The Legendary Mage

In the dim and damp depths of the forest, Alavin moved with caution, always choosing the most hidden paths for his travels. His knowledge of the nearby woods and mountains paled in comparison to that of Ogmundr, a Botanic Haven Protégé. They were no longer as careless as they had been at the outset, likely devising new ways to ensnare him at every turn. A moment's inattention could mean falling prey to a hidden snare.

However, the forest teemed with peril, and despite Alavin's utmost care, Magi-Monsters ambushed him several times. On one occasion, as he was dodging a Cloud Leopard that lurked ahead, a shadowy griffin swooped down from the sky, shattering the chaotic branches in its path, and lunging at him with black, glossy talons that nearly clasped his throat.

After two days and nights of searching, he found no trace of Nysah and her group, though he did encounter several small bands of herb gatherers. To avoid trouble, Alavin steered clear of them.

The gathering of herbs would last only a fortnight; time was short, and he needed to find a solution swiftly. If Nysah rallied other herb collectors to hunt him down, his chances of survival would dwindle further.

Come the noon of the third day, fortune smiled upon Alavin as he unearthed wild ginseng as thick as a turnip. Held to the sunlight, its clear veins were visible within. It was an Elixir Herb—precious even among the Ordinary, though not quite Advanced.

"Ssshhh..." A strange rustling came from the damp forest ahead. Alavin pocketed the ginseng and peered forward, his breath catching at the sight.

A horde of Vermilion Spiders!

Each monstrous spider was as large as a calf, their bodies sheathed in a glossy black carapace that caught the dim light. Their eyes, a blood-red hue, stood out starkly in the shadowy underbrush. Their eight legs were like rigid spears, thick and powerful.

A single Vermilion Spider was not fearsome, but a host of them—fifty strong—searching for food in the woods, was a terrifying sight indeed. This seemed to be their domain.

his breath and retreated silently. Fortunately, the Vermilion Spiders paid him no heed, lazily

Alavin pondered as he moved

a faint scent of blood wafted towards him

"How is it him?"

eyes at the scene below. Beneath an ancient tree sat a man, bloodied, his

the robust male Protégé

him?" Sensing no

blood still oozing from his wounds. Signs of a brief and violent struggle were

more blood trails leading deeper into the woods. Gripping his Dawnedge Blade, he followed the bloodspots leading onward

Alavin heard a scream, followed by cruel, mocking laughter. Alavin's brow furrowed, and he followed the bloody

several elegant trees dotted

captured Nysah and Ogmundr. Ogmundr lay in a pool of his blood, pinned under the boot of a burly man who was admiring his Gold-Veined Bronzesword. "Fine blade! Ha, a fine blade indeed, worthy of a Cobalt Strike Protégé! You actually carry a

is yours, just let us go!" Ogmundr pleaded, wounded and

we? Weren't you talking tough just a moment

in pain. "I am a Senior Protégé of Cobalt Strike's Botanic Haven, destined to be an Elite Protégé. If you kill me, Cobalt Strike will hunt you to the ends of the