Settling In the New World

In Toussaint, the land of blood and wine, a steady income was as crucial as power. In this realm, the high stakes games of Gwent was more than a pastime, it was a battleground where the clever and the daring could win fortunes and reputations. Drawn to the vibrant energy of the tournament halls, Markus sought out the most prestigious venues, knowing that victory in these contests would not only bolster his coffers but also cement his reputation among the nobles and warriors of this exotic land. Killing some amateur and deploying their cards he decided to focus on Monster Deck. Being here in reality makes it possible to muster multiple of some cards such as Ghouls, Nekkers, Vampires of Bruxa, Garkain, Fleder, Ekimmeras and Katakans. With the Muster effect of these cards, games will be a breeze.

He soon found a renowned establishment where the best Gwent players gathered, an opulent tavern known throughout Toussaint for its lavish competitions. Here, Markus, with his skills, his Monster deck and uncanny ability to read his opponents, quickly dominated the matches. His skill in the game was unmatched, and as word of his prowess spread, the stakes only grew higher. Noble patrons and veteran players alike were astonished as he won game after game, his supernatural calm and strategic mind turning every round into a display of raw, decisive brilliance. Multiple referees and supervisors start to observe his games as his winning streak continued to rise.

As the victories accumulated, Markus amassed a considerable fortune. With his newfound wealth, he began to scout the region for a permanent base, a place not only to reside but also to invest his winnings wisely. His eyes were set on securing an estate that would serve both as a luxurious retreat and a strategic outpost in this dynamic new world.

After thorough investigation and leveraging his connections among the local elite, Markus acquired a modest yet promising vineyard on the outskirts of Basane Farm. The vineyard sprawled across gently rolling hills, with ancient stone cellars and fertile soil that whispered of generations past. This estate, with its quiet beauty and robust productivity, was the perfect blend of luxury and practicality, offering both a comfortable abode and a steady source of income through the production of fine wines.

His mastery over elements came to play when he started to reinforce already existing walls, raise walls as high as 20 meters on the perimeter of his territory and create an underground rooms large enough to bring out some of his dragons. Some Vampire lords were deployed as the managers of the territory with Lich lords as their underlings to provide the labor force in the form of undead. He will manufacture the best wine around. He decided as he was settling to his new role.

Now firmly established in Toussaint, Markus settled into his new life. While he maintained his focus on expanding his formidable power, the vineyard provided a welcome respite and a solid economic foundation. It was here, amid the vines and the vintage aroma of ripening grapes, that Markus could momentarily relax, secure in the knowledge that his fortunes will be as deep as his ambitions. Yet even as he savored this newfound stability, his mind remained ever alert, calculating the next move in his relentless pursuit of ultimate supremacy. 

Markus, having secured his new residence in Toussaint and feeling the weight of his ascension as a Godling, was now eager to explore the enigmatic world of the Witchers. Intrigued by the mysterious signs whispered about in hushed tones—one in particular reminiscent of the "Confundus" charm from the Potterverse—he resolved to uncover the secrets of these arcane symbols. Activating his Ethereal Wraith skill, Markus spread his six obsidian wings and soared through the skies in a state of perfect invisibility. With a graceful dive, he traversed the distance from Toussaint to Aedirn, reaching the storied town of Vergen in just a few hours. As his entry in the timeline of Witcher 2 was precise. Geralt of Rivia should be at Vergen according to his calculations. 

At Vergen, Markus headed straight to the famed inn known as The Cauldron, a bustling establishment where common folk mingled amid tales of monster hunts and dark legends. It was here that he finally came face to face with the legendary Geralt of Rivia, the White Wolf.

Markus, towering at 2.15 meters with a robust, muscular build, strode into The Cauldron with an aura of raw, unbridled power that immediately silenced the murmur of conversation. As he entered, his presence radiated an almost tangible intensity, drawing the attention of every patron in the bustling tavern. At that very moment, Geralt's medallion began to vibrate, a subtle yet unmistakable sign of potent magic stirring. Alert and cautious, Geralt rose from his seat, his eyes narrowing as he turned toward the door to confront the intruder. In a measured tone, Geralt declared, "There is no need for bloodshed here. Though I do not yet know what you are, I can tell you are neither a human nor a common sorcerer. Never before has my medallion reacted this way. I ask you to leave; if we must fight, let it be outside."

Markus's lips curled into a confident, wry smile as he responded with an exaggerated gesture, inviting Geralt to step out into the open. With a fluid motion, he unsheathed a high-grade longsword from his inventory, a blade that caught the dim light of the tavern and glinted with deadly promise. Geralt's gaze shifted, his expression a mixture of wariness and alertness, as he prepared for the unexpected challenge. "En garde," Markus declared in a tone both noble and mocking, his voice resonating with the assuredness of someone who had long surpassed mortal limitations. In the ensuing duel, Markus's superior strength, agility and precise skill quickly overwhelmed Geralt, whose legendary reflexes and combat prowess proved no match for the raw, calculated power Markus exhibited.

As the battle reached its inevitable conclusion, Markus disarmed Geralt with an effortless flourish, then extended a hand in a gesture that mingled both mockery and unexpected courtesy. "Markus Tenebris, a pleasure to meet you, Geralt of Rivia, Butcher of Blaviken, or perhaps, the White Wolf?" he quipped, his tone dripping with sardonic amusement. Geralt's eyes betrayed a flicker of irritation at the familiar yet cutting title, while the tavern's patrons watched in a blend of awe and disbelief. In that charged moment, Markus's dominance in the duel served not only as a testament to his sky high stats and refined abilities but also as a clear message that in this new world, even legends could be bested by a man who had transcended the ordinary.

Geralt's stoic presence, honed by years of battling the most fearsome creatures in the land, radiated an aura of quiet intensity. "And here i thought your name might be Vilgefortz of Roggeveen or Rudolph de la Croix though I have yet to meet them in person both of them are known for their magical prowess" declared the White Wolf in a measured tone. "Are you completely sure that you are not a Higher Vampire?" asked Geralt as he flexed his shoulders after the duel if it can be called that. Markus still with the amused smirk on his face had talked with the Witcher for sometime, while also making some comments about being the suspected assassin of a King it won't serve him well to be seen with the big bad wolf.

Intrigued by the mastery behind Geralt's famed signs; Aard for a telekinetic blast, Igni for a searing burst of flame, Quen for an impenetrable shield, Yrden for ensnaring foes in a magical trap, and Axii to bend the will of opponents. Markus sensed that the last ability could be as valuable to him as his own dark necromancy.

In that moment, Markus activated his copy ability. As he watched Geralt effortlessly get up and pick his silver sword. Markus's system began absorbing the intricacies of the new skill. His mind cataloged each possibility "Axii: Mind's Whisper" card, representing the very essence of Geralt's Witcher training, promised to add a new layer of versatility to Markus's ever-growing arsenal.

Thus, with his newly acquired Witcher skill integrated into his formidable repertoire, Markus prepared to continue his journey through the Witcher world. The fusion of his Arcane Arts, Dark Magic and now with the additions from the Witcher world promised to unlock unprecedented potential. As he left The Cauldron, his mind raced with strategies and possibilities, eager to test the limits of his Axii sign in the brutal, ever shifting landscape of a land forged in blood and shadow. 

Markus, already armed with the Axii sign, departed the tavern with a determined gleam in his eyes. As he journeyed through the lands, he began testing the limits of Axii on every living creature he encountered humans, elves, dwarves, beasts, and even monsters alike. He copied Elven Language, Marksman and different sword skills and even the some wine making skills from Elven folk. In a bustling marketplace near the edge of a dense, ancient forest, he used the sign on a lone elven traveler, his eyes narrowing as he channeled a subtle yet irresistible influence. At that exact moment, his system flashed a message: "Axii Sign has reached level 10 and evolved to Mind Control."

Axii Sign evolved to Mind Control Lv.1

Mind Control Lv.1Effect: Temporarily confounds a single target's mind within range of 10 meters, lowering their natural defenses and briefly controlling their thought processes for a short time. Range and Duration will increase by 10% per level.

Description: A basic mental manipulation that allows Markus to influence the thoughts of a target for a short duration, rendering them susceptible to subsequent suggestions.

The evolution imbued him with an enhanced capability of exerting control over the minds of others. With his newfound skill mind control, Markus activated his Ethereal Wraith skill, and slipped into the dense forest like a shadow on the wind. The forest, marked by the territorial presence of the Scoia'tael, resonated with ancient magic as he moved unseen among the towering trees. Every step was silent, his presence masked by the ethereal shroud that rendered him untouchable and untraceable, even by the most sensitive of arcane sensors.

Navigating the labyrinthine woodland, Markus made his way toward a renowned landmark: the Druids' Grove. Here, the natural energies coalesced in a symphony of life, drawing druids and dryads into a delicate dance of elemental magic. The grove, shrouded in mystic fog and alive with the whispers of ancient spirits, was a sanctuary of pure nature, where the magic of the earth and life mingled with the ethereal songs of the fae.

Intrigued by the promise of raw, unbridled magic, Markus ventured deeper into the grove. His mind, always hungry for knowledge and power, contemplated the potential of harnessing both druidic and dryadic energies. Although he maintained his focus on the strategic advantages that such arcane forces could offer, he couldn't help but appreciate the subtle allure of the dryads, whose presence added an enchanting layer to the grove's mystical ambiance. Their delicate, otherworldly beauty was a stark contrast to the ruthless necromancy that defined Markus's other pursuits. Markus dropped his invisibility and approached to a Dryad, using his healing on her while copying her dialect, he greeted the beautiful creature.

Markus spent six intense days within the ancient druid's grove, a secluded sanctuary hidden deep within a verdant forest. Here, among whispering trees and mystical dryads, he absorbed nature's arcane secrets. He observed druids casting spells that could make plants sprout in seconds, alter the weather with a mere incantation, and heal wounds with a touch of elemental grace. Intrigued, Markus fused these natural healing arts with his own Superior Healing Mastery, augmenting his regenerative prowess. The dryads, in their ethereal grace, extended warm hospitality, and even the young ones, full of mischievous spirit were "persuaded" by his charismatic, otherworldly presence to join him, eventually relocating to his burgeoning vineyard.

With the lessons of nature firmly ingrained, Markus set his sights on a higher echelon of magical prowess: the world of sorcerers and sorceresses. His journey led him to seek out some of the most renowned figures in the Witcher world. In his travels, he encountered; Philippa Eilhart, the compassionate yet cunning Triss Merigold, the enigmatic Keira Metz, the shrewd Fringilla Vigo, and a lesser-known yet equally adept mage, Assire var Anahid. These practitioners, each with their own unique mastery of the arcane, were repositories of knowledge that Markus intended to tap into. Their expertise in manipulating elemental energies and bending magical forces to their will presented a tantalizing array of skills he was eager to assimilate.

Markus methodically activated his copy ability to absorb their secrets, capturing a wide spectrum of magical arts. From these encounters, he replicated skills that went far beyond the rudimentary signs of the Witchers. He absorbed Telepathy and Telempathy, enabling him to read minds and subtly influence emotions Telekinesis, which granted him the power to manipulate objects with his will they fused with his far superior skill. Further, he assimilated Aerokinesis and Aeromancy, which allowed him to control and conjure winds and storms, alongside Geokinesis and Geomancy, skills that let him mold the very earth beneath his feet. Not stopping there, Markus expanded his repertoire with Hydrokinesis and Hydromancy for water control, as well as Pyrokinesis and Pyromancy to wield and manipulate fire. In addition, he mastered the use of Ether and refined various forms of teleportation and portal magic, with multiple copies of these skill and perfect mastery over Elder Speech elevating his strategic and combative capabilities to unprecedented levels. They have all fused with his skills. Increasing their levels by 3 to 4 times.

The integration of these diverse magical disciplines marked a pivotal expansion of Markus's power. Drawing from the deep well of Witcher lore, his new abilities allowed him to influence the battlefield in ways previously unimagined, melding raw elemental force with the subtle manipulation of thought and matter. The skills he acquired not only enhanced his offensive and defensive potential but also granted him an almost omnipresent awareness of the magical energies coursing through the world. This synthesis of natural and arcane magic positioned him as a formidable force capable of reshaping destiny, blurring the lines between sorcery, necromancy, and raw elemental control.

As Markus continued his journey through the Witcher world, he felt the thrill of constant evolution. Each spell copied and every arcane secret learned brought him closer to becoming an unparalleled master of magic. His experiences in the druid's grove and subsequent encounters with the great sorceresses had not only enriched his arsenal but had also deepened his understanding of the intricate tapestry of magic in this realm. With a confident stride and a mind teeming with new possibilities.

Markus's journey continued as a month slipped by in the blink of an eye, marking the end of the turbulent events of Witcher 2. Now, with the echoes of that grim saga fading, he set his sights on Loc Muinne, a ruined, ancient elven city steeped in mystery and the lingering aura of lost glory. The labyrinthine streets and crumbling stone structures whispered of old magic and forgotten lore, setting the perfect stage for Markus's next ambitious conquest.

In Loc Muinne, amidst the weathered remnants of an illustrious civilization, Markus prepared for his most audacious experiment yet. His objective was clear: to hunt down and eliminate Letho, the notorious Kingslayer whose deeds had scarred the annals of history, and then to resurrect him as a hybrid witcher. Markus's intention was to harness Letho's combat prowess and integrate it into his own vast summonable arsenal, a legion that would defy the natural order by blurring the line between life and death.

Navigating through the shadowed corridors of Loc Muinne, Markus tracked Letho with a cold, calculated precision. The city's eerie silence was punctuated only by the distant sound of falling stones and the whisper of ancient winds. In a secluded ruin, he finally confronted the infamous witcher. Letho, his eyes burning with the fire of a battle-hardened soul, fought with the desperation of a man who had once taken kings' lives, but now found himself no match for Markus's dark, necromantic mastery.

With ruthless efficiency, Markus overpowered Letho. Their clash was brief yet brutal; Markus's strategic combat style and supernatural abilities allowed him to dispatch the Kingslayer swiftly. In that decisive moment, Markus absorbed the essence of Letho, ensuring that the legendary witcher would be reborn as a formidable hybrid summonable unit, an undead force imbued with the skill and experience of a true witcher.

Yet Markus's ambitions extended beyond Letho. His second target was Saesenthessis, more widely known by her epithet Saskia the Dragonslayer or the Virgin of Aedirn. A formidable leader whose very presence in Witcher lore was synonymous with indomitable spirit and martial prowess. Saskia's reputation as a warrior who had once rallied those oppressed and led her people to defy tyrants made her an ideal candidate for Markus's dark experiments.

Saskia's background, woven into the tumultuous tapestry of Witcher 2, told of a Golden Dragon who had battled not only human foes but also monstrous creatures and corrupt regimes. She is able to change form between dragon and human. In Markus's eyes, merging her raw, untamed strength with his necromantic prowess would yield the perfect hybrid.

Markus methodically set his plan into motion. He eliminate Letho and pierced Saskia's heart, only to resurrect them as hybrid summonable units under his command. By fusing their legendary skills with his dark, arcane magic. This fusion of forbidden necromancy and the heroic legacy of witchers and dragon shifters promised to give Markus unparalleled strategic advantage, as each resurrected unit would be bigger and stronger compared to their former selves. In their undead form they will carry the essence of his glory into his relentless crusade.

With his targets achieved, Markus's actions in Loc Muinne signaled the next chapter of his and this world's dark journey. Plot of Witcher 3 will start soon, Markus sent 3 dozens of Wraith Lords to Velen, Crookback Bog. Now it was a game of waiting.