The Legendary Mage (Alavin)
Chapter 52

Alavin chuckled and shook his head. "You've got the wrong man. I'm not the right investment for you, and I don't need your money." "Don't rush off. Let's talk this through. I'm not asking you to be a mere guard in my household; I want to be friends, really good friends."

"I'm a walking calamity, mixing with me won't do you any good."

"Am I the sort to shy away from trouble? You underestimate me."

"What's this really about? Just because I've become a Novice Mage, you think I can go further, become stronger?"

"The key to investing is foresight! It's about having a feeling!"

Balder was brimming with confidence, for he was bold enough to gamble and had the foundation to back it. "If I see potential in you, and believe you can bring me good fortune in the future, I'll invest in you. And I'll do it before you've made your mark, that's a true gesture of faith. Otherwise, what's the point of investing after you've already succeeded, or are on the brink of success? The impact is entirely different." Alavin clapped Balder on his sturdy shoulder and chuckled. "I get your drift. If I do make it, your investment pays off. If not, you've lost nothing."

"I've come with honest intent today; I truly wish to forge a friendship with you."

"I'd advise you sincerely, that I'm not worth your efforts. That's all. Farewell, it was a pleasure meeting you."

"Wait, don't go, why leave again? I'm set on making you my friend, and I'm quite persistent. From now on, whatever you desire, just ask. Whatever help you need, I'll do what I can. A nod of the head? Just give me that, and we're kin. Should the day come when you're wronged, signal us, and my people will be there in a flash!" Balder had secretly signed on many followers at Cobalt Strike and was training them successfully.

Alavin waved and turned to leave, then paused.

Balder thought he might have a chance and approached with a beaming smile. "Second thoughts?"

"You truly wish to help me?"

"Of course."

"I want to visit home; can you help with that?" Alavin had been at Cobalt Strike for eight years without once returning home.

"Well... that's not out of the question," Balder stammered.

"Pleased to have met you, goodbye." Alavin waved and departed.

"Think it over, I'll be waiting for your word," Balder called out. His visit today was merely to meet Alavin and build a rapport. The matter of investment would take time; he had his steps and observation process. Word of Alavin taking the Goliath Force quickly spread, reaching the ears of Galos. He shook his head with a chuckle, replaceing Alavin naïve. Did sheer brute strength make one think they could master the Goliath Force? Cobalt Strike had scores of strong men, yet only Brunn had succeeded. Goliath Force was not only complex but also incredibly challenging to train, with stringent demands on one's physique. A single misstep, and the surging power could shatter one's Channel of Energy.

Galos wasn't the only one unimpressed; others shook their heads and murmured. If Celesse cared for Alavin, why not offer guidance instead of letting him fumble about? Forget challenging Galos with the Goliath Force; they thought Alavin would be lucky if he didn't end up crippled within a month.

Alavin paid no mind to the gossip. Apart from his regular deliveries, he devoted all his time to mastering Goliath Force. The first three segments were already perfected; he just needed to refine them like standard Combat Magic. His focus was now on the fourth and fifth segments, the most formidable and challenging parts.

With the aid of the Restoration Mantra, Alavin was full of confidence.

The initial ten days went smoothly. With Goliath Force as his focus and the Restoration Mantra as support, Alavin trained tirelessly day and night, feeling his strength surge, and increasingly becoming infatuated with the power the Goliath Force brought. But after those ten days, the atmosphere in Cobalt Strike grew eerie. Each night, Botanic Haven would erupt with roars that lasted for hours on end. The roars unsettled many, and the Protégés wondered why the Elders did nothing. If it was a monster, why not slay it outright?

The howls troubled Alavin, their summoning growing stronger, instilling an urgency within him. Was it truly calling for him? Was it... becoming impatient?