The Legendary Mage (Alavin)

Cedrick's sudden actions brought a hush over the Arena. He was known to be fiercely independent, always acting on his own whims, and recognized as one of the most individualistic and proud members of the Cobalt Strike guild. Yet he had never been known to take a stand for anyone, as if he held no one in high regard. Today was an unprecedented first.

"Cedrick, you best not meddle in this affair!" A handsome young man stepped forward from the group of a hundred.

Adirich, an Elite Protégé, was one of the thirty candidates in The Clash of the Eight Orders this year.

"The mess you're in doesn't warrant my intervention. I'm just warning you, your actions are sickening." Cedrick sheathed his sword, his words sharp and unapologetic.

Adirich glared at Cedrick with cold eyes, and his fists were enshrouded in a dark aura. But after a standoff, he reined in his power and called his fellow male and female Protégés back. There was no need to make an enemy of Cedrick now; the forest would offer plenty of opportunities.

"We'll see about that, hmph," the other people sneered before retreating back into their ranks.

Cedrick glanced back at Alavin. "Care to join forces with me?"

His offer once again surprised the nearby participants. What stroke of fortune did Alavin have to pique Cedrick's interest? If Cedrick guarded him throughout the hunt, Adirich and the others would find it difficult to make their move.

Alavin was puzzled why Cedrick would help him, but he diplomatically declined the invitation, "I'm beset with troubles; best not to involve you."

"Are you sure?" Cedrick pressed.

"Quite sure," Alavin smiled and nodded. He had to get back to Azure Mountain and couldn't let others know.

"Watch yourself then," Cedrick said, not pressing further, and walked away with his greatsword on his back.

"There you go, wasting a fine opportunity," someone lamented, shaking their head. Cedrick rarely offered help, and yet it wasn't appreciated.

Soon after, the Protégés participating in the venture had all arrived, numbering over nine hundred, and they swarmed the Arena.

Among them were over a dozen Elite Protégés, like Cedrick and Mariela, who stood out in the crowd and commanded the awe and admiration of many.

Five Elders arrived at the Arena by noon, followed by more than fifty middle-aged Protégés. During the upcoming venture, the five Elders would be stationed at the edges and the center of Griffin's Roost, while the fifty-plus Protégés would roam the forest. Their duty was to handle emergencies, not to interfere with the training of the Protégés.

"Depart!" The Elders commanded without further ado, as all necessary warnings and preparations had been made known beforehand.

The massive troop set out, leaving the main gates of Cobalt Strike and venturing deep into the vast, ancient forest.

On the way, they encountered several bands of mercenaries. Some quickly withdrew, not daring to provoke the people of Cobalt Strike. Others flashed mischievous smiles at the beautiful girls before disappearing into the dense woods. Some followed nonchalantly behind for dozens of miles before being driven away by the middle-aged Protégés.

These mercenary bands were desperadoes, daring to provoke and commit any deed. Compared to the magi-monsters and fierce beasts of the forest, these men were far more dangerous.

This was Alavin's second time leaving Cobalt Strike, and he had some experience to draw from. He stayed at the back, avoiding Adirich and his group while also scouting the path. Three days later, the troop reached the edge of Griffin's Roost.

The Protégés dispersed slightly, surveying the terrain around them, committing the environment to memory so they wouldn't forget their location and struggle to find the rendezvous point after thirty days. Alavin blended in with the crowd discreetly.

Adirich and his cronies occasionally shot glances filled with murderous intent at Alavin. They were many, and with over a hundred people, they would break into at least ten squads. Dealing with Alavin would be easy.

An Elder noticed the tension and looked at Alavin with sympathy, but it wasn't his place to intervene in the affairs of Protégés, especially when it involved the Grand Elder. Alavin wandered around, taking in the lay of the land.

The terrain was distinct, covered in a swath of red spruce trees that stretched for miles. It was precisely because of its distinctiveness and ease of identification that this area was chosen as the meeting point. It one couldn't find their way back after thirty days, they could simply climb to the highest peak and look out. As long as they weren't too far away, they'd spot this fiery red forest expanse.

At noon, the five Elders called the Protégés to gather.

"Remember this environment, remember this location. In thirty days, we meet here again!

"Plan your time well; we won't wait for stragglers.