The Legendary Mage (Alavin)
Chapter 38

Apart from delivering goods in the morning, he locked himself in the storeroom, practicing the Earthtorrent Greatblade and Indigo Viper techniques, and occasionally pondering the second verse of the Restoration Mantra. His days were busy yet fulfilling.

Yet every night, when silence enveloped the world, Alavin could feel an anomaly within the Shadowbringer and a faint calling from the direction of Botanic Haven.

"Who is imprisoned there?

"Is it a man, or a monster?

"Why does it call to the Shadowbringer?

"After all, the blade was a gift from the old man."

Alavin tried his best not to let his thoughts wander, but curiosity was gnawing at him.

Five days after the incident at Botanic Haven, an astonishing piece of news thundered through Cobalt Strike-Golden Protégé Celesse had been officially promoted to an Advanced Mage.

Living up to the high expectations, this pride of Cobalt Strike had ascended to the ranks of Advanced Mage at the tender age of sixteen. Her innate talent and strength were now on par with the champions of the Capital's various orders and the scions of the greatest noble houses.

This sudden stroke of good fortune finally lifted the gloom that had hung over Cobalt Strike for five days straight, diverting the attention of the Protégés just in time.

The Commander of Cobalt Strike, in a grand gesture, decreed a celebration for Celesse's advancement to Advanced Mage, rewarding everyone in the order. Each Elite Protégé was to receive two Advanced Elixir Herbs, Senior Protégés one, and every other common Protégé an Ordinary Elixir Herb.

This was a boon for the entire order, lifting the spirits of countless Protégés.

Moreover, the Commander himself hosted a Spar at the summit of Cobalt Peak, gathering many Elders, and the five new-generation Golden Protégés in attendance.

It was a Spar of the highest order.

As night deepened, the stars filled the sky, and the revelry within Cobalt Strike showed no signs of waning.

"Hamund, where's Celesse?" asked Golden Protégé Roald the Goldgrace, respectfully bowing to Celesse's Elder, right after the Spar concluded.

"Ah, Roald," Hamund replied with a light chuckle. "Celesse was weary and has already retired."

"May I visit her? I'd like to offer my congratulations in person."

"Better to wait for another day. She truly was tired and left before the party ended."

"That's... very well then. Please convey my congratulations to her on my behalf. I'm delighted for her."

"Your mentor was just praising you, saying you're half a year away from becoming an Advanced Mage yourself. Keep up the good work. You're not far behind Celesse." "Give me three months, and I will catch up with Celesse," Roald confidently assured.

Hamund nodded with a smile, offering words of encouragement.

"Hamund, I..."

"Why the hesitation, Roald? That doesn't sound like the man I know."

Roald hesitated before asking, "Is Celesse... really just resting?"

Hamund chuckled softly, "Celesse has always been devoted to her studies and doesn't like distractions. You know her."

"Ah," Roald nodded and bowed, quietly excusing himself.

No sooner had he left than an Elder approached. "Hamund, why did Celesse leave early? I didn't get a chance to congratulate her."

"Celeste isn't fond of social gatherings; she's gone to rest."

"You've played a significant role in Celesse's achievements as her mentor. Even the Commander, who seldom drinks, raised three toasts to you tonight."

"It's all Celesse's own hard work. Her talent was apparent from a young age, and her diligence is unmatched. I merely provided some guidance."

With a laugh, the Elder gestured towards the direction Roald had left, whispering, "Does Celesse truly have no feelings for him? I always thought they were well-matched."

With a laugh and a wave of his hand, Hamund replied, "Let's not worry about the love life of our Protégés. Let fate decide, eh? All in good time."

At that moment, in the secluded forest by the storage house, Alavin sat cross-legged on a rock, deep in meditation. His body crackled with arcs of electricity as a Shockwave Cobra, thick as an arm, coiled around him. Its head raised high on his shoulder, like a true Magi-Monster, silently guarding him.

The blinding arcs and the exaggerated Shockwave Cobra were a conspicuous sight in the gloomy, cluttered forest.

He was practicing to reduce the casting time of Snake Roar to three seconds. Though it seemed a mere two-second difference from five, the feat was incredibly challenging, requiring not just practice but also skill and fresh insight.

Suddenly, Alavin's brow furrowed as if disturbed, snapping out of his meditation and looking towards the dense forest in front of him. The Shockwave Cobra dissipated instantly.

In the quiet woods stood a peerless beauty, appearing as if from nowhere, quietly observing Alavin on the stone platform.

The young woman was ethereally graceful, her beauty unparalleled, with deep, clear eyes, finely arched brows, and a delicate nose-truly a vision of loveliness.

The cool moonlight filtered through the sparse leaves, casting shafts of luminescent light through the woods. The scene was as still as a painting, and the girl was as beautiful as a fairy. Noticing Alavin awake, she smiled with a touch of playfulness in her voice. "Did I disturb you? Shall I return another day?"