The Legendary Mage novel Chapter 85

Alavin continued his journey at dawn, steering clear of any Magi-Monsters and hunting parties he could avoid, as well as the occasional bands of mercenaries he spotted. He pressed on through the forest, adjusting to its wild environment with every step.

Two days later, he crossed the region known as Griffin's Roost, plunging into the denser and more perilous depths of the woods, and making his way toward the Azure Mountain.

The further he traveled, the greater the dangers became, including encounters with bizarre Magi-Monsters.

He stumbled upon a mystical white stag, which vanished into the thickets with a fleeting grace; he ran from a towering giant, rampaging through the ancient mountains; at night, he witnessed a group of black apes worshiping the moon and practicing their mystical arts. He even saw wondrous beasts conjuring storms over rivers.

Amidst these perils, Alavin persevered, adapting to the forest's harsh way of life.

On the eighth day of the grand hunting festival, he finally arrived at Azure Mountain!

This was a range of hills in the northeastern part of the Cloudveil Woods, and also a sprawling mining district stretching over miles.

There were five major mines, that annually supplied the Cobalt Strike with an astonishing amount of magical ore. Some were used for the training of Cobalt Strike Protégés, while others were traded for precious Elixir Herbs or potions with the outside world.

Before Alavin even approached Azure Mountain, he could feel the bustling atmosphere from the mines. Over two hundred thousand laborers worked day and night, providing Cobalt Strike with abundant resources. They were all people of Stormcast, who once lived in bliss and comfort, and were now reduced to mine slaves laboring in this secluded mining district due to an accident years ago.

Eight years! It had been eight years!

Alavin stood atop a hill, gazing silently, suddenly fearful of approaching, unwilling and afraid to witness the tragic scene.

What exactly had happened eight years ago? Alavin himself was still unclear.

"Because the tribute Stormcast sent to Cobalt Strike was stolen, it brought about the Grand Elder's wrathful punishment," was Lucan's initial explanation to him, yet now it seemed far too simple.

Climbing to a nearby peak, Alavin hid amongst the treetops, waiting for nightfall, ever-vigilant for the dangers that could emerge at any moment. The forests around the mine swarmed with Magi-Monsters and were roamed by mercenary bands eager for precious magical ore. Occasionally, they would brazenly assault the mines or ambush the caravans transporting the ore.

Thus, Azure Mountain had its own guard, part of which consisted of Cobalt Strike Protégés, and the other part was a private guard assembled by Lucan himself, chosen from the town's Mages. Lucan's guard had low status and a burdensome duty: to protect the suffering people while patrolling the outskirts and facing threats from Magi-Monsters and bandits alike.