Witcher: The Half Elf

The story Wayne shared was a blend of truth and fabrication. He described the demonic magic of Baal as a dark, destructive force of pure malevolence. He claimed it was sealed by a divine power, leaving only residual traces of the god's corruption locked within him.

This unique situation immediately piqued the interest of Paletress. As a senior priest with significant experience, she had risen from the humble ranks of the clergy to her current esteemed position. She had served as a military chaplain during the Orc Wars, tending to the wounded and even participating in battles. Despite her gentle demeanor in recent days, Wayne knew this was not a naïve girl but a seasoned servant of the Light.

After listening to Wayne's account, Paletress spoke with determination:

"You should have told me earlier, Wayne. It is the duty of those who serve the Holy Light to aid anyone afflicted by evil forces."

"Come with me to the Cathedral of Light. I will personally examine your condition. If I cannot help you, there are others in the church—priests with even greater expertise—who will certainly find a way."

Wayne, faced with her sincerity and resolve, did not hesitate to accept her offer.

They made their way to the Cathedral of Light. Along the journey, the striking pair attracted attention from many passersby. With his sharp features and confident demeanor, Wayne stood out; paired with the radiant beauty of Paletress, their presence was impossible to ignore.

As one of the prominent senior priests of Stormwind City, Paletress commanded respect in the church. Younger priests greeted her with reverent bows, acknowledging her status. However, it was clear that even in this vast capital, the number of priests capable of wielding the Holy Light remained limited—an estimated hundred, at most.

After a brief walk, Paletress led Wayne to a modestly decorated prayer room. The space was simple, containing only a few pieces of furniture, a single candlestick, and a clean, plush rug spread across the center of the room.

After a few questions about his symptoms and experiences, Paletress instructed Wayne to remove his boots and sit cross-legged on the rug. Following suit, she also removed her shoes. She approached Wayne, assuming a prayerful stance with a serene expression, and began reciting the sacred verses of the Canon of Light in a melodic voice.

Within moments, a warm, radiant golden light emanated from Paletress. The light was soft yet powerful, exuding a palpable sense of divinity. The energy swiftly enveloped Wayne, bathing his entire form in its glow.

For Wayne, this was his first direct encounter with the Holy Light. One of the most revered forces in Azeroth, the Light symbolized goodness, hope, and unwavering faith. It healed pain, banished evil, and stood as the ultimate adversary to darkness.

As the golden light cocooned him, Wayne felt an unparalleled sense of comfort. The hellish magic that had gripped his body and soul for years recoiled, retreating like a predator confronted by its natural enemy. The foul energies withdrew from his limbs, internal organs, and distorted tissues, compressing into a tight knot around his heart and abdomen.

Simultaneously, the Holy Light mended the wounds left by the demonic corruption at an astonishing rate. For the first time in three years, Wayne felt a profound sense of relief.

With the hellish magic temporarily suppressed, his innate Chaos Magic, which had been stifled, surged freely once more. It seemed the relentless struggle between the two forces over the years had tempered his Chaos Magic. Its potency had grown, both in terms of reserves and sheer destructive power—a fortunate side effect of his prolonged battle with corruption.

Just as he was beginning to revel in his renewed strength, the golden glow surrounding him began to flicker and fade. The divine energy abruptly ceased, and Wayne opened his eyes to find Paletress looking visibly drained.

The priestess, who had maintained her prayerful stance moments before, was now breathing heavily, her lips slightly parted. Beads of sweat glistened on her forehead, and her normally clear eyes appeared dazed. Her white priest's robe, soaked through, clung tightly to her figure, outlining the graceful curves of her body.

Wayne's gaze met hers as she exhaled a few deep breaths. She managed a weary yet apologetic smile and, with a soft voice, said:

"I'm sorry, Wayne."

"The dark power within you is astonishingly strong. I didn't expect such potent dark magic to be sealed inside your body. It's hard to imagine how malevolent the entity you confronted must have been," Paletress said, brushing back her long, sweat-soaked blond hair from her forehead. Despite her exhaustion, she raised her face and gave Wayne a reassuring smile.

"But fortunately, the power of the Holy Light has an exceptional ability to suppress such evil forces," she continued.

"And as you mentioned, this power seems to have lost the influence of its creator. Without the dark god's control, it has become nothing more than a formless, destructive energy. Given enough time, I believe I can help you fully expel it from your body."

Hearing this, Wayne couldn't help but smile in relief. He looked at Paletress, admiring her resilience and strength. His gaze wandered for a moment, drawn to her elegant figure—the way her priestly robes clung to her after the intense exertion, highlighting her graceful curves. Her long, flawless legs seemed to catch his attention unintentionally.

However, Wayne quickly reined in his wandering thoughts. His current persona was that of a noble and composed gentleman, and indulging in his desires could risk compromising the image he had carefully crafted. After a brief glance, he composed himself, his expression shifting to one of sincere gratitude.

"Thank you, Paletress," Wayne said warmly. Reaching into his space bracelet, he retrieved a crystal flask containing an exquisite, purple-hued wine that shimmered faintly with a magical glow. Alongside it, he produced a gem-encrusted crystal goblet, into which he carefully poured the wine before extending it toward her.

"This wine is one of the finest treasures in my collection. It has properties that can rejuvenate both the body and soul, easing fatigue and revitalizing the spirit. It is no mere drink—it is an elixir of the highest quality."

The wine, crafted with soul essence and the finest ingredients sourced from his travels, was indeed a rare and priceless artifact. Not only could it relieve physical exhaustion and spiritual weariness, but it also enhanced the drinker's soul strength. Such a treasure was far more valuable than its weight in gold, and Wayne offered it as a token of his genuine appreciation.

Paletress, having wiped the perspiration from her face, seemed to realize how unkempt her appearance had become. A faint blush spread across her cheeks, but her sincerity and innocence made her focus on Wayne's gratitude rather than question his intentions.

"Oh, you're too kind, Wayne," she said, waving her hands modestly. "This is far too extravagant."

But Wayne's gentle insistence and warm smile wore down her hesitation. Encouraged by his words, she shyly accepted the goblet. The aroma of the wine was intoxicating, carrying with it a sense of peace and vitality. Under Wayne's watchful gaze, Paletress sipped the wine, her face lighting up with surprise as the rich, otherworldly flavor filled her senses.