The Legendary Mage novel Chapter 47

Alavin returned to his quarters, having refrained from training for the day. He sat beneath the ancient oak in the courtyard, pondering the challenge that awaited him in a month's time. He admitted to himself that Galos was formidable, far stronger than the average Stage VII mages, and being a favored champion of the Grand Elder, meant Galos would just be ruthless enough to aim for crippling blows in the upcoming duel at the Battlegrounds.

Alavin had already solidified his power at the Fifth Tier, and with a month of dedicated training, he believed he could reach the peak of this stage. If he committed fully, he could stand toe-to-toe with Galos. Winning was uncertain, but at the very least, he could ensure he wouldn't lose.

The problem was that Alavin didn't want to use the Grand Arcanum of the Blade within the ranks of Cobalt Strike, not yet anyway. Without the Dawnedge Blade and the Arcanum, how could he ensure he'd be the last one standing?

"Goliath Force!"

After much contemplation, Alavin's thoughts kept returning to Goliath Force. His greatest advantage lay in his physical constitution, and it was said that Goliath Force could amplify one's strength to its ultimate limit, potentially up to fivefold.

With the Restoration Mantra to condition his body and Goliath Force to enhance his explosive power, a month's worth of refinement should leave Galos bleeding, at least a bit.

"Tomorrow, I shall visit the Sanctum of Mystical Scrolls. If there's no better Combat Magic to be found, I'll choose Goliath Force."

With that decision made, Alavin retired to his quarters for a restful sleep, planning to visit the Sanctum the next day. He was neither anxious nor worried, but instead filled with an eager anticipation for the confrontation that lay a month ahead.

In the deep of night, all was silent and peaceful. Yet again, from the depths of the Botanic Haven, a hoarse roar shattered the calm, like thunder rolling across the sky, jolting the denizens of Cobalt Strike from their slumber, and awakening thousands of Protégés.

This time, the roar was not as wild, nor did it bring the violent quakes of before, but it was still enough to send shivers down one's spine, as if some terrible beast was trapped and could, at any moment, break free from its chains.

The Protégés of Cobalt Strike restrained their curiosity, staying within their dwellings without emerging to speculate.

The sound of clashing chains echoed from within Botanic Haven, sharp and resonant, adding a sinister feel to the night as the noise reverberated through Cobalt Strike.

Alavin stood in the courtyard, gazing toward Botanic Haven through the thick veil of night. The deep and raspy roar was unclear; it was hard to tell if it was a person's cry or the struggle of a Magi-Monster, lingering long into the night.

Inside, Alavin felt an inexplicable calling; the roaring seemed to be conveying something. His blade, Shadowbringer, vibrated as if in response.

"What exactly is imprisoned there? If it's truly a fearsome entity, why hasn't Cobalt Strike simply destroyed it?"

Puzzled, Alavin left his quarters in the dead of night and made his way to the foot of Botanic Haven.