The Legendary Mage (Alavin)
Chapter 98

"Earthshaker Scepter, suppress!" the male Protégé bellowed, his momentum wildly surging as the golden staff came crashing down without any flourish, fierce and domineering. The golden light became more radiant, swirling furiously, like a golden mountain descending from the heavens, suffused with astonishing gravity.

The ground's pebbles all shattered to dust, and even the earth seemed to sink a few inches.

Alavin was enveloped in golden light, seemingly trapped and controlled by the overwhelming gravity, but he was fearless and unaffected. His body's lightning surged even more violently, and with a swing of his fist, the Shockwave Cobra struck out in a fury. The serpent's head opened its mouth wide, and its fangs were clearly visible, as if it let out a real screech.

Clang!

The impact rang out like true steel clashing, and the golden staff, with the force of a mountain collapse, shattered the Shockwave Cobra, its power astounding!

Alas, the might of the Shockwave Cobra was formidable indeed, its enchantment managed to diminish the crushing blow of the great staff. It burst forth with a thunderous array of lightning, filling the entire space with blinding light, and causing everyone to instinctively shut their eyes. Alavin, seizing the opportunity, dashed forward, using the bright light as cover to dodge the club and launch a flank assault, swinging his fist towards the male Protégé's face.

"You madman!" the male Protégé cried out in alarm, barely dodging the punch as it grazed his nose. He felt the fierce rush of air and the terrifying strength behind the blow.

Alavin, having missed his target, did not relent. He landed and surged forth again, unleashing a barrage of relentless attacks.

"Cease your attack!" The other four Protégés, shocked and angered, launched themselves toward Alavin. This brash lad truly dared to wage battle against Botanic Haven Protégés.

Just then, a lion's roar, thunderous as an explosion from the clear sky, resounded through the distant woods, deafening all who heard. The land seemed to fall silent except for that echoing roar. "The Violet Lion has returned?" The color drained from their faces.

"Stay calm. Stand your ground," Alavin commanded after repelling the male Protégé with a punch, but he himself turned and dashed into the dense woods.

"The bastard! Don't let him escape, chase him!" The man set off in pursuit.

The Violet Lion had not strayed far and, hearing the commotion, bolted back, letting out a savage roar upon noticing the missing Voilet Thistle. Its purple mane bristled as if standing on end. Sniffing the lingering scents in the forest, it chased after them with a fury.

"Alavin, surrender the Elixir Fruit, or Botanic Haven will have your head," the pursuing Botanic Haven Protégé shouted relentlessly.

"I laid hands on it first, so it's mine," Alavin retorted. Swift as a cheetah, he gracefully navigated the chaotic woods at full speed.

"Curse you! You've been tracking us, waiting to rob us."

"Tracking you? Why would I bother with such misshapen squash as you?"

"You detestable creature, Botanic Haven will not let this go."

"Think you can speak for Botanic Haven? Don't flatter yourself."

"Hand over the Elixir Fruit, or we'll show no mercy."

"Have you ever shown mercy? I would rather throw the Elixir Fruit to the Violet Lion than give it to you." Alavin was resolute, his temper flared. "I've already agreed to leave you two of the three fruits, and yet you hound me. Then expect none!"

As they chased and fled, a fierce gale suddenly arose, trees shook violently, leaves flew in disarray, and a terrifying malevolence washed over them like a tidal wave, engulfing everyone in its path. The Violet Lion caught up with them, its roar so intense it seemed to shatter their skulls.

"It's here!" The Protégé felt a chill through his body, no longer caring to chase Alavin, and ran as if possessed.

"Why follow me? Scatter!" Alavin yelled.

"No chance."

"Save your own skin! Split up, or we're all doomed."

"Hand over the Voilet Thistle." They remembered their original intent.

But the roar of the Violet Lion, booming next to their ears, filled them with sheer terror, and they scattered, no longer caring about the battle, shouting, "Regroup at the usual spot. Alavin, we're not through with you yet."

Alavin sprinted through the thick woods, about to breathe a sigh of relief when he caught sight of a figure still in pursuit. Turning back, he saw it was Mariela, and he couldn't help but be torn between laughter and despair, "We're fleeing for our lives! Why are you following me?"

"Give me the Voilet Thistle!" Mariela's face was stern as frost.