The Legendary Mage (Alavin)

For... there was no escaping...

Griffin's Roost was now buzzing with activity. After more than ten days of acclimation and adventure, the frenzied hunting of nearly a thousand Protégés had awakened many Magi-Monsters and sparked battles with the mercenaries roaming within.

Each Great Hunt was a savage affair and a brave's game. The Protégés of Cobalt Strike would unleash their strength, honing their combat skills. This real battle differed from the organization's Arena duels, enhancing strength and awakening potential more effectively. This was why Cobalt Strike held hunting operations twice a year.

"A Luna Fern?"

Alavin had climbed a cliff under the cover of night, carefully plucking a delicate white herb that swayed gracefully in the moonlight, crystal clear. This was an Ordinary Elixir Herb, but a very special one among the smaller Elixir Herbs, very effective for healing internal injuries.

"Lucky find," he murmured.

Alavin cautiously packed the mystical herbs he had found into his satchel, continuing his search for the elusive Elixir Herb and Elixir Fruit. He had no interest in drawing attention from the other apprentices or mercenaries; he only wanted to gather more of the magical flora. If he could manage to harvest a few stalks of the rarer Advanced Elixir Herb, his foray into the wilderness would be a resounding success. As for Adirich's group, Alavin didn't give them much thought. His rare outing was precious, and he wouldn't waste it on confrontations with them.

Over the next five days, Alavin encountered numerous apprentices on their own quests. He made sure to steer clear of them to avoid Adirich's spies. When he came across magical beasts, he assessed the situation: if he could defeat them, he would; if not, he retreated.

To his surprise, he didn't cross paths with Adirich's party at all, and his harvest was plentiful. He had harvested one Advanced Elixir Herb and a handful of Ordinary Elixir Herbs, all of which he consumed. The absorption of their essence yielded a positive effect.

But to find more of the Advanced Elixir Herbs, luck was required, as well as a trip into the most perilous parts of the forest.

On the fifth day, Alavin resolved to delve deeper.

In the afternoon, as the sun dipped low in the sky, the forest began to darken. While traversing the woods, Alavin suddenly sensed a powerful malevolent presence ahead in the dense foliage. He climbed to the peak of a nearby hill and lay in wait, surveying the area.

A majestic Magi-Monster approached, as if searching for something. This creature resembled a noble lion with a scaled tail, its purple fur shimmering, radiating the authority of a regal beast surveying its domain.

"The Violet Lion!" Alavin gasped and quickly concealed himself.

This Magi-Monster was formidable, its power on par with that of a high-level Advanced Mage. Alavin had no desire to provoke such a creature and swiftly fled in the opposite direction.

Before long, an enchanting fragrance wafted through the forest, drawing him in with its potent scent. He couldn't resist taking a deep breath; the energy infused into his very being was indescribably soothing.

"A treasure? Fortunate indeed."

Within a dense, ancient grove, the trees twisted and turned, their gnarled branches weaving a canopy that blocked out the sky, creating a secluded expanse.

Even as darkness encroached, Alavin spotted a purple glow flickering in the depths. He mustered his courage and approached. Surrounded by ancient trees stood a vibrant sapling, its green trunk gleaming like fine glasses, casting a soft green light that pierced the gloom.

The sapling swayed without a breeze as if dancing with joy. It bore but a few leaves, and among them hung a purple Elixir Fruit. At first glance, the fruit resembled a bunch of grapes, small and exquisitely formed. The strange fragrance and purple radiance emanated from it, flowing through the shadowy forest.

"A magnificent treasure!" Alavin's spirit soared, and he bravely moved closer.

Strangely, there were no Magi-Monsters guarding it. How could that be?

Was the Violet Lion its guardian, and had perhaps gone hunting?

This was a perfect opportunity!

With a mind racing with possibilities, Alavin dashed forward and seized the Elixir Fruit, plucking it with several leaves. If not for his nervous excitement, he would have uprooted the entire sapling. A sharp rebuke pierced the darkness. "Halt!"

"Release it!"

"You, what are you doing?"

Multiple angry voices rang out. Startled, Alavin wondered if he had been ambushed. Had he stumbled upon guardians?

"Alavin?" A woman in flowing white robes blocked his path; it was Mariela, an Elite apprentice of Botanic Haven.

"Alavin? How dare you steal from us? You've got some nerve." Five apprentices from the Botanic Haven emerged, berating Alavin for his audacity.