Alavin awoke at dawn on the second day, having ascended to Stage VII. His essence, spirit, and vitality were in excellent condition, and his Mindfulness had expanded significantly. After a thorough examination, he found no signs of any lingering ailments.
Recalling the breakthrough from the previous day, he still shuddered at the thought. Fortunately, the Shadowbringer had been guarding the Energy Core, or else the consequences would've been dire.
"Novice Mage Stage VII!" Alavin clenched his fists, lightning crackling around them, twinkling with joy. Regardless, he had achieved the breakthrough; his new level was stable, and he felt no significant fluctuations. The five Super Elixir Fruits had worked wonders.
Advancing from Stage VI to Stage VII was a major hurdle for a Novice Mage, not an easy feat by any means. An ordinary Protégé relying on standard training would need at least a year. He was truly fortunate this time.
That afternoon, Alavin focused on a Chrome Crested Lizard during his trials, launching into a furious onslaught. With increased strength came confidence, and he was ready to test his Stage VII powers against this Magi-Monster.
Man and beast fought fiercely, from the dense woods to a valley, and from the valley into a nearby stream. After nearly half an hour of brutal combat—employing Dawnedge Blade, Goliath Force, and Indigo Viper—Alavin finally subdued the creature.
Magi-Monsters were far more savage than mages, capable of catastrophic destruction when enraged.
Alavin sat by the stream, catching his breath, and cooling his overheated blood. Though bedraggled, a smile graced his face—this might’ve been his strongest state yet, and he was fairly satisfied.
Indeed, Stage VII had elevated his combat strength to a new level, and with further stabilization, he anticipated even more growth.
After a short rest, Alavin approached the fallen Chrome Crested Lizard. Such Magi-Monsters had exceptionally hard bone plates on their backs, harder than steel. He sliced through the scales, peeled back the flesh, and effortlessly extracted five special bones. Each was as large as a fist; fashioned into bone daggers, they would serve him well.
"Gotta hunt a few more Magi-Monsters," Alavin muttered, cleaning his Dawnedge Blade and taking the bones with him. The best way to enhance one's combat prowess was through ceaseless battle, amassing experience between life and death, and unlocking potential amidst peril. Unlike other 'orthodox' Protégés, with no one to guide or assist him, he had to forge his own path and Energy approach.
However, as he ventured into the dense forest, he encountered a hunting party. Alavin was taken aback, and so was the hunting party. Both were about to give way when they stopped simultaneously.
"Alavin? Ha, Alavin!" The hunting party was surprised and delighted.
With a frosty gaze, Alavin recognized them as a squad from the Grand Elder's faction, an eight-person team. He had wondered why he hadn't run into them days earlier, and here they were now.
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