The Legendary Mage (Alavin) novel Chapter 11

“Is that not Lady Nysah I spy? It’s been a while, and you seem to be wearing less and less, ha.” Alavin’s voice carried a laugh, but his eyes held a frosty glare. Far from being dazzled, he felt disgust. There was but one word for such a woman in his heart, tawdry!

“Eyes wandering a bit too freely, aren’t they, lad?”

“If you dress so scantily, isn’t it to catch the eye? I’d be remiss not to look my fill, and not give due appreciation to your efforts,” Alavin retorted, setting down the stone urn.

“Heh, so full of yourself, young one.”

“Adorned like a blossoming rose bush you are today. Not off to ensnare some young Commander, and yet you find time for my humble self? Let’s make one thing clear, I have no interest in a slut like you,” Alavin’s words were laced with thorns.

“Sharp-tongued as always.” Nysah’s demeanor cooled slightly before she regained her composure, stepping out of the dense woods. “With that stubborn streak of yours, it’s a wonder you’ve survived this long.”

“Spare me your concern. Where’s that oaf of a brother? Why not call him out, and both of you can scurry away?”

“Alavin, what gives you the right to be so bold?” From behind Nysah, her brother Tyral emerged from the woodland, a sneer on his lips. He had intended to bring his sister to teach Alavin a lesson last night, but she had other matters to attend to, so it had been postponed until now.

“Ah, truly the aura of a Novice Mage Stage III. Impressive, no wonder you’ve been so quiet these past few months, hiding away in storage and breaking through in secret,” Nysah said mockingly. Her hips swayed as she walked, though her words were dripped with scorn. You’ve toiled and suffered for months, meticulously scheming to reach Novice Mage Stage III, only to be easily outdone by my brother, humiliated in front of everyone, and forced to leave in disgrace. Meanwhile, my brother not only passed the test but was specially looked after for finishing first. The gap between people can sometimes be vast.

“You asked Odell to do this, didn’t you?” Alavin stood his ground calmly, neither afraid nor showing any intent to flee.

“Today’s your lucky day, to have entered the Hot Springs District unscathed and the Botanic Haven without being detained. I must say, I’m almost impressed.”

“You play your games well, but is that all you’re capable of? Speak then, how shall we play today?”

“Are you not afraid?” Nysah’s body was like a willow in the breeze, each smile and frown brimming with seduction. She was so young and so charming, one could only imagine the trouble she’d cause in years to come.

“He’s just putting on a brave face but trembling with fear on the inside. Alavin, stop your foolish resistance. You won’t leave here whole today. Kneel and apologize, maybe if I’m in a good mood, you’ll suffer less,” taunted Tyral, desperate to vent his frustration before he could return to the Sanctum of Mystical Scrolls to delve into the mysteries of Combat Magic.

“Rest assured, I wouldn’t kneel to you ever.”

“Believe me, you will kneel.” Tyral glared menacingly at Alavin.

“Alavin, I actually admire you, you know. Since yesterday, many Protégés have taken notice of you.”