The Legendary Mage novel Chapter 339

Hamund arrived at the sacred retreat where the Commander was in deep contemplation, but rather than hastily ascending the mountain, he stood at its base, quietly gazing up at the summit.

The mountain was teeming with a host of formidable individuals from Amber Valley and those sworn to Lord Viperbane, all of whom were concealing their presence as much as possible, gathered near the peak.

Lord Viperbane and Tobin had set up barriers within their sanctuary, cloaking their aura, lying in wait for Hamund. They were exceedingly cautious, yet still, they underestimated Hamund.

Standing silently in the dense forest at the foot of the mountain, Hamund whispered an incantation. "Arcane Shadow!"

A wisp of invisible essence slowly drifted from his body, like a transparent wraith. It glanced back at its physical vessel before lightly making its way to the mountaintop.

At the summit, Lord Viperbane, Tobin, the Grand Elder, and warriors from all three factions waited in silence, oblivious to the essence that had already neared them.

In Cobalt Strike, Hamund was a peculiar entity, aloof from the dealings of the Organization and seldom forming alliances. Before he took Celesse as a Protégé, he rarely stayed within Cobalt Strike's bounds, leaving most of the Elders with scant knowledge of him, save that he was an Archmage, second in might only to the Grand Elder.

Hamund's Arcane Shadow paused at the mountain's crest, not approaching the sanctuary. The gathered force of three to five hundred was a surprise to him. Where had all these powerful beings come from? And why were they assembled outside the Commander's retreat?

He floated silently in midair, observing the sanctuary but never entering.

After a long while, the Grand Elder within the sanctuary nodded. "He seems unaware of our presence. It's time to move."

"Are you certain?" Lord Viperbane asked cautiously.

"This is the Commander's place of cultivation, and a little disturbance is to be expected. Plus, we are deep within the Organization's heartland. No one would dare come here uninvited," remarked another.

The Grand Elder added, "I'll leave a few behind. If Hamund does arrive, they'll delay him. We must act swiftly and return promptly."

Before departing, they confirmed once more that The Commander was gravely injured and could not break free from his chains. Then, they hurriedly left the sanctuary, leading their party towards Botanic Haven.

"Lord Viperbane! Tobin!" Hamund's Arcane Shadow, upon seeing them, immediately kept a wide berth, altering its expression dramatically.

Lord Viperbane, sensing something amiss, frowned and scanned the mountaintop, but discovered nothing.