The colossal energy flow was compressed to its absolute limit. The sorceresses had no doubt that once unleashed, this energy could destroy a kingdom, tearing apart everything in its path into shreds.
Tyche lowered her hand, the wind dissipated, and the clouds slowed their pace. The sounds in their ears lost their beautiful harmony and order, as if everything that had just happened was an illusion.
"Please forgive our disrespect, Maya from afar."
The eyes of the sorceresses gleamed. This respect was no longer for Tyche Maya's identity, but for her knowledge and power.
Power was the fundamental basis for gaining respect. The sorceresses knew this better than anyone. They had ascended to the pinnacle of this world as women, and the power they wielded, the magic they mastered, was what had earned them authority second only to the king.
The new magical system was quickly accepted by this group of magic-worshipping sorceresses. Endless streams of spiritual energy connected to the fallen magic goddess in the distant void and astral realms. Tyche could even sense the joy emanating from the slumbering magic goddess.
The advantages of spell slots were soon discovered by the casters. Magic that was permanently enchanted onto robes or staves could teleport them to pre-set safe zones if they were injured or lost consciousness, allowing them to escape danger with composure.
Furthermore, research into cloning and lichdom transformations became highly sought after. In their pursuit of the secrets of eternal life, the sorceresses were even willing to include their companions who had missed this opportunity, and even the male mages and druids, who had always been at odds with them, were invited to join.
The primary purpose for the sorceresses establishing their conclave was the inheritance of spells, a purpose that even superseded their obligation to serve the king!
To achieve their goals, they were even willing to cast aside their mutual hatred and unite to eliminate those people or nations they deemed obstacles.
The silence of the casters brought unprecedented peace to this war-torn continent. The rampaging monsters became experimental subjects for the casters and were captured in large numbers. All four witchers, enticed by substantial bounties, traveled to Toussaint to search for higher vampires – the casters now had the confidence to investigate the source of their immortality.
Kaer Morhen Castle welcomed a group of uninvited sorceresses. After learning from Tyche that her adopted daughter Ciri was safe, Yennefer also joined the research.
The sorceresses were all infertile, a deep-seated ailment for almost every sorceress who yearned for children.
Before long, numerous towers rose on the Blue Mountains. With the acquisition of spells to turn stone into mud and mud into stone, construction was no longer a headache for the casters. Kaer Morhen could no longer accommodate the various equipment needed to assist in experiments; each participant required an independent laboratory.
The sorceress Yennefer even controlled the giants on the Blue Mountains, having them build a new academy for the sorceresses.
By the time the witchers returned to Kaer Morhen in their carriages, their castle was already being overshadowed by the towers.
"Whoa, what have you all done!"
Lambert, seeing the giants carrying stones, almost drew his sword.
Yennefer first unveiled the coffin on the carriage. Upon seeing the vampire pinned to the chest with a stake, she busied herself calling the sorceresses to collect experimental materials. The black-haired, black-eyed sorceress, clad in a form-fitting long dress, gave Geralt, whom she hadn't seen in a long time, a passionate kiss, deftly avoiding his outstretched hands.
The intelligent sorceress had persuaded the other casters by offering higher vampires and participation in research. By pooling the strength of most casters in the world, there was hope of recalling the lost Ciri. This was also why Geralt was willing to make the trip to Toussaint.
"Don't worry, your castle is intact."
Tyche emerged from the cellar, followed by a somewhat embarrassed Triss.
"You've returned at the perfect time. The sorceresses plan to build a magic academy on the Blue Mountains. As hosts, your suggestions can save a lot of surveying time."
Geralt was taken away by Yennefer. Because passing through the portal would awaken these powerful vampires, the witchers had to travel day and night, relying on their superhuman physiques to endure the fatigue.
Triss stared blankly at the departing Geralt and Yennefer. Tyche then asked Lambert, "Did you encounter anything interesting on your journey?"
Lambert yawned, his face etched with exhaustion. "Thanks to your Water and Food Creation spells, we didn't even stay at an inn. Apart from a few foolish monsters, we didn't encounter anything else."
Eskel, standing nearby, looked pale. "Does the Food Creation spell only produce bread? Although this bread isn't bad, we can no longer taste its flavor."
Tyche snapped her fingers. "That's a good question. While you were capturing the higher vampires, I updated the Food and Water Creation spells and also experimented with some spells that you can use."
As the snap of her fingers echoed, a steaming plate of food appeared on the table.
"If I'm not mistaken, I believe this is still called bread, isn't it?"
Lambert looked at the bright red bread on the plate and sighed to the heavens.
"Although it looks like bread and has the texture of bread, its taste is completely different!"
Tyche beamed with pride and snapped her fingers again, conjuring an aluminum can. Frost Ray coated the can with a layer of frost. The fine water droplets made Tyche feel a surge of excitement.
The witchers looked at the bubbling black liquid in the can, exchanging bewildered glances. Lambert, being polite, picked it up and took a sip. A surge of gas rose from his stomach, and the witcher couldn't help but let out a burp.
"It actually tastes quite good."
Tyche gave Lambert a thumbs-up, commending his taste, and then gestured for him to try the steaming, bright red bread.
The first sensation upon entering his mouth was a chilling spiciness. Lambert's forehead immediately broke out in a sweat. He took a large gulp of the unknown black liquid. The spiciness on his lips and tongue, complemented by a hint of sweetness, created an addictive sensation.
"How is it? Isn't my improved spicy crayfish flavored bread a genius idea?"
Tyche's smile was wide. "There's also Peking Duck flavor, garlic pork flavor, and spare rib flavor. There's something for everyone."
Vesemir shook his head. The oldest witcher expressed more interest in the other spells.
The advent of the Food and Water Creation spells was epoch-making for the witchers. Their existing Signs were not considered true spells, or at least, they were insignificant in the eyes of professional casters.
However, these two spells, lacking any combat power, provided the witchers with the means to survive in any environment. They no longer had to worry about food and water. The energy consumed by these spells was negligible, and they could even open a bakery to make a living after their retirement in old age.
Hardly any witcher died of old age. They either died at the hands of monsters, succumbed to severe injuries that went untreated, or more often, were killed by malicious clients. It was a common occurrence for clients, unwilling to pay, to strike when a witcher returned injured.