The Legendary Mage (Alavin)

Chapter 396

‘I'll need you to look after my place.”

“Of course.” Commander Kashann and Hamund bid farewell to Alavin and took to the skies. Both were gravely injured and needed to recuperate. Moreover, with the recent rebellion, the state of Cobalt Strike was in disarray.

Just then, a loud call rang out at the edge of the wilderness, and a group waved in their direction

Commander Kashann and Hamund frowned and looked towards the commotion. It was three Elders from Cobalt Strike, followed by a throng of Protégés.

“Commander, Hamund. We've found the Elder of the Botanic Haven. He's gravely injured,” the Protégés exclaimed with relief upon seeing their Commander, glad to find him alive.

"Where?" Commander Kashann and Hamund strode through the forested hills.

The Botanic Haven Elder, upon grasping the situation, sighed in relief and then fell back into unconsciousness, from which he hadn't yet awakened The Protégés were gathered around him, tending to him with great care.

Alavin also rushed from the city to the scene, and the Protégés respectfully cleared a path for him, showing a mix of reverence and awe. Whether outwardly or inwardly, no one dared to underestimate Alavin any longer.

After Commander Kashann had examined the Botanic Haven Elder's injuries, his brow furrowed. “We must return to Botanic Haven at once." Alavin asked, "Is there anything I can do to help?”

"Hamund's assistance is sufficient. You have many other tasks to address, and you are weary. You should return and rest well.”

Commander Kashann and Hamund, with the Botanic Haven Elder in tow, left first. and the Protégés quickly followed, heading back to Cobalt Strike. Nikulas and others greeted Alavin, exchanged brief pleasantries, and joined the procession. They all left. except for Carlys, whe remained behind

As dawn broke, the ancient city stirred with life, and its citizens held a grand celebration. The Lord's Keep shared its limited food and drink supply, reveling in cheer. "From this day forth, no one will bully us. From this day forth, we are safe.”

They gathered near the statue of the king. cheering and shouting Alavin's name, celebrating the hard-won peace.

Alavin made his rounds in and around the city, and by noon, he had discussed plans to rebuild the ancient city with Lucan, how to allocate the people, and how to ensure greater happiness and safety for all.

Lucan was brimming with ambitious plans to createthe largest city in the Northlands. with the might of Stormcastand the protection of the eighteenvoya statues, they woul? surelyattract countless citizens: "A population in the hundreds af” thotisands i is nothing," he boasted. "We can expand to accommodate millions, for the current ancient city’s bounds are far too small."

Alavin suggested maintaining Stormcast's current size but building eight smaller towns around it, both to defend and to showcase Stormcast's status.

Stormcast would be the capital, home only to those who had followed the Mallister family for over twenty years, enjoying various privileges. As for newcomers, they would be settled in the eight surrounding towns

Only those willing to contribute to Stormcast and possessing significant strength, be they individuals or organizations, would be eligible to earn the right to reside within Stormeast.

Alavin's idea was simple. To make the existing two hundred thousand people feel content, he had to let them know that the Mallister family would not forget them and would provide for them generation after generation if possible.

Thus, the size of Stormcast must not change, with a cap of five hundred thodsand permanent residentssand even the transient => population should be controlled, The eight surrounding towns couldonly be half the size of Stormeast»with control ed populations to prevent them from becoming vartage points for other powers to monitor Stormcast.

Of course, these were plans for the future. Alavin merely shared his vision, knowing he would not reside there long. He would leave to seek adventures far and wide.

Returning to the city hall, Alavin found Godfred passionately recounting recent events, describing how A ayitrhad gritted his teeth too arelel the 8ighteen statues and the hardships he faced along the Way. The crowd was engrossed, Hanging anévery word, with Helna-and others among them occasionally emitting sighs of amazement.

“Look at him showing off.” Lucan muttered, unimpressed.

Alavin just shook his head with a smile, not wanting to interrupt, and retreated to his room to collapse into sleep. He was truly exhausted. All he wanted was to sleep soundly. without a care, without a question—just sleep... sleep...