Before today, the Botanic Haven Elder had repeatedly questioned Mariela about various aspects of Alavin's life, pinpointing the initial time of Alavin's 'transformation.' It was before he obtained the Chained Spirit!
When he reflected on the previous Commander's description of the Chained Spirit, there was no mention of a concept like “Shadowbringer,” nor any description of Combat Magic of that kind. The most likely explanation was that Alavin had come across some other fortune before merging with the Chained Spirit. Perhaps the reason the Chained Spirit became violently agitated after lying dormant for over twenty years, recklessly breaking free from its suppression, was probably because of the mysterious fortune Alavin had encountered.
It was this that awakened the Chained Spirit, setting off a series of subsequent events. All of this was conjecture, but the Botanic Haven Elder believed that this guess wasn't far from the truth. His dark eyes watched Alavin, waiting for his response.
Alavin spoke frankly, "There's not much to discuss. It was Combat Magic that I was fortunate to come by."
"Where did you find it?"
"During the last hunting tournament, a mountain collapsed, and I found it there."
The Commander said, "You can share the truth with us. We will not take what belongs to you."
Alavin suddenly laughed. "Really? It seems that many lives of the Mallister family were taken by you."
Mariela gave Alavin a look, a reminder to be polite. His comment was not helpful in the current situation.
The Botanic Haven Elder didn't mind and asked further, "I've heard you housed an old man in your warehouse?"
"He left a long time ago."
The Commander stated, "We don't recall arranging for anyone else to be there."
"You may not recall, or you just never cared about that place. With such an Organization to lead, who would bother about a warehouse?"
"Who was he, and where did he go?"
"I really don't know. Oh, right, you could ask Hamund; he investigated the old man."
The Commander and the Botanic Haven Elder were disappointed; it was clear Alavin wouldn't cooperate. They had hardly interacted, and it was unlikely he would suddenly become completely transparent. Even if Alavin did speak, it might not even be the truth.
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