The Legendary Mage (Alavin) novel Chapter 28

Their hunger was palpable, their thirst unquenchable.

Nysah was in despair, for the first time in her life, cursing her own beauty. She had joined the herb gathering quest solely to slay Alavin, to quench the burning vengeance in her heart. She never anticipated such a dire predicament. Had she known, she would have never left the safety of Cobalt Strike.

"Ha ha, no rush, my friends, there's plenty to go around. Looks like we've found ourselves a fresh flower, boys; today's our lucky day," bellowed the burly man, pushing his way to the front to stand before Nysah. His eyes greedily scanned her smooth skin and fiery curves, a feverish desire ignited within him.

They wouldn't dare rob a Cobalt Strike party under normal circumstances, but the sudden encounter with such a beauty was too much to resist.

"Come on! Just do it already." the other mercenaries urged impatiently.

"Line up, you curs! I'll have the first taste," the burly man licked his lips and began to crawl towards Nysah.

"No... please no..." Nysah struggled in terror, but the burly man easily overpowered her.

Alavin was hidden in the treetops, witnessing everything transpiring in the valley below. He should have felt a sense of satisfaction, yet disgust welled up inside him.

To watch Nysah be violated unto death?

Grinding his teeth in inner turmoil, Alavin lowered his gaze and then suddenly lifted his eyes with a fierce light flashing within. He turned and vanished into the forest.

"Please, let me go! I can give you treasures, so many treasures, I swear it," Nysah pleaded desperately, unable to fathom what she was about to endure.

"Treasures? You are the treasure I seek," the burly man tore at Nysah's garments, revealing her crimson bodice and soft skin.

Nysah screamed in despair, struggling helplessly.

The other mercenaries breathed deeply, their excitement palpable.

"Wait! Just wait!" Ogmundr suddenly struggled to his feet.

"What now?"

"You needn't risk the wrath of Cobalt Strike. I can give you gold, piles of it. With that gold, you can have your pick of women in the town."

"Save it. Don't take us for fools."

Desperate, Ogmundr shouted, "I can give you Elixir Herbs!"

"You have Elixir Herbs on you?" The mercenaries turned to Ogmundr with renewed interest.

"Alavin?" Ogmundr could hardly believe his own eyes.

Alavin? Nysah stared in shock, almost thinking it was a dream.

The figure was indeed Alavin. Clenching his teeth, he resolutely charged into the valley.

"That's one of their companions," the burly man grimaced, his good time interrupted yet again.

"Another one is seeking death. Don't bother, boss; we'll handle him," two mercenaries brandished their blades, ready to confront the newcomer.

"Trying to play the hero? How naïve," the others scoffed, not taking him seriously. It was just one man trying to be the hero.

But their expressions soon froze, for as Alavin charged out of the forest, a chilling rustling followed, and a Vermilion Spider burst forth, its eight black legs thrashing at incredible speed, emitting a ghastly shriek as it pursued Alavin. Then another, and another... ten... twenty...

Dozens of Vermilion Spiders emerged from the forest, each the size of a calf, their shiny black carapaces glinting in the sunlight, and their robust claws like forged steel, snapping their venomous fangs as they relentlessly hunted.

Alavin charged into the valley, brandishing a Vermilion Spider's leg. He had slain a Vermilion Spider, enraging the swarm, and led them on a wild chase to the valley. He could not stand by and watch Nysah be despoiled. This wasn't about hatred; it was about humanity!