The Legendary Mage (Alavin) novel Chapter 105

Deep within the forest, a giant mountain nearly a mile high suddenly collapsed. Dust clouds billowed, and fierce winds howled, sweeping across several miles of woodland, startling the nearby birds and beasts. Yet the thunderous crash and the trembling of the earth drew the attention of many Cobalt Strike Protégés and bands of mercenaries.

It wasn't long before figures started to appear in the nearby forests, curiously observing.

As the dust settled, they beheld a ragged peak, half its mass gone. The eastern face was now but a pile of rubble mixed with broken trees and underbrush tumbling into the surrounding woods and hills. Strangely, at the base of the ruins was a clear entrance to a cavern, over thirty feet wide and ten feet high.

It seemed as if a hollow had formed underground, causing the collapse of the mountain. But for a mountain nearly a mile high, with such a vast area collapsed, the debris outside didn't seem as 'grandiose' as one would expect. This meant that most of the stone must have fallen into the depths below. How vast could the subterranean space be?

The odd phenomenon kept many at bay, with onlookers keeping their distance. As more and more people gathered, standing scattered in the surrounding woods and atop hills, they murmured and peered curiously.

"There seems to be a light inside the cave."

"Look closely, there really is something gleaming inside. Could it be treasure?"

"How could the mountain just collapse like that? It's not natural."

"Don't rush in there! I suspect someone or something caused this mountain to fall."

By noon, the surrounding woods were crowded with thousands. The mercenaries and Cobalt Strike Protégés ceased their skirmishes, and all eyes were fixed on the strange cavern entrance.

Alavin had arrived early, choosing a distant hill to sit atop and practice his Restoration Mantra. He was cloaked in a black cape and wearing a mask. The Dawnedge Blade was resting on his legs, its sword's energy sharp and formidable. He appeared to be a fearsome figure. This ensured no one would dare bother him, especially the Cobalt Strike Protégés , who wouldn't provoke a solitary 'freelancer,' especially in such circumstances.

As the crowd of onlookers grew, so did the restless ones, and groups of mercenaries began to approach the cavern. Living by the sword's edge, they cared little for danger and much for profit.

The Cobalt Strike Protégés remained relatively calm, observing from their position.

"Such a strong scent! Could there be a woman inside, heh heh."

"It's the smell of herbs!"

"The fragrance seems to have many layers; there could be a multitude of herbs inside."