As they settled back, pleasantly full, Callum fixed Cain with a mischievous smirk. "Just promise us one thing, Cain."
Cain arched an eyebrow, half-smiling already at whatever jest was coming. "What's that?"
Callum pointed a playful finger at him. "When we see Mother again someday, don't go falling into bed with her again I don't think our hearts could take another round."
Cain nearly choked on his ale, a flush creeping up his neck. "I trust me I don't plan on to. I don't think can go another round with your brother and survive".
"Good," Callum declared, feigning sternness and then winking. "We quite like having you around alive and in one piece, so let's avoid any future family drama, yeah?"
"Glad we're in agreement," Cain replied with an embarrassed chuckle. Despite the joke at my expense, I felt an immense relief and happiness. The twins had truly forgiven me – I could not joke so freely otherwise.
As the evening wore on, they lingered at the table, trading stories and half-dreaming about what lay ahead. Calanthe spoke of Dol Blathanna's famed wildflower fields she had read about, wondering if they'd arrive in spring to see them in bloom. Callum entertained the notion of learning some archery tricks from the elf archers they might meet ("If I come back able to shoot an apple off your head, Cain, you'll let me try, won't you?" "Absolutely not," Cain laughed).
Cain mused about possible monsters unique to the mountains there, half-lecturing the twins on what he knew of alpine leshens and rock trolls, which prompted a spirited debate about the best way to deal with each.
In that cozy corner of the inn, with stomachs full and hearts light, the three of them truly felt like an unlikely little family bound by fate. Cain realized he hadn't felt this sense of belonging in ages – perhaps not since his days training alongside his Witcher brothers. It was comforting and a bit bittersweet, knowing their journey would put this bond to the test many times. But for now, he cherished it.
As they finally rose to retire for the night, Cain gathered the empty plates to return to the kitchen. Calanthe helped stack the cups. Callum stretched and yawned. "I'm going to sleep like a rock," the young man murmured contentedly. "Haven't been this full in a while."
"I'm glad," Cain said. "You two head on up. I'll be along shortly."
They bid each other goodnight with warm smiles. Calanthe even gave Cain a quick, impulsive hug – a gesture that nearly startled him before he returned it gently. Callum slapped Cain's shoulder affectionately. Then the twins ascended the narrow stairs to their adjoining rooms on the second floor.
Cain handed off the dishes with thanks to the inn's cook, then stepped outside the back door of the inn for a moment. The night air was cool and fresh. Above, the stars blanketed the Temerian sky, and a waning moon cast silver light across the courtyard. Cain took a deep breath, his enhanced Witcher senses picking up the distant chirp of crickets and the faint smoke from the inn's chimney.
A familiar subtle ding sounded in his head. He focused, causing the translucent text to flicker into view:
> [Skill Up: Cooking: Novice – Intermediate]
[Permanent Stat Buff Gained: Charisma +1]
Cain huffed a quiet laugh of surprise. It seemed even a heartfelt home-cooked meal could please the strange entity that governed his progress. He certainly felt a boost – whether from the system or just the confidence that the twins' forgiveness gave him, he couldn't be sure. Maybe I'll start calling myself the Gourmand Witcher, he mused wryly, imagining the teasing Vesemir would give if he knew Cain was leveling up by cooking dinner.
He dismissed the glowing text and headed back inside, up to his own small room. It was modest: just a bed, wash basin, and a rickety desk. A single candle flickered on the nightstand, casting long shadows. Cain closed the door and slid the bolt, ensuring privacy. Then he let out a long breath and sat on the edge of the bed.
This was likely their last night in Brocheur. Tomorrow, preparation and packing; the day after, they'd set out eastward at dawn. He felt a familiar mix of eagerness and apprehension before a journey. Only now, he also felt something else: capability. The past week had not only mended bonds, it had made him stronger in tangible ways. He was aware of it in his bones and blood—the incremental leveling of his skills, the slight heightened awareness from that stat increase, and the anticipation of even greater growth to come.
"Time to take stock," Cain murmured to himself. With a thought, he summoned his Status screen.
A translucent panel of light hovered in front of him, filled with rows of text and numbers only he could see. Cain's steel-gray eyes scanned the details:
Name: Cain
Race: Half-Elf (Mutated)
Class: Witcher – School of the Wolf
Bloodline: Elder Blood – Locked?
Age: 17
Titles: Twin Blade, Campfire Chef
Attributes Stat Value Notes
Strength-18
Dexterity-16
Constitution-16
Intelligence-13
Wisdom-12
Charisma-15
Luck (Divine) Variable – Divine Trait Active
State Points: 3
Abilities and Traits
Reflex Trigger (Passive): Instinctive dodge chance vs. ambush: +5%
Observer's Instinct: Spot enemy weaknesses faster in live combat (+3% exploitation rate)
Brothers on the Path (Passive – Rare): Bonus training stats with Callum nearby
Dreamwalker (Passive ): Tied to Elder Blood; grants access to ancestral memory
Bond Skill Twin Tempo: (Tier 2)
Mutation Sync (Passive - Low): Mutation efficiency + resistance to side effects: +12% bonus
Reflex Trigger (Passive): Auto-dodge +5% chance from unseen attacks.
Cold-Blooded (Passive – Intermediate): Stay calm under pressure. Immune to panic or fear effects.
Skills
Swordsmanship Lv. Intermediate
Signs: (Advance)
Alchemy: (Intermediate)
Cooking: (Intermediate
Equipment:
Elven Blade (Moon Touched)
Elven Mantle
Witcher's Steel Sword
Witcher's Silver Sword
Leather Armor (Reinforced)
Witcher Medallion (WolfSchool)
Potion of Swallow x2,
Oils (Necrophage, Specter),
Bombs (Grapeshot x3)
Unopened Quest Reward Chests
Normal (x1)
Uncommon (x1)
Rare (x4)
Currency:1330 (Crowns),470(Orens)