The Legendary Mage (Alavin)
Chapter 60

"Either come with me to Botanic Haven or... I'll arrange for others to take you. Choose one."

"Mariela, a high and mighty Botanic Haven Protégé, bullying a mere servant like me - it's quite unseemly."

"Tonight, at the stroke of midnight, the eastern entrance of Botanic Haven."

"Feel free to wait patiently." Alavin's smile was firm, undisturbed by the threat.

"Lord Viperbane knows Botanic Haven's secret and threatens to ally with Cobalt Strike."

"It's not my concern." Alavin shrugged. The fate of Cobalt Strike was none of his business.

"The alliance is through marriage, between Marak and Celesse. I intend to resolve Botanic Haven's troubles, and you wouldn't want Celesse wed to Lord Viperbane. Our goals align." Mariela left a few words behind, exited the storeroom, and gave a slight nod to Celesse as she walked into the courtyard. "Celesse, congratulations on your advancement to Novice Mage." "Thank you, Mariela, for your kind thoughts." Celesse nodded in return, acknowledging the well-wishes.

Before long, Alavin emerged from the storeroom, his gaze following the path Mariela took as she departed. His brow furrowed in concern.

"What's happened?" Celesse knew that Mariela would not have visited without cause, nor would she leave Botanic Haven lightly.

Alavin shook his head. "I'll try to handle it myself first; if I cannot, I may ask for your assistance."

"Is it that serious?"

After a moment of silence, Alavin replied, "If you see me around tomorrow making deliveries, assume all is well. But if I'm nowhere to be seen, I'm likely detained in Botanic Haven."

In the dead of night, Botanic Haven erupted with a hoarse roar, thundering and reverberating through the mountains. The clashing of chains was faintly audible, as if some terrible beast was struggling in the depths, attempting to break its bonds and shatter the towering peaks. The sense of violence was palpable to all.

From a distance, one could see Botanic Haven alight with golden glimmers, blossoming en masse against the dark, an eye-catching spectacle. Energy churned visibly, like a raging river in flood, at times dispersing, at times swirling into vortexes.

The turmoil there was easy to imagine.

"The situation is worse than we anticipated; my presence here is warranted." Neasilis stood atop a mountain, facing the chilling night breeze with his eyes fixed on Botanic Haven.

"What exactly lies within that place?" Marak stood beside him, feeling the violent energy from Botanic Haven even at this distance. He was unaware of the true situation inside, only knowing that after a long conversation with his father, Neasilis had left his father in high spirits, tasked with full authority to handle the alliance with Cobalt Strike.

"A power that will allow us to control Cobalt Strike," Neasilis said with a smile. He had not expected the Chained Spirit to awaken after so many years, nor to possess such formidable power, but it provided him with the perfect opportunity to wield influence over Cobalt Strike. Should he succeed, his standing with Lord Viperbane could climb significantly, perhaps even elevating him to the leader of the Seven Champions.

"With Cobalt Strike's strength and the alliance of seven other organizations, who would we fear in this world?"

"There are always greater powers beyond our own!"

"What do you mean?"

"You will understand in time, Lord Marak. For now, know that what lies within Botanic Haven can grant you the most beautiful women of Cobalt Strike."

"What if I desire two? Would Cobalt Strike agree?" A grin crept across Marak's face as he recalled the two stunning women he had seen during the day. Celesse had bewitched him, and Mariela had caught his eye, too. Deep down, he yearned for Celesse, but the thought of having both was even more enticing.

As for Alavin, after some investigation, he found him to be merely a bold servant, nothing more, and not worthy of further attention.

Neasilis chuckled. "We hold the advantage, and all can be negotiated."

Marak laughed. "Then I thank you in advance, Neasilis, and I won't forget your generosity."