The Legendary Mage (Alavin)

More and more powerful sea Magi-Monsters awoke, crossing miles in search of ancient and distant energies.

The collective movement of these sea dominions attracted other creatures from their domains, flocks of fierce birds, and schools of fish, all following them in droves, crossing the ocean to converge upon Watchful Shore.

The mercenaries from the forest were just as stirred. They grew more and more excited as they watched, having roamed the forest for years without witnessing such a spectacle. The ancient kingdom Atlantis sealed beneath the sea, with its mysterious and terrifying glowing figures, all drew them in, igniting their adventurous and greedy hearts. Many were eager to try, yet all were wary of approaching too closely. "A kingdom! That's a kingdom!"

"How many ages has it been sealed?"

"Are those giant figures the kingdom's guardians?"

"Who dares to dive into the sea and try?"

Watchful Shore was crowded with mercenaries, with many more rushing from the forest behind. Beasts roared and squawked, and a multitude of Magi-Monsters mobilized in groups, with countless birds of prey crossing the sky, all converging toward this place in waves.

Godfred, wearing a mask, mingled with the crowded mercenary throng. His whole body was shrouded in a purple aura. His presence was formidable, drawing fearful glances from many around him. "Do you know anything?" A bold mercenary approached to inquire.

Godfred gazed out to the sea and nodded slowly, deliberately deepening his voice to a hoarse whisper. "The ancient kingdom buried for ten thousand years is also a long-held secret of the Northlands." The surrounding mercenaries turned to look at him, curious if someone really knew the story.

"Among you, some must have heard the old legend that Watchful Shore has always harbored. A vast ocean encases a kingdom from ten thousand years ago, within which endless treasures lie sealed. Through the ages, numerous mighty individuals have delved into the sea to investigate, seeking the sealed kingdom and its lost treasures, but none have been heard of succeeding."

"So you mean, Atlantis has been sealed for ten thousand years?" The mercenaries were astonished.

Godfred strode toward the seashore, and the mercenaries ahead parted to form a path. "It must be it, the ancient kingdom sealed for eons! Ten thousand years, and now it has reemerged into the world!" A buzz of excitement spread among the crowd, traveling from one person to the next.

Godfred continued, "I've heard that Cobalt Strike has been secretly investigating it for many years. I suspect that the sudden appearance of Atlantis is no doubt connected to Cobalt Strike." "Sir, what else do you know?" The mercenaries were uncommonly polite, knowing the man before them was strong and well-traveled. He certainly was no ordinary figure.

Godfred fell silent for a moment. "I'll give you some advice-don't rush in blindly. Wait for the high Lords and Ladies to arrive. Let them test the waters. If there's danger, it's theirs to face. If not, then we can make our move."

"That makes sense!"

Pretending to be contemplative, Godfred stood for a while, then drifted to other spots, feigning casualness as he spread the news, all the while hinting to them to hasten the spread of the word, to draw the big names quickly.

In just half a day, the news began to spread with astonishing speed, alarming more and more mercenaries.

Alavin stood atop a mountain, gazing out at the coast and the vast ocean. "The net is cast; now to wait for the catch."

"What are you really up to? If you think of ruining Cobalt Strike with these schemes, I won't allow it," Mariela said sternly, sensing a deep danger in Alavin's fervent eyes.

"I'm no villain, nor do I wish to destroy anyone."

"Then tell me now, what is it you're planning?"

"At a feast such as this, one must surely invite more guests."

"Alavin!" Mariela couldn't hold back any longer. Her patience was wearing thin.

"Don't worry, all will be revealed soon enough."