Demon Hunter: I have a red gourd

Chapter 14 Rumors
The sound of knocking on the door woke Ivan from his meditation.

He challenged Guangzhi three times in one night and lost every time.

But I gained a lot.

Not only did he gain a deeper understanding of the Griffin School's swordsmanship, he also mastered many techniques he had never attempted before. In the third challenge, Ivan even narrowly defeated Guangzhi, leaving him with a wound.

Compared to three months ago, Ivan's swordsmanship has completely changed. If old Kelda and Cohen saw it, they would definitely be shocked.

As the wooden door opened, Philip Strenger's smiling face immediately peeked in. "Master, how are your preparations going? How about we set off now?"

"Okay, wait a moment, I'll pack my luggage." Ivan returned to the room, picked up the package that had been packed long ago, and walked out of the hotel with Philip.

"How long does it take to get to the smithy from here?" Ivan asked. His horse had been lost during the fight with the griffin, and he was now riding on the gray horse of one of Philip's soldiers, who was riding with a companion.

"About three hours, Master," Philip replied. "That master dwarf blacksmith is from Mahakam. I heard he left because he was dissatisfied with the corrupt rule of the dwarf elder, Brovar Hogg."

"He later came to Velen and encountered some trouble. Ha, of course, it was racial discrimination. Fortunately, Lord Veserad happened to be nearby and stepped forward to help him solve the problem. In return, he accepted the invitation and opened a blacksmith shop in Crow's Nest."

"Since you're a master blacksmith, I'm sure repairing my equipment shouldn't be a problem." Ivan took a sip of water to relieve the thirst and fatigue from the overnight dungeon run. "A demon hunter's equipment is beyond the reach of an average blacksmith."

"By the way, Philip, I mentioned to you before that I'm actually just a demon hunter apprentice of the Griffin School. I can't be called a master yet. So, you can just call me by my name."

"Very well, Ivan," the future Bloody Baron nodded, a look of worry on his face. "Have you ever hunted a monster like the Scissortail Dragon before? How confident are you that you can handle that beast?"

"To be honest, I'm a new apprentice and don't have much experience in dealing with monsters. However, I'm confident that I can deal with a mere Scissortail Dragon." Ivan answered confidently.

"Oh?" Philip raised his eyebrows and looked at Ivan, "What do you mean?"

"It's knowledge. Knowledge is power." Ivan nodded his head.

"Although the Scissortail Dragon is ferocious, its habits, weaknesses, and possible behavioral patterns are all recorded in several texts of the Griffin School. I have been instilled with this knowledge since I was a child. When I face them, methods of dealing with them automatically emerge in my mind."

"Of course, theoretical knowledge alone isn't enough; actual combat is the key to testing one's true abilities. However, with this knowledge as a foundation, I at least won't suffer losses in battle due to lack of understanding."

"As for the battle," Ivan patted the hilt of his sword behind him, "before yesterday, I might have only been 70% sure, but now, it's a solid 100%."

"I believe you, Ivan." Philip sighed. "I can only believe you."

Ivan knew he was unsure, but he didn't say much. After all, he had just confessed that he was just an apprentice, and no one would be so reassured.

"After this is over, are you really going to join the army?" Ivan was curious. "Aren't you planning to marry your fiancée?"

"Yeah, there's nothing we can do about it." Philip handed over a wine jug. "After spending a few years with Lord Veserad, I've finally seen things clearly."

"These nobles, even if they're just brats, have never treated us, the lower class, as human beings. They only use various means to exploit us, making us bleed and sweat, and their original purpose may just be to have fun." He looked up into the distance, a hint of unwilling anger burning in his eyes. "So what if we get married? What about my child? If he is born, will he have to be like me, looking up to those high and mighty for the rest of his life, and being laughed at and amused by them?"

Ivan didn't respond, but just looked at him quietly.

Philip became more and more excited as he spoke. "The army may be the only place in Temeria where fairness exists. I wasn't born with noble blood flowing in my veins, but with the sword in my hand, I can let my family live a more dignified life!"

He lowered his head and took a sip of wine, his tone gradually becoming deeper. "My fiancée Anna disagrees. She would rather I work under the Baron. But I've made up my mind. I can't live in humiliation. Even if I die, I must die with honor."

Ivan opened the wine flask and took a sip.

"Philip, do you know? Some demon hunters awaken special abilities during the Trial of the Green Grass. For example, I can occasionally see fragments of the future."

"You will definitely realize your wish in the future. I have seen it. At least, it will not be worse than that of Viseralad."

Strictly speaking, this statement is not wrong. Philip did eventually become a low-ranking officer in the army. During the Third Northern War, the assassins sent by Nilfgaard successfully assassinated King Foltest of Temeria and took advantage of the situation to conquer Temeria.

Philip seized this opportunity to occupy Velen and proclaimed himself the Bloody Baron, a title recognized by Nilfgaard.

He was not a patriot, and he joined the army with utilitarian motives, but he did achieve class advancement through his own efforts. However, even so, he ultimately could not escape a tragic end.

"Ivan, I know you're just trying to comfort me, but thank you for making me feel better." Philip raised his wine jug and gently clinked it with Ivan's. "I have to say, you've changed my view of witchers quite a bit. You're definitely different from the witchers described in the rumors."

"This is your first time seeing a demon hunter, right? What are the rumors about?"

"There are many rumors. There are rumors that witchers are the product of evil witchcraft, without emotions or morals, and are completely servants of the devil. Ordinary people will break out in poisonous sores if they touch their bodies. They cannot be cured without a priest to perform exorcism. If a village takes in a witcher, misfortune may break out the next day."

"anything else?"

"Some say that demon hunters are actually more dangerous than monsters themselves. They rely on sucking blood to maintain their strength. Once there are no more monsters commissioning them, they will turn to hunting ordinary people to satisfy their needs."

"My goodness, they've even spread rumors about us being vampires. Besides that, is there anything else outrageous?"

"Oh, by the way, I've heard something interesting." Philip said mysteriously, "There's a rumor that demon hunters have unparalleled lust. They can cast spells, especially on women. If a woman meets their eyes, she will instantly lose her mind and become their mercy."

Ivan raised an eyebrow, a playful smile playing on his lips. "This rumor is true. Aren't you getting married? But don't let your fiancée see my eyes. Otherwise, I won't be responsible."

"Hahahaha." Philip was stunned for a moment, then burst into laughter.

"You're kidding, right?"

(End of this chapter)