The Witcher: Lord of the Empire

As Lann watched Gerd, he remembered who this character was in The Witcher Series, and although there was no clear time period for his appearance, he was supposed to be long dead by now.

The more Lann tried to remember about this witcher from the Bear School in Skellige, the more he realized that many things were out of place, such as the castle Tuirseach where the banquet was held. This castle was supposed to have been destroyed during a raid orchestrated by Nilfgaard.

This means that the events revolving around this witcher may take place during this time period.

The good thing about this witcher Gerd, is that he is an atypical case of the Bear School who are emotionally indifferent, since he still retains his emotions.

Also if Lann remembered correctly, this witcher possessed the plans for the complete Bear School Gear.

It is assumed that Gerd would tour the entire archipelago from island to island, singing, drinking and playing cards, while hunting creatures such as vampires, mermaids and even a dragon at the request of the locals.

However, from the looks of it now, Gerd had yet to accomplish all those legendary feats. Right now, he was in the midst of learning and training. He had come to the island attracted by the banquet held by the Seven Great Clans.

…

Although Lann was mulling all this over in his mind, when he heard Gerd's praise and introduction, he responded almost reflexively: "Hello, I am Lann Lannister of Cintra."

"You're exaggerating. I'm from the Griffin School. It's only natural that I have some expertise in magical signs."

"But your strength is what truly surprises me. This is the first time I've seen someone use a Quen Sign to directly resist the attacks of a gigantic beast… and then kill it with a dagger."

Gerd, however, remained silent for a moment. He did not seem particularly pleased with the praise.

"Hey, man. You are still too modest. I saw you flashing everywhere and killing five giant bears in one go - is that also a sign?"

"Also, after you left, I used my Witcher senses to check out the area. I found a giant bear corpse… that someone had punched to death! Your princess is out there proclaiming that feat to the world."

Hearing what Gerd said, Lann was speechless and suddenly felt a little uneasy.

Fortunately, Gerd was a simple and straightforward man, who did not care about Lann's excessive modesty, which might be uncomfortable for others. Instead, he continued the conversation without any problems.

"However, apart from you, I have never seen another witcher with greater physical strength than me, not even in the bear school. Of that I am sure."

"Before I came here fleeing, neither in the Islands, nor even in the entire North combined with the lands occupied by Nilfgaard in the south, did I find anyone stronger than me..."

Lann accurately captured a key word in Gerd's words: "Gerd, you said you ran away to Skellige. Did you get into any trouble? If you don't mind telling me, maybe I can help you."

As if making small talk, Gerd candidly recounted his past: "To be honest, I used to serve a king. However, one day a revolt broke out in the kingdom. The king's daughter declared that her father was a usurper and that she was the rightful heir. I know it sounds ridiculous, but that's what she said."

"Surprisingly, the revolt was successful, and I, who strongly supported the former king, was declared a fugitive. That's why I escaped to Skellige. But I didn't expect that a few days ago they still managed to find me here. They nearly turned a tavern into ashes. Fortunately, the surveillance here was especially strict at that time, which prevented a tragedy."

Gerd lowered his head, showing for the first time an air of sadness in his conversation with Lann. He was mourning the king he had served.

"I know he wasn't exactly a good man. He committed crimes and his hands were stained with blood, but were there normal nobles in the North? Besides, he always treated me with respect and kindness. It's weird that people can treat a witcher like that."

Although Gerd was telling a sad story, Lann's eyes sparkled with excitement. He had sensed the longing in Gerd. So almost reflexively Lann spoke: "Gerd, if that's the case, you could come to Cintra. I'm sure I can offer you political asylum. Besides, I guarantee that everyone in Cintra respects witchers."

"To be honest, I have plans to revive the Order of Witchers in Cintra. I have already gathered the schools of the griffin, the wolf, the viper, and the cat. If the school of the bear joins as well, we will have practically restored the foundations of the order..."

This was the first time Lann had spoken so confidently when recruiting someone. Before, he had usually used more vague strategies, telling a school that he had already won the support of the others in order to convince them.

However, this time he had really gathered the four schools mentioned, so he had unprecedented confidence in trying to convince Gerd.

However, things did not go as he wished.

For the first time, one of his most confident invitations was flatly rejected, without ambiguity, unlike the evasive answers he had received before.

"I'm sorry, Lann, but I've already found someone to serve: Torgeir Tuirseach." Gerd spoke sincerely: "When I came to Skellige as a homeless fugitive, he took me in, respected me, and gave me bread, meat, and beer."

"Although our relationship is mutually beneficial, he considers me a friend, and I consider him my confidant. We get along well, and I am happy living here."

"You may have heard some rumors about the Bear School. I can tell you that most of them are true. At least for me, I feel no attachment to the Order or interest in revitalizing my school."

Gerd shook his head slightly and, looking at Lann's stunned face, smiled.

"Instead of those great ideals, I prefer to be by my brothers' side, following them or guiding them, whatever makes me happy."

"However, here in Skellige I can help you. That is why I am here waiting for you."

"Torgeir is still part of the Tuirseach clan and a relative of King Bran, so he has assigned me a new mission: to help you ensure that Eist inherits the throne."

...

Sometime later...

Sitting on the drakkar heading to Hindarsfjall Island, Lann wore a melancholy expression.

Around him, the group was small: only Donar, Gerd and ten Cintra soldiers led by Milva accompanied him.

As for Geralt, Kolgrim and Coen, the three witchers had formed separate teams to carry out tasks on the islands of Ard Skellig and An Skellig.

They were still in the preparation phase, gathering information before unleashing the final battle against the cult. There was no point in mobilizing all the troops for now. Instead, it was more practical to take advantage of local resources so Lann could gain experience points, while also training his guards to deal with similar situations.

Witchers didn't complain about the decision, especially Coen, who seemed to enjoy leading a team to complete tasks.

[Mission - Cabin in the Woods - Completed]

[Mission - Unmarried - Completed]

[Mission - Mermaid at the Bottom of the Well - Completed]

[Character Level Upgrade +1]

Skellige has too many quests, which made Lann level up in a short time.

Now Lann's level has reached 32, and he has finally accumulated 4 extra ability points.

Without hesitation, he reserved one point for possible future followers, while investing the other three in a previously planned skill.

[Secondary Mutation] - [Signs] - [Piercing Cold] Add points!

[Piercing Cold]: The Aard sign has a chance to freeze enemies.

The description was short and direct, but its impact was undeniable. The Aard sign, originally a push of telekinetic force, was now transformed into an ice attack.

Lann had seen Jerome use this ability once in the underground laboratory of Toussaint. At the time, Lann was not yet a witcher, and Jerome had just been awakened from his stasis. He vividly remembered how the ice storm generated by the Piercing Cold turned the creatures in the laboratory into ice statues, which were then shattered into fragments by the frigid winds.

Lann wondered how long it would take before his skills caught up with his master's.

As Lann pondered, Gerd watched him curiously. His keen witcher senses told him there was something different about Lann, but he couldn't quite put his finger on what. However, since they weren't yet close, he decided not to ask.

At that moment, Donar's voice interrupted their thoughts: "We have arrived..."

"Welcome to Hindarsfjall Island."

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