The Legendary Mage novel Chapter 19

Alavin hoisted the hefty stone cauldron, delivering goods far and wide, and this time, Odell dared not meddle with his tasks. His tardiness in deliveries inevitably led to reprimands and mockery from the Senior Protégés. But Alavin paid them no heed; he dropped off the goods and left in a hurry, eager to return to his training.

Overnight, he had advanced to Stage IV, and his vitality, aura, and spirit all enhanced, showing significant growth in strength. However, it was not a normal breakthrough; his core was unstable, and the magic within his Channel of Energy was not abundant. The best way to recuperate was, of course, to consume some Elixir Herbs or Elixir Fruits.

Taking advantage of his delivery errands, Alavin ventured near Botanic Haven again to see if the Viper's Berry was still there.

The cliff was covered in thick green vines, twisted and chaotic, hiding countless snakes and pythons within. At a glance, it was hard to tell the vines from the serpents.

The Viper's Berry was well hidden; had it not been for a lucky glimpse the day before, Alavin might have never spotted it.

"I'll come back tonight to pick it up," Alavin confirmed the presence of the Viper's Berry and prepared to leave. It was not safe to linger long in this place.

Suddenly, the Shadowbringer within his Energetic Core began to tremble, spreading a dark mist over the energy above, as if warning of some danger.

Alavin quickly hid in the tangled forest.

What was happening? Was someone nearby?

The trembling of the Shadowbringer grew more intense, and the dark miasma loomed over.

Wait, what was that?

Alavin watched in astonishment as a golden serpent slowly poked its head out from the vines where the Viper's Berry grew, flicking its blood-red tongue. Its small eyes swiveled and soon fixed on Alavin's hiding spot.

Was that a Magi-Monster?!

Alavin was startled. There really was a Magi-Monster. No wonder the myriad of snakes and pythons circled the Viper's Berry but didn't swallow it directly; a Magi-Monster was guarding it.

Was the Viper's Berry not the property of Botanic Haven, and it actually belonged to the monster?

The Golden Serpent slowly wound around the Viper's Berry, its gaze claiming ownership.

"So it is," Alavin muttered, "Advanced Elixir Fruits aren't just lying around for the taking." He hesitated. Should he risk returning tonight? Ordinary snakes could be easily dealt with, allowing him to leave unnoticed. But the Golden Serpent was clearly a Magi-Monster, and with his current strength, he couldn't easily defeat it. If a standoff ensued, he might end up surrounded by the Protégés of Botanic Haven.