The Legendary Mage (Alavin)

Chapter 219

Over forty thousand souls marched into the forest, their footsteps startling birds into flight and beasts into retreat, yet their presence drew forth the ravenous Magi-Monster.

A pride of Smoke Panthers was the first to set their sights on them, appearing and disappearing within the damp and dim underbrush like flickering flames. Swift as the wind, their blood-red eyes pierced through the foliage, greedily fixating on the thronging masses.

Hundreds of White Skull Baboons swarmed in, scrambling across the towering tree canopies over a hundred meters high, chattering and observing the procession below. These Magi-Monsters were more ferocious than the wildest direwolves, and to fall into their grasp meant being devoured down to the very bone.

The guards were on high alert, patrolling around the edges of the group. Their energies were unleashed and primed for battle.

The townsfolk, numbering over forty thousand, suppressed their fear and bravely followed the procession. They traversed rugged hills, hacked away at dense branches, and cleared the thorny underbrush to forge a pathway.

Alavin led at the forefront; his brow furrowed, ever vigilant for the Magi-Monsters that lurked within the woods.

This was the forest's edge, without the presence of particularly powerful Magi-Monster species. However, the true fear lay in the swarming groups of these creatures. With their overwhelming numbers, should they launch an assault, the guard detail would struggle to protect everyone.

Lucan was also tense, not expecting to attract such a number of Magi-Monsters so soon. Fortunately, they had yet to encounter any mercenaries.

The procession was vast, and despite everyone's best efforts, their pace was slow. By noon, they had only covered thirty miles, drawing the attention of thousands of Magi-Monsters, including the predatory birds. The creatures saw this multitude of humanity as nothing more than a feast.

"The Magi-Monsters are increasing in number!" the guard detail warned, their anxiety palpable.

"Halt the procession. Gather together," commanded Alavin with a raised hand.

The guards bellowed orders, and the great mass of people gradually came to a stop before assembling as directed.

Alavin issued a new command, "Leave four hundred to guard, and the rest join forces with The Silent Blade. After a moment's preparation, we strike as one. Slay as many as we can!" Belongs to © n0velDrama.Org.

The guards quickly reorganized, with four hundred spreading out around the crowd. Lucan and others were divided into five groups, each positioned differently, ready to strike. The Silent Blade troops hidden within the forest received their orders, quietly advancing towards the Magi-Monster hordes.

Though the Magi-Monsters were numerous, they were independent groups and quite scattered. Upon seeing the procession stop, they also halted within the woods, warily watching.

A group of Obsidian Pythons could not hold back any longer, slithering out from the underbrush towards the people. They were nearly two meters in length, thick-bodied with large, tough scales like layers of resilient armor.

"The time is now!! Attack!" Lucan shouted. The four hundred-strong detail surged forward like arrows from a bow, charging into the Magi-Monster masses, while The Silent Blade revealed themselves and began their deadly assault.

The once-peaceful forest erupted into chaos as dazzling Combat Magic unfolded a tapestry of death over the Magi-Monster ranks. Caught off guard, the Magi-Monsters scattered in retreat.

The fierce culling lasted for a short while, destroying swathes of woodland and slaying over seven hundred Magi-Monsters. The nearby Magi-Monsters had been duly subdued.

After a brief respite, the procession resumed its march. Few Magi-Monsters followed, instead vying for the carcasses left by the guard detail.

As night fell, the perimeter was once again teeming with Magi-Monsters. At Alavin's command, another slaughter unfolded. The ruthless killing not only drove the other Magi-Monsters away but also provided them with sustenance. With food readily available, there was no need to risk hunting humans.

By midnight, the forty thousand were exhausted, nearly at their limit. Then, a scout from the guard detail returned with news. "My lord! Just two hundred meters ahead, and we'll be out of Cloudveil Woods."

"Find a safe and spacious area to set up camp." Alavin breathed a sigh of relief, thankful to have made it through the ordeal.

With their hearts eased, Lucan and the others spread the good tidings. Leaving the forest was just the first step; now, they needed to set up camp and prepare for the arrival of the second wave of the procession.

One of the ancient cities affiliated with Cobalt Strike and less than three hundred miles from Stormcast, Golden Scorch was situated on the western edge of Cloudveil Woods, an imposing fortress city built amidst a cluster of mountains.

In the days of yore, Stormcast and Golden Scorch were the mightiest of the five ancient cities. But as Stormcast declined, Golden Scorch naturally rose to prominence, even welcoming many of the refugees and mighty warriors who fled from Stormcast. Now, whether it was the strength of the City Lord's manor or the town's flourishing prosperity, Golden Scorch far outshone the other ancient cities, and the treasures it tributed to Cobalt Strike were beyond count.