The Legendary Mage (Alavin)

"If you don't want to, stay behind. I have legs of my own and can make the journey."

"You..."

Elder Connas interrupted, "Enough bickering. The Grand Elder has decreed past grudges be wiped clean. We won't trouble you further, and you shouldn't be so resistant." Alavin examined the writ closely and once satisfied, he tucked it securely away. "Fine by me. I'm not one to hold grudges."

Alavin did not hold grudges? Did even he believe his own words? They rolled their eyes in skepticism.

Suddenly, Carlys came running from a distance, a small bundle on her back. "Wait for me. Wait for me!"

"What are you doing here?"

"I'm coming too!" Carlys arrived, beaming. With Stormcast pardoned, she would not miss the chance to celebrate in person.

"Stay behind. I can manage on my own."

"No, I must go."

"The journey may hold dangers. I cannot look after you."

"Do I look like I need looking after? I'm a Stage VII, you know."

"Hold on, I will escort her back." Alavin gestured to Elder Connas and the others and forcefully led Carlys back into the Organization.

Elder Connas and his team frowned in displeasure. Wait for Alavin? Who does Alavin think he is?

After much persuasion, Alavin managed to convince Carlys to stay behind, then headed to the Botanic Haven. As a Golden Protégé, he had free access to the Botanic Haven.

After a winding journey, he arrived at the mid-mountain herb garden. Along the path, many of the Botanic Haven Apprentices who saw him did not stop him; they just watched from a distance with complex looks in their eyes. A person once looked down upon by them had now far surpassed them. As a Golden Apprentice, a lord, and the honoree of the championship, Alavin could be said to be the highest-ranked among the new generation of Cobalt Strike Apprentices!

"Do you seek me?" Mariela emerged from the wooden hut, her demeanor cool and indifferent. The garden was shrouded in a misty haze. The scent of herbs permeated the air, a picturesque scene akin to a fairyland, and she stood among it like a frosty fairy, ethereal and stunning.

"I need your help," Alavin said with a smile.

"You? Asking for help?" Mariela's voice was as cold as ice. Her delicate face was like porcelain behind her veil, and her lips were softly tinted red.

"Just a stroll to enjoy the scenery. It might be nothing. It might be a little mishap. Don't worry. I assure your safety."

"Not in the mood," Mariela turned to leave.

"Come on, consider it a favor. I'll owe you one."

"What's it about?"

Alavin pursed his lips. "Someone wants to kill me."

Mariela stood at the door for a while. "Are you returning to Azure Mountain today?"

"Yes. Each extra day I stay in Cobalt Strike, my kin suffer. Besides, what's the point of staying? To be resented?" Alavin chuckled.

"Wait."

Outside the mountain gate, Elder Connas and the others had been waiting for a while. Alavin finally appeared, and Elder Connas was ready to scold him, only to be surprised to see Mariela accompanying him. Adirich furrowed his brow deeply. Why had she come?

Many Apprentices in the group exchanged glances; Mariela was an Elite Apprentice of Botanic Haven, with a special status. With her presence, how could they dare to make a move on the road?

Alavin approached them with Mariela by his side. "I ran into Mariela on the way, and she insisted on going to Azure Mountain to witness the Mallister family granting me pardon. Elder Connas, you don't mind ar extra person in the group, do you?"

Mariela rolled her eyes at him. Yeah, of course she insisted.

Elder Connas looked meaningfully at Alavin. "Not at all. Everyone is here, so let's depart!"