24. Important lessons

Kael waited in the courtyard of the Kaer Morhen at dawn. It was cold, but he didn't mind the chill. His muscles were tired from last night's mental test, but this new day gave him a different kind of excitement. Today he would begin to learn how to fight like a true witcher.

Aedrin approached him with a wooden sword. "Today you will learn not only how to use a sword, but also how to think like a witcher," hesaid. Kael held out his hand to take the sword. When Aedrin handed him the wooden sword, he continued. "A witcher does not prove his strength by brute force alone. Strategy, speed, and adaptability. Those are the true weapons of a fighter."

Kael weighed the sword in his hand. It was different from his lightsaber; it felt heavier and rougher. But it was not unfamiliar to him. He had trained countless times in his years as a Jedi, but this was another world. Here he had to start all over again.

"Begin," Aedrin said and suddenly lunged forward. Kael drew back reflexively, but Aedrin's sword struck him on the right side. Kael dodged the blow, going on the defensive at the last moment.

"You're slow," Aedrin said, preparing for another move. "You should be more agile. A witcher reads his opponent's actions, not his words."

Kael gritted his teeth and prepared again. Aedrin attacked again, but this time Kael watched his movements carefully. His master's knees, the slight turn of his shoulders, his breathing. Each gave a clue. This time Aedrin came from the right, but this time Kael was ready.

He met his blow skillfully and countered. Aedrin jumped back and nodded, smiling. "There you go. But not good enough."

Kael repositioned himself, gripping his sword tightly. The training went on for hours. Aedrin began to teach him not only how to attack, but also how to defend. With every move, Kael tried to get it right. But as the sun began to set, he could feel himself growing tired.

Finally, Aedrin lowered his sword and took a deep breath. "You have done well," he said. "But this is only the beginning. You will need more to become a witcher."

Kael sat on the ground, trying to catch his breath. Aedrin crouched down beside him. "Let me ask you something," he said. "Why does a witcher fight?"

Kael frowned. "To kill monsters?"

Aedrin laughed. "Not really. A witcher fights to survive. And the way to survive is to fight not only with your physical strength, but also with your intelligence. You, Kael, must be an intelligent fighter."

As Kael pondered Aedrin's words, he looked up at the darkening clouds in the sky. He knew it would not be easy to survive in this world. But he was determined. He had honed his skills as a Jedi, but he had to master them as a Witcher.

Aedrin stood up suddenly and handed a book to Kael. "We begin chapter two. True Witchers must know their enemies."

Kael examined the cover of the book. It was thick and old, its pages yellowed with time. When he opened it, the detailed drawings and descriptions inside caught his attention. It contained information on wolves, vampires, nekkos, griffins, and many other creatures.

Aedrin continued: "A witcher's greatest advantage is knowing his enemy. Each creature you face has strengths and weaknesses. And remember, not every creature can be defeated with a sword. Sometimes you need poisons, sometimes traps, sometimes magic. The better you know your enemy, the better your chances of survival.

Kael looked at a drawing of a vampire on a page. It looked quite menacing, with long fangs and bright eyes. Below it were the different types of vampires and the most effective tactics to use against them. "What about humans? What should I know about them?"

Aedrin raised his eyebrows. "Humans... can be the most dangerous of enemies. For creatures are driven by instinct, but humans plan, betray, fight for power. As a witcher, you will have to fight not only monsters, but also humans. And sometimes the most terrifying creature is none other than a human. Witchers try to stay neutral, but it is not always possible. Sometimes it is difficult to stay out of human wars.

Kael nodded. He had come to realize that survival in this world was not based on physical strength alone. He closed his book and looked at Aedrin. "So what do we do now?"

Aedrin smiled. "Now you will apply what you have learned. We'll practice some basic creature-hunting tactics before nightfall. Are you ready?"

Kael picked up his sword again and stood up. "I am ready."

Aedrin led Kael to the weapons stand beside the courtyard. There were silver and steel swords, various potions and traps. "Witchers usually carry two swords. Steel is for humans and common enemies. Silver is for monsters. But being a witcher is not just about knowing how to use a sword. Take this bomb."

Kael took the small glass vial that was handed to him. Inside was a dark, greenish liquid. "What is it?"

"Frost bomb. Some creatures are sensitive to cold. If you throw this near a creature, it will slow its movements and give you an advantage. Let's try it now."

Aedrin placed a practice target in the center of the courtyard. "Get close to it and use the bomb just in time. But remember, you can't rely on the bomb alone. Swords, potions, and magic must also be part of the battle. The greatest secret of being a witcher is learning to use all your skills together.

Kael grabbed the bomb and moved toward the target. As soon as he moved, the battle instincts he had learned over the years kicked in. He remembered his Jedi training, but this time he tried to act without relying on the Force. He threw the grenade quickly, the glass bottle exploding in front of the target, sending icy smoke into the air. At the same time, he lunged forward, trying to strike the imaginary enemy with his sword.

Aedrin shook his head. "Not bad. But things will be more complicated in the field. Tomorrow we will prepare for a real hunt. That's all for today."

Kael took a deep breath. He was tired but satisfied. He had completed his first training session and was beginning to feel like a real hunter. But deep inside he wondered what he would face tomorrow. Maybe his first hunt would be much harder than he thought.

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