The Legendary Mage (Alavin)

Chapter 106

This was Elite Protégé Myke!

Both were mavericks, unaffiliated with any band and on their own paths. Yet their reputations in Cobalt Strike were legendary, and their actions drew the attention of Protégés from afar, prompting some to emerge from the woods and approach the stone-strewn ruins.

At that moment, a thunderous rumble erupted from the forested hills behind, as more than a dozen Emberstorm Blackbears charged toward the area. Their bodies blazed with roaring flames, as if they were beasts bursting forth from a realm of darkness. They startled the nearby Protégés into a frantic retreat.

Alavin glanced at the Emberstorm Blackbears and stepped aside from the cavern entrance.

Boom! Boom!

The Emberstorm Blackbears, massive in size, shook the ground as they ran with trailing scorching flames, and barreled into the cave.

Shortly after they entered, Alavin was the first to follow suit.

Cedrick and Myke slightly raised their eyebrows, both seemingly prepared to be the first to follow. Yet, to their surprise, this odd fellow was even more decisive. Exchanging a glance, the two charged into the cave, one after the other.

Inside, the cave was rugged and winding, a crude passage formed from a pile of giant boulders, threatening to collapse at any moment.

The path sloped downward, growing more shadowy and noisy the deeper it went. Roars, shrieks, and even cheers echoed chaotically, as if some grand festival were taking place.

The scent of medicinal herbs was stronger, and so was the smell of blood.

Alavin was about to quicken his pace when suddenly a group of mercenaries scrambled up a steep slope before him, their faces twisted in an ecstatic frenzy. They were escorting their leader, who was clutching a bundle that faintly glowed.

"Make way! Clear a path!" the mercenaries bellowed desperately, their emotions running high.

Alavin stepped aside, and Cedrick and Myke did the same, allowing them to pass. But it wasn't long before another group of mercenaries burst forth, shouting and chasing after them. "Stop! Leave the treasure!" Nôvel(D)rama.Org's content.

"Not on your life! There's more inside; get your own!" The leading mercenaries shouted back in anger, desperately rushing outward. However, the passage narrowed the closer they got to the exit, slowing them down, allowing the pursuing mercenaries to quickly catch up. The two groups, comprising about a dozen men each, fought fiercely in the cramped corridor, like wild beasts gone mad.

The skirmish continued as they rushed out. There were heavy casualties, so by the time they burst out of the cave, only six remained.

The bundle in the leader's arms spilled open, revealing a large stone the size of a bull's head, emitting a soft glow and studded with 'gems.' Upon closer inspection, it was clear that these were magical ores, pure magic crystals as valuable as Elixir Herbs or Elixir Fruits.

In an Ore Mine, an entire rock face might contain only a small magical ore, but this stone bore at least a dozen visible ones. Who knew how many more were inside? It was no wonder the mercenaries were fighting so fiercely.

"Magical ores inside the cave? Is there an Ore Mine below?"

Hundreds of Cobalt Strike Protégés were thrilled, no longer caring about the danger, each racing eagerly toward the cave.

Alavin, Cedrick, and Myke had already reached the deepest part of the underground. This place was a gigantic Hidden Hollow, and even with many areas buried by the collapsed mountain, its original grandeur was palpable. The cavern shone with iridescent light, reflecting off countless magical ores. Elixir Herbs and Elixir Fruits twinkled among them; the place was a veritable paradise.

"Could there be a Ley Line beneath us? Only where Ley Lines pass could such wonders be formed," Cedrick marveled.

The Hidden Hollow was in chaos, with various Magi-Monsters clashing over the magical treasures, their roars echoing in clusters, and blood sprayed everywhere. Even creatures of the same species were locked in brutal combat.

The mercenaries, too, were fighting fiercely for the treasures.

Alavin did not act recklessly; the chaotic scene was fraught with danger, and anyone holding a treasure could become a target for Magi-Monsters and other mercenaries. He stood in a concealed spot nearby, frowning as he observed the situation.

Cedrick and Myke scattered to other areas, also refraining from hasty actions. They took the opportunity to assess the situation and carefully searched for suitable magical treasures. In this place, seizing a treasure was not enough; one had to survive and carry it out.

Soon, Cobalt Strike Protégés continued to pour into the Hidden Hollow, each stunned by the sight before them. Unlike Alavin and his companions, most were driven by a passion to join the fray, banding together to fight for Elixir Herbs and magical ores. The scene grew increasingly chaotic, the carnage wild and savage.

In the deepest reaches of the Hidden Hollow, a gaunt youth with tattered clothing opened his blood- red eyes, awakening from his meditation. Around him lay various Elixir Fruits and some large magical ores, the most precious of the cavern, now drained of their essence, leaving only shells behind. He spread out his hands, and his shriveled muscles began to slowly rejuvenate, visible veins pulsing beneath his skin.

His power was returning!