The Legendary Mage (Alavin)

Chapter 25

Alavin hid in the shadows, expressionless, not in a rush to reveal himself as he carefully observed the raging battle. He had never dealt with mercenaries before, but he knew well enough that these were hardened warriors who lived by the sword's edge. Aiding them might not bring thanks, and worse, what if he were to be double-crossed? There would be no chance for regret then.

The battle grew more intense and perilous. The Bladebite Beast was covered in wounds, driven into a frenzy. The five mercenaries now found themselves unable to retreat.

Alavin suddenly noticed a cave not far off, which seemed to be emitting potent Restoration Aether. Having practiced the arts of the Restoration Mantra, he was particularly sensitive to this kind of energy.

The fight seemed to have spilled out from that very cave.

"Aargh!" One of the mercenaries in black was flung through the air by the beast's sharp claws. His back was a bloody mess with three terrifying gashes.

The Bladebite Beast roared, its voice echoing through the dense forest, deafening. Its body surged with dark energy, tossing the four remaining mercenaries aside as it lunged for the man in black. Its mighty paws struck the ground and scattered stones in a wild and brutal assault.

"No!" the mercenaries cried out.

"Come on! Help us, and you shall be well rewarded! Hurry!" The wounded man struggled to his feet, ignoring his severe pain, and charged at the Bladebite Beast with his heavy sword.

The beast charged, rising on its hind legs. Its body was surrounded by a fierce black wind. Its massive claws came crashing down toward the man in black.

"Move away!" The mercenaries screamed, diving to intervene, knowing they were no match for the Bladebite Beast.

"Waaah!" The man's face contorted with fury as he stomped the ground, halting his charge and spinning in place. His sword whirled in a deadly arc above his head.

In the nick of time, Alavin made his move, charging straight at the Bladebite Beast. His muscles tensed, a seething power stirred in every cell and converged in a mighty surge down his right arm.

"Mountain Mover!" With a thunderous shout, Alavin's body slammed into the beast's belly, releasing a tremendous force.

His blow carried the weight of at least seven hundred pounds, and the explosive power of the Mountain Mover was three times that amount.

Boom! Crack! The Bladebite Beast staggered as if struck by lightning. The impact shattered its ribcage.

Seizing the moment, the man in black swung his heavy sword in a wide arc, severing one of the beast's claws.

"Follow me!" Alavin fought back the churning in his blood and stepped forward. The Dawnedge Blade sang as it met his grasp, and he thrust it into the throat of the beast, widening a deep wound to half a meter in length.

"Yes!" The man in black rejoiced, striking the beast's head with another powerful blow.

The Bladebite Beast let out a pained howl. A terrible dark energy surged through its body, creating a wild tempest that forced Alavin and the man in black to step back. But its severe injuries finally overcame its rage, and it began to flee.

"Not so fast." The man in black and the other mercenaries surrounded it, summoning their last reserves of strength for a final assault.

Soon after, the Bladebite Beast let out a mournful cry and collapsed in a pool of blood, motionless.

The five were battered and breathless. The female mercenary was barely able to stand and was leaning against a tree trunk.

"My thanks!" The man in black took a moment to recover, then approached Alavin with gratitude. Though Alavin had only struck twice, his timing was impeccable, turning the tide of the battle.

"No need for thanks. What's in the cave?" Alavin gestured toward the cavern.

"Huh?" The man's eyes shifted, surprised that Alavin had noticed the cave. He had intended to offer some coin and send Alavin on his way.

The other four mercenaries slowly lifted their heads, their weary eyes filling with suspicion.

"Don't worry. I'm not here to rob you in your time of need. Whatever's inside, I'll take one-fifth."

"Inside..."

"I'll take a look for myself."

"In there is a millennial Evergreen Lichen!" The man in black wasn't sure of Alavin's strength or identity, but the sheer force with which he had repelled the Bladebite Beast suggested formidable power, and the sword he wielded was clearly no ordinary blade. They were all gravely injured. If it came to a fight, there was no telling who would survive.

"Tell me more?" Alavin was unfamiliar with it.

The man pointed to the small hill in front of them. "This hill is actually the roots of a thousand-year- old tree. The trunk is long gone, leaving only the ancient roots buried within the hill. Growing on these roots is a magical treasure known as Evergreen Lichen, formed from the life essence of the ancient tree. It possesses strong healing properties and counts among the top tiers of Advanced Elixir Herbs."

They had been watching the place for some time, confident in their assessment. Previously, five Bladebite Beasts had guarded the cave, and over the past month, the mercenaries had lured and slain them one by one. They had thought the last beast would be easy to kill, but it proved much stronger.