The Legendary Mage (Alavin)
Chapter 66

"Where's Alavin? Why hasn't he arrived?"

"Could he be scared? The difference between their levels is too great; Alavin might lose his life."

"He wouldn't concede defeat outright, would he? Would Galos spare him?"

As such, a full hour and a half passed in the arena, and the Protégés had yet to see a sign of Alavin. Even Galos grew tired of standing on the stage. That lad couldn't be too scared to show up, could he? Carlys was also puzzled. Alavin wasn't one to shrink away; why hadn't he appeared yet?

"Celesse, what's going on? Should I go look for young master Alavin?"

"Wait a bit longer; he'll come."

After a while, as the arena grew restless and dissatisfaction mounted, someone shouted, "He's here!"

Alavin had only just appeared on the stone steps, leaving many to wonder where he had been. He had simply forgotten! He knew there was a match today and had prepared with care, but his practice of the Restoration Mantra had made him lose track of time. By the time he opened his eyes, it was nearly mid-morning. Grabbing a pair of dry bread rolls and some pickled vegetables, he hurried towards the site. As he neared the mountaintop, he finished his simple meal and noticed a small waterfall nearby. He dashed over, quenched his thirst with the cool water, and washed his face. The Protégés watching from the summit shook their heads in disbelief. What was this lad doing? Didn't he realize that today could determine his fate? Shouldn't he take this more seriously?

"Are you alright?" Carlys was the first to approach him, concerned that Alavin might be under some emotional strain.

"I'm fine, just lost track of time," Alavin said with a smile, making his way through the crowd to the dueling platform, nodding at Celesse before addressing Galos, "My apologies for the wait."

"Are you mocking me?" Galos sneered, his lips twisting in a cold smile. He valued his reputation highly, and as the day's supposed star, Alavin had left him to stand foolishly waiting for an hour and a half. "We never set an exact time, did we? If you were in such a hurry to show off, suit yourself." Alavin cocked his head and loosened up his shoulders, warming up his muscles.

"Don't say I didn't offer you a friendly face when you replace yourself treated without courtesy," Galos' expression darkened with offense. How dare Alavin, a mere apprentice, show such insolence to an Elite Protégé?

Alavin clenched his fists, assuming the starting stance of the Goliath Force, and challenged Galos, "Let's begin. Beware my fists; they may not wound you gravely, but they'll do more than tickle." Suddenly, a gasp rose from the crowd. "A Novice Mage at Stage V? Wasn't Alavin at Stage III?"

The surprised voice belonged to Nikulas, who had been closely observing Alavin. Something seemed off to him until Alavin raised his aura, and only then did Nikulas realize that this was not the presence of a Stage III Novice Mage but that of a firmly established Stage V.

A month ago, Alavin was indeed at Stage III, and breaking through to Stage IV in such a time would be a feat, let alone reaching Stage V.

"Stage V? It's true," the arena erupted in astonished murmurs.

"You're at Stage V?" Galos scrutinized Alavin carefully.

"Just broke through," Alavin admitted.

"Not bad, now that's more like it." Galos quickly composed himself, feeling intrigued. If Alavin were merely at Stage III or Stage IV, it would hardly stir his spirit. Now, his interest was piqued. Although Stage V was still a joke compared to his own Stage VII, it at least promised some entertainment.

Carlys prepared a burning candle. "Is everyone ready? When do we start?"

"Let's start now," Galos moved towards Alavin, tired of waiting and talking, ready to begin the fight.

"Ready whenever you are," Alavin took up his starting stance for the Goliath Force.

"I hear you've been practicing the Goliath Force. How far have you progressed?" Galos taunted, his steps slow and casual, and his gaze locked on Alavin. His aura intensified, his battle spirit soared, and it seemed as if his world contained only Alavin.

The stage was set, and the arena's air thickened with tension as the great battle was about to ignite.