Winter Is not Coming

Markus continued his relentless quest for djinns, dispatching his cadre of Magus to scour the farthest reaches of the continent. Their mission was clear: locate the ancient djinns, beings whose powers had long been the subject of whispered legends and report back with their whereabouts. It wasn't long before dispatches arrived, bearing reports of the elusive entity: an air elemental, lurking in a remote, uncharted region. Having learned from his past encounter, Markus resolved not to slay the creature. 

Upon reaching the designated location, Markus encountered the air elemental djinn, its form a chaotic vortex of swirling winds and turbulent gusts that seemed to defy gravity. With a precise incantation, he conjured a cage of pure ether, a shimmering, translucent barrier that encapsulated the djinn's raw, untamed power. With the djinn safely confined, Markus initiated his copying ability with deliberate precision. He zeroed in on the air elemental djinn, his mind absorbing the intricate, almost hypnotic patterns of its Reality Alteration skill, along with the volatile essence of its Wish Granting ability. Over the course of three days, each copy of these skills contributed incrementally to their mastery, until at last both Reality Alteration and Wish Granting reached level 10. At this pinnacle, the range of Reality Alteration had expanded dramatically to a full 100 meters, while the mana cost for Wish Granting was slashed to a mere 5%. A testament to the exponential growth of Markus's power and his unyielding determination to reshape reality on his own terms.

Markus initiated the process with raw determination as the copied skills from both djinns converged, their distinct essences intertwining in a dazzling display of arcane energy. In that moment, the separate manifestations of reality's malleability, Reality Alteration and Wish Granting fused into a single, awe inspiring ability: Reality Manipulation. This evolved skill represented a quantum leap in power, enabling Markus to reshape the very structure of existence within a staggering one kilometer radius around him. The air itself seemed to ripple and bend in his presence as the fabric of reality became his canvas.

With Reality Manipulation at his command, Markus could channel a formidable 10% of his own mana to effect fundamental changes in any target within its vast range. Whether rewriting the very biology of a living creature or altering the immutable laws of physics governing an object, his power transcended conventional limits. He could mend shattered armor, transmute matter into pure energy, or even modify an enemy's molecular structure with a mere thought. Turning what once seemed immutable into fluid, dynamic potential. This ability granted him the unprecedented capability to redefine the rules of existence, blurring the line between magic and science.

The magnitude of Reality Manipulation was both awe-inspiring and terrifying. In the midst of battle, Markus could transform entire battlefields in an instant, rearranging terrain, summoning barriers, or disintegrating foes with an effortless gesture. Outside the crucible of conflict, he could restore ruined landscapes, fabricate cities from barren earth, or even tailor the weather to his precise desires. This evolved skill not only marked a pivotal turning point in Markus's relentless pursuit of power but also promised to shift the balance of power across the Witcher world, establishing him as an omnipotent force capable of bending reality itself to his indomitable will.

As he stood in his Vizima palace, Markus tested his new ability with a single, deliberate gesture. With a subtle thought, he activated Reality Manipulation, and the world around him shimmered as if in anticipation. In an instant, a fragment of the courtyard wall transformed into smooth, polished stone, its texture and hue melding seamlessly with the rest of structure. He then set about reshaping the entire structure, raising the battlements and altering their molecular composition so that they mimicked reinforced steel, a clear demonstration of his mastery over matter. Once the renovations were complete, Markus commanded his Vampire Lords to retrieve the jewelry from the treasure room. With meticulous scrutiny, he inspected each item to understand its molecular structure before teleporting to a nearby mountain, where he transmuted the rugged stone into gleaming deposits of gold, silver, diamond, ruby, and sapphire. Satisfied, he restored the mountain to its original state.

Next, Markus turned his attention to a more organic experiment, a solitary old farmer from a remote farmhouse outside Vizima. He began by analyzing the man's biology with clinical precision, The farmer, unaware that his very existence was about to be fundamentally altered. Within hours of rigorous testing, the once weary farmer was transformed into a young, robust, and unnervingly hollow version of his former self; his eyes were empty, and his soul seemed nearly extinguished by the ordeal. The agony he endured in those few hours was enough to break even the strongest of warriors. With cold detachment, Markus disintegrated what he designated as Subject Zero. He started to roam the land by foot, methodically reading and altering the biology of every creature he encountered, animals, monsters, humans, elves and dwarves alike. He reshaped their physical forms, adjusted their health and age, and even attempted a gender swap on a dwarf, though the dwarf's beard proved particularly stubborn, necessitating further "corrections". Convinced that he could manipulate biological forms without causing irreversible damage after a few "happy little accidents," Markus set his sights on the members of the Lodge, reasoning that such beauty and wisdom should never be allowed to perish from old age. Thus, he initiated what he termed the "Spa Therapies" of the sorceresses a magical rejuvenation ritual in every sense of the word.

Markus's eyes glimmered with dark satisfaction as he surveyed the limitless potential of Reality Manipulation. The fusion of the djinns' abilities had not only expanded his control over matter at atomic stage but had also fundamentally transformed the nature of his magic. With a mere thought, he could now reshape entire landscapes, alter the fate of individuals, and command the very laws of physics with an authority that bordered on divine. Each experiment, every calculated transmutation, reinforced his belief that reality was but a malleable canvas and he, Markus Tenebris, its master painter.

In that decisive moment, Markus resolved that the Witcher world with its primitive technologies and fragile social structures would serve as the perfect hub for his burgeoning empire. With Reality Manipulation at his command, he envisioned a realm entirely subjugated to his will; a land where magic reigned supreme and every element bent to his authority. The prospect of transforming the entire world to match his dark ambitions filled him with an overwhelming sense of purpose.

Dragons, with their majestic forms and the imposing vampire lords riding them, had returned from their extensive mapping missions. These draconic envoys had traversed the farthest reaches of the known world and beyond, bringing back rare specimens from newly discovered continents. Their powerful wings not only bore the scars of fierce, ancient battles but also carried mysterious relics and biological samples from lands untouched by intelligent civilization. Lands where only rudimentary life thrived among untamed beasts and monstrous creatures.

The newly compiled world map revealed that the continent they occupied was the largest by far, while four smaller continents lay scattered like forgotten islands adrift in a vast, uncharted ocean. These minor continents, barren of human and magical civilization alike, teemed only with simple animals and savage monsters. Markus decided that one continent should be reserved for the Elves, another for the Dwarves, and a third for intelligent magical creatures. In his mind, segregation based on racial and cultural differences was essential for the well being of all parties; he often murmured, "Unity only brings disaster," recalling the brutal massacres committed under the guise of cultural and racial conflicts.

His past life as a scientist on Earth had instilled in him a deep understanding of biological and sociocultural dynamics, and for Markus, this new arrangement affirmed his advantage. He saw a world where primitive life forms, lacking the complexities of advanced technology or evolved magical systems, would be far easier to control and subjugate. This simplicity, he believed, allowed for a more straightforward application of his will, making the subjugation and manipulation of such beings almost effortless.

Eager to leave no stone unturned, Markus turned his gaze toward the planet's vast oceans. He initiated an extensive survey, seeking out legendary deep-sea creatures krakens, hydras, and sirens that roamed the mysterious depths. Once captured, these formidable beings were added to his ever-growing roster of summonable units. He then dispatched hundreds of his newly enhanced oceanic forces to explore and map the hidden, shadowed corridors of the deep seas, ensuring that every remote corner of this world fell under his meticulous control.

Meanwhile, three days earlier, Yennefer had arrived at Vizima Palace accompanied by the entire Wolf School of Witchers, save for Lambert. Their arrival was marked by an undercurrent of tension, as the seasoned witchers, renowned for their prowess in battling monsters, now found themselves facing a power that rendered their traditional roles nearly obsolete. With the emergence of new continents designated for intelligent species, the very purpose of their profession was called into question, forcing them to reconsider their place in this rapidly changing world.

Before any formal interactions could take place, Markus severed the mystical connection that a djinn had established between Geralt and Yennefer. In an instant, the invisible tether that had once intertwined their fates shattered, an event punctuated by a series of rapid, involuntary blinks from both Geralt and Yennefer. The sudden disruption cast a heavy, eerie silence over the room, signaling the beginning of shifting loyalties and altered destinies that would reshape their futures.

Breaking the silence, Yennefer spoke with a calm yet unmistakable detachment. "I can feel it the bond between us is broken. I no longer sense the connection we once shared," she murmured, her voice carrying both sorrow and a newfound resolve. In that moment, her inner conviction realigned, her loyalty shifting away from past attachments toward a destiny defined by her own will, a destiny now separate from the ties that had once bound her to Geralt.

Observing the scene with detached amusement, Markus could not resist a caustic remark. Although he held a grudging respect for Geralt's legacy, for the hours he played this character, he scorned the White Wolf's sentimental attachment to Yennefer. "Perhaps you should stick to your simple pleasures, prostitutes and village girls. Rather than meddle in affairs that no longer concern you," he added, his words slicing through the charged atmosphere with ruthless precision.

After ensuring that the shattered bond between Geralt and Yennefer remained irreparable, Markus turned his attention to the transformation of Yennefer herself. He cleansed and rejuvenated her body, started the re-education of her thoughts to conform to his vision. In this ruthless reconditioning, the once fierce and independent sorceress was reshaped into a younger, more devoted version, one whose allegiance would be entirely and irrevocably bound to Markus.

Markus harnessed the full potential of Reality Manipulation to reshape entire continents. He raised majestic cities from the very bedrock of the elven and dwarven lands. In a matter of days, vibrant metropolises, their spires gleaming with an otherworldly radiance, were established as the new sanctuaries for each race. The architecture, meticulously crafted by Markus's dark magic, exuded both beauty and gothic sense of order.

The transformation was swift and unyielding. Each city was designed to enforce a strict segregation, as Markus decreed that interspecies marriages were forbidden, ensuring the purity of each race's culture. This draconian rule was enforced not through leniency but by the cold, uncompromising presence of his Doom Knights. These relentless enforcers patrolled every trade route and marketplace, overseeing commerce between humans, elves, and dwarves with a vigilant, deathly efficiency that brooked no dissent.

Within weeks, a new order was established across the continents. Every race was confined to its own territory, with the newly built cities standing as monuments to Markus's omnipotence. The elven and dwarven cities, each governed by appointed Lich Generals and Vampire Lords, thrived under the iron fisted rule of their undead overseers. Trade and communication between the segregated realms were strictly regulated, with every transaction monitored to prevent any breach of the imposed racial boundaries.

As the political landscape shifted under Markus's dominion, the long standing conflict among the races began to subside. His policies, though harsh, brought stability to a world that had long been riven by strife. The meticulous segregation and the imposition of rigorous laws ensured that every community remained isolated, fostering an environment where each race could flourish without the interference of others. Some individual groups tried to rekindle the ideology of the old churches and mage hunts. As a specie thriving on conflicts human race was not happy without any common enemy. Thanks to his undead enforcers these individual groups were being slain without question on the very streets they were trying to gather allies.

This separation was not merely cultural but also economic and social, with every interaction falling under the watchful eyes of Markus's loyal forces. The once tumultuous Witcher world now bore the unmistakable mark of a new era. With every region locked into its designated territory, the old power structures crumbled, replaced by a system of governance that relied on absolute control and order. Markus's undead legions enforced his edicts with ruthless precision, ensuring that no one dared to challenge the boundaries he had so meticulously drawn.

Nilfgaard, once a bastion of martial might and relentless ambition, had been forced to bend to Markus's will. In a dramatic shift of power, the empire accepted vassal status as a Duchy under Markus's dominion. This capitulation marked the end of the political disturbances that had plagued the Witcher world, as traditional power structures gave way to a new order defined by the ruthless logic of magical supremacy.

In the end, Markus's vision of absolute control was realized. Every race, every territory, and every facet of society was reorganized into a meticulously structured hierarchy, all governed by the iron will of Markus Tenebris. The Witcher world, once a realm of chaotic magic and unpredictable alliances, now stood as a testament to the power of divided empire where even the mighty Nilfgaard had been subdued, and all dissent was quashed under the unyielding shadow of Markus's reign.

Ciri's training progressed with remarkable speed, each day revealing newfound depths of her inherent powers. Under the strict tutelage of Yennefer and the enigmatic elven sage Ida Emean, she learned to harness the raw potential of her Elder Blood. With every lesson, her control over this ancient magic grew, enabling her to manipulate energy and time in ways that few could comprehend. In the shadow of ancient ruins and mystical glades, Yennefer's stern guidance mixed with Ida Emean's gentle wisdom allowed Ciri to refine her abilities with precision. The young mage not only mastered the elemental surges of Elder Blood but also began to channel it into controlled bursts of power, crafting intricate spells that danced with ethereal light. This rigorous training forged her into a formidable force.

Meanwhile, Markus observed the unfolding spectacle with cold, calculated interest. He had long been preparing for this moment a convergence of destiny where Ciri's evolution would play a pivotal role in his grand design. As the training continued, his focus sharpened on the impending arrival of Eredin and his merry band of Aen Elle, the harbingers of the Wild Hunt, whose presence signaled the completion of the plot echoing the events of Witcher 3.

The anticipation in Markus's Vizima palace was palpable, as every minute brought him closer to meeting Eredin. He envisioned the chaos and transformation that would follow, with the Wild Hunt's arrival marking the beginning of a new reality. For Markus, the convergence of these legendary forces promised not just conquest, but the opening of portals to realms yet uncharted, a gateway to an existence beyond the confines of the present world.

As the final stage of his plan neared, Markus's eyes burned with a fierce determination. He knew that once Eredin and his kin descended, the Witcher world would be irrevocably altered. In that moment, the fate of the continent teetered on the edge of a new era, with Markus poised to reshape reality and chart his own course into the unknown, armed with the power of ancient magic and the promise of undiscovered horizons.

Two months had passed in a blur of nights filled with both indulgence and strategic planning. Markus had endured evenings of pure bliss whether in the opulent halls of Vizima with the Lodge of Sorceresses or in the sultry embraces of the sisters in Toussaint. Amidst this decadent interlude, his focus never wavered; he was patiently preparing for the next phase of his conquest of the Witcher world.

The calm was soon shattered when Eredin, along with his unruly band of Aen Elle, emerged on the fourth continent. Markus had arranged for Ciri to continue her intensive dimensional shift training in this new theater of conflict. Despite the promise of further challenges, Markus found himself growing increasingly impatient with the prolonged waiting game. He knew destiny of the Witcher world would soon be decided on his terms.

Before delivering his final judgment on Eredin's forces, Markus demonstrated his disdain with a theatrical display of power. Hovering over the battlefield, he locked eyes with Eredin—a striking specimen of the Aen Elle race standing at 2.05 meters tall, his skull mask glinting ominously. In a moment of dark amusement, Markus extended his influence, increasing his own height to a towering 2.50 meters, ensuring that he would literally and figuratively look down on the so-called dimensional terrorist.

With his newfound stature, Markus spared no time. In a swift and brutal maneuver, he used telekinesis to subdue Eredin and, with a contemptuous snarl, obliterated him in a burst of arcane energy. Only Caranthir from the remnants of Eredin's forces survived, and he was taken into custody. In a brief, almost mocking tone Markus mused about the skull masks and terrorism always walking hand in hand. In some alternate reality, Voldemort sneezed as someone has bad mouthed his cute death eaters.

Taking Caranthir to the Aen Elle world, Markus issued a stern ultimatum: either the ancient elves must resolve their internal strife or submit as a vassal force under his dominion within the Witcher world. Reluctantly, the remaining Aen Elle forces conceded, and Markus set about reshaping the fourth continent to serve as their new homeland. Through his Reality Manipulation, he enlarged the landmass and meticulously built a grand city that would house his new subjects, ensuring their survival amid a frigid future.

Concurrently, Markus's relentless ambition extended beyond territorial control; he was determined to secure every advantage his conquests could offer. Amid the chaos of political upheaval and shifting allegiances, he received a surprising request from Ciri. She implored him to assist her elven friend, Avallac'h, who had been cursed by Eredin himself.

Intrigued and recognizing the strategic importance of Avallac'h's arcane heritage, Markus dispatched his finest agents to locate the cursed sage. He found Avallac'h and applied his arcane skills to remove the curse. In doing so, he not only restored the ancient elven mage to his former glory but also secured a third mentor for Ciri a vital addition to her growing arsenal of magical training. 

Markus began by rigorously training Ciri in the arcane art of severing the interdimensional portals, mysterious doors through which the insidious White Frost traversed from one world to another. Under his stern tutelage, Ciri learned not only to sense these doorways but also to disrupt the fragile connections that bound them to the fabric of the Witcher world. Together, they meticulously scoured every hidden crevice and shadowed corner, dismantling each portal with precise and ruthless efficiency, determined to deny the advancing cold its passage.

As the Conjunction of Spheres approached, a celestial event destined to blur the boundaries between realities. Markus and Ciri gathered their collective strength and waited in tense anticipation. When the cosmic alignment finally began, its energies surging through the heavens, they harnessed the moment to launch their most audacious mission. With hearts steeled and magic at the ready, they teleported to Undvik, a harsh, frostbitten realm where the chilling tendrils of White Frost threatened to engulf everything in its path.

Upon arriving in Undvik, Markus and Ciri set to work with unyielding determination, severing the latent ties that White Frost might exploit to invade the world. In a cascade of brilliant, defiant magic, they dismantled the remaining portals, ensuring that the relentless advance of the ice would be held at bay. Markus was confused about the White Frost the be frank. Nimue also known Lady of the Lake in the books and Avallac'h the elven sage of the game stated the White Frost was an inevitable ice age caused by changes in the planet's orbit and axis. Yet it was possible to evade it by simply severing the doors to other realms. Anyhow the planet was safe now. And Markus was ready to travel to a new reality. He opened his status page to see his progress. He called his status page to analyze his progress;

[SATAUS]

• Name: Markus Tenebris

• Titles: Lord of the Undead, Master of Shadows, Godling, Reality Shaper

• Race: Godling

• Class: Arch Magus

• Level: 304

• EXP: Approximately 30.0M / 35M

• Free Stat Points: ~3,500 

Core Attributes• STR: 10,000

• AGI: 10,000

• END: 11,000

• INT: 13,000

• WIS: 11,000

• LCK: 4,500

Resources & Regeneration

• Base HP: 120,000

• Base MP: 1,400,000

• Base SP: 140,000

• Permanent Divine Reaper Enhancement: 

– Bonus HP: +50% (Total effective HP becomes 180,000) 

– Bonus MP: +50% (Total effective MP becomes 2,100,000) 

– Bonus SP: +50% (Total effective SP becomes 210,000)

• Regeneration Rates (per minute): 

– HP Regen: 18,000 HP/min 

– MP Regen: 80,000 MP/min 

– SP Regen: 12,000 SP/min

Defensive & Mobility Abilities

• Arcane Aegis: Absorbs 80% of incoming elemental/magical damage; reduces 60% of non-magical physical damage.

• Void Rift: Grants instantaneous teleportation across planetary distances with a brief window of invulnerability and heightened awareness upon arrival.

• Ethereal Wraith: Renders Markus intangible and invisible, allowing passage through solid objects and temporary evasion of all attacks.

• Flash(Lv.3) (Evolved from Blink Lv. 10): 

– Range: 65 meters 

– Time Dilation: Locked at 90% (everything within range moves at 10% normal speed for 5 seconds) 

– Bonus: +26% bonus to attack and movement speed during the effect; with each level-up, range and speed bonus increase by an additional 10%.

Combat & Summoning Mastery• Soul Forger (Lv.6): 

– Unified Cemetery: Commands an undead legion with a base capacity of 160,000 hybrid/summonable units (increasing by 10% per level-up). 

– Damage Sharing: Summoned units share damage dealt to Markus even while in storage. 

– Soul Vortex Integration: Fuses the effects of Soul Harvest, extending its soul suction range to 5 km and permanently boosting his and his army's stats with every enemy absorbed.

• Shadow Exchange: Enables rapid positional swaps with hybrids and summoned units, ensuring tactical flexibility.

• World Gate: Tears through the fabric of reality, enabling travel to any previously visited location across planetary distances. 

• Dimensional Drift: Cross realities with ease. User can travel to different realities by ripping the fabric of boundaries.

Mastered Arcane Skills & Copy Abilities

• Divine Reaper: 

– Fusion of Spiritual Body Manifestation, mastery over undead, and the Fragments of the Most Brilliant Light. 

– Allows seamless shifting between his physical form and an energy based form, with permanent benefits: +50% to HP/MP/SP and their regeneration rates, 25% reduced mana cost for elemental manipulation, +30% elemental damage bonus.

• Fate's Edict: Grants unparalleled foresight over events and outcomes, affecting both living beings and inanimate objects. (Can subtly alter probabilities at a significant mana cost.)

• Puppet Master (Lv7): 

– Inserts suggestions, rewrites memories, and influences behavior through deep mind control; effective for 28.8 hours, with potency and duration increasing by 20% per level up. 

– Fuses telepathy and telempathy for surface and deep mind reading, copying and inserting experiences. 

– Can control minds provided the target's INT does not exceed half of Markus's INT.

• Reality Manipulation (Lv. 2) (Evolved from Reality Alteration + Wish Granting): 

– Merges the powers of bending physical laws and reshaping matter with a reduced mana cost (Wish Granting at 5% per use). 

– Allows alteration of the very structure of existence within a 1.4 km radius (with potential for further upgrades) by channeling 10% of Markus's own mana. 

– Capable of transmuting materials, altering biological structures, and redefining environmental conditions.

– Range increases by 20% per level up.