The Legendary Mage (Alavin)
Chapter 105

Deep within the forest, a giant mountain nearly a mile high suddenly collapsed. Dust clouds billowed, and fierce winds howled, sweeping across several miles of woodland, startling the nearby birds and beasts Yet the thunderous crash and the trembling of the earth drew the attention of many Cobalt Strike Protégés and bands of mercenaries.

It wasn't long before figures started to appear in the nearby forests, curiously observing.

As the dust settled, they beheld a ragged peak, half its mass gone. The eastern face was now but a pile of rubble mixed with broken trees and underbrush tumbling into the surrounding woods and hills. Strangely, at the base of the ruins was a clear entrance to a cavern, over thirty feet wide and ten feet high.

It seemed as if a hollow had formed underground, causing the collapse of the mountain. But for a mountain nearly a mile high, with such a vast area collapsed, the debris outside didn't seem as 'grandiose' as one would expect. This meant that most of the stone must have fallen into the depths below. How vast could the subterranean space be?

The odd phenomenon kept many at bay, with onlookers keeping their distance. As more and more people gathered, standing scattered in the surrounding woods and atop hills, they murmured and peered curiously.

"There seems to be a light inside the cave."

"Look closely, there really is something gleaming inside. Could it be treasure?"

"How could the mountain just collapse like that? It's not natural."

"Don't rush in there! I suspect someone or something caused this mountain to fall."

By noon, the surrounding woods were crowded with thousands. The mercenaries and Cobalt Strike Protégés ceased their skirmishes, and all eyes were fixed on the strange cavern entrance.

Alavin had arrived early, choosing a distant hill to sit atop and practice his Restoration Mantra. He was cloaked in a black cape and wearing a mask. The Dawnedge Blade was resting on his legs, its sword's energy sharp and formidable. He appeared to be a fearsome figure. This ensured no one would dare bother him, especially the Cobalt Strike Protégés, who wouldn't provoke a solitary 'freelancer,' especially in such circumstances.

As the crowd of onlookers grew, so did the restless ones, and groups of mercenaries began to approach the cavern. Living by the sword's edge, they cared little for danger and much for profit.

The Cobalt Strike Protégés remained relatively calm, observing from their position.

"Such a strong scent! Could there be a woman inside, heh heh."

"It's the smell of herbs!"

"The fragrance seems to have many layers; there could be a multitude of herbs inside."

"Who will go in first to scout the path?"

As the mercenary bands were tentatively considering venturing into the cave, the pervasive scent attracted a crowd of Magi-Monsters.

A horde of Highland Hedgehogs came thundering through, small in stature but radiating tremendous strength. Their quills were like steel spikes, and their tiny teeth were sharp enough to bite through metal. In large numbers, they paid no heed to the Cobalt Strike Protégés or nearby mercenaries and charged into the upheaval, quickly disappearing without a trace.

Soon after, a pack of Tempest Wolves approached, their fierce presence causing hearts to race. A majestic tiger with wings upon its back strode out from the dense woods, its presence commanding and eyes fierce. Seven black apes, several meters tall, bounded through the forest, ignoring the surrounding onlookers and crashing into the cave with a booming fervor.

This was just the beginning; more and more Magi-Monsters from all directions converged, seemingly lured by the scent inside.

"What are we waiting for? Charge!" A band of mercenaries shouted and plunged into the cave. The others no longer hesitated, and followed in quick succession.

"Don't act rashly; let's wait a bit longer. What if there's danger inside?" many from Cobalt Strike urged restraint.

An Elite Protégé calmed his peers. "Let the Magi-Monsters and mercenaries scout for us. We're in no rush; we'll move when the time is right."

"Let's wait a bit longer. The Elders should be on their way here."

The Protégés didn't rush in blindly. They were noble scions, not to risk their lives carelessly. If there were treasures inside, they could reap the benefits from the outside. And if danger lurked within, why should they die like mere mercenaries?

The cave seemed deep, with over a thousand people and Magi-Monsters having entered, but the sounds that echoed out were deep, chaotic, and muffled. Those standing afar could barely hear, as if the throngs that entered and the beasts had vanished into oblivion.

As the Cobalt Strike Protégés watched anxiously, Alavin, fully healed, approached the cave entrance with the ancient sword in hand, furrowing his brows as he peered inside.

A dim glow shone from within the cave, as if emanating from deep below, accompanied by a rich fragrance that was refreshing and invigorating, as if one had consumed an Elixir Fruit. Yet mixed within the scent were hints of blood and other odors. Without a doubt, the mercenaries and Magi-Monsters inside had clashed.

As Alavin observed, a young man with an iron sword approached, his gaze also sharp and focused. His presence was formidable, and the black battle blade on his back hummed faintly, as if alive with spirit.

Cedrick!

He didn't recognize Alavin, merely giving a cursory glance at the ancient sword. "Nice blade!"

Before long, another youth arrived, fair as a maiden, with glowing skin, delicate features, and lips as red as the blushing dawn. His brows appeared meticulously groomed, and his tall and slender figure was wrapped in a richly embroidered robe. At first glance, he could be mistaken for a high-born lady. Yet his eyes were sharp as a hunting hawk, shining with intelligence and danger.