The Legendary Mage (Alavin)
Chapter 62

Mariela's words were cut short as a rumbling sound erupted from the chasm, raising clouds of dust that billowed and spread.

The two recoiled in alarm, one brandishing a sword, the other clenching a fist, ready for battle.

But then...

Alavin opened his mouth in disbelief, staring fixedly at the chasm. Behind her veil of white, Mariela's delicate face showed incredulity at the sight before them.

The massive stone, towering fifty meters high, had shattered. The entire structure collapsed, showering the chasm with stones of all sizes, and the chains that had once encircled it clattered down, their golden light dimmed.

Both were stunned and looked at each other.

What had happened? Had the enchantment broken? Without any warning?

Alavin quickly checked himself for any anomalies but found none.

Mariela remained vigilant, scanning their surroundings for any sign of trouble. Her brows knitted as she looked at Alavin.

"Don't look at me. I know nothing."

The sudden noise had alerted those nearby, and numerous figures flickered in the darkness, racing toward them.

"Remember! I was never here! Remember that!" Alavin reminded Mariela once more before quickly vanishing into the night.

A horde of people burst from the nearby woods, their eyes wide with shock as they gazed into the deep pit.

Three Elders hurried to the scene, their faces turning pale upon witnessing the crater's condition. "What has happened here?" One demanded.

The Protégés exchanged bewildered looks, all shaking their heads.

"Mariela, I believe you were the first to arrive. Did you see anything?" A middle-aged Apprentice asked Mariela.

She shook her head. "I've only just got here myself."

The three Elders were not from Botanic Haven; they were called to assist in reinforcing the great stone seal. After a tense examination, their expressions grew even grimmer. The Rune of Abandonment Lock was broken, and the Shackles of the Forgotten had failed, a clear sign that whatever was contained within had vanished.

Where could it have gone? How could it just disappear?

"Mariela, quickly, fetch your master," one Elder ordered urgently.

Atop the mountain of Botanic Haven, an Elder sat with a stern expression. His brow furrowed, and his Mindfulness washed over the expanse like a tide, covering the majestic Botanic Haven and sensing the vast energy across its surface. His essence was intertwined with the Rune of Abandonment Lock, inseparable. At the moment the seal was broken, and the great stone collapsed, he had awakened, immediately drawing upon the energy to track down the Chained Spirit.

The energy of the entire mountain was mobilized, surging like a raging river. Yet there was not a trace of the Chained Spirit to be found on Botanic Haven, as if it had completely vanished. Mariela arrived at the summit to report to her mentor. "Sir! The Chained Spirit has been moved."

The Elder, his hair white with age, opened his weary eyes. "Where?"

Mariela bowed her head. "Please allow me to keep this secret."

"Give me a reason?" the Elder asked sharply.

"I am not yet certain what has transpired. Please grant me a year to observe. If any anomalies arise, I shall inform you immediately."

"Absurd! This matter concerns the rise and fall of Cobalt Strike. It is no child's play!"

"You once told me, that the matters of the seal are of grave importance. Cobalt Strike may be safe for now, but not forever. This mishap could be a disaster, or perhaps an opportunity for resolution. Please grant me one year. After that, I shall provide a full account, and you may judge as you see fit."

"Where is it!" the Elder's gaze was piercing.

"It has not fled; it's been safely moved!"

"By whom!"

"Please allow me to keep that confidential," Mariela insisted firmly.

The Elder rose slowly, his gaze cold as he stared at Mariela before walking to the edge of the summit, overlooking the ruins on the mountainside. "You should be well aware of the gravity of this matter." "You know me. I shall provide an explanation."

Alavin returned to the storeroom, hastily sitting in meditation to calm his spirit, and carefully examined his body, also searching for any trace of the Shadowbringer.

Could that strange thing have infested my body? But after repeated inspections, he found nothing amiss, which only made Alavin more uneasy.

Odd!

"It summoned me over and over, and when I arrived, nothing. As I'm about to leave, it collapses without warning.

"What exactly was being contained in there?

"Not a man, not a beast, could it possibly be a spirit?"

Alavin spent a sleepless night, repeatedly checking his body until dawn. His body showed no signs of tampering, and the Shadowbringer appeared safe.

Could it be that the entity had seized the opportunity to escape somewhere else?