The Legendary Mage (Alavin)

The Botanic Haven was in turmoil, stirring many a Cobalt Strike apprentice far and wide, their gazes turning towards the direction of the commotion. But it was more curiosity than concern, and none dared to approach. The Botanic Haven was a forbidden enclave, shrouded in mystery, where outsiders were strictly forbidden. A terrible roar echoed from its depths a year ago, and perhaps today's incident was related Hamund hesitated for a long time before ultimately deciding against venturing to the Botanic Haven. By the time he considered it, the tumult would nearly cease. Besides, with the likes of Lord Viperbane, Tobin and a Grand Elder, all of whom were mightier than he, and hundreds of other formidable warriors present, even if he went, he would not be able to reclaim the Botanic Haven Elder and would likely perish in the attempt.

He carried the wounded Commander back to the villa that housed Celesse.

"What happened to you..." Celesse awoke with a start, surprised at the sight of the bloodied figure on his back. "Commander?"

"I need to ask you something, Celesse. Has Alavin received the legacy of Atlantis?" Hamund asked with gravitas.

Celesse hesitated before replying, "Yes."

"How long has he been gone?"

"He left at dawn. What exactly happened?"

"No time to explain, we must leave at once!" Hamund swept up Celesse, concealing their presence as they hurriedly retreated.

The battle at Botanic Haven started abruptly and ended just as swiftly.

Their original plan was to poison the Botanic Haven Elder using the same tactics, but no one expected the Elder, upon seeing them, to engage in battle immediately. He fought with the determination of one prepared to meet his end, disregarding Tobin's assassination attempt and Lord Viperbane's interception, brutally assaulting the Grand Elder until the end.

The Botanic Haven Elder lay in a pool of his own blood, barely clinging to life. Against the united might of three powerful foes, his aged form could not withstand even ten moves.

Lord Viperbane and Tobin stood by with grim expressions. The Grand Elder knelt on the ground, his left arm severed cleanly, blood gushing forth, cleaved by the Botanic Haven Elder in a fierce exchange.

"Ah!!"

The Grand Elder roared in rage, his face contorted with fury. What was meant to be a foolproof ambush had turned into a disaster.

Lord Viperbane and Tobin's brows were furrowed, not out of sympathy for his injury, but wondering if the Grand Elder was still of any use.

Could a crippled Grand Elder still lead the Cobalt Strike? Their alliance with the Cobalt Strike was based on its strength, which was essential for their plans to sow chaos in the Northlands. If the Grand Elder were incapacitated, Cobalt Strike's effectiveness would be greatly diminished, and so would their chances of success.

"I thought you were a tiger, but you are a wolf, a mad and heartless wolf," the Botanic Haven Elder murmured in agony, closing his eyes. Alavin had warned him of the dangers of harboring an ambitious tiger, but who knew Cobalt Strike would harbor a wolf instead, aligning with Lord Viperbane and Amber Valley. Could Cobalt Strike be destroyed by his hand? The Elder of Botanic Haven felt a deeper pain - it was his mistake, his fault.

"Don't let him die! I have questions that need answering!" the Grand Elder spat through clenched teeth.

"Foolish old man," the Elders gathered round, closing in.

Meanwhile, Mariela was deep in seclusion within her chamber, solidifying her Stage I mastery, when a sudden explosion atop the mountain startled her awake.

Many Botanic Haven apprentices on patrol were also alarmed, casting their eyes toward the summit. Who dared to cause such a disturbance here?

Mariela frowned, sitting for a moment before grabbing her ice sword and dashing out of her room. But just then, a hoarse whisper reached her ears. "Mariela... flee... run fast..."

Her mentor? Was that her mentor's voice?

Mariela's head shot up, her gaze piercing through the churning mists toward the mountain's peak.

"Mariela... flee... danger..." The hoarse voice continued, urging her on.

Mariela's eyes flickered, unsettled and uncertain.

At that moment, figures flitted through the surrounding woods, rushing toward her, with faint voices heard saying, "Is Mariela in this herb garden? Don't make a mistake." Mariela wasted no time leaping out of the garden and into the fog.