The Legendary Mage (Alavin)

Hamund, an outsider, burdened with the barely alive Commander, could not move quickly and was likely to betray his presence.

At that very moment, Mariela was dashing through the deep, damp woods, struggling to accept the sudden calamity and unclear who had attacked her mentor.

Her mentor's words had been clear. It was the Kings' Acceptance that had been exposed. Someone was after Alavin's legacy!

But who besides the Commander would know? Could it be that the Commander wanted to slay the Elder of Botanic Haven? Impossible.

Who could it be? Who could it be?

Who could breach the defenses of Cobalt Strike, who could silently surround the Botanic Haven?

Mariela had never imagined danger could come to Cobalt Strike, where she had grown up. In her heart, the mighty Cobalt Strike was like a towering titan, standing sentinel over the boundless Cloudveil Woods deterring the vast Northlands. To threaten it, to breach its walls, would not be easy for anyone.

What on earth has happened?

Dusk approached, and shadows began to spread through the depths of the forest, the day turning to night. Many nocturnal beasts left their dens, their cries echoing loudly. Mariela gripped her sword tightly, and her gaze was sharp. Disregarding the dangers of the night, she raced at full speed.

Alavin had left this morning; he couldn't have gone far.

Find him! Don't stop! Mariela urged herself on in her mind.

"Sister Mariela, where are you hurrying to?" a mocking voice suddenly came from the front left.

"Heh heh, found you," another voice called from behind, growing louder as it neared swiftly.

Mariela's eyes narrowed, and she leaped back just in time as two sword energies, one after the other, whooshed down, slashing through tangled branches and splitting the damp air, thundering into the ground where she had just stood. The old roots of the ground shattered, leaving two deep, long trenches.

Two sword-wielding men dashed and dodged, blocking Mariela's path front and back.

"You are Protégés of Cobalt Strike!" Mariela's face was frosty as she recognized them. They were Elite Protégés of the Grand Elder, already famed and had even participated in The Clash of Eight Orders. "You actually recognize us."

"Your concern for us has us feeling a bit... restless."

The two men smirked, eyeing Mariela's tall figure without any discretion.

"Why?"

"What do you think? Take a guess?"

"Did the Grand Elder attack Botanic Haven?" Mariela found it hard to accept. The Grand Elder was ambitious and extreme in his actions but only towards external forces of the Organization. How could he possibly be mad enough to openly attack Botanic Haven?

"Come back with us, and you'll know everything. Please?"

"And the Commander?" Mariela thought of something more terrifying. The Grand Elder couldn't possibly bypass the Commander to strike Botanic Haven. Could it be...

"I told you, come with us, and you'll know everything."

"Never!" Mariela attempted to flee, but as soon as she moved, the two Protégés struck from both directions.

"Where do you think you're going?" The man in front drew his sword, the blade's black steel chilling to the bone. In an instant, he unleashed dozens of sword energies, emitting strange black glimmers as they densely assaulted Mariela. The lush forest seemed to explode with thunderous roars, deafening in their intensity.

The sword strikes were fierce, and even with her full effort to dodge, Mariela's skirt was torn by the blade's light. Simultaneously, the man behind her soared through the air, descending from above with a heavy sword aimed mercilessly at Mariela.

Thwack!

The sharp, heavy sword struck Mariela's back, casting a streak of crimson blood onto the leaves and branches. Mariela grunted, landing heavily on the ground. She struggled to rise but stumbled, nearly falling. She was an Advanced Mage Stage I, while the two men before her were Advanced Mage Stage IX, leagues apart in strength.

"Stop your futile resistance. Next time, it won't be just a torn dress or scratched skin."

"Mariela, we ask you one last time, please come back with us."

The two men tightened their grip on their war swords, approaching Mariela. "Don't blame us for being heartless."

Mariela forced herself to remain calm, scanning her surroundings for any chance to escape.

"My apologies!" One man suddenly moved to strike hard, intending to knock her unconscious and carry her back.

The other man suddenly stopped him, his gaze roaming over Mariela's tall figure. "Such a beautiful girl, don't you have any feelings? I have a better idea." "Let's hear it."

"Since she's going to die once we bring her back anyway, why not we first..."

"Enjoy ourselves?"

"What do you think?"

"Heh heh, I like the sound of that!"