The Legendary Mage (Alavin)
Chapter 77

Several days later, Alavin was practicing his swordsmanship in the ancient woods nearby when he suddenly heard the bustling noise from over the mountain-a throng of people seemed to have gathered. Alavin sheathed his Dawnedge Blade, wrapped it in beast hide, and made his way to the mountain peak to peer down below.

At the foot of the mountain stood a large notice board, and hundreds of Protégés were bustling around it, discussing animatedly, with many more arriving from various places.

"Today's the second Grand Hunt of the year. I've been looking forward to it."

"Which mountain range is it in this time?"

"It's in Griffin's Roost, more than four hundred leagues from Cobalt Strike, in the deepest part of the Cloudveil Woods. They say it's teeming with Magi-Monsters, the terrain is treacherous, filled with rivers and waterfalls, and there are hidden canyons and dark places-it's much more dangerous than the first hunt of the year."

"The second Grand Hunt of the year is always more perilous than the first."

"The greater the danger, the greater the opportunity."

"Griffin's Roost is vast. Not only are there many Magi-Monsters, but the terrain is complex, and there are also many active mercenaries and bandits."

"What are the minimum qualifications to sign up for the Grand Hunt?"

"It says right here, 'Novice Mages of Stage VI to Stage IX, limited to a thousand participants."""

Hundreds of Protégés gathered in front of the notice board, excitedly discussing the event.

The Grand Hunt was an event prepared by Cobalt Strike for the new generation of Protégés. It was held twice a year, each time in a different region, with varying qualifications for participation and duration. A Grand Hunt like this, limited to a thousand participants of Stage VI and above, was considered a major event.

Alavin mingled with the crowd, peering through the gaps on the map and list of rules on the notice board. He had never been eligible for the Grand Hunt before, mainly because his strength was too weak. He was not even worthy of being a Magi-Monster's snack. So each time he saw the announcement, he would look on from afar, envy for a while, then continue with his menial tasks.

"Griffin's Roost?" A thought suddenly struck Alavin, and he pushed forward to get a better look at the map. His eyes drifted to the right edge, where he saw a familiar symbol-Azure Mountain! Azure Mountain! The ore mining district of where the Stormcast people were working!

Alavin quietly estimated the distance from the training area to Azure Mountain, his eyes flickering with a bold and risky idea. "Hey, Alavin?" One of the Protégé recognized him and sized him up. "Are you interested in signing up for the Grand Hunt?"

With this mention, other Protégé also turned their attention to Alavin.

"You actually qualify to sign up, why not give it a try?"

"The minimum is a Novice Mage of Stage VI. Alavin is not there yet."

"It's not about stage; if he's strong enough, that's what matters. He knocked out Galos with a single punch; who dares say he's not qualified?"

"That was just Galos being careless. Let them compete on stage again, and it won't take half an incense stick's time before Alavin's on the ground."

Many were intrigued by Alavin, eagerly urging him to sign up.

Alavin just smiled lightly and said, "I'd like to participate, but I'm not eligible."

"How can you not be eligible? Just sign up and try."

Alavin feigned a shake of his head. "I'm not afraid of anyone in terms of strength. Even if Galos stood before me again, I could still knock him down. But I'm just a servant. Why would the Grand Hunt accept me?"

"Whoa, that's bold! I'll pass your words on to Galos, haha."

"Do you really want to join? We could help you out."

"Just say the word, do you have the courage to join?"

Some excitedly goaded Alavin, while others kindly reminded him, "Alavin, you should save your strength. Beating Galos was a fluke."

"I want to participate! I'm just afraid certain people wouldn't dare let me join them." Alavin chuckled, shook his head with a provoking remark, and squeezed through the crowd to leave. "Has victory gone to the lad's head?"

"He doesn't really think he can beat a Stage VII, does he?"

"Quick, send the word to Galos. Ha, things are heating up again."

"You lot love a spectacle but don't see the size of the mess. Alavin was clearly playing it weak just now."

The buzz continued at the notice board as more and more people gathered, but after Alavin left, many Protégés deliberately exaggerated his words, hoping to make a big scene.

Upon returning to the storehouse, Alavin started preparing, digging out scrap iron and sharpening throwing knives. His words would surely provoke Galos and the Grand Elder faction; it wouldn't be long before his name appeared on the list of Grand Hunt participants.

"The Grand Hunt, Azure Mountain, I'm coming home!"

In the evening, Carlys rushed over, pushing open the door to scold, "Alavin, did you challenge Galos? Do you realize your words have angered many in the Grand Elder faction? I heard they've already started helping you sign up."

"Their efficiency is quite impressive. That's great," Alavin said with a smile on his face.

"That's great? What are you planning? The Grand Hunt is a savage affair, with many casualties every time. Even a Novice Mage of Stage IX might die in the woods. They're putting you in there to harm you." Carlys was anxious for Alavin. Celesse had gone into seclusion a few days ago, and before she did, she repeatedly instructed her to keep an eye on Alavin. It had only been a few days, and Alavin had already caused such a stir.