Cain began to close the distance quickly, and as he drew nearer, the figure's black armor became clearer. The mans head snapped toward Cain, his one open eye narrowing beneath the dim light of the flames. He saw Cains brown skin, Golden cat slit eyes, silver hair, and the demonic looking sword in his hand and made his assumption.
"So, you're the apostle controlling these skeletons. I been looking for you but don't worry your damn skeletons have been keeping me company. But since your here now, your gonna tell me everything you know about the God Hand" the man said, his voice low and rough, carrying an edge of malice.
Wait he said Apostle, God Hand. Wait it can't be. Then like a epiphany the memories came flooding back to Cain. This was no ordinary swordsmen. He is thee black swordsmen from the series Berserk! What the hell is Guts doing here?
Cain thought, as his mind was racing. Gut's sheer presences was terrifying yet familiar, the way he moved, the confidence in every swing. Each strike sent shards of bone and weapon flying in all directions, as he made his way to Cain. His enormous sword cutting down skeleton after skeleton as if they were nothing more than straw dummies.
Cain didn't have time to ponder further. A skeleton soldier lunged toward him from the shadows, spear thrusting straight for his chest. His Witcher reflexes kicked in; he leaned back just in time, feeling the steel graze past him. In a swift motion, he brought Black Brother down in a slicing arc. The skull split cleanly in two, as bone fragments scattering across the floor.
Cain shook his head quickly as more skeletons advanced. "No! I'm not the apostle. Otherwise, these skeletons wouldn't be attacking me either!" Cain moved fluidly, dodging a pair of skeletons lunging at him simultaneously, slicing through the first with a precise swing and deflecting the second with the hilt of his sword.
Gut's enormous sword crashed down again, splintering several skeletons in a single swing right Infront of Cain. The man's movements were brutal, precise, and unrelenting. Gut's stared down at Cain with a intense intimating pressure.
So this is a real warrior. It's similar to the feeling I felt from Vesemir, but more intense. Cain thought
"So then are you an ally or an enemy after me?" he asked, eyes scanning Cain's every move.
"I'm an ally," Cain replied, wiping sweat from his brow as he parried another skeleton's attack. "I'm here to kill these things, and the apostle controlling them. So, how about we work together? I'll stay out of your way, and you stay out of mine."
Guts paused before speaking. Watching Cains movements. They weren't half bad at all. He could tell Cain has some skill but lacks experience. His lips curved into a faint, grim smirk. "I like the sound of that, kid. Keep up if you can but don't expect me to save you."
Cain smirked back. He didn't know how this was happening. But he appreciated the chance to fight along side one of the men who inspired him since he was a kid. "Same to you. Name's Cain."
"Name's Guts. Now let's, let our blades do the talking."
Cain nodded standing next to Guts.
With that, the two moved as one, a seamless pair in the chaos of clashing bone and steel. Guts' Berserker armor remained inactive for now, but the sheer size of his sword, combined with his prosthetic arm capable of launching small bombs, made him a force of destruction. While Cain moved alongside him, slicing through skeleton soldiers with more ease than before, Black Brother burning with the black-and-red flame as he cut down wave after wave.
The battle raged for several minutes in a synchronized dance of death, both warriors moving with lethal precision. Then the last skeleton soldier was slain with the system notification pinging.
[System Notification]: Rare Void Quest: "The Berserker"
Monsters Slain: [100/100]
Boss: [0/1]
Then from deep within the crypt halls, a chilling scream pierced the air, a high, wailing sound that echoed through the stone corridor and made Cain's blood run cold.
YOU KILLED MY FAMILY! WHY ARE YOU KILLING MY FAMILY?
Cain's eyes narrowed as he listened. The sound came again, this time followed by soft, hurried footsteps. A wide doorway ahead illuminated by flickering torchlight revealed a small figure. A little girl, no older than eight or ten, stood there. Her long black hair fell over her pale, almost blackish skin, and her eyes, sunk deep into her sockets, glowed with an unnatural black and yellow hue.
"We just wanted to be left alone," she said, her voice trembling but sharp. "So why? Why do you keep hurting my family?"
Cain's stomach clenched. From the aura of the room, and the sheer unnatural power emanating from her, he deduced that this little girl was the apostle he had been hunting. A necromancer, one who had likely sold her soul for the power she wielded but it's more then that. Cain wondered what physical sacrifice did she make.
He could feel the pull of the demonic energy surrounding her, the dark whispers that came from someone who had made a pact with forces far beyond normal understanding.
Guts eyes narrowed observing the girl. "Hey I will leave you and your family alone if you tell me about the God hand." The little girls hands were trembling into fists, while tears filled her face that was full of rage.
Cain took Gut's statement with a grain of salt. He knew Gut's didn't like killing children. Cain remembered that from the manga but he also knew Gut's wasn't above it if the God Hand were involved. At that point the kid was beyond saving. In this world innocence a luxury not many have, whether it be for a moment or some didn't even know it ever existed.
And Cain himself had never taken a human life, especially not a child even if she did commit a great sin. A cold shiver ran down his spine as he realized the moral trap before him: Killing her now was necessary, but the act would leave a mark on his soul. Who was he to judge her, He is only doing this cause the system is making him. But She could have had a good reason to do this.
Then, as Cain and Guts notice, the smashed and shattered bones around them began to gather and rise near the girl. They twisted and merged, forming a monstrous large bone golem It's body was like a suit of armor. The air warped as the bones fused into a massive structure, limbs stretching unnaturally, spikes jutting outward.
"LEAVE ME ALONE!" she screamed, her voice amplified by the bone construct, echoing through the chamber like thunder.
Guts' eyes narrowed, and he spoke calmly but firmly. " Listen girl you can tell me about the God Hand and I'll leave or I can keep killing your family until you tell me after. Your choice."
Cain's mind raced. He didn't recall this specific encounter from the manga, but he knew enough: those who became apostles had offered sacrifices to the God Hand in exchange for demonic power and become monsters. This girl, though young, was a dangerous and immensely powerful enemy. Cain had to stop her, but the thought of his first human kill being a child weighed heavily on him.
The bone golem lashed out, a massive arm swinging at Guts, who was sent flying back by the sheer force. Cain barely dodged, rolling to the side as shards of bone shattered against the floor. Guts activated his Berserker armor, the demonic helmet and feral aura transforming him into an inhuman juggernaut. His movements became a blur, every strike of his colossal sword tearing through the bone golem with frightening precision and speed.
Cain wiped sweat from his brow and activated his skill Warp, blinking from one spot to the girl's location in an instant, He raised his sword raised ready to end this instantly . The girl's frightened face stopped him. "Please don't hurt me, I just wanted to be left alone with my family."
Then the golem swung at him with terrifying force. He barely teleported out of the way, heart hammering in his chest from the strain of the warping. How did Ciri make this look so easy? he thought bitterly. He knew his Hesitation could cost him his life here.
He forced his thoughts back to reality. Those who became apostles had sacrificed everything, and their souls were bound to powers that would not hesitate to consume the world. Cain knew what had to be done. Yet, his hands trembled, caught between duty and conscience.
Guts appeared beside him in a blink, blocking an incoming swing. "Get your head in the game," the man growled pushing the giant bone fist away. Gut's then grabbed Cain by his tunic. "Listen here brat. You said you were here for the apostle too. What did you think this would be, easy? News flash: she's no longer human but a monster. I don't like it either. But if you're gonna get in the way, I will let you die. Remember this she had to sacrifice people for that power. The only other question is how many did she."
Before Cain could reply, Guts sprinted back into the fray, striking hard at the bone golem with a relentless fury. Every swing was powered by rage, each strike breaking the construct's form further, inching closer to the girl inside.
Cain remained in place, conflicted. His hands shook, sword hanging loosely, as he stared at the girl and the monstrous form surrounding her. Not even Cold Blooded could calm his mind. He knew Guts was right, and hesitation here will get him killed, but he didn't want his first kill to be a child.
Then suddenly a whisper cut through his thoughts. The same soft and familiar female voice, echoing through his mind like it had during the Trial of Dreams. "Do not doubt yourself Cain. Do what you believe is right. Just don't regret your decision."
Cain's chest tightened. Those words sent a calm feeling through his entire being. He felt the woman eyes staring down at him. Cain didn't know who this woman was but this is the second time she has appeared. As far as he could tell she wasn't a enemy, but that didn't mean she was a ally.
Cain then centered his mind knowing what needed to be done, and he was done hesitating. The weight of choice pressed down on him. The system pinged suddenly, jolting him from his internal debate.
[System Notification]:Rare Void Quest: "The Berserker"
Quest Rank Update to: Mythical Void Quest: "The Berserker"
Rewards: 1 Mythical Equipment. 1 Mysterious Gift.
Cain's eyes narrowed, focus sharpening. He knew now the stakes had just escalated greatly, this was no longer a simple void quest. It was mythical, and the rewards promised power and answers that he seeked.
I made my choice and I will stand by it, he thought, the weight of his decision settling in. Geralt would have said the same thing. Plus I'm with one of my childhood heroes; I can't keep dragging my feet.
He felt a surge of confidence. Drawing deep from his mana reserves, he activated Mana Burst once again. Dense goldish black mana energy swirled around his form. Guts noticed immediately, halting mid-strike to watch Cain with eyes filled with a burning conviction. Even the little girl flinched, tears streaking her pale cheeks as the aura washed over her. She found Cain's so beautiful and and scary at the same time. She didn't know how to respond so she screamed.
"JUST LEAVE US ALONE!" she screamed, voice cracking. "I just want to be happy with my family without Daddy hurting me or anyone else. I didn't want to go, they said they were my family so they would protect me. But why, why didn't they fight for me!"
Cain tightened his grip on Black Brother, feeling the red-black flames roar to life again. He stepped forward, voice steady despite the heavy weight in his heart. "I don't know what life you've led until now," he said firmly, "and I'm sorry. But the moment you took that power, you became my enemy."
Cain's goldish-black mana flared violently around him, each pulse radiating with an almost tangible burning conviction. He then warped directly under the massive bone golem. The purple bright glow of the Yrden sign erupted beneath it. The runes on the stone cavern floor shimmered briefly before rolling over the creature. Its strikes, once swift and unrelenting, slowed; each movement looked heavier, more sluggish. The bones that had seemed unbreakable now creaked under the strain of the magic.
"I don't know what magic you were using, but keep it up," Guts said, his eye scanning the slowed creature, voice carrying a rare note of respect. Cain gave a curt nod and refocused, preparing to move toward the girl behind the monstrosity.
Then came the sound, the faint, wet moans that made his stomach turn. From behind the girl, the source became horrifyingly clear. Corpses, dressed in common peasant clothing, decomposing in every imaginable way. Flesh rotted, muscles sloughed off bone, and the smell of death assaulted his senses. This was the true source of the stench Cain smelled when he first arrived. It wasn't the skeleton soldiers, but these corpses, animated and writhing, chained to this girl's power.
As the golem swung a massive arm down at him, Cain's instincts screamed. With a sudden burst, he warped to the head of the creature, blade ready. The surface of the bones was still thick and hard to slice. He barely held his position as he struck, slicing into the skull, but the attacks felt ineffective. The creature was too large, and thick. Frustration burned in his chest as he realized this was no ordinary opponent. But the pain of Mana Burst hurt his chest as well.
Cain leapt from the top of the golem's head, releasing an Aard blast that sent the monstrous form slamming into the cavern wall with a thunderous crash. As dust and debris filled the air, the creature's body shaking violently from the impact. Cain's chest heaved, every inhale a battle against fatigue. Mana Burst had taken a heavy toll on him, draining his stamina and leaving his muscles weakened.
I shouldn't have used Mana Burst twice in one day so soon… I haven't even gotten use to the skill, and the warning was clear: use once every 24 hours. Warp on top of that didn't help either, he thought, wiping heavy sweat from his brow.
Guts approached, voice calm but filled with concern. "Can you keep going. You look like your about to collapse?"
Cain gave a nod, chest heaving. "Of course. But we need to finish this girl now."
Guts grunted in agreement, eyes returning to the battlefield. That was when they both noticed the girl's next move. Slowly, deliberately, she began gathering the rotting corpses and bones, merging them together into a single, grotesque monstrosity. The golem reformed, larger, stronger, more horrifying than before. She stood atop the mass, her small figure framed against the horrific body of her creation.
"Now no one can hurt me," the girl said, voice trembling with unnatural authority. "We can all be together as a family."
Cain's ears caught it next, the faint, desperate murmurs of the dead. Please save us… Let us go… It hurts… Mommy…
Guts' voice was low, dry, but unmistakable. "So… you can hear them too."
Gut's then spoke. "Rumor's say this girl had sacrificed her entire village. Her father was the lord of this land and she is his bastard daughter. He had intended to offer her as a political marriage to a baron with disturbing tastes, and when the girl wanted to stay with the people of her village. The people who she called family could do nothing against the lord and the Baron's men. Then about a month later she walks back into the village carrying something. She screams I forgive you to the people of the village, and the rest is history. I heard this story from the only survivor of that village."
Cain's jaw tightened. " I understand. I'll end this myself."
Guts' eyes narrowed, reading the resolve in the Cain's eyes. "If you think you can go ahead, I will let you have to first try. But if you fail I will take over. Got it!"
Cain pulled five potions from his inventory. Potion of the Bear, Cat, Reflex, Heroism, and Arcane Focus. He uncorked them all, and drank them in swift succession from one another. A burning sensation surged through his veins, and when it faded, his eyes had changed. The familiar white of a Witcher's eyes vanished, replaced by black eyes surrounding golden-yellow cat-slit irises with faint black veins threading across His face. Every nerve in his body tingled with new energy.
System Notification: You have overly consumed potions and will experience higher Poison toxicity and adverse side effects.
[System Alert: You have been poisoned: Toxicity +150]
[System Alert: Poison Resistance:(Toxicity Threshold:150/150)] Warning you have hit poison threshold.
[System Alert:RegenerationActivated]
Buffs Initiated: +3 Strength, +3 Constitution, +10% resistance to physical damage for 60 seconds, +2 Dexterity, +10% critical chance +10% attack speed for 60 seconds, +10% Sign strength and +5% spell critical chance for 5 minutes. Gain +10% temporary HP and +1% to all attacks for 10 minutes.+15% reaction time and dodge efficiency for 3 minutes.
"Yes," he said grunting through the pain, his voice low but firm. "Just watch."
Cain's mind sharpened. He had one true, powerful attack left in him, one that had to count. The corpse-monster surged forward, monstrous tendrils swinging in arcs designed to impale and crush. The Mana Burst aura that had empowered him moments before flickered and then vanished. Cains Eyes glowed bright gold with magical intensity.
He didn't hesitate. he casted Yrden and the purple glowed runic symbols surrounded the giant creature as the light enveloped it. Cain then activated Mind's Eye, he saw the red lines all over the giant mass of rotting bone and corpses. Then he Warped countless times, teleporting across multiple angles of the massive creature, slicing and hacking as he went.
Every strike was fast and couldn't be seen as he hit a weak point and warped to hit another over and over again. His sword, Black Brother, no longer had its red-and-black flame, but now it glowed a scorching red, runes along the blade flaring faintly as the blade burned more intensely then before.
Gut's eye widen in surprise from Cain's attacks.
The little girl's terrified face appeared at the apex of the corpse-beast, her eyes wide as Cain then appeared standing over her as he focused every ounce of remaining energy. "I hope you find peace in the next life, or that your given a second chance."
Then casting Igni with absolute intensity, the flames didn't burn orange but burned blue. They were hotter and more ferocious than any he had ever conjured before. The light licked the walls, the heat singed the bone mass, and in a few heartbeats. The giant corpse-beast and the girl vanished not in tears but with a smile, consumed by the blue towering inferno.
Cain's body, drained of energy and strength, was hit with the backlash of the poisons and began to lose consciousness. He fell through the air, unconscious, only to be caught by Guts.
"Well," Guts muttered, lowering him carefully against a stone pillar, "I guess she can't tell me about the God Hand. That was… impressive. I need to tell Schierke, she'd be interested in you."
But when Guts turned, Cain was gone. Vanished. No trace, not a flicker, not a shadow.
Cain was unconscious drifting through the void as the system pinged faintly in the back of his mind. But something was different and fragmented. As notifications blinked through the darkness, Cain couldn't even respond:
Quest Complete: Mythical Void Quest: "Berserker"
You are now being sent back to your world…
[Error… ]
[Error…]
Warp is being hijacked. Your mysterious gift is being activated. You are now being sent to the Witch
His surroundings shifted violently. Darkness swallowed him, then light, and he found himself lying in a bed that was simultaneously familiar and foreign. The mattress was soft, unnaturally so, yet supportive, like something from his memories of before Kaer Morhen. The room smelled clean and faintly of Cinnamon and Vanilla, furniture sleek and modern like early 20th century: a desk, bookshelves, walls painted white.
"No way! Am I back home? am I back on Earth?"
Cain sat up, swinging his legs over the side of the bed. He noticed a mirror across the room and froze. His reflection was almost exactly as it had been: brown cocoa skin, golden-yellow cat-slit eyes, slightly pointed ears and long silver-white hair cascading past his shoulders. I'm still a half-elf Witcher… But why does something feel off.
He attempted to access his system, but nothing appeared. The interface refused to come alive and respond to him. He couldn't even access his inventory. "What the hell is going on?" he muttered aloud.
Then a knock came at the door, soft but deliberate. A feminine voice called out, calm, with a English accent: "I'm coming in. Please make yourself decent."
Cain tensed. No system. No weapons. hopefully I can still use magic beyond what was instinctual and trained into me. I shifted slightly to the corner of the door, hands flexing as I prepared myself.
The door opened slowly, the faint creak echoing in the quiet, room. Cain's eyes widened as he prepared for whatever, or whoever, was entering.