The Legendary Mage (Alavin) novel Chapter 31

Alavin, with his Gold-Veined Bronzesword in hand, left the clearing but didn't rush back to Mount Eagle. Instead, he continued to search the forest for Elixir Herbs, while also seeking out Magi-Monsters to spar with. With ten days remaining before the time of gathering, he didn't want to waste the rare opportunity to be out and about. Having dealt with the threat of Nysah, he had no more concerns to hold him back.

Over the next few days, his efforts were fruitful. He found four Ordinary Elixir Herbs, and three Ordinary Elixir Fruits, and had skirmished with some Magi-Monsters. Alavin was working hard to solidify his realm as a Novice Mage Stage IV, trying to give himself as much room for improvement as possible.

He encountered many adventuring mercenary bands along the way, but he always left without making contact.

Today, however, instead of avoiding a band of mercenaries, Alavin slowly approached them. By the banks of a stream, a group of mercenaries had just slain an Ironhide Bull and were busily dividing its valuable horns and hide, items that would fetch a good price in the city. Each mercenary carried a bulging purse, indicating a successful haul.

Alavin's attention was drawn to a middle-aged man among them whose body crackled with electric energy. His rugged face lit up with the intensity of the arcs. On his right arm coiled a thick Shockwave Cobra, not a real Magi-Monster but a construct of pure lightning, so lifelike it seemed to hiss at the sky. The sight was both magnificent and shocking, igniting a spark of desire in Alavin's heart.

It was this middle-aged man who had repelled the Ironhide Bull with a single blow. His body shone with electric brilliance, and the Shockwave Cobra detached from his arm, coiling around the bull and, with a thunderous roar, exploded in a violent storm of lightning.

"Indigo Viper, powerful enough to be worth a fortune in gold," the man exclaimed. His arm was raised to the sky as the Shockwave Cobra hissed fiercely. He had executed the spell many times, each time defeating his enemy with a single strike, to astonishing effect.

"Such dominant Combat Magic can only be wielded by you, Sir!" A seductive woman exclaimed in admiration.

Another man, cleaning the bull's sharp horns by the stream, grinned and said, "We've made a good haul this time. We'll exchange it for gold and get a fitting weapon for you, Sir."

The middle-aged man dismissed the Shockwave Cobra. "No need for weapons; it’s better to find suitable Combat Magic for you all. The stronger the Combat Magic, the stronger we become, and the farther we'll go. In three years, every one of us should master a Tier-2 Novice Combat Magic."

"We'll follow your lead!" the other mercenaries laughed heartily.

"Who's there? Show yourself!" The man's gaze suddenly turned icy as he looked towards the place where Alavin was hiding.

Was someone there? The other mercenaries quickly armed themselves, their expressions stern, ready for battle.

Alavin, standing in the woods, did not reveal himself. "I mean no harm. I was just passing by and came to see what the noise was about.”

“Stick to your own path, stranger, and we’ll stick to ours!” They called out.