The Legendary Mage (Alavin)

Chapter 269

Alavin strode into the cave's maw and vanished within the ruins of the ancient temple. Cedrick and the others trailed closely behind, collapsing the entrance with a swift motion, sealing it temporarily to prevent unwelcome intruders.

Descending the stone staircase for hundreds of meters, they were suddenly greeted by a breathtaking sight.

A beautiful, ethereal garden—a majestic Royal Mausoleum!

Eighteen colossal statues stood tall with pride, each towering a hundred meters high, lifelike and either regal or wild, emanating an overwhelming aura of authority. They stood with feet planted on the ground, hands lifting the mountaintops, supporting the vast expanse of the cavern that stretched for kilometers.

The space within the cavern was filled with countless Elixir Herbs, their vines glowing with enchanting lights, bearing wondrous Elixir Fruits. Ancient trees that had witnessed millennia stood tall, yet showed no signs of wear. Crystal-clear streams meandered across the floor, their mists rising as if from Life's Spring itself—this place was indeed a garden of paradise.

Even with their steadfast resolve, they were awestruck at the sight. No wonder the packs of wolves had thrived here for millennia, and grew in great numbers. And it wasn't just wolves that inhabited this space; numerous Magi-Monsters were frolicking about. Now, however, they all turned, startled, to gaze upon the intruders. There were majestic lions, ferocious tigers, and many Magi-Monsters, but they were all incredibly small, no larger than the palm of a hand.

"These Magi-Monsters don't seem very powerful," Cedrick mused, puzzled. With the resources in this cavern, there should be some truly formidable Magi-Monsters.

"They are small in size. They must be suppressed! Otherwise, once they grow, they would surely dominate this place, destroy it, and not be content with being trapped here." Alavin relaxed his vigilance a bit, wary of terrifying Magi-Monsters lurking within.

"You're quite clever," Eyla winked at Alavin.

Activating his energy shield, Alavin advanced deeper into the cave. Many Magi-Monsters watched them warily, but unlike the wolf packs, they showed no aggression, carefully retreating to clear a path.

At the heart of the cavern stood a grand and massive altar, its base a hundred meters wide, with stairs polished to perfection, untouched by the ravages of time. In the interplay of light and shadow, the altar shimmered like emerald. Surrounding it were thick chains, eighteen in total, each connecting to one of the eighteen giant statues.

Mariela's expression was complex—the altar, the statues of kings! This was the secret that Cobalt Strike had desperately sought for decades, the mystery that countless souls had investigated over the ages. And now, it lay before her.

"Could these statues suddenly come to life?" Cedrick grew anxious. The underwater world outside had revealed the Eighteen Souls, and now here were eighteen statues, seemingly identical. NôvelDrama.Org is the owner.

"What should I do?" Alavin asked the Chained Spirit.

"Ascend the stairs, face the judgment of the kings!"

"Judgment?"

"The ancient tomes say that to receive the legacy, one must first face judgment. As for the nature of that judgment, you'll have to experience it yourself. That's all the help I can offer."

"Alavin, do you know of this place?" Eyla was curious.

"My parents lost their lives for it. The Mallister family suffered because of it. My whole city has been in pain for eight years because of it. This place owes me an answer," Alavin said, looking at the altar and then at the eighteen imposing statues, his heart heavy with emotion.

"Can you explain clearly?"

"There's nothing to explain." Alavin took a deep breath and approached the steps. "Come with me. Since we've all come this far, we all have reason to face the judgment. As for whom they choose, we'll leave it to fate."

"What judgment?" the three wondered.

"I do not know," Alavin said, climbing the stairs step by step.

Cedrick, Eyla, and Mariela exchanged glances and carefully started their ascent from different sides of the altar.

The heavy chains began to quiver, emitting a deep, resonant clang that echoed throughout the cavern, startling all the Magi-Monsters into retreat as they scurried to hide in the corners.

Outside, the white wolf pack ceased their hunt and looked back toward the depths of the ancient temple.

Alavin clenched his fists, and his steps were firm as he awaited the judgment to come. Cedrick, Eyla, and Mariela were all on guard, watching their steps and the massive chains closely. Suddenly, the chains shook more violently. Their clamor was thunderous, stirring the blood within.

"Who dares to intrude upon the Royal Mausoleum!"

One of the statues suddenly opened its eyes, veins of blood crawling across the stone as if it were truly about to come to life. Its presence was commanding, and its voice was booming like a great bell.

Alavin's heart tightened, but his stride did not falter. He marched valiantly upward. Cedrick and the others tensed, ready to strike back at a moment's notice.

The statue's entire body began to stir, as if truly alive, its right hand coiled around the heavy chain, pulling it taut. The other end of the chain, linked to a step on the altar, was yanked out by two meters.