The Legendary Mage (Alavin)

"How is it not exaggerated? It took me two months to reach the early stages of Novice Mage Stage III, but that was with an Elder's instruction and the aid of Combat Magic."

"Don't feel bad about it; your beauty is your own advantage."

Carlys stuck out her tongue playfully. "Flatterer."

"How should one use Pearlwort to maximize its medicinal effects?"

"Just consume it directly. Elder Jaslin is quite generous, giving Tyral an Advanced Elixir Herb."

Elixir Herbs are categorized as Ordinary, Advanced, and Super. Typically, a common Protégé received a few Ordinary Elixir Herbs each month as a standard issue. Of course, someone of Alavin's servile status wouldn't get any. Advanced Elixir Herbs were reserved for Elite Protégés, while Super Elixir Herbs were so rare that not even Golden Protégés had many.

Cobalt Strike strictly allocated resources based on a Protégé's rank.

"Well, I won't hold back then." Alavin had never before enjoyed the effects of an Advanced Elixir Herb and was very much looking forward to it.

"Now that you're a Novice Mage, you'll need more Elixir Herbs as you progress. Shall we procure some for you?"

"No need, I'll find my own way." In the past, Celesse had provided him with many things in secret, but they both faced punishment once discovered. Since then, unless it was common potions and food, he refused to accept any gifts from Celesse, especially the valuable ones - he didn't want to cause her any more trouble.

"Tyral's sister, Nysah, is now at Novice Mage Stage VI, so be cautious. If you can avoid her, do so. I must be off now; pastries are best enjoyed warm." Carlys bid farewell to Alavin and made a respectful gesture towards the old man.

The old man, having finished his meal, silently returned to sit beside the solitary grave.

Alavin left some pastries on the stone table for the old man. He then sat down again on the stone bench and consumed the Pearlwort, beginning to absorb the pure magic within.

No Combat Magic? He actually had some, acquired through secret learning, but no one knew.

No guidance? He had talent, and through trial and error, he found his own path.

What if he was excluded from the Arena for combat practice? He would challenge those he could within the confines of Cobalt Strike.

What did he have? Talent and determination!

It was with these self-taught skills and sheer willpower that Alavin managed to step into the realm of Novice Mage.

Yet even Alavin felt his rise in power since becoming a Novice Mage was too rapid, seemingly easier than it was for others. Two months to get to Stage III? It did seem a bit exaggerated. After much contemplation, he thought of the Restoration Mantra. With three years of study, and two years of integration, though it had consumed much of his time and energy, the benefits gained were enormous. The Restoration Aether from the world around seemed to subtly transform him, refining his constitution at the crucial moments of his youth.

This was Alavin's own conjecture, and when he sought answers from the old man, he received silence.

The Pearlwort's magic was potent, equivalent to at least a hundred Ordinary Elixir Herbs. Alavin absorbed it deep into the night until it was all converted into energy within his body. The unique medicinal properties of the Pearlwort also nourished his wounded body, aiding in his healing.

Having just broken through to Novice Mage Stage III five days prior, the Pearlwort had now solidified his position in this realm, and he could distinctly feel his internal magic brimming more than before. Elixir Herbs were indeed wonderful, and when would he get another?

Elder Jaslin had probably intended for the Pearlwort to stabilize Tyral's condition, facilitating his breakthrough to Stage IV in the Sanctum of Mystical Scrolls - this would bring her honor and avoid any accusations of nepotism by choosing an unworthy successor.

Unfortunately for them, it was now Alavin who reaped the benefits.

Stretching his stiff limbs, Alavin looked up at the stars and moon. Their bright light was like liquid silver, and from far away, the sounds of warriors training within Cobalt Strike could be heard. Yet this secluded spot near the storeroom was serene.

The old man still sat silently by the lone grave, which had a marker but no inscription.

"Old master, you should retire to the inner chamber to sleep; don't catch a chill."

The old man's eyelids fluttered, as if coming back to the present from deep thoughts. He raised an eyebrow and glanced at Alavin. Tonight, there seemed to be a different look in his eyes, at least not as vacant and numb as usual.

"Shall I fetch you a woolen blanket?"

As Alavin was about to depart, a distant and somewhat hoarse voice floated through the air, tinged with indifference. "Where shadows merge, the spirit threads through, exchanging the very breath of life."

"What?" Alavin turned back.

The old man, his back to Alavin, murmured, "Lifeforce enters the form, spiraling upwards, ascending like the horn of a ram..."

"The Restoration Mantra?" Alavin's spirit lifted. Could this be another part of the Restoration Mantra?

"Light dwells in the four cardinal points, and darkness retreats to the corners, balancing the forces of light and dark. Above aligns with the Great Bear, below commands the eight directions." "Within these words, lies the cycle of waxing and waning."

The Restoration Mantra? The second verse of the Restoration Mantra! Alavin was ecstatic, unexpected, and thrilling-after five long years, the second verse of the Restoration Mantra had finally presented itself. He bowed deeply in gratitude to the old man and immediately sat back on the stone bench, repeating the words to firmly engrave them in his mind.

Could this verse be about the method of circulating energy within the body?

The first verse of the Restoration Mantra he had practiced before only taught him how to absorb the life force from the world around him and how to infuse it into his body, without further detail. Alavin had been pondering whether Restoration Aether could circulate through the Channels of Energy like other energies, and now, it seemed, he had found a method.