The Legendary Mage (Alavin)
Chapter 103

Alavin awoke at dawn on the second day, having ascended to Stage VII. His essence, spirit, and vitality were in excellent condition, and his Mindfulness had expanded significantly. After a thorough examination, he found no signs of any lingering ailments.

Recalling the breakthrough from the previous day, he still shuddered at the thought. Fortunately, the Shadowbringer had been guarding the Energy Core, or else the consequences would've been dire. "Novice Mage Stage VII!" Alavin clenched his fists, lightning crackling around them, twinkling with joy. Regardless, he had achieved the breakthrough; his new level was stable, and he felt no significant fluctuations. The five Super Elixir Fruits had worked wonders.

Advancing from Stage VI to Stage VII was a major hurdle for a Novice Mage, not an easy feat by any means. An ordinary Protégé relying on standard training would need at least a year. He was truly fortunate this time.

That afternoon, Alavin focused on a Chrome Crested Lizard during his trials, launching into a furious onslaught. With increased strength came confidence, and he was ready to test his Stage VII powers against this Magi-Monster.

Man and beast fought fiercely, from the dense woods to a valley, and from the valley into a nearby stream. After nearly half an hour of brutal combat-employing Dawnedge Blade, Goliath Force, and Indigo Viper-Alavin finally subdued the creature.

Magi-Monsters were far more savage than mages, capable of catastrophic destruction when enraged.

Alavin sat by the stream, catching his breath, and cooling his overheated blood. Though bedraggled, a smile graced his face-this might've been his strongest state yet, and he was fairly satisfied. Indeed, Stage VII had elevated his combat strength to a new level, and with further stabilization, he anticipated even more growth.

After a short rest, Alavin approached the fallen Chrome Crested Lizard. Such Magi-Monsters had exceptionally hard bone plates on their backs, harder than steel. He sliced through the scales, peeled back the flesh, and effortlessly extracted five special bones. Each was as large as a fist; fashioned into bone daggers, they would serve him well.

"Gotta hunt a few more Magi-Monsters," Alavin muttered, cleaning his Dawnedge Blade and taking the bones with him. The best way to enhance one's combat prowess was through ceaseless battle, amassing experience between life and death, and unlocking potential amidst peril. Unlike other 'orthodox' Protégés, with no one to guide or assist him, he had to forge his own path and Energy approach. However, as he ventured into the dense forest, he encountered a hunting party. Alavin was taken aback, and so was the hunting party. Both were about to give way when they stopped simultaneously. "Alavin? Ha, Alavin!" The hunting party was surprised and delighted.

With a frosty gaze, Alavin recognized them as a squad from the Grand Elder's faction, an eight-person team. He had wondered why he hadn't run into them days earlier, and here they were now. "I thought you'd have been hunted down by now, but it seems you're still alive," a portly man stepped forward, eyeing the bloodied Alavin with a growing smile. This lad was tough, surviving until now. Alavin had just fought the Chrome Crested Lizard, and he was wounded and looked ragged.

The Protégés jeered, circling him. "I must say, I admire you for surviving half a month into the hunting festival. Tell us, how did you manage? What did you eat and drink? Have you even slept? Hahaha." Alavin slowly retreated to the edge of the stream. Having just battled the Chrome Crested Lizard, he was severely injured and spent. These people looked strong, particularly the portly leader, and Alavin remembered him from the Arena by Adirich's side.

"What's the matter? Not talking? You must have been on edge, eating poorly, sleeping poorly. I'll tell you, from today, you don't have to hide anymore, because you're going to... die, hahaha," the portly Protégé gloated, thrilled to have cornered Alavin. Bringing his head to Adirich would not only earn him Elixir Herb rewards but possibly the mentor's favor.

"What's that? Chrome Crested Lizard?" one of the Proteges noticed the lizard's corpse by the stream, seemingly fresh.

"So you came here to take advantage? Poor fellow, you look like a beggar."

"That's his lot in life. A servant in the Organization, a beggar out here. Not that strong, yet he pretends to be so proud."

"Alavin, how do you want to die? Standing or kneeling? Standing might hurt, but kneeling will be quick. Come on, tell us how you want to die. We're reasonable."

The hunting group closed in, eager for some fun after days of tense and strenuous hunts.

"Allow me to introduce myself. I'm Trevas, and I am..." the portly man began, patting his chest with a smile, but Alavin suddenly turned and dashed across the stream, plunging into the dense forest ahead. The hunters stiffened in surprise. Did he run? Did he actually flee?

"Heh, interesting, after him!" Trevas ordered nonchalantly. The team burst forth, howling and spreading out to chase.

Despite his injuries, Alavin was not as weak as they thought. He sprinted low to the ground, agilely maneuvering through the tangled old trees and underbrush, swiftly losing the pursuing party.