6 Signs
Read up to chapter 20 on Patreon for free -patreon.com/Dark_sym
-----
"By the way, Ethan, I noticed you employing an instant spell earlier. What exactly is that?" Dumbledore adjusted his glasses, his inquisitive blue eyes fixed on Ethan.
"That's the Igni sign, a magical technique originally crafted by Witchers. It's quite handy in combat," Ethan shared openly. Sometimes, showcasing one's strengths was the most strategic choice.
"Could you demonstrate it for me, Mr. Ethan?" Dumbledore inquired.
"Perhaps in an open space; using offensive spells in the medical room isn't advisable," Ethan responded, mindful of not wanting to set the room ablaze and upset Madam Pomfrey, who had treated him well.
"Of course, we can find a more suitable occasion to discuss this matter," Dumbledore acknowledged, slightly embarrassed.
"I won't disturb your rest, Mr. Ethan" Dumbledore bid good night politely and left the medical room.
-Next Day-
(A vacant class room)
"Witchers favor simplicity over the complex spells used by sorcerers. We prefer quick, one-handed spells in combat, known as 'Signs.' These signs require concentration and can be cast with a simple gesture," Ethan explained in a vacated spell training room, where the professors and Dumbledore gathered, watching with curiosity.
Ethan traced an equilateral triangle with his left hand, and a brilliant flame burst forth, incinerating a magic spell-training puppet in the distance. The efficient and powerful display surprised everyone.
Even Ethan found himself a bit astonished. Perhaps the magic in the two worlds differed?
Was it akin to creatures from low-magic worlds entering high-magic ones? Due to his suppressed emotions due to the Witcher's mutation, Ethan offered no excuses to the professors.
"This is the Igni sign, an active and mainly offensive seal. It incinerates enemies by spewing flames," Ethan explained. While Professor Snape remained indifferent, Professor Flitwick, the diminutive and skilled duelist, was unusually excited. Despite his proficiency in various spells and defensive magic, a simple seal displayed by a Witcher had managed to captivate him.
For ordinary wizards, witnessing wandless spellcasting may be the extent of their magical exploration. However, in the discerning eyes of Flitwick, Dumbledore, and Snape, this represented a new avenue in magical development—a possibility to forsake traditional wand casting. If a spell akin to the blazing flame could be activated with a simple-operated sign, could other spells and signs follow suit?
Halting Professor Flitwick, eager to engage with Ethan about the technique, Dumbledore signaled for Ethan to demonstrate another magic seal.
Ethan acquiesced, drawing an inverted triangle symbol with his left hand, conjuring a light yellow circular shield that enveloped him. He observed that the mana shield of the Quinn Sign appeared thicker and stronger than before.
"Quen Sign, a passive ward, creates a mana shield around the Witcher, rendering him temporarily impervious to harm and capable of absorbing both physical and magical damage," Ethan elucidated to the attentive professors.
"You can attack me. Quen shield can withstand a certain amount of spell and physical damage before the mana is depleted," Ethan invited the trio.
Snape initiated the assault, casting, "Expelliarmus"
A vivid red light surged toward Ethan like lightning. Upon impact with Quinn's shield, Ethan sensed a sudden illumination, dispersing the power of Snape's attack across the entire shield.
Even Snape appeared surprised that his spell had not breached Quinn's shield. On the other hand, Professor Flitwick, unable to contain his enthusiasm, waved his hand, unleashing a blazing flame upon Ethan. The flames engulfed him, yet within the Quen shield, Ethan felt no heat, as the shield evenly dispersed the fiery onslaught.
After halting their spells, Professor Flitwick gazed at the unscathed Ethan and the resilient Quinn shield with admiration. However, Ethan noted that the shield, once robust, now showed signs of wear—the pale yellow light had significantly dimmed.
Undeterred, Flitwick and Snape conducted a series of tests involving physical attacks, spell assaults, and even the use of a flock of birds to hurl stones. Quinn's shield withstood each assault admirably. However, the shield, now covered in cracks, appeared on the verge of shattering.
"Amazing, Professor Ethan, the defensive power of Quen's shield is truly beyond imagination," exclaimed Professor Flitwick, his excitement evident.
Ethan proceeded to showcase several other seals: the Aard Sign, an initiative seal for repelling, stunning, and disarming opponents; the Yrden Sign, a magical trap with various effects on enemies; and the Axii Sign, an initiative sign allowing witchers to influence minds and charm or control others.
Snape personally experienced the effects of the Yrden Seal, feeling slowed and paralyzed within its force field. Dumbledore tested the Axii Seal, briefly succumbing to its influence, earning Ethan high praise for momentarily breaching the mental defenses of the world's most powerful white wizard.
The testing concluded, and Professor Flitwick eagerly approached Ethan to discuss the practical applications of the newly demonstrated seals. Despite Ethan's assurance of future collaboration, Professor Flitwick reluctantly left.
That night, Ethan moved into the professor's office at Hogwarts. Dumbledore ordered a house elf, Pippi, to lead the way and prepare the room. The completely subservient house elf surprised Ethan.
Seated alone in the office, Ethan contemplated his decision to reveal his abilities to Dumbledore. Despite exposing his arsenal, Ethan retained a hidden ace—Heliotrop Sign and Dimeritium metal.
In Ethan's world, the existence of the Heliotrop Sign allowed Witchers to control and persecute magicians. This Dimeritium metal suppressed magical energy, rendering magicians powerless and causing considerable harm upon contact. Ethan, a Witcher and Toussaint knight possessed only five ingots of Dimeritium metal and three Dimeritium bombs—the latter capable of causing devastating damage to wizards.
This arsenal, especially the Dimeritium metal bombs, served as Ethan's ultimate trump card.
