The Legendary Mage (Alavin)

Chapter 20

For five consecutive days, Alavin delivered goods in the morning, trained his physical strength, and, come afternoon and evening, delving into the mysteries of the Earthtorrent Greatblade. The more he studied, the more astonished he became at the blade's profound movements and the terrifying power he wielded.

He made a handwritten copy of the first technique and entrusted it to Carlys, instructing her to pass it to Celesse, and emphasized that it should be burned after reading. Such wondrous knowledge of the scroll should be shared.

"Why are you here?" After completing his deliveries, Alavin had just returned to the warehouse when he found Odell standing in front of the iron gate, hands behind his back, head tilted, and eyes askew—ever the infuriating presence.

Odell jangled the large lock on the gate. "Think the warehouse is your own? Why do you lock it up after a delivery?"

"State your business or leave."

"You..."

Alavin's gaze turned frosty. "I haven't settled the score with you regarding Nysah's affair. Don't stir up trouble for no reason."

Odell stuttered ambiguously, "What affair with Nysah? I don't understand."

"Get lost." Alavin, carrying a stone jar, moved toward the iron gate.

"You bloody..." Odell wanted to assert his dominance, but his muttering diminished his presence. "I've come to assign you a task. Get ready; we're setting off soon."

"Where to?"

"The Arena. Botanic Haven Protégés will venture out to gather herbs today, and we have arranged for several Senior Protégés to offer protection." Please check at N/ôvel(D)rama.Org.

"I'm to protect a Botanic Haven Protégé on a herb-gathering expedition? You've lost your mind."

Odell sneered, "You? You're not worthy! I heard they need a servant, so I recommended you."

"What trick are you playing now?" Alavin narrowed his eyes, his fists creaking with tension.

"You're a rare talent among our Cobalt Strike's many servants—strong, brave, and even a Novice Mage. Who else should I recommend?" Odell quickly stepped back to keep a safe distance, wary of Alavin's potential punch. "You have half an hour to prepare. Come to me to collect your tools."

Protégés in Botanic Haven often formed teams to venture into the depths of Cloudveil Woods in search of precious herbs to enrich their stock of Elixir Herbs and Fruits. The Botanic Haven Protégés were generally powerful enough to handle the dangers outside, but for safety, Cobalt Strike always arranged for many Senior Protégés, and sometimes even an Elite Protégé to lead the group.

However, it was unheard of for a servant to accompany them.

Alavin took his Dawnedge Blade, wrapped it in three layers of beast hide to conceal its intimidating sword energy, and secretly stashed his throwing blades at his waist. Once fully prepared, he went to collect his tools from Odell.

A massive iron barrel over two meters high, filled with various tools and enough provisions, it weighed a staggering seven hundred pounds. Alavin hoisted the barrel onto his back and strode towards the tenth arena.

The Arena was crowded with over a hundred Protégés, including more than twenty from Botanic Haven. They wore silver-white robes embroidered with green herbal patterns, symbols of honor and status.

Few dared to provoke a Botanic Haven Protégé within Cobalt Strike, and to maintain their mystique, these Protégés rarely mingled with others.

Seventy to eighty Senior Protégés were responsible for their protection, mostly around twenty years old and at or above Stage VI of the Novice Mage.

As Alavin ascended the stone steps into the Arena, he stopped in his tracks.

Nysah? What was she doing in the protection team?

Nysah stood amidst the bustling crowd, beguiling and beautiful, her laughter light and alluring. The breeze played with her smooth hair and teased her gown, revealing shapely and elegant legs. Many Protégés crowded around her, their gazes hot with desire. Several Botanic Haven Protégés could not contain their restlessness, approaching her to exchange pleasantries.

"Well, if it isn't Alavin? What brings you here?" Nysah's surprised gaze fell upon the approaching Alavin.

Alavin? Many Protégés turned to look.

A Botanic Haven Protégé chuckled. "Alavin has come to be our accompanying servant."

"Accompanying servant? For what?" Nysah sashayed out from the crowd, her beauty and charisma irresistible, her figure voluptuous and enticing. Many guys watched her, unable to help but swallow hard, knowing they were in for quite a sight on this journey.

"We used to carry our own tools and food, but with Alavin here, we can offload our burdens onto him. This is the man Odell recommended, a remarkable servant of our Cobalt Strike, possessing strength and courage, and also a Novice Mage."

"Is that so? Well then, no need for us to be polite." Nysah approached Alavin and casually tossed her small parcel into the barrel.

"This time, we can lighten our load. Come, put everything in." Many Protégés threw their bags and unnecessary items into the barrel, which weighed seven hundred pounds and slowly increased to over a thousand.

Alavin stood there, unmoving, realizing this was another of Nysah's schemes orchestrated through Odell.

That wretched woman was plotting to have him come to grief in the forest.