The Legendary Mage novel Chapter 114

"What?" the other Protégés were puzzled, wondering why they were leaving without the Voilet Thistle, which had disappeared so mysteriously.

Alavin picked up a large bone and offered it with a smile. "Esteemed Protégés of Botanic Haven, prime beef tendon, a pound of meat for one Elixir Herb. Any takers?"

"Who would want your meat," the Botanic Haven Protégé grumbled, storming off with bottled fury.

Alavin's smile faded as he continued his meal, but his gaze shifted towards the shadows of the trees ahead, where a group gathered—it was Adirich's team.

"Shall we deal with him now?" asked one with a menacing look.

"We'll settle this back at Cobalt Strike," Adirich replied, not foolish enough to strike down Alavin in plain sight, especially with Cedrick seated by his side. Judging by their interaction, Cedrick didn't seem like he would stand by and let them harm Alavin.

The grand hunt had come to a close, and over six hundred Protégés safely returned to Cobalt Strike. The hunting campaign had been costly, but many Protégés had reaped enormous bounties, enviable hauls of various magical ores and Elixir Herbs. These treasures belonged to the individuals alone; Cobalt Strike would not lay claim to even a blade of grass or a pebble from their spoils.

That was the allure of the hunt – opportunities and resources earned solely through skill and bravery.

Upon his return to Cobalt Strike, Alavin sought out Carlys and presented her and Celesse with Intermediate magical ores and Super magical ores, keeping only Ordinary Elixir Herbs and Ordinary magical ores for his own use over the past ten days. He had saved more precious treasures.

Yet no sooner had Alavin left than Carlys, with a mischievous smile, chased after him and returned his offerings.

Both were Elite Protégés of Cobalt Strike, holding esteemed positions within the stronghold. They could freely take magical treasures and Elixir Fruits, so they could not accept Alavin's gifts, knowing they were won through his perilous efforts, no matter their value.

In the deep of night, Alavin took a thorough, invigorating wash and prepared to practice his Restoration Mantra.

The voice that had been absent for so long spoke again. "The power you seek, I can help you achieve it."

"Do you know what I'm thinking?" Alavin had been waiting for this voice, and at last, it returned.

"I know what you're enduring."

Sitting cross-legged beneath an ancient tree, Alavin felt the state of the Energy Core within his Energy Realm. "I believe you may have some background, but I don't trust in your ability to help me. Let's lay our cards on the table; I won't cast you out of my body, nor will I hand you over to Cobalt Strike. You can stay and recover at your own pace. When you're ready to leave, I'll take you beyond Cobalt Strike's borders. I expect nothing in return; consider it a friendship."