Mathias Shaw[333]

Stormwind City, Old Town

Wayne, Lieutenant Weber, the mysterious officer, and the bound Edwin VanCleef moved in tandem through the winding alleys of the Old Town. VanCleef, tied securely like a trussed parcel, had regained consciousness after basic medical treatment but could do little more than twist helplessly in his bindings. Carried like cargo, he was led along narrow paths, the group weaving through the maze-like streets before stopping in front of an unassuming old house.

The officer knocked on the door in a rhythmic pattern, followed by a verbal password. The door creaked open, revealing a masked woman in gray leather armor, her attire marking her as an intelligence operative. She gestured silently for the group to enter.

Inside, the structure of the house appeared ordinary, with nothing suggesting it concealed anything of significance. The intelligence officer led them through several nondescript rooms until they arrived at a relatively spacious chamber where a lean, nondescript man awaited.

The man turned at the sound of their footsteps, revealing a face that could easily blend into any crowd. He had short, light blond hair, a faint stubble, dull eyes, and no distinguishing features—an ideal visage for an assassin. Despite his unimpressive appearance, Wayne's instincts immediately sensed the man's strength, his movements precise and deliberate, exuding the aura of someone accustomed to danger.

The intelligence officer who had escorted them exchanged a brief series of silent hand gestures with the man before leaving the room swiftly. As the door closed, the man's dark, calculating eyes scanned Wayne and the others.

Wayne, ever vigilant, noted the man's rapid appraisal—height, weight, weapon placement, and vital points—all discerned in a matter of seconds. The assassin's gaze carried an intensity that made Wayne's instincts flare, his body tensing instinctively.

The man finally broke the silence, his tone calm but commanding.

"I'm Mathias Shaw, commander of the Intelligence Branch, SI7."

His words carried weight, underscoring his authority and the significance of the meeting.

He glanced at the unconscious VanCleef, bound tightly on the floor.

"This is indeed Edwin VanCleef, leader of the Defias Brotherhood and the most wanted criminal in Stormwind City."

Turning to Weber, Shaw continued, "Lieutenant Weber, if I recall correctly, you are Major Genset's deputy. Two days ago, you were tasked with escorting a shipment of military supplies to Sentinel. Were you ambushed by VanCleef during the mission?"

Weber nodded and quickly recounted the events. He explained how the escort team had been attacked by the Defias Brotherhood and how Wayne's intervention had turned the tide of battle. He highlighted Wayne's keen senses, his formidable fighting skills, and his fearsome dragon-like companion, Deathclaw, which had singlehandedly decimated the bandits.

Shaw's expression shifted slightly as he absorbed the details. He regarded Wayne with a mix of curiosity and respect, clearly impressed by the adventurer's prowess. However, he remained composed, his voice maintaining a steely edge.

"Thank you for your detailed report, Lieutenant Weber. Your efforts are noted, and I will ensure they are recognized appropriately."

"The Van Cleef matter will be handled by us," Shaw said with finality.

He turned his gaze to Wayne, offering a slight nod to the witcher, before continuing:

"This adventurer has just arrived in Stormwind City. Lieutenant Weber, ensure he is properly welcomed on behalf of our military department."

"The bounty for Van Cleef is eighty gold coins. Additionally, for assisting you in repelling the bandits, I will ensure a report is sent to His Majesty. The adventurer deserves a generous reward for his efforts."

"Take him to a reputable inn within the city to rest. The reward will be delivered before dinner."

Shaw turned back to Wayne, giving a courteous nod. "Welcome to Stormwind City, Mr. Wayne. These days, the surrounding regions are rife with unrest. There are numerous tasks that require the skills of capable adventurers like yourself."

"If you are willing to lend your strength, not only will you earn handsome bounties, but you will also gain the respect of the people here. Best of luck."

With that, Shaw departed swiftly, leading Van Cleef away. It was clear this old house was merely a temporary safehouse rather than the true base of SI:7.

After Shaw's departure, Lieutenant Weber carried out his orders, guiding Wayne on a brief tour of Stormwind City before escorting him to a well-regarded inn. They agreed to reconvene for dinner, where Wayne's bounty would also be settled. Once the arrangements were made, Weber excused himself.

For Wayne, this was his second visit to Stormwind City after three years. During his first visit, he had spent a fortune at the Auction House acquiring rare magical items, including the highly practical Hearthstone and advanced healing potions that had proven to be life-saving.

This time, Wayne had a clearer purpose. Azeroth was a treasure trove of resources and knowledge. Many of its technologies and artifacts, if brought to the Witcher world, could revolutionize that realm entirely.

Before dinner, Wayne set out to visit a bookstore—his first destination in Stormwind City. Knowledge, after all, was wealth in any world, and his companion, Raani, greatly appreciated books. Acquiring knowledge was a sound choice.

After leaving the inn, Wayne asked for directions from locals and soon found himself at Stormwind City's largest bookstore: Klein's Bookstore.

Situated near the grand cathedral, the bookstore's facade was modest and understated. However, upon entering, Wayne was greeted by the sight of hundreds of neatly arranged books on polished shelves. The air smelled faintly of parchment and aged wood—a haven for knowledge seekers.

To his surprise, the bookstore was relatively quiet. Among the few patrons, he noticed two well-dressed middle-aged men browsing the shelves. By another section, a slim, graceful young woman in a priest's robe stood reading a book with rapt attention. Her serene demeanor added a touch of solemnity to the scholarly ambiance.

Behind the counter stood the store's proprietor, an elderly man clad in a mage's robe and wearing delicate, transparent glasses. He exuded an air of wisdom, befitting the keeper of such a trove of knowledge.

Books, in this era of Stormwind City, were valuable commodities—prized for their rarity and the secrets they held. Only the affluent could afford to buy them, making both the sellers and buyers an exclusive class.