The Legendary Mage (Alavin)

Just a stone's throw from the fortress, a massive crowd of locals had swarmed the streets, their numbers in the tens of thousands. Men, frozen by fear, women, overcome with emotion, all were ashen-faced from the relentless din that echoed from within and well beyond the city's boundaries. The battle of Archmages high above resembled the roar of the gods themselves, sending shivers down their spines. Five powerful Master Mages from Lord Viperbane's retinue burst onto the scene. "Ha ha, at last, we've found them. How many are there? Are there enough for us to slaughter?"

Panic spread through the crowd as people jostled and pushed to gather in corners, some pleading desperately for mercy.

The five Mages sneered and raised their blades. "Blame Alavin," they said. "He took something he shouldn't have, and now refuses to give it up."

"Heh heh, let them scream louder for me. The more miserable they sound, the better. I want to see how long Alavin can hold out."

"Enough talk! Slay them. Slay to your heart's content!"

They roared their intent and charged like loosed arrows, leaping into the air and scattering toward the crowd.

But then... thud, thud, thud! It was as if the five had struck an invisible wall. They crashed with dull thuds, faces smeared with blood, screaming as they fell to the ground. Before they could recover, a powerful and unseen force pinned them down, immobilizing them on the earth.

"Ah... Ah..."

"Who dares ambush us?"

"Release us, ah, ah!"

They struggled in vain, unable to move. The unseen force gripped their necks, twisted their arms and legs, and wrenched their heads, hoisting them high into the air. What was more terrifying was the sensation of something crawling inside their bodies, in their bones, beneath their flesh, and in their veins, wriggling everywhere.

Shivering and thrashing in madness, they screamed, "Ah! What is this? Let me go!"

Their pitiful cries were chilling to the bone, and the onlookers stood aghast, unable to comprehend what they were seeing as the Mages struggled and screamed, suspended mid-air.

The five Mages tried in vain to rid themselves of the invasive presence but to no avail. The mysterious invaders writhed like serpents, swiftly burrowing toward their heads.

"Save me! Save me!"

"Save me! Hurry!"

"There's something wrong here. Gather around. Someone help me!"

Their wails were like those of tormented spirits, echoing high above as real fear set in. These were Master Mages, each of formidable Stage V or higher, individuals of status and power. They had never known such despair and fear. "Stop crawling. Stop it!" They panicked, a cold dread spreading from their heels to their skulls.

From afar, Neasilis and others, drawn by the screams, leaped to the tops of buildings to witness the inexplicable scene.

"Help me, Neasilis..." one tried to shout but suddenly froze, his eyes bulging, mouth agape. Then... a grotesque squirming could be seen on his face. Black viscous liquid oozed out, covering his face like flowing ichor. His body convulsed and his expression was one of extreme agony. He tried to speak but only bubbled black fluid from his mouth.

Gradually, his pupils dilated, and his body ceased to twitch. With a thud, he fell straight to the ground. His body twisted unnaturally, lifeless.

"No... no... no..." The other four Mages let loose even more piercing screams. "Help me!"

But soon, their cries ceased as well. The same black liquid seeped from their face, silently streaming, until the Mages also dropped from the sky, dead beyond doubt.

Neasilis and the others gasped in shock, instinctively retreating. What had happened? Who had killed them?

Amidst the frightened crowd, screams filled the air. Yet, there sat a disheveled child, unmoved. His ragged clothes and pale face contrasted with his eerie blood-red eyes peering through his hair. He slowly turned toward Neasilis and the others.