The Legendary Mage (Alavin)

As the afternoon hustle bustled on, Lucan gathered the two deputy captains and centurions of the guard. "Is everything in place?"

Godfred nodded affirmatively. "Six hundred people are stationed in the Western Quarter. Should Elder Connas approach the mines, we should detect him at the first sign."

They had been tirelessly working since the previous midnight, drenched in sweat, yet far from weary; instead, they were filled with vim and vigor.

"It's been hard work. Tell everyone to take turns resting. There's no need for over-vigilance. Elder Connas has but fifty men, not a significant threat," Lucan said, pleased. A day and a night had passed since the incident, and the spirits of his men were still high. Their mettle was uneroded by the years of hardship or the recent execution of Vandill.

"Where has Lord Alavin gone? We have not yet formally met."

Since the previous night, all had been preoccupied, and Godfred, keen to meet Alavin, had found no opportunity. Before last night, his impression of Alavin was still that of the boy from years past. He never expected their reunion to be amidst such circumstances after so many years. Alavin, now dashing and sharp-eyed, exuded a calm, steely resolve and fearlessness, surprising Godfred greatly.

"He's up in the mountains." Lucan pointed toward the distant high peaks. On the western edge of the mines stood a mountain a thousand meters tall. It was the best vantage point to overlook the entire mining operation.

"Shall we go see him?"

Lucan fell silent for a moment. "Today is Lord Alavin's birthday. After tonight, he'll be sixteen."

Atop the mountain, Alavin stood quietly, gazing upon the lively mine below. Thousands of torches illuminated the mines, as the people celebrated with robust laughter into the night.

Alavin smiled, yet his face was streaked with tears.

"After tonight, I will be sixteen.

"After tonight, Azure Mountain will become a part of history.

"After tonight, I must lead over two hundred thousand back to Stormcast.

"After tonight, I will grow stronger and more steadfast.

"After tonight, I will face more enemies, and I will find more allies."

Alavin raised his head to the stars, as if he could see his loving parents once again.

"Father, Mother, wherever you are, alive or in the afterlife, pray for me.

"Father, Mother, no matter what happened back then, and whoever was involved, I will uncover the truth and ensure they pay for their debts in blood...

"Tonight is not the end, but the beginning, the beginning of everything!!"

"Sir." Lucan approached the mountaintop and coughed lightly.

Alavin quietly wiped away his tears and turned with a smile. "Uncle Lucan."

"What are you thinking about?"

"Just fanciful thoughts."

"Today is your birthday," Lucan observed Alavin's handsome, resolute face. Alavin was far more mature than others his age, and Lucan knew the burdens Alavin carried were much heavier. "Uncle Lucan, you remember."

"It was on the day of your birth that I found myself a wanderer in Stormcast, and the day the Lord of the City gave me shelter." Lucan stood with Alavin atop the mountain, looking out at the bustling mines. "The city is abuzz with talk of you. They are grateful you came to rescue them, and that you didn't abandon them."

"The Mallister family owes them."

"There's no debt. Over the years, their demands have grown modest, and are easily satisfied."

"Give me a few more years, and I will restore Stormcast to its former peace and prosperity." "There's no need to rush. You've already done well, and we're proud of you."

Lucan remembered Alavin's vow to find a way to save Azure Mountain within half a year, thinking it was just a burst of youthful bravado at the time. He didn't expect Alavin to actually achieve it. What delighted him more was Alavin's growth; Alavin had advanced to Novice Mage Stage IX within a year and even made a name for himself at The Clash of Eight Orders. Had his parents been alive, they would have been immensely proud.

"This is just the beginning. There will be many more challenges ahead."

"It will be difficult, but you have us!"

"Lord Alavin! You have us!" Two figures, a man and a woman, arrived at the mountaintop, deputy captains of the Mallister family guard, Godfred, and Grima.

Godfred, a Master Mage at Stage V, clad in black, was tall and lean with a handsome visage. Despite being younger than Lucan by a few years, he looked youthful, with a habitual smirk that exuded a roguish charm.

Grima, a Master Mage at Stage IV, was a formidable female warrior, towering and armed with a blood-red spear that seemed an extension of her being. Radiating an intimidating presence, she was once a general in the Lord's army, who did not flee during the disaster, steadfastly protecting the Mallister family.

"Thank you!!" Alavin's heart warmed, grateful for their unwavering protection of the Mallister family over eight years, a testament to enduring loyalty.