The Legendary Mage (Alavin)

Chapter 281

Balder was lounging contentedly in his rocking chair, basking in the sun's warm embrace. His ample flesh rhythmically jiggled with each sway. Upon seeing Alavin and Cedrick enter, he gave a hearty rock, causing his rotund body to bounce comically. "What brings the two of you back together?"

"Let's talk inside. We have a matter to discuss," Alavin said, patting Balder's plump shoulder before heading into the stone cottage.

"Lead the way." Balder responded, never lacking enthusiasm or a smile.

Once inside, with the door and windows securely shut, Alavin gestured for Balder to sit and got straight to the point. "I wish to strike a deeper bargain with the Mollen family."

"Of course, we're very willing!" Balder had already relayed the news of Alavin's advancement to Advanced Mage back to his clan. No one questioned his father's decision anymore, and the family was gathering more supplies from The Thousand Treasures Commerce to be transported by Stormcast: food, medicinal herbs, cloth, weapons, and other goods, all to support the ancient city's reconstruction.

"I need the Mollen family to support me unconditionally, and in the future, I will repay you a hundredfold."

"What do you mean by unconditionally?" Balder was confused about what Alavin was getting at.

"It means mutual trust and support. You trust me, and I trust you."

"We already trust you a great deal."

"It's not deep enough," Alavin said, stretching out his right hand and drawing his sword across his fingertip. Blood welled from the cut, but his self-healing abilities were so strong that the wound closed almost instantly.

At first, Balder didn't understand, but then he stood up with a gasp of incredulity at the sight of Alavin's blood—it was golden!

"Alavin has received the true legacy of the ancient kingdom, the secret of immortality," Cedrick spoke, equally surprised by the sight of Alavin's golden blood.

Alavin let a drop of his blood fall into a porcelain cup. "I can promise my potential, but I have no background. I need your support."

Balder, with great care, took the cup and examined it, his smile deepening. "I must return to my family!"

"You discuss it with them. But to be clear, though I have this legacy, I could be discovered at any time, and who knows what dangers might arise. You must help me." This was Alavin's greatest concern. Although the chance of being discovered was slim, he couldn't afford to take risks and needed to prepare as much as possible.

"I will tell my father," Balder said, excited. Every encounter with Alavin brought surprises, but this was truly astonishing—a legacy from the ancient kingdom, the secret of immortality! Alavin's future wasn't just about becoming an Archmage; he might’ve even reached the pinnacle of Archmage, or further. If such a possibility existed, the Mollen family would spare no effort to assist.

"And this secret must be kept within a tight circle, not a word to outsiders."

"Rest assured! I shall leave at once." Balder was decisive, picking up the porcelain bowl to leave.

"Hold on, I have a gift for your father." Alavin produced a stone jar from his pack and poured a bowlful of Life's Spring, a treasure from the Royal Mausoleum.

"Life's Spring!" Balder was astounded by the rarity of the treasure, which could cause a frenzy over a single drop, and Alavin had poured an entire bowlful!

"This bowl is too plain. Find a vessel or something more fitting for it."

"Ha, I accept on behalf of my father," Balder said, unceremoniously taking the bowl and departing.

After a while, Cedrick stood up, too. "It's been a long time since I visited my family. I should go as well." Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.

"Thank you!" Alavin said, his heart filled with both excitement and gratitude.

"I'll do what I can." Cedrick left to see if he could bring help from the Iron family. If Alavin's secret leaked, the uproar it would cause was unimaginable, potentially leading to an onslaught from the entire Northlands. Since Alavin trusted him, he wouldn't leave him to face it alone.