The Legendary Mage (Alavin)

Chapter 258

“There is but one chance; you must hold steady.” Once the King Spirits returned to the Royal Mausoleum, they would never emerge again, and the opportunity to find it was singular.

“I've researched for ten years, and waited for twenty. Don't worry about me. What you need to do is find the Wings of Eternity in the Royal Mausoleum as swiftly as possible. Only by acquiring its legacy will the kings recognize you, or else they will take the Royal Mausoleum and sink it beneath the earth forever.”

“Lord Alavin, someone is coming,” Godfred warned.

A group of Cobalt Strike Protégés hurried up the hill to where they were hidden, seeking a better vantage point to observe the battle at sea. Now, no one dared to watch from the coast, as continuous waves crashed against the cliffs, throwing up a spray mingled with terrifying energy. Many had been swept into the ocean's depths, and others were torn asunder by the forces unleashed.

Alavin had no time to deal with them, focusing intently on the battle's end. Once the King Spirits were defeated, they would return to the Royal Mausoleum in the briefest of moments, then vanish forever. There was only this one chance.

The Cobalt Strike Protégés hadn't expected to find anyone on the hilltop, much less acquaintances. Alavin, Mariela, and Cedrick were all notable figures in the Cobalt Strike and had made names for themselves in The Clash of Eight Orders. Rumor had it that Cedrick had recently become an Advanced Mage.

"Alavin, it's been an age since we last met," called out the Admus amidst the gathering. Adirich was at his side, along with several other familiar faces.

"Indeed, it has," Alavin replied curtly. His brow furrowed as he focused on the maritime expanse.

"Ha, being a Golden Protégé really has changed you, hasn't it?" Gwenda sneered upon seeing Alavin. She was still seething with resentment for being replaced by him in public during The Clash of Eight Orders.

"Has it?" Alavin responded nonchalantly.

"You…" Gwenda, dissatisfied with Alavin's demeanor, turned her gaze to the equally aloof Mariela. "Mariela, I thought you were with the Botanic Haven. Why are you hanging around Alavin again?"

"Is that any concern of yours?"

"Our prideful Botanic Haven Protégé Mariela has taken a fancy, has she?"

"Is that any concern of yours?"

"A lady should have some decorum."

"Is that any concern of yours?" Mariela repeated the same line, clearly uninterested. Her attention was on Alavin, trying to deduce what he was planning to do.

"Pfft, shameless. Why don't you just cling to him and be done with it?" Gwenda scoffed.

Roald stepped forward from the group. "Stop this nonsense. We're all Fellow Protégés."

"Fellow Protégé? I wouldn't dare presume. He's now the Northlands Shadowlord's Messenger," Gwenda retorted disdainfully, and when she turned to look for her beau Adirich, he was nowhere to be found.

Adirich was hiding at the back, feeling unsettled at the sight of Alavin, not daring to greet him.

"Advanced Mage?" Roald suddenly furrowed his brow, sensing something off about Alavin's aura – it was far beyond what a Novice Mage should possess.

"Just broke through," Alavin said coolly.

The others inhaled sharply. By the gods, an Advanced Mage? He had broken through again!

Admus frowned slightly, giving Alavin another look. This rate of advancement was nearly unnatural.

The other Cobalt Strike Protégés didn't bother Alavin further. In the past, they saw Alavin as a mere servant, beneath their notice, but now, as a Golden Protégé and a Lord, he was not someone they could afford to overlook.

The mountaintop was crowded with Cobalt Strike Protégés, yet the atmosphere was tense. Some were assessing Alavin; others were focused on the sea.

"The battle beneath the waves is nearing its end. Let's find higher ground and prepare," the Chained Spirit suddenly advised Alavin.

"Uncle Godfred, let's go," Alavin signaled to Godfred, and abruptly, they left the mountaintop, plunging into the dense forest. NôvelDrama.Org content rights.

Mariela was quick to follow, curious about Alavin's intentions. Cedrick, finding Alavin's behavior odd and not wanting to mingle with the Cobalt Strike crowd, also departed the high ground.

Gwenda arched an eyebrow. "Wasn't Mariela known as the Ice Maiden? When did she lose her reserve? Has she really taken a liking to Alavin?"

"Eh? Alavin?" Atop a nearby peak, Bloodlore's Eyla's eyes lit up upon spotting Alavin. The small fox in her arms perked up, darted out, and followed Alavin's scent in pursuit.