The Witcher World: The Path to Domination Begins in Velen

Chapter 108 The Future of the Warlock Community

Main building lobby, afternoon.

Ron had just sat down at the table and opened the report he hadn't finished reviewing when the door was pushed open. Kayla walked straight to the table, picked up Ron's teacup, took a sip, and then pointed behind her. "I have something to talk to you about, the formal kind."

"Let's sit down and talk," Ron said, putting down the report and looking at Sis. "You're recovering quickly. How are you feeling?"

Xi'er placed her hands on her knees, trying to maintain a calm expression, her voice clear but sincere.

"Thank you, you saved me. I heard Margarita mention it, and I will never forget your kindness."

"Ahem, I won't forget this kindness," Margarita mimicked Shee's tone, a mischievous smile on her face. "How cold, Shee. I remember when you secretly asked me about Ron, you didn't have this expression on your face, did you?"

A blush rose on Sheer's cheeks. She glared angrily at Margarita, biting her lip as she called out, "Margarita!"

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Margarita spread her hands, palms up, looking innocent but without any remorse.

Ron watched them playfully bickering, a faint smile playing on his lips, before speaking, "You two must have something important to discuss here, right?"

Margarita dropped her teasing expression, leaned forward slightly, and looked directly at Ron with her blue eyes. "Of course, to be honest, after seeing your army, we are confident that you are capable of protecting us, but we would like to know about our lord, and... how he views magic and the sorcerer community."

"Your concerns are valid," Ron said calmly as he walked to the fireplace, poured himself a glass of water, and spoke in a flat tone.

"I believe you understand that I am not opposed to magic. What you want to ask is what I think about the future position of the warlock community, right?"

“Yes, this is important.” Margarita’s expression turned serious. “Redania completely rejects the sorcerer community. The sorcerers of Nilfgaard in the south are used like craftsmen, and even regarded as imperial property. So, Ron, what is your view on the sorcerer community?”

Sheeil and Kayla also stared intently at Ron, and the hall became unusually quiet and oppressive for a moment.

Ron took a sip of water and said slowly, "I've heard a little about what the Sorcerer's Guild has done. I don't mean to criticize what you've done, but isn't that why the sorcerer community is in this awkward situation now?"

Margarita, Shee, and Kayla exchanged glances, remained silent for a moment, and then Margarita sighed softly.

"Yes, this is an undeniable fact. Whether the original purpose was for the benefit of the warlock community or for the ambitions of certain individuals, this outcome has exceeded our expectations."

We once thought that as long as we had enough political leverage, we could ensure the warlock's safety, but we lost everything.

"Protecting the interests of the warlock community?" Ron shook his head. "If that's your goal, I can only say you've completely gone down the wrong path. Why don't you listen to my views on warlocks and magic?"

He put down his water glass and walked up to the three of them. "Margarita, Shirley, do you know what makes humans superior to beasts? We don't have thick fur or sharp claws, but we still dominate this world."

“Wisdom,” Sheryl said, her answer was almost without hesitation.

"Yes, wisdom," Ron nodded. "It taught us how to use tools, how to use fire, how to forge weapons, cook food, and equip armor. Without these, we would be nothing more than wild beasts that eat flesh and blood."

"So? What does this have to do with magic and sorcerers?" Margarita leaned forward slightly.

"Of course," Ron said in a steady and powerful voice. "To me, magic is the original flame of mankind, and sorcerers are the pioneers of civilization, paving the way for the progress of the human race."

"I know some warlocks may have different ideas, believing themselves to be a nobler group than ordinary humans, or even considering themselves gods, but to me, warlocks are simply the first people to discover fire and use it."

He pointed out the window, "Can you see my knights?"

"Hmm, very strong, but what does that have to do with this topic?" Kayla leaned against the edge of the table, twirling a teacup in her hand.

"If you throw a knight back thousands of years, how would our ancestors view him? A man covered in gleaming metal, whose stone spears couldn't even leave a mark on him, then to these people, this knight could also call himself a god, but we all know he isn't, because he needs sleep, needs food, bleeds, and can be killed, so what's the difference between him and a sorcerer?"

You possess knowledge and power that only a select few can attain, but the arrogance that power breeds has led you to this point. To me, you were the first to master and utilize magic; you are important and worthy of respect, nothing more.

Sher bit her lip, seemingly touched by Ron's words. She raised her head and looked directly into Ron's eyes.

"What are your thoughts on the sorceresses' council's plan to establish a kingdom ruled by sorcerers?"

"I don't think so," Ron replied decisively.

"It's not because of the exclusivity of power that I say this, but if you really want to promote the development of magic, then this path goes against that goal."

When sorcerers and magic become the ticket to power, it inevitably leads to knowledge monopolies and conservatives. Like the nobles of Temuria who abandoned their lands and people, their bloodline placed them in positions disproportionate to their abilities, creating incompetent parasites and useless individuals. Sorcerers become powerful because of their thirst for knowledge and their research into magic; so how can sorcerers, long detached from the people, govern a nation?

Margarita nodded thoughtfully. "This is the first time I've heard you say this. A pioneer of civilization?"

So, what does our lord intend to do with these pioneers of civilization? Will he treat us like Nilfgaard, using us as artisans and siege crossbowmen?

Ron walked to the map and ran his hand across it. "Let's start with the current state of the warlock community. How did you do it in the past? You either lived in seclusion or only pursued the upper echelons. This way, you can never become a backbone force that a country cannot abandon. The situation of using you when needed and slaughtering you when not needed will still happen."

He turned around, his gaze like a burning flame. "Establish academies, participate in military and scientific research, make the mage community a truly indispensable part of the nation, popularize magical products, and make them an important part of commerce, construction, and military equipment. Do you want to guarantee the interests of mages?"

"No problem. Top-tier warlocks want special privileges? No problem either."

"In the future, I will establish a Warlock Council, granting top warlocks special privileges, evaluating and analyzing the research results of mages, assessing and allocating funds for submitted research directions, promoting warlocks to higher ranks based on their contributions, and providing national stipends based on their different contributions, which will be sufficient to support the extravagant lifestyles of some warlocks."

At the same time, this will be a purely academic organization. Want to take a political route to gain power? Sure, but you must withdraw from the Warlock Council and ensure that the Warlock Council's research style and technological orientation remain the primary focus.

Ron paused, then continued, "You say you're not good at research? No problem, just take the military merit promotion route. After your service is over, you can choose to become a military academy lecturer or find your own way. With me, you have the right to choose. As long as you contribute your value, I will never be stingy with money, status, and power."

"Margarita, I think this part about the Sorcerer's Academy is what you're most concerned about," Ron turned to Margarita.

"I plan to re-establish the Warlock Academy and reform it, dividing it into two factions: Battle Mages and School Mages."

The former has a shorter learning process, focusing on physical fitness, combat reaction, common combat spells, battlefield survival, and tactical coordination. Its goal is to make combat spells second nature, while ignoring other spells such as alchemy, curses, and transformation.

The latter focuses on research: alchemy masters, spell development, magical items, and potion masters. It only recruits the most talented sorcerer apprentices. Battle mages directly advance through the military, while school mages choose different research directions within their chosen school, such as potions, defense, polymorphing, elemental magic, spellcasting, and healing. Upon successful graduation, they are awarded the title of First-Class Researcher and receive a national stipend.

After Ron finished speaking, the hall fell silent.

After a long while, Margarita and Shee looked at each other and saw shock in each other's eyes. They stood up and walked to Ron.

Ron extended his hand to the two of them. "You asked me about my views and plans for the warlock community. This is my plan for the warlock community. Perhaps it's a bit early for me to say this now, but it won't hurt for you to hear it."

I'd like to know your thoughts on this plan. Are you satisfied with it? I sincerely invite you all to participate.

"This is indeed a plan that is... impossible to refuse," Margarita said softly.

Xi'er nodded, her eyes showing clear contemplation and excitement.

Margarita and Shel exchanged a glance, and the two extended their hands, the three hands clasping tightly in the air.

Kayla slowly stood up and stretched. "Is the serious political discussion finally over? I've been away from Vizima for too long, and I'm already getting used to this atmosphere. Gretka's class is about to start, so if there's nothing else, I'll head over there."

She picked up the teacup on the table, a slight smile playing on her lips, and turned to walk out of the hall.

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