The Legendary Mage (Alavin)

Cedrick, known as the "Iron Madman" within the ranks of the Cobalt Strike, was widely recognized as a potential candidate to become a Golden Protégé as an Elite Protégé. However, he would never actually achieve that esteemed rank because, he wasn't considered part of the Cobalt Strike's true lineage.

He hailed from the Iron family of the eastern coastal regions.

The Irons were a peculiar clan; folktales spoke of them not as dwellers in communities but as 'wild-born.' Once their children reached the age of ten, they were cast out to seek their own knowledge and live independently. Aside from the triennial family gathering, which was the only event that could summon the entire clan together, they would only return to the family abode for brief periods, such as for marriage and childbirth or to pay homage to their ancestors.

Despite their 'wild' upbringing, the Irons were known for their strong solidarity. If a clan member perished outside the family bounds, they would relentlessly investigate the circumstances. Natural death warranted no action, but if a clan member fell victim to foul play, hundreds of madmen from the Iron family would exact endless vengeance upon the perpetrator.

Cedrick's exact heritage was unknown, but it was likely he was a direct descendant of the Iron lineage. At the age of ten, he joined the Cobalt Strike, displaying a peculiar and solitary nature. He cared little for 'social niceties,' yet his innate magical talent was extraordinary. This year, he had just advanced to Novice Mage Stage IX.

This was not a man many dared to cross.

Alavin was not well acquainted with Cedrick, much less had any significant interactions with him. So, it was a surprise when Cedrick sought him out.

Cedrick did not look down on Alavin from a lofty position; instead, he sat before him, boldly and directly, scrutinizing Alavin with his sharp eyes.

The onlookers whispered among themselves. Cedrick, who was both elusive and imperious, seemed to have taken a sudden interest in Alavin. Could it be that he found Alavin disagreeable and was preparing to set him straight?

Cedrick stared into Alavin's eyes. "You are not a Novice Mage Stage III."

"You can discern someone's strength?" Alavin was taken aback. Was this a guess, or could Cedrick truly see through him?

Cedrick asked again, "Do you intend to choose Goliath Force?"

"That's the plan."

"How much can you exert with a single punch?"

"Eight hundred pounds."

Eight hundred pounds? The Elite Protégés were slightly astonished; the boy was a freak of nature, blessed with a distinct advantage. If he mastered Goliath Force, his potential would be fearsome. However, Cedrick seemed a bit disappointed. "In Cobalt Strike, only one Protégé, Brunn, an Elite apprentice, practices Goliath Force. His punch now weighs one thousand five hundred pounds." Alavin was indifferent, still unsure why Cedrick had approached him.

"But Brunn is now eighteen and at Stage VIII. Your strength might surpass his someday."

"Do you need something from me?" Alavin asked directly, eager to get back to studying Goliath Force.

"I want to test your punch."

"Now?"

"In the future." Cedrick rose and left.

The other Protégés exchanged glances, puzzled. Was that it? They had anticipated a spectacle.

Some began to feel uneasy; Cedrick's interest in Alavin could mean he was looking out for him. With that madman's protection, who would dare trouble Alavin?

Alavin shrugged; it seemed like a challenge had been issued, but he didn't take it to heart and continued to pore over the scroll of Goliath Force.

As the crowd dispersed, Alavin spent an hour thoroughly absorbing Goliath Force. He realized his self-taught methods had flaws that he could now correct. The fourth and fifth segments of Goliath Force did no disappoint; they could potentially unleash human strength to its limits, amplifying it four to five times.

But at the end, he noticed that Goliath Force seemed to be missing a few pages, as if someone had torn them out long ago.

"Hey, is there a sixth segment to Goliath Force?" Alavin asked a nearby quiet Protégé.

The Protégé didn't shun Alavin, responding amiably, "Originally, Goliath Force had six segments. It's said that the sixth could increase strength eight to ten times, but it puts immense strain on the body. Long ago, there were incidents of Protégés bursting themselves apart. Since then, the organization has forbidden the practice by tearing out the sixth segment."

Alavin nodded in understanding; the original Goliath Force could increase strength tenfold, a power hard to imagine.

The Protégé closed his Combat Magic scroll and pointed to it. "The true Goliath Force is contained here."

"The sixth segment was destroyed, wasn't it? Does it still exist?"

"No, it's just preserved; it's the essence of Goliath Force, also known as Gigas Grasp. It's a technique that unleashes the greatest degree of human strength. It's regarded as an Tier-4 Master Combat Magic. Goliath Force is merely an offshoot, a set of external fist techniques derived from it."

This was new to Alavin, who had never heard of it before. "How does one gain access to the fourth level?"

"Master Combat Magic isn't for everyone. It demands high aptitude and strength. Generally, you shouldn't attempt it before reaching Advanced Mage; otherwise, it could overwhelm your body. Minor consequences could disable your energy channels, while severe cases could lead to paralysis or death. Once you reach the Advanced Mage rank and contribute to Cobalt Strike, someone will guide you to the fourth level."