The Legendary Mage (Alavin)

"Eh, is it them?" Alavin suddenly recalled the day he helped the "beggar" in the valley. It was a group dressed similarly that was pursuing the "beggar."

"Do you know them?" Mariela whispered. Her words were soft and light, yet the black-clothed figures surrounding them halted in unison, turning their heads to stare at them.

As the dozen stopped, the rest of the black-clothed troop halted as well, spreading out in the dense woodland, all turning their gaze to the trio. The white jade masks hid their true expressions, inducing involuntary tension.

Alavin muttered, "You really have no sense of danger, woman."

Mariela jabbed a finger into his lower back, giving him a cold look.

"Who says they know us?" One of the black-clothed figures approached them. His voice was shrill and uncomfortable to hear.

"Three or four months ago, I saw a group dressed somewhat like you. Just curious, so I mentioned it," Alavin said casually, not showing any panic. He was all muscle and brawn and knew how to handle such situations.

"Where was this?"

"It seemed to be near Griffin's Roost."

"How many?"

"About a dozen, I think. I don't remember exactly."

"What were they doing?"

"Same as you, running."

More black-clothed figures turned toward them, their cold aura enveloping the forest like an invisible net. "Was there anyone special with them?"

"I didn't get a good look. I just glanced."

One of the black-clothed figures approached. "Take us there."

"To where?"

"Where you saw them," the figure said with an unquestionable tone.

"Sorry, I'm busy, got things to do."

"It's not up to you." The black-clothed figures drew their blades en masse, and in an instant, the woodland was filled with chilling blade energy, shredding leaves that then cascaded through the air. "Sorry, really busy," Alavin grinned.

Godfred's purple aura boiled intensely, and a pair of magnificent purple wings unfurled with a roar, flapping powerfully and catapulting Alavin and Mariela into the sky, piercing through the thick canopy to reach the heavens.

The black-clothed troop looked up, momentarily surprised. "The Northlands are not without their remarkable people."

Godfred soared, wings cutting through the sky, heading toward distant mountain ranges.

The black-clothed figures did not pursue further; they couldn't catch up even if they tried.

"We're heading to Griffin's Roost."

"That was three or four months ago."

"The 'Night Demon' wasn't delivered to the ancient sea on time, and the escort team also vanished. It's most likely that they were met with misfortune in Cloudveil Woods. We'll start at Griffin's Roost and search from there."

"We must find him quickly. The more time drags on, the more his power will recover."

"He's bound by enchanted chains; he can't possibly regain his strength."

"Don't forget who he is, he's 'Night Demon'! If he truly escapes, he'll surely find a way to break the seals."

"Let's move! To Griffin's Roost! We can't keep the ancient sea waiting too long."

A hundred figures clad in black cloaks shot off like arrows from a bow, racing toward Griffin's Roost with the speed of lightning.

Godfred led Alavin and Mariela for hundreds of leagues, making sure they weren't being followed before stopping to rest. "Lord Alavin, who were those people?"

"I truly don't recognize them, though I've encountered a similar squad at the Cobalt Strike Hunting Festival."

"Are you certain? Nothing untoward happened?" Mariela expressed her doubt, knowing full well this rascal was no saint.

"Mariela, I remember you used to be quite the silent type. You've become much more outgoing lately, cheers. And you'd look even lovelier with a smile." Alavin deflected with a quick quip.