The Legendary Mage (Alavin)

Chapter 114

"What?" the other Protégés were puzzled, wondering why they were leaving without the Voilet Thistle, which had disappeared so mysteriously.

Alavin picked up a large bone and offered it with a smile. "Esteemed Protégés of Botanic Haven, prime beef tendon, a pound of meat for one Elixir Herb. Any takers?"

"Who would want your meat," the Botanic Haven Protégé grumbled, storming off with bottled fury.

Alavin's smile faded as he continued his meal, but his gaze shifted towards the shadows of the trees ahead, where a group gathered—it was Adirich's team.

"Shall we deal with him now?" asked one with a menacing look.

"We'll settle this back at Cobalt Strike," Adirich replied, not foolish enough to strike down Alavin in plain sight, especially with Cedrick seated by his side. Judging by their interaction, Cedrick didn't seem like he would stand by and let them harm Alavin.

The grand hunt had come to a close, and over six hundred Protégés safely returned to Cobalt Strike. The hunting campaign had been costly, but many Protégés had reaped enormous bounties, enviable hauls of various magical ores and Elixir Herbs. These treasures belonged to the individuals alone; Cobalt Strike would not lay claim to even a blade of grass or a pebble from their spoils.

That was the allure of the hunt – opportunities and resources earned solely through skill and bravery.

Upon his return to Cobalt Strike, Alavin sought out Carlys and presented her and Celesse with Intermediate magical ores and Super magical ores, keeping only Ordinary Elixir Herbs and Ordinary magical ores for his own use over the past ten days. He had saved more precious treasures.

Yet no sooner had Alavin left than Carlys, with a mischievous smile, chased after him and returned his offerings.

Both were Elite Protégés of Cobalt Strike, holding esteemed positions within the stronghold. They could freely take magical treasures and Elixir Fruits, so they could not accept Alavin's gifts, knowing they were won through his perilous efforts, no matter their value.

In the deep of night, Alavin took a thorough, invigorating wash and prepared to practice his Restoration Mantra.

The voice that had been absent for so long spoke again. "The power you seek, I can help you achieve it."

"Do you know what I'm thinking?" Alavin had been waiting for this voice, and at last, it returned.

"I know what you're enduring." All text © NôvelD(r)a'ma.Org.

Sitting cross-legged beneath an ancient tree, Alavin felt the state of the Energy Core within his Energy Realm. "I believe you may have some background, but I don't trust in your ability to help me. Let's lay our cards on the table; I won't cast you out of my body, nor will I hand you over to Cobalt Strike. You can stay and recover at your own pace. When you're ready to leave, I'll take you beyond Cobalt Strike's borders. I expect nothing in return; consider it a friendship."

He could sense the Chained Spirit's wariness towards Shadowbringer and discern that it must have been formidable in life. He tried to soothe it without showing weakness.

"I can't grant you immediate strength, but I can guide you to more potent Combat Magic and power."

"What do you want from me?" Alavin was puzzled; the Chained Spirit seemed determined to remain within him.

"Take me back to my clan."

"I'm sorry. I don't wish to involve myself in your feud with Cobalt Strike."

"You wish to destroy it, don't you?"

Leaning against the old tree, Alavin chuckled lightly. "I don't harbor the deep hatred you imagine."

"Your current strength won't get you to Celestial Domain of the East. I'll help you grow stronger, and when you've reached a certain level, remember to take me back. It's that simple."

"I'd rather not invite trouble. I can become stronger on my own, travel further without needing gifts that might be laced with schemes or lead to peril."

"You have ambition and desire, but without resources, without allies, you won't get far."

Alavin, tired of the back-and-forth, proposed a deal. “Stay inside me and be straightforward and honest. When the old man returns, I'll hand you over to him, how's that?"

"He won't be coming back."

"He will."

"You don't understand him, his background. He won't return, and perhaps..." The Chained Spirit trailed off, then after a moment of silence, offered. "I have a secret that can hasten your growth!"

"I really don't need it."

Ignoring Alavin's protest, the Chained Spirit continued, "A thousand miles away, at the Watcher's Coast, lies a lost ancient kingdom, buried in the abyssal depths of the sea. I possess the key to awaken it, where the mighty secrets of the Ancient Kings—powers sealed for millennia—lie dormant."