The Witcher: Chimera Part 2, 2077
Chapter 3: Monstrous Mayhem All Around
…
Judy Alvarez sat cross-legged on the edge of the motel bed, her hand clutching her phone tightly as she stared at the notification that had just come through. She reread it, her heart pounding in her chest.
…
Veylan:
I'm on my way. ETA: One minute. Don't worry, you won't owe me a thing. If I can help Evelyne, that will be reward enough.
…
She glanced at the time. Less than twenty-five minutes had passed since she sent her message, a desperate plea for help. She'd expected hours, maybe even days before he responded. But twenty-five minutes? And now, somehow, he was already outside the motel?
"Damn," she muttered, running a hand through her hair. "Guy moves fast."
She looked over at Evelyne, who was curled up on the bed, her frail body trembling under the thin blanket. Her once-vibrant eyes were dull, and she flinched at every sound, her breaths shallow and erratic. Evelyne had barely said a word in days, her mind caught in a loop of terror and confusion, fractured by the trauma of what had been done to her.
Judy's stomach twisted as she gently reached out, placing a hand on Evelyne's shoulder. "Hey, Eves… I've got someone coming. Someone who might be able to help."
Evelyne didn't respond, her vacant gaze fixed on the wall.
Judy exhaled sharply, standing up and pacing the room. She felt helpless—something she hated more than anything. Despite her skills, her tech, her connections, nothing she'd tried had been able to bring Evelyne back from the brink. And now she was placing all her hope in a man she barely knew, someone who could supposedly work miracles.
Her phone buzzed again, and she glanced at it.
…
Veylan:
Outside.
…
Judy hurried to the door, her heart pounding.
The hum of Veylan's bike engine was faint but unmistakable, its sleek black and silver frame gleaming under the flickering neon of the motel's sign. As Judy stepped outside, the cold night air bit at her skin, but she barely noticed. Her eyes were locked on the figure dismounting the bike.
Veylan moved with a calm, deliberate grace, his swords glinting faintly under the light. His glowing golden-green eyes met hers, and she felt a strange mix of relief and awe. There was something about him, something that made her believe, just for a moment, that everything might actually be okay.
"Judy," he said, his voice steady but kind. "You're holding up?"
She nodded quickly, though the tension in her shoulders betrayed her unease. "Yeah. I mean… I guess. It's just… Evelyne's not in a good place. She's…" Judy trailed off, struggling to find the right words.
Veylan stepped closer, his presence oddly reassuring. "It's alright," he said. "You don't need to explain. I'll see what I can do."
Judy hesitated for a moment before stepping aside and motioning toward the door. "She's inside. Just… don't take it personally if she doesn't react much. She's been… through hell."
Veylan nodded, his expression unreadable, and stepped into the room.
The air inside was heavy, a stifling mix of despair and lingering fear. Evelyne lay on the bed, her fragile form barely stirring as Veylan approached. His glowing eyes softened as he took in her condition.
Judy stood near the door, her arms crossed tightly over her chest. "She's been like this for days," she said quietly. "She barely eats, barely sleeps. When she does, she wakes up screaming. Whatever they did to her…" Judy's voice faltered, her throat tightening.
Veylan glanced back at her, his gaze steady. "I understand."
He knelt beside the bed, his movements slow and deliberate, and placed a hand gently on Evelyne's arm. She flinched slightly but didn't pull away.
"Evelyne," Veylan said softly, his voice carrying a soothing resonance. "You're safe. I'm here to help."
She didn't respond, her eyes flickering briefly but remaining unfocused.
Veylan inhaled deeply, centering himself, and raised his free hand. The glowing green symbol of Axii began to form in the air, its light casting faint shadows across the room. The symbol pulsed as Veylan channeled its energy, gently weaving it into Evelyne's mind.
Judy watched in stunned silence as the tension in Evelyne's body began to ease. Her breathing steadied, and her trembling subsided.
As Evelyne's mind stabilized, Veylan reached out with his Marr powers, his focus sharp. To Judy, it looked as though he was plucking something invisible from the air above Evelyne's head. But when he pulled his hand back, she gasped.
A shadowy, worm-like form writhed in his grip, its movements erratic and unnatural. The thing let out a faint, high-pitched screech as Veylan held it up, his expression calm but carrying a seriousness.
"What the hell is that?" Judy whispered, her eyes wide.
"Her trauma," Veylan said simply. "Her nightmares, given form."
Before Judy could respond, Veylan brought the wriggling shadow to his mouth and consumed it, the dark energy dissipating as he absorbed it. He exhaled slowly, his eyes flickering briefly before returning to normal.
Evelyne let out a soft sigh, her body relaxing completely. For the first time in days, her expression was peaceful, her breathing steady and calm.
Judy's hand flew to her mouth as tears welled in her eyes. "Oh my god… you actually did it."
Veylan stood, his gaze still fixed on Evelyne. "Her mind is stable now. She'll need time to recover fully, but the worst of it is gone."
Judy stepped forward, tears streaming down her face. "Thank you. I… I don't even know how to thank you."
Veylan turned to her, offering a faint smile. "You don't need to. Helping her is enough."
Judy wiped her eyes, still struggling to process what she had just witnessed. "You're… incredible. I don't know how you do it, but… thank you."
Veylan nodded, glancing back at Evelyne one last time. "Take care of her. She's been through more than most could handle."
Judy nodded, her gratitude clear. "I will. I promise."
As Veylan stepped back outside, the weight of the day settled over him, but there was a small sense of satisfaction. Evelyne would heal, and for now, that was enough.
Shade's voice chimed in his ear as he mounted his bike. "Next destination: Badlands. Estimated travel time: 45 minutes."
Veylan revved the engine, the hum of the bike filling the quiet street. A long night awaited him, but he wouldn't stop. Not now. Not ever.
…
Saul leaned against the hood of a dusty Nomad truck, his arms crossed, while Panam paced nearby, her boots crunching against the sand. The arid heat of the Badlands was relentless, but their attention was fixed on the video call from Veylan, displayed on the holo-screen of Saul's wrist device.
"This is serious," Veylan's calm, steady voice came through the line. His glowing green eyes reflected the dim light of the bike's dashboard as he explained the grim reality. "An alghoul isn't something you underestimate. It's a type of necrophage, feeds on the dead. It's strong, fast, and smart enough to use pack tactics."
Panam stopped pacing, her eyes narrowing. "Pack tactics? You're saying there's more than one of these things?"
Veylan's gaze didn't waver. "Always. Alghouls hunt in groups. If you've seen one, it means the rest aren't far behind."
Saul sighed, his expression grim. "That's just perfect. And I'm guessing bullets won't exactly put them down easy, will they?"
"Not unless they're silver-tipped," Veylan replied. "Or coated with something alchemical that disrupts their regenerative properties. Even then, it takes precision. You shoot to wound, and they'll heal if you don't finish them quickly."
"Great," Panam muttered, rubbing her temples. "So, what's the plan?"
"I'm on my way to meet you now," Veylan said, his voice steady despite the ominous nature of the conversation. "But you need to prepare for a full pack. I'll need silver weapons, alchemical supplies if you have them, and a defensible position."
Saul frowned. "And if we don't have all that?"
"Then stay out of my way since it'll get messy," Veylan said bluntly.
As Veylan continued to outline the plan, a sudden, unearthly screech cut through the line, loud enough to make both Saul and Panam flinch. Through the holo-screen, they saw Veylan glance sharply to the side, his glowing eyes narrowing.
"What the hell was that?" Panam demanded, leaning closer to the screen.
Veylan's voice was tense but controlled. "They've found me."
The video feed jostled violently as Veylan swerved his bike, the camera catching brief glimpses of dark, grotesque shapes darting out of the shadows along the roadside. Another screech echoed, followed by a roaring snarl that sent chills down Saul's spine.
"Shit," Panam hissed, her hand reflexively reaching for her pistol. "He's under attack."
The feed steadied just long enough to show Veylan leaping off his bike in a fluid motion, his silver sword flashing in the moonlight as he unsheathed it in a single, practiced motion. The glowing runes on the blade pulsed faintly as he turned to face the oncoming pack.
Saul and Panam could see the first alghoul clearly now, a hulking, pale creature with jagged spines and glowing red eyes, its claws tearing into the dirt as it charged. Behind it, more figures moved in the darkness, their snarls echoing like a chorus of death.
"Stay on the line!" Panam shouted. "We're on our way!"
Veylan didn't respond immediately. Instead, the feed captured him raising his hand, casting Igni with a precise flick of his wrist. A torrent of flame burst forth, engulfing two Alghouls in fire. Their screeches turned to howls of pain as they staggered back, their charred bodies collapsing into heaps.
Another alghoul lunged at him from the side, but Veylan's reflexes were razor-sharp. He spun, casting Yrden, a glowing, purple trap circle that slowed the creature's movements to a crawl. Before it could react, he plunged his silver sword into its chest, ending its life in one swift motion.
Saul and Panam could only watch in stunned silence as Veylan continued to fight. The holo-screen showed him surrounded now, at least five Alghouls circling like wolves around prey. One leapt at him, its claws swiping down in a deadly arc.
Before the strike could land, a shimmering bubble of golden light formed around Veylan, a powerful Quen shield. The Alghoul's claws raked against the barrier, sending ripples of energy across its surface, but Veylan stood unharmed.
The shield burst outward with a flash, staggering the creature long enough for Veylan to step forward and lop its head clean off.
The camera angle shifted as Veylan pressed a button on his bike, activating its mounted lights to illuminate the battlefield. The light revealed the full pack, at least fourteen alghouls, their spines bristling and their glowing eyes fixed on Veylan.
Panam's voice crackled through the line. "Veylan, we're almost there! Hold on!"
Veylan's expression remained calm, though his breathing was heavier now. "I'm not going anywhere."
He cast another Yrden, slowing a cluster of the Alghouls before casting Igni again, flames roaring to life and consuming several of the creatures. One alghoul managed to break through his defenses, lunging at him from behind, but Veylan pivoted with inhuman speed, his blade severing its head with a single strike.
As Saul and Panam's truck roared onto the scene, the chaos was apparent in the carnage. The bodies of several Alghouls littered the ground, their blackened forms steaming in the cool night air. Veylan stood in the center of the carnage, his silver sword glinting with dark blood, the runes along its length still glowing faintly.
But there were still five Alghouls left, circling him cautiously now, their snarls filled with hesitation.
Panam jumped out of the truck, rifle in hand. "Looks like you've been busy!"
Veylan smirked faintly, not taking his eyes off the remaining Alghouls. "You're late."
Saul climbed out as well, gripping his shotgun. "You handled all this on your own?"
"They're not all dead yet," Veylan replied, his tone calm but serious. "Stay sharp. These last ones are the smart ones."
As the group prepared to finish the fight, Panam couldn't help but glance at Veylan with a mix of awe and disbelief. Whatever he was, wherever he'd come from… he was unlike anyone she'd ever met.
And as they moved to face the remaining Alghouls together, she realized they were going to need him more than ever.
The battle continued in a whirlwind of chaos, blood, and snarls as the last five alghouls darted around the convoy. Their glowing red eyes gleamed with cunning, and their movements were erratic, making them hard targets.
Panam crouched behind the open door of the truck, her rifle aimed at the nearest alghoul. The creature charged her, its jagged claws scraping against the metal of the truck as it lunged. She fired once, the bullet piercing its shoulder. It staggered but didn't stop.
"Damn it!" she hissed, pulling the trigger again. This time, the round hit it square in the chest, but still, it didn't fall.
The alghoul snarled, pushing through the pain as it continued to advance. Panam gritted her teeth and fired a third shot, this one tearing through its torso and severing its spine. The creature collapsed with a heavy thud, its glowing eyes flickering as it died.
She exhaled sharply, her heart pounding, but there was no time to celebrate.
Two alghouls broke away from the pack, darting toward the convoy. One targeted Saul, its powerful legs propelling it forward with terrifying speed.
"Saul! Look out!" Panam shouted, her rifle already swinging around to aim at the second one.
Saul turned just in time to see the alghoul leaping at him, its claws outstretched. He raised his shotgun, the barrel trembling as he fired. The blast hit the creature in the chest, but it wasn't enough to stop it.
It landed mere feet from him, crouched low and ready to pounce again. Saul pumped his shotgun, the sound echoing through the night, and fired a second shot, this time hitting the alghoul square in the head. Its skull shattered, and its lifeless body crumpled to the ground, inches away from Saul's boots.
He stumbled back, his breathing ragged. "That was too close."
As Panam tracked the second alghoul with her rifle, the creature zigzagged unpredictably, dodging her shots with an almost eerie intelligence. She fired twice but missed both times, her frustration mounting.
"Stay still, you ugly bastard!" she growled, lining up another shot.
But she never got the chance to fire.
A low, guttural growl came from behind her, sending a chill down her spine. She spun around, her eyes widening as the last alghoul lunged at her, its claws raised and its glowing red eyes locked onto hers.
There was no time to aim, no time to react. She braced herself, her mind racing as she prepared for the impact.
But then-.
In a blur of red and black mist, Veylan materialized behind the alghoul, his form twisting into something primal. His glowing golden-green eyes were now blood-red, his fangs bared in a snarl, and his face contorted into something beastly. His fingers had elongated into razor-sharp claws, and his entire presence radiated an aura of raw, predatory power.
The alghoul didn't even have time to react.
With a guttural roar, Veylan grabbed the creature by its torso, his claws sinking into its pale, spiny flesh. He growled, his voice deep and unrecognizable, before using inhuman strength to tear the creature apart.
Panam watched in stunned horror and awe as Veylan ripped the alghoul in half, splitting it down the middle. Blood and viscera splattered across the ground as the two halves of the creature fell lifelessly at his feet.
The mist around him dissipated as quickly as it had formed, and Veylan's form began to shift back to normal. His claws receded, his eyes faded from red to their usual glowing golden-green, and his fangs disappeared. He straightened, his breath steady despite the ferocity of what he'd just done.
Panam stared at him, her rifle hanging loosely at her side. "What… the actual fuck… was that?"
Saul approached cautiously, his shotgun still in hand. "I think we just saw something straight out of a nightmare."
Veylan turned to face them, his expression calm but tired. "It's… part of what I am," he said, his voice quieter now. "I don't use it often. Only when I have to."
Panam blinked, still processing what she'd just witnessed. "You tore that thing apart. With your bare hands."
"It was necessary," Veylan replied simply, sheathing his silver sword. He glanced at the corpses of the alghouls scattered around them, his expression grim. "Where there's one pack, there could be more. We need to stay vigilant."
Saul shook his head, exhaling sharply. "I don't know what kind of world you came from, but… damn. Remind me never to piss you off."
Veylan smirked faintly, his sharp features softening slightly. "Don't worry. I'm on your side."
Panam finally lowered her rifle, her heart still racing. "Good. Because if more of those things show up… we're gonna need you."
…
Fifteen minutes had passed, and the atmosphere around the nomad convoy was tense, a mixture of unease and grim determination. The corpses of the alghouls lay in disarray, their grotesque forms attracting wary glances from both nomads and the NCPD officers who had arrived to coordinate the cleanup. The flickering lights of police drones cast eerie shadows over the scene as Veylan, Panam, and Saul stood near the trucks, discussing the implications of what had just happened.
Veylan knelt beside one of the corpses, his glowing eyes scanning the creature with a clinical precision. He used a silver dagger to carefully remove one of its claws, holding it up to the light.
"Don't just incinerate all of them," Veylan said firmly, addressing the officers who were standing nearby, armed and visibly unnerved. "There are useful components here—claws, teeth, even their blood. But handle it carefully. Their bodies often carry diseases, and their blood is toxic if it gets into an open wound."
One of the officers nodded but hesitated. "You're saying we can actually use this stuff?"
Veylan stood, tucking the claw into a pouch on his belt. "In my world, yes. Alghoul parts are ingredients for potions, oils, and traps, tools to fight other monsters. If I'm going to deal with what's coming, I'll need them."
The officer exchanged a skeptical glance with his partner but didn't argue. The situation was already far beyond anything they'd trained for.
Saul crossed his arms. "You're saying there's more of these things out there?"
Veylan turned to face him, his expression grim. "Yes. Alghouls are just the beginning."
Panam leaned against the truck, arms crossed, her expression both frustrated and concerned. "So what's the deal, Veylan? Why are these things showing up here? They're not exactly subtle."
Veylan exhaled, his hand resting on the hilt of his silver sword. "Because the barriers between worlds are weakening. I told you about the Conjunction of the Spheres, an event in my world where multiple dimensions collided, allowing monsters, magic, and even humans to cross between them."
He gestured toward the alghoul bodies. "If these made their way here, it means something similar is happening now. Travel between my world and yours is possible, and that means worse things could follow."
Saul's jaw tightened. "Worse than these? You mean there are things out there that make these look tame?"
"Much worse," Veylan said simply. "Griffins, fiends, leshens… even dragons. And that's just the creatures. There are also wraiths, specters, and curses, things that can't be killed with bullets or blades."
Panam let out a low whistle. "Great. So we're not just dealing with one nightmare, but the possibility of a full-blown invasion?"
Veylan's gaze didn't waver. "Not yet. But if we don't act, it could spiral out of control."
One of the NCPD sergeants approached, his face pale but determined. "We've started bagging and tagging the bodies, per your instructions. What do you want us to do with them once we're done?"
"Burn them," Veylan said without hesitation. "But do it safely. Don't let the smoke drift into populated areas, it's toxic. And keep the ash contained."
The sergeant nodded, jotting down notes on a datapad. "Understood."
Veylan turned to the gathered nomads and officers, his voice carrying a weight that demanded attention. "From now on, you need to keep your eyes open. If these alghouls made their way here, it means the veil between worlds is weak. Other creatures could slip through. Worse creatures. Imagine a creature with the strength of ten alghouls, the intelligence of a human, and the ability to disappear into the shadows. Or a monster that can curse an entire village just by being near it. Those are the kinds of things we could be dealing with."
Saul ran a hand through his hair, his frustration evident. "So what do we do? We're not exactly equipped to fight things like this."
Veylan's expression softened slightly. "You don't fight them. That's my job. But you can help by staying vigilant. Report anything strange, tracks, sounds, missing livestock, people acting… off. The sooner we know, the better chance we have of stopping it."
Panam nodded slowly, her jaw set. "Alright. But if this gets worse, we're going to need more than just you."
Veylan smirked faintly. "Let's hope it doesn't come to that."
The distant sound of police sirens filled the air as more NCPD units arrived to secure the area. Veylan glanced at the horizon, the neon glow of Night City visible in the distance. He could feel it, a sense of unease, of something bigger looming just out of sight.
…
As the nomads and NCPD continued packing up the remains of the alghouls, the atmosphere remained tense. The strange creatures, their toxic blood, and the knowledge that worse could come had everyone on edge. Saul stood near his truck, scrolling through updates on his datapad, when a new notification pinged. His eyes widened in surprise as he read it, his expression shifting from confusion to alarm.
"Panam," Saul called out, his tone sharp. "Get over here. You need to see this."
Panam, standing a few feet away and overseeing the loading of the alghoul bodies, walked over, wiping sweat from her brow. "What now?" she asked, leaning in to glance at the screen.
Saul tapped the message, and an image expanded. It showed a monolithic stone structure, jagged and ancient, partially embedded in the ground near a cluster of rocks. Its surface was covered in faint, glowing runes, and in the center of a hollowed circle, a symbol of fire burned and flickered, defying the laws of physics. The air around it seemed to shimmer, as though radiating intense heat or energy.
"What the hell is that?" Panam murmured, her voice hushed.
"I don't know," Saul replied. "But it wasn't there before. My guys swear it just… appeared."
Veylan overheard the conversation and turned sharply toward them. "What did you find?" he asked, striding over.
Saul handed him the datapad, and Veylan's eyes narrowed as he studied the image. The glow from his eyes intensified, and a faint tension rippled through his body.
"It's a monolith shard," he said, his voice low but urgent. "A place of power." He looked at Saul and Panam, his tone serious. "Where is this?"
Panam raised an eyebrow. "You know what that is?"
"I do," Veylan replied. "And it's not supposed to be here."
Veylan took a deep breath, his gaze flicking between Saul, Panam, and the NCPD sergeant who had walked over to join the conversation. "In my world, these monoliths, places of power—are ancient. They're conduits for magical energy, tied to the fabric of reality itself. When you find one, it's saturated with magic. That symbol you see in the center?" He gestured to the image. "It's a rune, representing the energy it's connected to, fire, in this case."
Panam frowned. "Okay… but why is it here? This isn't exactly your world."
Veylan's jaw tightened. "No, it's not. But its presence means the barriers between our worlds are breaking down. This shard must have slipped through when the alghouls crossed over. Or worse… it might be why they came through in the first place."
The sergeant looked uneasy. "So, what does it do?"
"It amplifies magic," Veylan said. "Anyone who knows how to use it can draw power from it. But if it's left unchecked, it could destabilize this area, pull more creatures through, or even start affecting the people who live nearby. These things radiate magic, it seeps into everything."
Saul crossed his arms. "So, we can't just leave it there."
"No," Veylan agreed. "We can't."
Veylan turned to Saul and Panam. "You said your men found this near some rocks. How far from here?"
"About five clicks southeast," Saul said. "Not far, but off the main road. The area's pretty remote."
"Good," Veylan replied. "That means fewer people have been exposed to it. I need you to take me there."
Saul nodded, though his expression was skeptical. "Fine, but what's the plan? Are you gonna… I don't know, destroy it?"
Veylan shook his head. "Destroying it would release all the magic it's holding at once. That kind of energy surge would be catastrophic. I'll need to contain it, absorb the power or seal it."
Panam gave him a wary look. "And how exactly do you plan to do that?"
Veylan glanced at her, his expression unreadable. "I'm a Witcher. This is what I do."
Turning to the NCPD sergeant, Veylan spoke quickly. "I'll need your team to cordon off the area. No one goes near it except me. Anyone exposed to that much magic without preparation could suffer severe effects, paranoia, hallucinations, even madness."
The sergeant nodded, already issuing orders through his comms. "We'll lock it down."
…
Minutes later, the convoy of trucks, bikes, and NCPD vehicles moved southeast, following Saul's directions. The closer they got to the monolith, the more the air seemed to change. It was heavier, charged with an almost electrical energy. Even those without magical senses could feel it, a subtle but unsettling pressure, like the atmosphere before a storm.
When they finally reached the site, Veylan dismounted his bike, his glowing eyes fixed on the monolith. It was larger in person, towering over the surrounding rocks, its surface etched with ancient runes that pulsed faintly. The symbol of fire in the hollow burned brightly, casting flickering shadows across the ground.
Panam and Saul climbed out of their truck, both staring at the shard in uneasy silence. The NCPD officers began setting up a perimeter, their weapons drawn, though it was clear none of them knew what they were dealing with.
"Stay back," Veylan instructed, drawing his silver sword and stepping forward. The blade glinted in the light of the fire rune, its runes glowing faintly in response.
As Veylan approached the shard, he could feel the magic radiating from it, resonating with his own Elder Blood. He placed a hand on the hilt of his sword, his senses sharpening as he prepared to interact with the ancient power.
"This is going to take some time," he said, glancing back at Panam and Saul. "Keep an eye out. The magic might attract… unwanted attention."
Panam raised an eyebrow. "You mean more alghouls?"
"Or worse," Veylan replied grimly, his focus already shifting back to the monolith.
The air around him shimmered faintly as he began to channel his magic, the runes on his sword glowing brighter. Whatever was coming next, it would test him, and everyone around him.
Veylan stepped cautiously toward the monolith, his silver sword sheathed at his side and his eyes glowing with a faint golden-green light as he extended his senses toward the Place of Power. The intense energy radiating from the shard made his skin prickle and his Elder Blood hum with anticipation. He could feel the overwhelming fire magic coursing through the air, an ocean of power compressed into the ancient stone.
He placed a hand on the monolith, and the burning rune hovering in its hollow flared brightly in response. A wave of heat rolled out, and Veylan closed his eyes, steadying himself as he began to commune with the shard.
The dagger from O'Dimm hovered in the air beside him, its silvery-black blade glowing faintly as it helped stabilize the raw magic surging through the shard. Veylan extended his other hand, allowing the monolith's energy to flow into him. The fire magic was wild and untamed, roaring like an inferno in his mind, and it threatened to overwhelm him.
With deliberate focus, Veylan channeled the power, drawing it into himself. The runes on his silver and steel swords pulsed faintly next to him, reacting to the magic, but it was the dagger that bore the brunt of the strain. Its surface absorbed the excess energy, pulsing with a dark red glow.
His mastery of Igni began to deepen as the fire magic coursed through him. He could feel the flames becoming more responsive, more precise. The Sign, once a mere burst of fire, now felt like a natural extension of his will—something he could shape and manipulate with far greater control.
The rune in the monolith flickered, its glow beginning to fade. Veylan gritted his teeth, his muscles tensing as the final surge of power flowed into him. The dagger trembled in the air, its runes stabilizing the chaotic magic, and at last, the fiery symbol extinguished. The monolith stood dark and inert, its power spent.
Veylan exhaled deeply, his breath visible in the suddenly cool air as he turned to face Panam and Saul. "It's done," he began, his voice steady but strained. "The shard's power is gone. It's just-."
He stopped mid-sentence, his sharp eyes narrowing as he noticed something. The rocks around the monolith, ones that had seemed like part of the natural landscape, shifted slightly. A faint grinding sound echoed, like stone scraping against stone.
"Wait," Panam said, her voice low with tension. "Did… did those rocks just move?"
Saul stepped forward, shotgun in hand, his expression grim. "I don't like this."
Veylan's eyes widened as the rocks began to rise, aligning themselves into a massive, humanoid shape. Cracks and fissures in the stone glowed faintly with earthy green light as the creature fully formed, standing at least fifteen feet tall. Its glowing eyes burned like molten emeralds as it turned toward the group, the ground trembling with each step it took.
"Shit!" Veylan shouted, as everyone else backed up instinctively. "It's a fucking Earth Elemental!"
The creature raised one massive arm, the stone grinding ominously as it prepared to swipe at the nearby NCPD officers. They scrambled back, but it was clear they wouldn't make it in time.
Veylan's instincts kicked in. Without hesitation, he activated the Rock-Troll Marrow of his latent genes, his skin taking on a hard, stone-like texture. His body rippled with Fiend Strength, his muscles bulging as the alchemical infusion coursed through him. With a growl, he charged the elemental, his enhanced form propelling him forward at inhuman speed.
The elemental's arm came down in a devastating arc, but Veylan intercepted it, throwing his full weight into the attack. The impact was deafening, the clash of stone against stone sending shockwaves through the ground. The elemental staggered slightly but quickly recovered, its glowing eyes narrowing in what almost seemed like rage.
The NCPD officers opened fire, their bullets sparking harmlessly off the elemental's rocky hide. "This thing's pure stone?!" Panam yelled, firing her rifle. The bullets had no effect, bouncing off the creature's ancient, impenetrable form.
"It's not going down that easily!" Saul shouted, pumping his shotgun and firing at the creature's legs, hoping to destabilize it. The shots barely left a mark.
Veylan dodged another massive swing from the elemental, its fist slamming into the ground and sending chunks of rock flying. He leapt onto its arm, using his claws to grip the jagged stone as he climbed toward its head. The elemental roared, shaking violently in an attempt to dislodge him.
"Get clear!" Veylan shouted, his voice deep and commanding. "I'll handle this!"
Panam and Saul backed away, keeping their weapons trained on the creature but knowing their firepower was useless.
Reaching the creature's shoulder, Veylan used his enhanced strength to drive his fists into the glowing cracks along its form. The elemental howled in pain as chunks of stone broke away, revealing the pulsing green energy at its core. But the creature wasn't done—it reached up, grabbing Veylan and throwing him to the ground with a thunderous crash.
Veylan groaned, his stone-like skin absorbing most of the impact, and rolled to his feet just in time to avoid a massive stomp. He lunged forward, grabbing one of the creature's legs and using his Fiend Strength to topple it. The elemental fell with an earth-shaking thud, sending up a cloud of dust.
Before it could rise, Veylan leapt onto its chest, his claws glowing faintly as he began tearing into its core. The green light flared brighter, the elemental's struggles growing weaker as Veylan ripped away the stone surrounding its heart. With a final, savage roar, he plunged his hand into the glowing core, shattering it.
The elemental let out a deep, echoing groan as its body crumbled into a pile of inert rocks. The green light faded, leaving only silence.
Panam and Saul approached cautiously, their faces a mix of awe and disbelief. The NCPD officers lowered their weapons, staring at the pile of rubble that had once been a towering threat.
"Holy shit," Panam muttered, her voice shaky. "You just… ripped that thing apart."
Veylan stood, his skin returning to normal as the effects of the monster genes faded. He wiped the dust and grime from his hands, his breathing heavy but controlled. "It had to be done," he said simply.
Saul shook his head, still trying to process what he'd seen. "I don't know what's scarier, the fact that thing existed, or the fact you just beat it to death."
Veylan smirked faintly, sheathing his sword. "Get used to it. If these creatures are coming through, we're going to see a lot more nightmares like this."
Panam exhaled sharply, slinging her rifle over her shoulder. "Great. Just what we needed."
…
The battlefield had been cleared of threats, but what remained presented an entirely new challenge. The inert monolith, once pulsing with fire magic, now stood as nothing more than a dark, towering stone, its surface marked with ancient runes that had lost their glow. Nearby, the remains of the earth elemental lay scattered, a mixture of cracked, ancient rock and crystalline mineral formations, its once-molten core now nothing more than a dull, hardened husk.
Veylan stood among the wreckage, his hands on his hips as he surveyed the situation. Panam, Saul, and the NCPD officers who had remained behind were waiting for direction. They had handled corpses before, but a dead elemental and a monolith? That was completely outside their experience.
Saul ran a hand down his face. "So, uh… what exactly do we do with this thing?" he asked, motioning toward the lifeless monolith. "We can't just leave it here."
"No," Veylan agreed. "We can't. Monoliths are ancient structures, and even though this one's power is gone, its material composition alone makes it incredibly dangerous."
He turned to the NCPD officers. "This stone is not natural. Monoliths are formed from a blend of unknown minerals and magically-fused elements. Their core structure is hyper-dense—but fragile in the wrong circumstances. If you try to break it apart, it could shatter explosively."
One of the officers looked at him warily. "Explosively?"
"Yes. The residual magical compression in the stone means it's unstable when fractured. If even a small piece chips off in the wrong way, it could trigger a chain reaction, releasing whatever latent energy remains inside it."
Saul exhaled sharply. "So what's the best way to move it?"
Veylan knelt, running a hand over the monolith's surface. The stone felt cold, unnaturally so, despite its previous connection to fire magic. He tapped it lightly with his knuckle, there was a deep, almost metallic ring to it, like striking an iron anvil.
"We move it in one solid piece," he explained. "No cutting, no breaking. You'll need reinforced transport gear, hydraulic lifts to keep it stable, and it needs to be suspended so it doesn't grind against any surface. Even a hairline fracture could make it volatile. Wrap it in shock-absorbent materials and lock it into a containment frame."
Saul whistled, shaking his head. "That sounds like a hell of a job."
Veylan smirked. "Welcome to my world."
One of the NCPD officers nodded. "Alright, we'll call in a containment transport and have it moved to a secure facility."
"Good," Veylan said. "And make sure the Arasaka tech teams handling it know exactly what they're dealing with. I don't need some corpo scientist cracking this thing open and accidentally blowing up a lab."
Panam nudged a large chunk of earth elemental stone with her boot. "And what about this big bastard?"
Veylan turned his gaze toward the massive piles of cracked rock and hardened crystal that had once been the earth elemental's body. Unlike the alghouls, this wasn't organic decay—these remains were pure stone, infused with whatever essence had animated it before its death.
"This," Veylan said, crouching to examine the stone, "is incredibly valuable."
Saul raised an eyebrow. "For what? Making fancy countertops?"
Veylan chuckled. "Not quite. Elementals are composed of preternatural minerals—things that don't exist naturally in most worlds. This material is absurdly durable, highly resistant to heat, energy, and kinetic force. If refined properly, it could be used to reinforce armor, weapons, and even structural fortifications."
Panam blinked. "Wait. Are you saying we could use this stuff to make armor that's resistant to the kind of bullshit we just fought?"
Veylan nodded. "Exactly. Even in my world, elemental cores and remains are sought after for crafting protective gear and weapons. If you find the right metallurgist, you could incorporate these materials into something that could withstand more than just bullets."
One of the Arasaka techs who had arrived to assist with the cleanup walked over, taking careful readings of the elemental fragments with a high-tech scanner. The device beeped erratically as it tried to analyze the unknown material.
The tech looked up, visibly stunned. "This composition… It's not on any known periodic table. We're getting readings of elements that don't even exist in this world."
Veylan nodded after a moment of processing that. "That's an Earth-Elemental for yah. They're from a sphere that's completely alien."
As the last of the cleanup operations were underway, a sleek Arasaka transport vehicle pulled up, its tinted windows gleaming under the harsh desert sun. The doors opened smoothly, and Goro Takemura stepped out, his sharp eyes immediately taking in the battlefield, the charred alghoul corpses, the shattered elemental remains, and the massive, inert monolith being prepped for transport.
He approached the group, his expression as unreadable as ever. "Veylan," he greeted, nodding toward the Witcher. "It seems you have been… busy."
Veylan exhaled, crossing his arms. "Yeah. You could say that."
Takemura's gaze flickered to the monolith. "Arasaka will take over transportation of the stone. I have already arranged for specialists to ensure it is moved safely."
Veylan nodded. "Good. I don't want some corporate scientist thinking they can crack it open and poke around. If this thing destabilizes, it could take out an entire block."
Takemura glanced at the earth elemental remains. "And these?"
"They stay with the nomads," Veylan said after a moment of thought. "They fought for their survival, and this material could give them a fighting chance if more of these things come through."
Saul stiffened, clearly not expecting Veylan to negotiate on their behalf. Takemura studied him for a moment before giving a slow, measured nod.
"Very well," Takemura said. "We will study a portion of the material to understand its properties. The rest will remain in your possession."
Saul exhaled in relief, giving Veylan a grateful look. "Guess we owe you one."
Veylan smirked. "Just be careful with it. And if you need help forging something out of it, I can probably help."
Panam nudged Saul. "I told you he wasn't a bad guy."
Saul scoffed but didn't argue.
As the cleanup teams worked, Takemura turned back to Veylan. "You have handled this situation… admirably. You have earned a measure of trust. Arasaka will continue to honor your conditions, but I hope you understand that as long as these threats persist, our interest in your expertise will only grow."
Veylan smirked faintly. "I expected nothing less."
Takemura inclined his head. "Then we shall see what the future holds."
As the Arasaka transport lifted off with the monolith secured, and the nomads prepared to haul the earth elemental remains, Veylan finally allowed himself a brief moment to breathe.
…
Veylan spent the rest of the day working alongside the Nomads, guiding them through the process of forging tools and gear from the Earth Elemental remains. The ancient materials, infused with mystical properties, proved to be far more versatile than they had initially realized.
The first project was creating specialized bullets. Using the refined crystalline cores of the Earth Elemental, the Nomads developed rounds that could pierce through the densest materials, including heavy armor and reinforced walls. During testing, the bullets easily penetrated through three inches of steel, leaving clean holes without deforming.
"Looks like we're not just dealing with normal rock here," Saul said, watching in awe as the test rounds fired perfectly.
Veylan nodded. "It's elemental stone. It remembers the magic that once animated it. That memory can be destructive if harnessed correctly."
…
The next item crafted was a set of combat knives, forged from the elemental's hardened crystalline veins. The knives had a jagged but sleek appearance, and their edges glowed faintly with residual magical energy. During testing, one of the knives sliced through a two-inch steel plate as if it were paper.
Panam grinned as she tested one of the knives. "This could come in handy if we run into another one of those bastards."
Veylan smirked. "Just don't try to use it on something it can't handle. Elementals are tough, but they're not invincible."
Using the heartstone of the Earth Elemental, the Nomads forged a few swords with exceptional balance and durability. The blades were adorned with glowing runic engravings that seemed to pulse faintly when held. They were surprisingly light for their size, yet capable of withstanding immense pressure.
"These swords feel alive," one of the Nomads remarked, holding a finished blade.
Veylan nodded, his golden-green eyes flickering as he examined the craftsmanship. "In a way, they are. The stone remembers its origin. Use it wisely."
The Nomads' tech experts worked tirelessly to integrate the elemental stone into several sets of combat armor. The plating, crafted from the refined stone, was resistant to heat, shockwaves, and even high-caliber bullets. When testing the suits, one set stopped a .50 caliber round at point-blank range without so much as a dent.
"Holy shit," Saul muttered, running a hand over the armor after the test. "This stuff's indestructible."
Veylan chuckled softly. "Not indestructible, but close. The elemental stone is unique—it absorbs and redirects energy. That's why it works so well with your tech."
The Nomads discovered that the glowing veins in the stone could interface with their armor systems, enhancing energy dispersion and even allowing for limited energy storage. The armor suits, now fully equipped, were a fusion of ancient power and modern ingenuity.
Saul tried on one of the finished sets, the heavy armor fitting snugly yet offering full mobility. "Feels like I'm wearing a tank."
"You are," Panam said with a grin. "And it looks damn good on you."
As the Nomads continued to refine the equipment, Veylan leaned against a nearby table, observing their progress. He couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction—these people had taken a threat from his world and turned it into something that could help them survive.
"Veylan," Saul called, walking over in his new armor. "You didn't have to stick around, you know. This is a lot of time and effort for people you just met."
Veylan shrugged. "Your people fought for their lives. The least I can do is help them prepare for whatever comes next."
Panam approached, crossing her arms. "And what do you think comes next?"
Veylan's gaze shifted toward the horizon, his expression unreadable. "If the Alghouls and the Earth Elemental made it here… there will be more. Worse things."
He seemed to pause for a moment. "Especially if those crones find their way here…"
Saul and Panam exchanged a glance, their unease evident.
"Then we'd better be ready in case if these… 'Crones' show up."
Veylan smirked faintly, standing up. "That's the spirit."
…
As Veylan rode through the neon-lit streets of Night City on his sleek black-and-silver bike, Shade's calm voice echoed through the onboard AI system.
"Message received from Judy Alvarez," Shade informed him. "Evelyne is awake and stable. She seems… eager to see you."
Veylan glanced at the city skyline, its glowing advertisements and relentless chaos a sharp contrast to the wilderness he'd just left. "Good," he muttered. "Send her this message for me."
Shade processed his request as Veylan began to speak.
…
To Judy and Evelyne:
Judy,
Glad to hear Evelyne's doing better. I'm on my way back to the city now. Should be there soon to check on her, make sure everything's holding steady.
Evelyne,
I know things have been rough, but I hope you're feeling more like yourself now. The worst is behind you. If there's anything else I can do to help, don't hesitate to let me know. For now, just focus on recovering. I'll explain whatever you want about my world when I see you. Trust me, monsters, magic, and gods are only the beginning.
Veylan
…
Shade sent the message, its delivery confirmed moments later.
"Message delivered," the AI confirmed. "Judy has replied: 'Don't take too long. She's already flipping through articles about you like a fangirl.'"
Veylan chuckled under his breath. "Well, she's in for a story or two."
As he rode toward Judy's location, Evelyne sat in her modest room, scrolling through the flood of Night City news that had followed Veylan's arrival. Reports of his confrontation with cyberpsychos, the Nomad collaboration, and even grainy footage of him pulling trauma, wriggling, shadowy nightmares, out of people's heads filled the feeds.
When Judy entered, Evelyne looked up, her excitement evident. "He's… incredible, isn't he?"
Judy smirked, leaning against the doorframe. "Told you he's not like anyone else. He's not just a guy outta his element; he's outta this world."
Evelyne laughed softly, shaking her head. "Literal magic. I mean, what are the odds? And those monsters he talks about… they're real?"
Judy nodded. "Every word. You'll see for yourself soon enough."
Evelyne smiled faintly, her excitement tempered by a sense of gratitude. "I can't wait to thank him. What he did… it feels like I can breathe again. No more nightmares. It's like he pulled me back from the edge."
Judy gave her a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "He's got a knack for that. Just wait, he's full of surprises."
Outside, the sound of a motorcycle echoed down the street. Evelyne's heart skipped a beat. Veylan had arrived.
Veylan stepped into the modest motel room, his presence almost immediately filling the space with a calm yet commanding air. In his hands were a few takeout bags from some of Night City's better-known food joints, noodles, pizza, and a few other snacks he'd been recommended on the way.
Judy glanced up from where she sat on the edge of the bed, smiling faintly. "Look who finally decided to show up."
Evelyne was sitting upright, her posture more relaxed than Judy had seen in weeks. Her eyes lit up as she spotted Veylan. "You came," she said, her voice carrying a mix of excitement and gratitude.
Veylan smirked faintly, setting the food on the table. "Of course. I wanted to see how you were holding up." He turned toward Evelyne, his golden-green eyes flickering briefly with a reassuring glow. "How are you feeling?"
Evelyne took a deep breath, as though testing her own mind for instability. "Better. A lot better. It's like… like I'm finally me again. I can think clearly, no nightmares, no echoes of-." She stopped herself, shaking her head. "I don't know how to thank you."
"You don't need to," Veylan said simply, pulling a chair over to sit closer to her. "Your recovery is thanks enough."
Judy chimed in, glancing at the takeout. "And here I thought you were all swords and magic. Didn't peg you for someone who'd bring lunch."
Veylan chuckled. "Figured I'd try something new. Never had noodles or pizza before." He gestured to the food. "Thought it'd be a good excuse to sit and talk."
Evelyne smiled, picking at one of the takeout containers. "You've never had pizza?"
"No," Veylan admitted. "Closest thing we have back home is flatbread with toppings. But that's usually just for festivals."
Judy snorted. "You're in for a treat, then."
They settled into the food, the casual act of eating together breaking down any lingering tension in the room. Veylan fumbled a bit with the noodles at first, earning a few amused laughs from Judy and Evelyne, but he caught on quickly.
After a few bites, Evelyne couldn't help but ask, "So… magic. Is it really as powerful as it looks? I mean, I've read so much about what you've done since you got here, and it just seems… unreal."
Veylan wiped his hands on a napkin, leaning back slightly. "Magic isn't just powerful—it's pervasive. In my world, it's in everything. It shapes the land, creates monsters, and even influences people's fates. But it's also dangerous. Mishandle it, and it can destroy just as easily as it can heal."
Evelyne nodded slowly, absorbing his words. "And the monsters? You've fought them, right?"
Veylan's expression darkened slightly. "More than I'd like to count. Monsters are as varied as people, some are mindless beasts, others are cunning and cruel. And some… some are born of curses or twisted magic." He hesitated for a moment, then continued. "Which brings me to something I wanted to tell you both."
Judy and Evelyne exchanged glances before looking back at him.
"When I was out in the Badlands," Veylan began, his tone serious, "we found more than just a few displaced monsters. There was a monolith, a magical artifact from my world. And where there's one, there could be more. Magic is finding its way into this world, and with it, the things it creates, good and bad."
Judy frowned. "You're saying this isn't just a one-off thing? Like, this could get worse?"
Veylan nodded. "It's possible. Magical items and creatures have a way of destabilizing the balance of a place. They don't belong here, and this world doesn't know how to handle them. That's why I need you to keep your eyes and ears open for anything unusual, anything that feels off."
Evelyne leaned forward slightly, her curiosity piqued. "Like what?"
"Strange noises, odd weather patterns, sudden appearances of things that shouldn't exist," Veylan listed. "And one more thing, be careful with your words. In my world, magic has a way of latching onto intent. If you curse someone, even jokingly, it could take root if the magic finds a way to act on it. Just… something to keep in mind."
Judy let out a low whistle. "That's a lot to take in."
"It is," Veylan agreed. "But better to know now than to be caught off guard later."
Evelyne smiled faintly. "You've been through so much, haven't you?"
Veylan shrugged, taking another bite of pizza. "Comes with the territory. But I've learned one thing: it's better to face these things head-on than to let them fester."
As they continued talking, Evelyne grew more at ease, asking about his world, the creatures he'd fought, and the magic he wielded. Judy listened closely, occasionally throwing in her own questions, but mostly letting Evelyne take the lead.
By the time the meal was finished, Evelyne's face was brighter, her spirits lifted. Veylan stood to leave, giving her a reassuring nod.
"Keep resting," he said. "You've come a long way, but there's still more to recover from. If you need me, you know how to reach me."
Evelyne smiled. "Thank you, Veylan. For everything."
Judy walked him to the door, her expression thoughtful. "You're a good guy, you know that?"
Veylan smirked faintly. "Don't let it get around. Ruins the mystique."
As he stepped outside and mounted his bike, Shade's voice chimed in. "Another task completed. Shall I schedule reminders for future check-ins with Evelyne and Judy?"
"Do it," Veylan said, revving the engine. As he rode off into the night, he couldn't help but feel a strange sense of belonging in this chaotic world, however temporary it might be.
On the way back however, he heard some commotion going on in an alleyway.
…
a single flickering neon sign casting a sickly green glow over the cracked concrete. The woman's cries for help echoed off the grimy walls, her voice trembling with desperation. Four Maelstrom gangers had her cornered, their grotesque cybernetic enhancements glinting in the low light, mismatched optics, exposed wiring, and jagged metal plating replacing flesh.
"Quit squirming, sweetheart," one of them snarled, a hulking brute with a glowing red cybernetic eye. "Ain't no one comin' to save you."
She whimpered, backing against the wall, clutching her bag tightly as another ganger laughed, his metallic jaw clicking ominously. "Maybe we'll leave you enough eddies to crawl outta here when we're done."
From the back of the group, one of the Maelstrom gangers, smaller and wirier than the rest—stiffened, his augmented hearing picking up something. A faint metallic scrape, like a blade being drawn from a scabbard. He turned his head slightly, his glowing optics flickering.
"Hey," he muttered to the others. "We got company."
The leader turned, his crimson optic scanning the alley's entrance. "What the hell are you-?" His voice trailed off as a figure stepped into view, the faint gleam of a jagged steel sword catching the neon light.
Veylan's silhouette was imposing, his golden-green eyes glowing faintly in the darkness. His Witcher medallion rested against his chest, vibrating with the tension in the air. He took a slow, deliberate step forward, his sword held casually at his side but radiating danger.
The wiry ganger at the back cursed under his breath. "No way… that's him. That freak, the one from the vids. The one who does… magic."
The leader scoffed, but there was a flicker of unease in his voice. "So what? Magic or no magic, he bleeds like anyone else."
Veylan tilted his head slightly, his voice calm but carrying a razor edge. "You have one chance to walk away. Leave the woman and drop your weapons."
The Maelstrom leader sneered. "Big talk for one guy against seven of us. You think your little sword's gonna scare-."
Before he could finish, Veylan raised his free hand and muttered a single word: "Axii."
A faint green glow emanated from his palm, and four of the gangers instantly froze, their movements becoming sluggish and robotic. Their expressions went blank as if a switch had been flipped in their heads.
"Drop your weapons," Veylan commanded, his voice cold.
The four gangers complied immediately, their guns and knives clattering to the ground as they stood there, motionless and dazed. The other three Maelstrom members stared in horror, their bravado evaporating in an instant.
"What the fuck?" one of them hissed, his cybernetic hand twitching as he reached for his gun. "He just, he just puppeted them!"
The leader's glowing red optic flickered as he took a cautious step back. "Shit! It's him! The freak! The one from the other world!"
Veylan's gaze snapped to the remaining three, his sword glinting as he took a deliberate step forward. "Your friends made the right choice. Maybe you should, too."
The remaining gangers hesitated, their cybernetic enhancements no longer feeling like an advantage. They'd heard the rumors, about the "witch" with glowing eyes who could control minds, who could cure cyberpsychos with nothing but a gesture. And now he was standing right in front of them, his every move exuding confidence and deadly intent.
The woman whimpered behind them, her back pressed against the wall, her eyes wide as she watched the scene unfold.
One of the gangers panicked, drawing a pistol with a trembling hand. "Stay back, freak, or I'll-."
Veylan didn't give him the chance to finish. With a flick of his wrist, a green sigil flared in the air, and the ganger's gun jerked out of his hand, clattering to the ground.
The leader snarled, looking between his dazed companions and the looming figure of Veylan. "This ain't worth it," he growled. "We're outta here!"
He grabbed the arm of the nearest ganger and pulled him back, the three of them retreating into the shadows, leaving their weapons and their entranced companions behind.
Once they were gone, Veylan muttered another word under his breath, releasing the Axii hold on the remaining four. They blinked in confusion, looking around as if waking from a dream, and quickly scrambled to follow their fleeing comrades, leaving the alley empty except for Veylan and the trembling woman.
Veylan sheathed his sword, his expression softening as he turned to her. "It's alright," he said gently. "They're gone."
The woman sagged against the wall, tears streaming down her face. "Th-thank you… I thought…"
He held up a hand. "No need. The police are on their way. They'll take care of you."
As if on cue, the faint sound of sirens echoed in the distance. Veylan glanced toward the alley's entrance, then back at the woman. "Be careful. Night City isn't kind to those who can't defend themselves."
Behind him, the sirens grew louder, and the woman's whispered words that he picked up on.
"Thank you…"
…
The neon glow of the Night City skyline flickered in the distance as the alleyway became a flurry of activity. NCPD cruisers surrounded the area, their red and blue lights bathing the walls in rhythmic flashes. Officers moved quickly, securing the scene and checking on the shaken woman, who now sat on the edge of an ambulance, wrapped in a thermal blanket. Her sobs had quieted, replaced by murmured reassurances from the medics.
Veylan stood near the alley's entrance, his steel sword sheathed at his back. He faced two officers, both of whom were scribbling down his statement on their holo-notepads. Their faces were a mix of skepticism and begrudging respect, clearly aware of who they were dealing with.
"So, let's go over this one more time," the lead officer said, his voice steady but tired. "You were driving by and heard the woman's screams?"
"Yes," Veylan replied, his tone calm and even. "I was heading back to my apartment when I heard her cries for help coming from the alley. I stopped to investigate."
"And you just… intervened?" the officer pressed, his pen hovering over the pad.
Veylan nodded. "Of course. Someone needed help. I wasn't going to ignore that."
The second officer, younger and clearly nervous, chimed in. "And the Axii… that's the magic you do right? You… controlled their minds?"
Veylan's golden-green eyes glinted faintly as he inclined his head. "Axii is a form of suggestion. It calms the mind, makes people more susceptible to reason. In this case, it allowed me to disarm them without resorting to violence."
The lead officer raised an eyebrow. "You disarmed four of them? Just like that?"
"Yes," Veylan confirmed. "I cast Axii and ordered them to drop their weapons. They complied. When the fifth ganger tried to escalate, I used Axii again to disarm him. After that, their leader decided it wasn't worth the trouble and retreated with the others."
The officer scribbled a few notes, clearly struggling to process the idea of magic being used in the middle of a Maelstrom shakedown. "You're telling me you stopped seven Maelstrom gang members without throwing a single punch?"
Veylan allowed a faint smirk. "It's more effective than fighting. Though I did have my sword ready, in case things went differently."
The younger officer glanced at the hilt of the steel sword peeking over Veylan's shoulder, his expression awed. "And that's… one of those swords from your world, right? The one for people, not monsters?"
"That's correct," Veylan replied. "Though I'd prefer not to use it on people if I can avoid it."
The lead officer gave him a long look before exhaling sharply. "Well, I'll be honest, this is… not a situation we're used to handling. Maelstrom usually leaves bodies behind, not weapons on the ground and an intact victim."
Veylan crossed his arms, his gaze steady. "Perhaps that's because most people in this city only see one way out of a fight. I prefer to find another path."
The woman, now steadier and more composed, stepped out of the ambulance, clutching her blanket. Her eyes darted toward Veylan, and she hesitated for a moment before speaking. "He saved my life," she said softly. "I don't care what anyone says. He stopped them without hurting anyone. He's a hero."
The younger officer's cheeks flushed slightly as he scribbled her statement into his notes. The lead officer sighed, closing his pad. "Alright, Wanderer. You're clear to go. We've got your statement, and we'll follow up with the woman to make sure she's safe."
Veylan nodded. "Good. Just make sure she gets home safely."
The officer smirked faintly. "We're the NCPD, not Maelstrom. We'll do our job."
As the officers returned to their tasks, Veylan glanced at the woman one last time. She mouthed the words "thank you" once again before the medics ushered her into the ambulance.
Turning on his heel, Veylan walked back to where his bike was parked. Shade's voice buzzed in his earpiece. "That was quick thinking back there. You handled that well."
Veylan swung a leg over his bike, the engine humming to life. "It's not about quick thinking, Shade. It's about doing what's right."
"Still, good to know Axii works on people here as well as it does back home. You're going to give these gangers nightmares."
Veylan smirked faintly as he revved the engine. "Let's hope that's all they have."
With a final glance at the flashing lights of the NCPD cruisers behind him, Veylan pulled out onto the street, heading home.
…
The dimly lit Maelstrom hideout buzzed with chaotic energy as Royce sat on his rusted throne, half-slouched but radiating menace. Around him, gang members worked on dismantling stolen tech, tweaking cyberware, or just loitering, the metallic hum of the factory setting a constant backdrop. His augmented optics flickered as he stared down the ganger who had just finished recounting the night's events.
"You're telling me," Royce said slowly, his voice low and razor-sharp, "that seven of our boys got clowned by some street performer with a sword and… what? Parlor tricks?"
The ganger, a wiry man with glowing red optics and a jittery demeanor, flinched but stood his ground. "Royce, it wasn't just, this guy, he, he wasn't normal, alright? He made them drop their weapons like they were hypnotized or somethin'. Just… stared at 'em, said somethin', and bam. Weapons on the ground."
Royce let out a harsh, guttural laugh that echoed through the room. A couple of the other Maelstrom members chuckled nervously, though the ganger telling the story looked anything but amused.
"Made 'em drop their weapons, huh?" Royce leaned forward, the red glow of his cybernetic eyes narrowing into piercing slits. "Like some kind of magic show?"
The ganger shifted uncomfortably, his cybernetic arm twitching. "I don't know what to call it, boss. But it worked. Even the leader decided it wasn't worth sticking around. Said the guy gave him a… look. Like he was staring through his skull."
Royce barked another laugh, this one louder and more derisive. "A look. That's what made 'em turn tail?" He rose to his feet, towering over the trembling ganger. "Seven Maelstrom. Armed, chromed out, juiced up. And one guy, with a look, shut it all down?"
The ganger nodded quickly, his mechanical eye flickering nervously. "It wasn't just that, boss. He had a sword, real jagged, mean-lookin'. And when one of the boys tried to fight back, this… this glow came off his hand. It was like he froze him in place or something."
Royce froze mid-step, his expression shifting from mockery to something darker. The room fell silent as the rest of the gang pretended to busy themselves, all ears on the conversation.
"Glow?" Royce asked, his tone dangerously low. "What kind of glow?"
The ganger swallowed hard. "Green, kinda faint but strong. Like… like it wasn't tech, y'know? Nothing like the chrome we use. It felt… wrong."
Royce stared at the ganger for a long moment, his mechanical jaw twitching. Then he slammed his fist against a nearby table, sending tools and spare parts scattering. The clang of metal on concrete echoed through the room.
"Wrong? You wanna know what's wrong?" Royce snarled. "What's wrong is seven of my boys getting made fools of by some mystical bullshit!"
He paced back and forth, his boots thudding heavily on the floor. "What's this guy's name? What do we know about him?"
The ganger hesitated. "They're callin' him… the Wanderer. Or something like that. Word is he's not from around here. Not even from this world."
Royce stopped dead in his tracks, his head tilting slightly, optics flickering. "Not from this world?"
"That's what people are sayin', boss. He's got these glowing eyes, swords that look like they came out of some medieval nightmare, and-."
Royce cut him off with a sharp wave of his hand. "Enough." He leaned against the table, his cybernetic fingers tapping against the metal surface. "This guy… he thinks he can roll into my city and play the hero, huh? Thinks he can mess with Maelstrom and walk away clean?"
He straightened, his tone icy and deliberate. "We'll see about that."
One of Royce's lieutenants, a woman with half her face replaced by jagged cyberware, spoke up from the corner. "Boss, if this guy really ain't from here and he's got some kind of magic, maybe we oughta be careful. We don't know what we're dealing with."
Royce shot her a glare that could've melted steel. "Careful? Careful is for corpos and cowards. He's flesh and blood, same as the rest of us. He bleeds, he dies."
The room was silent again, the tension thick enough to cut with a knife. Royce turned back to the trembling ganger. "Spread the word. I want eyes on this guy. I don't care how many favors you call in, find out where he's hiding, who he's working with, and what the hell he's after."
The ganger nodded frantically. "You got it, boss."
As the ganger scurried away, Royce settled back into his throne, his mechanical hand gripping the armrest tightly. His optics flickered as he stared into the distance, his thoughts racing.
"The Wanderer," he muttered under his breath. A slow, predatory grin spread across his face. "Let's see how long you can keep up your little act."
The air in the Maelstrom hideout grew heavier as the sound of boots clanging against metal echoed from the entrance. Royce barely had time to process his growing frustration when a group of his gang members stumbled in, visibly worse for wear. Blood smeared their armor, and one of them clutched his side, a deep gash leaking crimson.
"Boss," one of them rasped, his voice tinged with both exhaustion and fear. "We found somethin'… something big."
Before Royce could reply, two others dragged a massive form into the room, its grotesque body leaving a slick trail of dark, viscous blood on the floor. The creature was easily eight feet tall, its insectoid frame a grotesque amalgamation of chitinous plates, spindly legs, and a massive, club-like tail that still twitched faintly, even in death.
The thing's bulbous eyes glistened under the dim red lighting, its sharp mandibles frozen mid-snarl. Bullet holes riddled its body, dark-green blood oozing from its wounds, and its jagged claws were caked in dried human blood. The gang members dropped the creature with a sickening thud, its tail slamming against the floor and cracking the concrete beneath it.
"What the fuck is that?!" Royce barked, standing from his throne and stepping closer, his augmented optics zooming in on the grotesque details of the creature's corpse.
"Don't know," one of the gang members panted, wiping sweat from his brow. "Thing came outta nowhere. Hit us while we were runnin' a job near the docks. Took out three of our guys before we managed to bring it down."
Royce crouched beside the creature, his glowing optics scanning the insectoid form. The gang leader's expression shifted from annoyance to something far darker—curiosity laced with a hint of unease.
"Looks like some kinda… bug on steroids," Royce muttered, his hand reaching out to tap one of the creature's massive claws. The appendage twitched slightly, and Royce recoiled with a hiss. "Still got some life in it, huh? Tough bastard."
"It's not just tough, boss," another ganger interjected, his voice shaky. "It's smart. Thing flanked us, used the shadows, like it was huntin' us. We unloaded mags into it, and it just kept comin'. Took a headshot to finally put it down."
Royce rose to his full height, his mechanical jaw tightening as he stared down at the creature. The gang members around him shifted uncomfortably, their usual bravado muted by the sight of the monster at their feet.
"What the hell kinda chrome is this thing running?" one ganger asked, nudging the corpse with the barrel of his shotgun.
"It ain't chrome," Royce said quietly, his voice carrying an edge of realization. "This… this is Organic…!"
He turned to the ganger who'd first spoken. "Anyone else see this? Any corpos sniffin' around the docks?"
The ganger shook his head. "No corpos. Just us. But, boss…" He hesitated, his voice dropping. "This thing ain't normal. It's not from around here. It's like that guy—what's-his-name? The Wanderer. Same kinda vibe."
Royce's optics flickered as he processed the words. His lips curled into a slow, predatory grin, even as unease gnawed at the edges of his mind.
"So," he said, his voice dripping with malice, "not only do we have some sword-swingin' magic man running around our city, but now we've got his… pets?"
The gang fell silent, none daring to speak.
Royce crouched again, this time prying open the creature's jagged mandibles. Its inner mouth glistened with serrated teeth, designed to shred flesh and bone with ease. He chuckled darkly, rising to his feet and wiping his hands on his pants.
"Alright," he said, turning to his gang. "Bag this thing up. Get it to the lab and see what the fuck we're dealing with. I want every piece of it scanned, dissected, whatever. If this thing's from his world, then maybe we can figure out what makes it tick."
"And if we find more?" one ganger asked hesitantly.
Royce's grin widened, his augmented optics glowing brighter. "Then we kill 'em. And maybe… we use 'em."
The gang exchanged uneasy glances as they set to work, wrapping the kikimora warrior's corpse in heavy chains and dragging it toward the back of the hideout. Royce watched them go, his mind racing with possibilities.
"Looks like the Wanderer's brought more than just swords and magic to Night City," he muttered to himself, his voice low and filled with dark amusement. "This just got interesting."