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Chapter 55: Aretuza
🕑 Added 2025-01-21 21:00:03 +0000 UTC[-]-[P]-[W]-[M]-[-]
Chapter 55: Aretuza
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Reality: The Witcher
Yennefer Of Vengeberg
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Yennefer sat in her seat across from Tissaia, her mentor, with a feeling of disappointment at the lacklustre feeling of the seat compared to all the comfort she had gotten used to in the [Den]. She only now realised how truly spoiled she had been during the last few months now she had gotten out in the world… as disappointing as the world turned out to be.
Tissaia looked exactly as she remembered. Elegant, with sharp, angular features with high cheekbones, dark-brown hair done up flawlessly, luxurious high-collared robe and sitting in her always straight posture. Even her office was the same, with only the books in the neatly arranged bookshelf having changed ever so slightly.
“It seems rather convenient,” Tissaia began carefully neutral, but her words were more than enough to insulate her scepticism as her fingers lightly gripped her silver goblet of wine. “That not one, but two children of Elder Blood have appeared in the same place. A coincidence of that magnitude is... rare. Almost too rare. It could be an elaborate plan to infiltrate the school and courts using our students.”
Yennefer scoffed as leaning back in her chair with her own goblet in hand. “One of them doesn’t need to lie about anything to infiltrate the school. She’s a princess, after all. Nilfgaard wants her badly, and you wouldn’t miss a chance to gain her favour.” She raised an eyebrow with a faint smirk tugging at her lips. “And the other? He wouldn’t bother infiltrating. He’d much rather kill his enemies outright than waste time with subterfuge. Too busy with other things to care enough about the art of politics.”
Tissaia lowered her goblet to the table with a soft clink after taking a small sip, her expression unimpressed eyes bore into her former student. “Highly unlikely,” She said evenly. “You expect me to believe that a child—or someone barely out of boyhood—created a flying ship—”
“Star ship,” Yennefer corrected with a smirk, only to be ignored by her former teacher, knowing full well what the ship was called, having heard her catch up with Triss. The ship itself was magnificent. Silver, like Geralts new sword, highly magically dense with doors that would open with a thought. It didn’t surprise her when she heard gossip about him being the prophesied child over Ciri, or that their blood was destined to birth him/her.
“—imbued with that much magical power without anyone noticing? Let alone someone who also managed to craft other highly advanced magical items. No, Yennefer, there must be someone orchestrating this from the shadows.” Tissaia continued, fixing Yennefer with an incredulous look.
Yennefer couldn’t blame her either. She had been of the same mind before seeing the way he used magic and practically created an artificial soul to help with intelligence and research. Yet another thing she was already missing, even only being out of the [Den] less that an hour.
Yennefer rolled her eyes and took a slow sip of her wine before replying, sounding almost exasperated. “I’ve seen his magic firsthand, Tissaia. I’ve spent the last few months with him. All he does is study magic, create things, and occasionally train with Ciri. His creations are all his own. No shadowy figures are pulling the strings. Even when he did go out, it was always with one of us, and all he did was heal people or give them food when he found them starving.”
“Rather altruistic of him,” Her mentor pointed out with a look.
“I mention the same,” Yennefer agreed sardonically with a shallow shake of her head as she thought back. “He just said he was religious and believed he would be rewarded for his good deed. But that even if he wasn’t, it was good to have treated people well because you never know when your life — or the life of a loved one — may be at their hands..”
Tissaia’s gaze didn’t waver, but her lips tightened slightly as she processed Yennefer’s words. “And you didn’t think to try to convince him to disembark the ship so that he could meet his fellow sorcerers and sorceresses? Possibly make connections, as you would have Princess Cirrilla?”
Yennefer shrugged, brushing off the concern with a casual wave of her hand. “He’s leaving soon anyway. He’s hardly the type to overstay his welcome. Besides, getting him away from a project is hard fought. Trust me, we’ve tried, multiple times.”
Tissaia arched an eyebrow, setting her goblet down. “Perhaps it would be best if he stayed a while longer when he arrives to collect the three of you. Someone with that much magical capability could be useful to the school.” She glanced at Yennefer’s wrist housing. “Especially if he were to pass on some of his knowledge.”
Yennefer smirked, shrugging as she leaned back in her chair. One use of the cleaning spell during their short chat as soon as they arrived was enough to get everyone’s attention. Though they were disappointed to hear it was liked to her and wouldn’t work for anyone else, they still tried it to make sure. An effort that was for nought.
“He said he’d be back when he’s done with some of his other projects, or when he just wants to take a break and visit. I highly down it would be for the latter though, he’s the type to forget to even eat when he’s working.” Yennefer replied.
Tissaia’s expression shifted slightly as her brow slightly furrowed. “And what, exactly, is that supposed to mean?”
Yennefer took another sip of her wine with a widening smirk. “It means he has a few projects on his list. Things like the ship we arrived in, the car he drives, the constant improvements to his home. It’s probably just another one of those.”
“…car?” Tissaia shook the thought of that line of questioning with a soft sigh as her fingers lightly tapped the arm of her chair. “He’s an enigma, Yennefer. People like that always come with complications. But, I’m doing my best here trying to maintain the tensions between the egos of mages. He could help tith that….”
“Tilt the scales?” Yennefer’s eyes glimmered with faint amusement as she finished her mentor’s sentence. “True, but he’s also someone who values results over chaos. Those… complications, may find themselves resolved quickly. Though, like I said, there would be no politics. And it would only cost people their lives.”
Tissaia just stared patiently, listening in wrapped attention as Yennefer continued. “I once saw him patiently listen to villagers as they told him of bandits that were having their way with and then killing their kin. Then, after feeding the people, I watched him calmly walk into the camp in broad daylight, massacre the lot of them with his bare hands, all the while literally blindfolded. When I asked why he didn’t just use magic, leave one alive to spread his fame, or ask for payment, he simply said, ‘Why complicate ending the threat?’.”
It was one of the few days she had seen him upset — though he didn’t show it, and she knew exactly why. Her use of [Legilimens] had shown that some of the people violated before being killed were barely his and Ciri’s age. No, if Tissaia wanted John to stay, she would need to know that the mages here, considering how they behaved in order to get in the good graces of lords and kings, would most likely end up dead within the week, if not a few days.
“…I see.” Tissaia nodded, leaning back with a tired expression. Uncharacteristically sagging in her seat, she seemed to contemplate the outcome of the idea regardless of her student’s warning.
“So,” Yennefer purposefully interrupted her thoughts, wanting to talk about something more upbeat, having not seen her mentor in so long. “Which of the sorceresses here do you think are already trying to bed my new ward for power, hm?”
Tissaia smirked, rolling her eyes with a small shake of her head. “After sensing all that power from his ship and seeing the new spells you have been using?” She raised a brow. “All of them.”
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Jonathan Grey
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[The Gauntlet - Magical Item]
[Description: The Gauntlet, a Kom'rk-class fighter/transport from the Star Wars universe, is a versatile 68-meter Mandalorian starship with rotatable forward-swept wings that excels in space and atmospheric flight. Larger than a typical starfighter, it combines speed, agility, and durability, serving as a troop transport and a formidable combat vessel. The ship was upgraded by a master craftsman and engineer, Johnathan Grey, using his personally invented Dragon Metal method developed after learning the process of creating Goblin Silver, knowledge of science and technology from the Halo universe and Enchanting from the Potter and Elder Scrolls universes.]
[+Hyperdrives: Class 1 + Class 10 backup] [+Short Range Sensors]
[+Front hard light/Laser Canons] x2 [+Rear hard light/Laser Canons] x2
[+Heat Seeking Missiles] [+Environmental Adaptation] [+Self Repair]
[+Absorbs that which strengthens it] [+Highly durable]
[+Repels mundane dirt] [+Retains Its Lustre] [+AI Integration]
[+Resistance to Energy-Based Attacks and EMP Effects]
[+Neural Synchronization] [+Slip-Space Drive] [+Gravity Thrusters]
[+Enhanced Sensor and Slip-space Communication Systems]
[+Stealth, Invisibility And Anti-Tracking] [+Enhanced Energy Shields]
The Gauntlet looked beautiful and flew like an absolute beast. The only downside of the upgrades I made was the now purely silver body with no paint or style to make a note of, but some might just think of it as some kind of copycat attempt to replicate the Nabooan Starships’ royal chromium design.
I spent the last few hours flying around, doing my best Top Gun audition, with barrel rolls and other aerial combat manoeuvres, to pass the time before heading back to Aretuza to pick the three up. While I was at it, I also tested out the weapons on the sea, just to be safe, and it was safe to say the ship was going to be a bully in space. In fact, I’d be surprised if they don’t try to ban and steal the ship on sight in some places out of fear when they see it in action.
Arriving back at Aretuza, I undid the invisibility system, creating a silhouette over some mages walking around the courtyard and causing them to scurry off to the side to make way as the ship descended. Inside the cockpit, Cortana’s hologram flickered to life on the terminal. “Well?” She asked expectantly. “Was the flight test as good as you hoped it would be?”
I leaned back slightly in the pilot’s seat as glanced at her form, hands still at work with the landing. “I knew my baby wouldn’t let me down,” I said, giving the terminal a light love tap.
As the landing gear made contact with the floor and the ramp began to lower, Cortana smirked faintly. “Well, all the checks went well on my end, so I guess today's test can be considered a success.” She said before her image flickered out.
I rose from my seat, heading toward the ramp. By the time it fully lowered, I was already halfway down, taking in the fresh air and enjoying the sound of nature. The ship barely made any sound even at full power, and that only got quieter when the stealth mode was activated, so there was no problem of waking any one or alerting them of my presence through sheer engine sound. However, Yennefer had asked that I actually depart this time, so I already knew to expect a group awaiting my arrival.
Taking my first step off the ramp, I placed the Gauntlet in the [Hoard] without much fan fair, watching the now courtyard full of mages — some still walking through portals, no doubt having felt the magic of the ships arrival — fall into a stunned silence, all staring at me in a mix of disbelief and cunning. They stood in groups — possibly factions, murmuring quietly among themselves.
Ignoring their gawking, I walked casually toward Yennefer, who stood to the side with a group of female mages, with a faint smirk playing on her lips as her sharp violet eyes tracked my approach. I knew she was going to make some power play, so I wasn’t surprised when she gave me a call during my flight test. No doubt she made the call with mages around to see her use the watch just for good measure.
When I reached her, his expression moved to indifference. “Well, I’m here now,” I said with a dull tone. She knew I didn’t like being interrupted during project time. “As promised.”
Yennefer’s smirk returned. “Just like I’ve told you many times before, it’s good for you to spend time with people. You can’t keep yourself cooped up indoors working all the time.” Her tone was teasing but still carried the same undercurrent of genuine concern she had the other times she said it.
“Technically, I was outdoors. In the air, to be specific,” I retorted with a raised brow, before turning my attention to the poised figure beside her — Tissaia de Vries, [Observe] informed. Her calm, sharp demeanour radiated authority as she stepped forward, extending a hand in a manner that expected me to politely kiss like nobles would in these times.
“Lord Johnathan Grey,” Yennefer said smoothly, “meet Tissaia de Vries, the Rectoress of Aretuza and my mentor.”
Unlike what she assumed I would, I took her offered hand, giving it a normal handshake. As our skin made contact though, her composure faltered ever so slightly, with her eyebrow arching as she got a better feel of the magical power radiating off me. Unlike those around us who could only really feel my magic being above Ciri’s, like I purposefully wanted, I made sure she felt it at a much higher degree through physical contact to ward off future attempts to plan against me.
She recovered quickly with a faint, polite smile gracing her lips as she ignored my lack of decorum. “It’s good to meet you, Lord Grey.” She said evenly. “Aretuza is open to you—whether to learn or, perhaps, to teach. I hear from Yennefer that you are rather skilled in the magical arts.”
My expression softened into a small, appreciative smile. “Thank you. I appreciate the offer.” I told the multi-century-old sorcerer sincerely. She may be at the head of the magical schools, but unlike Dumbledore, she looks in her thirties even though she is much older than the old man. “But I’m really busy, so I don’t think I’ll have the time.”
Tissaia nodded with understanding, her gaze remaining steady on him. “Yennefer mentioned your love of your projects, and I understand. But I would still appreciate it if you could visit from time to time. Your presence alone could inspire others to delve deeper into the magical arts.”
I inclined my head slightly. “I’ll keep that in mind,” I replied noncommittally, not wanting to give her to rely on me being her to resolve all her problems whenever she asks. And if things go as they did during the show, games or books? They’ll definitely be needing the help.
“Feel free to pop by the Den if you guys need a place to stay.” I offered. “The Wards around them are impenetrable and keep out anyone who means me or the occupants harm.”
There was already a briefcase set aside for their use, something Yennefer had requested personally when magic haters like the Church Of The Eternal Fire. I decided to leave the [Den] here when I hoped just for their convenience for now. I’d be able to travel to it or bring it to me at any time anyway.
“That’s… good to hear,” Tissaia replied with a small smile. “I’d heard a little fo this… Den from Yennefer. We’ll look forward to using it if needed. Would you mind if we tested the Wards to make sure they are… up to the task? It would be unfortunate to use your offer only to have it overwhelmed by any pursuers.”
I simply shrugged. “Sure, Yennefer did the same,” I said, indicating to her patiently waiting student. “Just make sure to get the surrounding area back to normal when you're done and avoid having those with untoward schemes find the location,” I warned with an innocent smile while releasing a small amount of my magic, which only seemed to send a shiver down her spine. “I’d hate to have to run around killing people.”
The Ward on the [Den] was so overpowered it was a joke. By the looks of it I was right, she was planning to make it their base of operations when shit hits the fan, but they were only linked to Ciri, Geralt and Yennefer. And even then, they were restricted from entering the basement without me there. So, not only will it be useful for meetings to check for betrayal, but if anyone got access only to turn on those three later, they will be ejected rather violently from the premises.
With the watch on, I knew Cortana was listening in on their conversations, so if she mentioned anything that was beyond what would be considered ‘okay’, I’d be informed.
Yennefer then turned toward another figure I could easily recognise with fiery red hair — Triss Merigold. The green-eyed sorceress stepped forward with a warm, welcoming smile. “John,” Yennefer said. ”Meet Triss Merigold. Another dear friend of mine — and of Ciri’s.”
I extended my hand toward Triss, who took it without hesitation. Unlike Tissaia, she wasn’t expecting a kiss, but as our hands made contact, her expression subtly shifted to one of surprise similar to the Arch-mistress before her. Though she recovered quickly, the faint tension in her smile was enough for me to know she received the same message, not that I would need to worry about any betrayal from her with how close she was to Yennefer and Ciri.
“It’s nice to finally meet you,” I said politely. “Ciri and Yennefer have said good things about you.”
Triss’ smile softened into something more genuine. “And it’s good to meet the person who’s been teaching and keeping Ciri, Yennefer, and Geralt safe these last few months, Lord Grey. They speak highly of you.”
I gave a small, appreciative nod. “Well, y’know. They grow on you.”
Not seeing Yennefer's eye roll, Triss’s eyes drifted over my attire — the Herodiana attire and cape combo I had made and Enchanted while in the Potter-verse. I had taken to switching from the Herodiana and the Treasure seeker's attire because according to Yennefer, 'just because they are self-cleaning, doesn't mean I shouldn't change'.
“I like your clothing, very stylish.” She complimented, tilting her head slightly as she hungrily eyed the fabric. “Who made it? I’d love to know.”
I glanced down at the outfit, taking in the tailored fabric briefly before I replied. “Oh, this?” I gave her a small shrug, completely uninterested in diving into a conversation about fashion. “It’s just something I had commissioned a while back.”
Triss chuckled softly, seemingly sensing my reluctance to elaborate, and chose not to press further.
Looking around at the gathered mages, I could see what this introduction for what it was — Yennefer’s statement to other factions of mages of who had my ear. And by the looks of it, it was working. I was already seeing a few more frowns among the now bustling groups in the courtyard as I asked, “Where are Ciri and Geralt?”
“Oh, they’re in the dining room,” Yennefer replied smoothly, a faint smile tugging at her lips. “Making friends.”
“Making friends?” I raised an eyebrow, though I was mildly amused rather than curious. Knowing both their personalities, they would have grumbled at the thought of spending so much time with people constantly practising the art of arse-kissing. “Did they have a choice in the matter?”
Yennefer’s smile widened as a mischievous glint shone in her violet eyes. “Not really,” She admitted as she turned, motioning for me to follow, which I did, with Triss and Tissaia falling into step. “I’ll walk you to them after a small tour of the grounds.”
Ah, now I see, no doubt Yennefer did too. Tissaia wanted Yennefer to lead me around to make sure everyone knew Yennefer was in charge of this other faction and with her following after instead of letting her just lead me around while she stayed in her office, it also let the other mages know that she had an in within the group.
“So, I hear you’re good at Enchanting and Ward,” Tissaia said leadingly.
I didn’t need [The Force] to know she was going to ask me to Ward the school, not only as a way to see my magic in action but also to add another layer of protection. Regardless, I gave her a nonchalant shrug. “Yeah, I do pretty well.”
She gave me a calculating smile. “Well,...”
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"Sometimes a flower is just a flower, and the best thing it can do for us is to die."
—Tissaia de Vries
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Hello There
The next chapter has John getting the next 2 jumps.
The back story I’ve cooked up should have his OPness covered just fine, so expect the most OP parents/lineage of the verse.
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Disclaimer: I own nothing except my OC and original ideas. All credit goes to their respective owners.
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Thank you for reading.
As always, stay awesome.
Until next time, Light's out.
Comments
Holosagewolf
To avoid spoilers for the others I deleted the important comments
Lightest_Reader
😂😂😂
Holosagewolf
Fuck. i can feel his mental breakdown from here.
Lightest_Reader
🎁🎉🎊
Lightest_Reader
No, just that his mother is evil.
Holosagewolf
…….. wait is someone genderbent?
Lightest_Reader
Don't hurt yourself, 'she'😉 enjoys people in pain.
Holosagewolf
Great. I feel like pulling my hair out. Il brainstorm for awhile
Lightest_Reader
He can learn from Revan without having him as a parent. I can only gaurantee that one of the parents is absolutely diabolical for good reason.
Holosagewolf
One is clearly revan to explain his bloodline relation to revan. But the other are they a force user?
Lightest_Reader
Nope, you only get one more guess.
Holosagewolf
Revan and the exile then?
Lightest_Reader
Good guess, but not quite what I'll be going for. I read a fic called A New Player In The Force by USSExplorer with a premise like that, thought it was really good, with gamer elements etc.
LothWolf
Thanks for the chapter 👍😁
Holosagewolf
my guess for the next jump and background. hes going to star wars and the backstory will be hes a child of revan and bastila cast forward in time. question is will he be considered mandalorian? if he is he can become mandalore and gain a living army along with his golems?
