first thing Wayne noticed aboard the ship was the craftsmanship—it was a masterpiece. Every corner of the dragon boat bore an unmistakable elegance. The intricate carvings, glowing runes, and flawless design spoke of a civilization far advanced in magic.

Wayne allowed himself a moment of admiration before turning back to Herald.

"Herald," he began, his tone firm and decisive, "I hereby appoint you as the captain of this magic ship. Your task is to study its mechanisms and learn to operate it as quickly as possible. Remain vigilant and ready to follow my orders at any moment."

Herald knelt, placing his massive lance by his side in a gesture of respect. "As you command, Master. I shall dedicate myself to mastering this vessel and safeguarding it in your service."