Temptation[326]

As dimeritium was historically scarce and nearly impossible to find on the open market. Most of it was hoarded by mages and nobles, considered a treasure of strategic value akin to a family heirloom.

However, when human settlers established kingdoms in Kovir and Poviss centuries ago, the availability of this rare metal began to change. These regions, rich in dimeritium, introduced it to the market in quantities ten times greater than before.

Over time, wealthy merchants gained access to this precious metal, and even some civilians could acquire small amounts through special channels. The widespread availability of dimeritium threatened the dominance of the mage class while giving human rulers a powerful tool to challenge the authority of the sorcerers and the judiciary.

This increased demand brought enormous wealth to Kovir and Poviss, which became the world's primary suppliers of dimeritium. According to mineralogists, while other kingdoms had only minor reserves, Kovir and Poviss controlled approximately 90% of the known veins of this rare material. This monopoly allowed the two kingdoms to dominate the market and drive the metal's increasing circulation.

Despite its growing availability, dimeritium remained prohibitively expensive—worth as much as pure gold by weight—and was always in short supply. It rarely appeared in significant quantities on the open market.

Even with Wayne's vast financial resources, monopolizing the market only provided enough dimeritium for limited use. The quantity he could acquire was insufficient to forge full suits of armor for the Giant Legion. Fortunately, the metal's defensive properties worked within a limited radius. Integrating it into amulets or talismans was far more practical and cost-effective than forging entire sets of armor, as even a small charm could block most magical attacks.

To secure a steady supply, Julia—a shrewd businesswoman from Kovir—had been tasked with negotiating contracts with major mine owners in Kovir. By using her connections and substantial financial backing, she secured long-term agreements to purchase magic-blocking gold ore and began efforts to acquire control of additional magic crystal veins.

These measures ensured the Witcher Order's self-sufficiency in dimeritium, a crucial resource not only for the Giant Legion but for all Witchers. Equipping each Witcher with a dimeritium amulet would make future conflicts with mages significantly easier to manage.

While the three figures hovered in the sky discussing the Giant Legion's future, the battle on the ground raged on.

The Nilfgaardian army, accustomed to conventional human warfare, was utterly unprepared for the onslaught of armored giants. The enormous disparity in size and raw combat power caught them off guard, and their disciplined ranks disintegrated under the relentless assault.

In less than two hours, the forest floor was littered with the bodies of nearly 10,000 Nilfgaardian soldiers. Some were crushed under the giants' massive weapons, while others were seized and smashed like dolls in the colossi's enormous hands.

The brutality of the massacre shattered the morale of the Nilfgaardian troops. In their desperation to escape, many abandoned their weapons and armor, fleeing like panicked animals. Chaos ruled the battlefield as the survivors scattered in every direction, leaving behind only carnage and despair.

When the battle finally ended, the bloody remains of the fallen soldiers were all that marked the battlefield. Over 200 giants spread out across the forest, hunting down the deserters who had managed to flee.

Wayne surveyed the devastation below with a calm, expressionless gaze. He turned to Francesca beside him and said, "The battle is over, Enid."

"I'll have Berengar oversee the Giant Legion and station them temporarily in Dol Blathanna to await Nilfgaard's next move."

His tone remained measured as he continued, "While this defeat is a significant blow, it doesn't substantially weaken Nilfgaard's overall military strength. They still have plenty of resources to retaliate."

"During this time, it would be wise for you to organize additional scout teams throughout the forest. We can't rule out the possibility of Nilfgaard mobilizing more forces for a counterattack."

Francesca nodded with a warm smile, her ethereal beauty shining through as she said to Wayne, "Thank you, Wayne, for the Order's help. You've driven away our enemies and protected the homeland we depend on for survival."

"We elves will be the Order's most steadfast allies and will provide any assistance we can."

After exchanging polite pleasantries on behalf of their respective factions, Elf Sage Ada, who had been observing silently from the side, pursed her lips and addressed Wayne with her usual cold expression.

"A commendable performance, Wayne," she said. "But do you have time now?"

"I'd like to invite you to my laboratory."

Wayne raised an eyebrow at her sudden invitation and glanced at Ada's ascetic yet strikingly beautiful face. Sensing the gravity of her words, he asked cautiously, "I might have time, but you'll need to explain your purpose first before I can consider accepting."

Ada's expression remained unreadable, but her response left Wayne momentarily stunned.

"It's quite simple, Wayne," she said evenly. "As the most prominent male bearer of Elder Blood currently known, I'd like your help in conceiving. Both Enid and I wish to bear children who inherit your bloodline and its ancient power."

"I've asked Enid to broach this topic with you before, but it seems she hasn't explained its significance to our people."

Ada's tone remained clinical, but her words carried undeniable weight. "That's why I'm taking this opportunity to formally present my proposal to you as an Elf Sage."

"If you agree, Enid and I will nominate you as the new Elf King and establish your bloodline as the royal lineage of Dol Blathanna. This will not only strengthen the bond between the Witcher Order and the elves but will also solidify mutual trust, allowing both our peoples to flourish."

"This is a mutually beneficial arrangement—one that would secure the future of both your Order and the elven race."

Wayne blinked in disbelief, momentarily caught off guard by the audacity of Ada's proposal. He had, only moments ago, been pondering how to deal with this often arrogant elf sage, but he hadn't anticipated that she would make such a bold proposition herself—and with such an enticing offer.

He glanced at Francesca, who stood quietly, her cheeks flushed a delicate pink. She did not refute Ada's words, and her silence only added to the weight of the sage's statement. Wayne felt a sudden surge of emotion, both intrigued and hesitant.

He recalled how Francesca had hinted at similar possibilities in the past, but at the time, their cooperation had not yet deepened, and mutual trust had been incomplete. Discussing such matters then would have been premature.

Now, however, their partnership had grown stronger. Wayne had witnessed the sincerity of the elves and the extent of their commitment. Ada's proposal presented an opportunity of immense significance—both politically and personally.