The Legendary Mage (Alavin) novel Chapter 371

Just a stone's throw from the fortress, a massive crowd of locals had swarmed the streets, their numbers in the tens of thousands. Men, frozen by fear, women, overcome with emotion, all were ashen-faced from the relentless din that echoed from within and well beyond the city's boundaries. The battle of Archmages high above resembled the roar of the gods themselves, sending shivers down their spines.

Five powerful Master Mages from Lord Viperbane's retinue burst onto the scene. “Ha ha, at last, we've found them. How many are there? Are there enough for us to slaughter?”

Panic spread through the crowd as people jostled and pushed to gather in corners, some pleading desperately for mercy.

The five Mages sneered and raised their blades. “Blame Alavin,” they said. “He took something he shouldn't have, and now refuses to give it up.”

“Heh heh, let them scream louder for me. The more miserable they sound, the better. I want to see how long Alavin can hold out.”

“Enough talk! Slay them. Slay to your heart's content!”

They roared their intent and charged like loosed arrows, leaping into the air and scattering toward the crowd.

But then... thud, thud, thud! It was as if the five had struck an invisible wall. They crashed with dull thuds, faces smeared with blood, screaming as they fell to the ground. Before they could recover, a powerful and unseen force pinned them down, immobilizing them on the earth.

“Ah... Ah...”

“Who dares ambush us?”

“Release us, ah, ah!”

They struggled in vain, unable to move. The unseen force gripped their necks, twisted their arms and legs, and wrenched their heads, hoisting them high into the air. What was more terrifying was the sensation of something crawling inside their bodies, in their bones, beneath their flesh, and in their veins, wriggling everywhere.

Shivering and thrashing in madness, they screamed, “Ah! What is this? Let me go!”