The Legendary Mage (Alavin) novel Chapter 82

"Let's be clear, this is the forest, not Cobalt Strike. Your fate is in your own hands, understand?

"Disperse!”

At the Elders' command, the group scattered, each person darting into the dense forest in different directions.

Alavin mingled with the main force, charging forward with the throng. Adirich didn't pursue him immediately but kept a distant watch. They couldn't make their move in plain sight; they needed to find a secluded place and act without anyone being the wiser, where there would be no evidence even if outsiders suspected them.

When Alavin slipped away from the crowd and vanished into the wilderness, Adirich gave the order, "Search! The first to capture Alavin gets two pieces of Pearlwort!"

The ten squads cheered and scattered into the forest like a pack of wolves. They relished the thrill of the hunt and chase, considering Alavin their first prey.

But Alavin was not as easy to find as they presumed, quickly losing all the Protégés and finding a secluded spot to pull out the map given to him by Carlys.

"Azure Mountain is here, and I am... here."

Alavin confirmed his position and immediately set off, charging in a straight line toward Azure Mountain.

Home! I must return home!

He aimed to break free from the designated training grounds before the five Elders and the middle-aged Protégés took their positions.

"Sister! Uncle! My kinsfolk! I am coming back! I am on my way!

"Eight years... Eight years...

"Eight years... I've grown... I've returned..."

Only Alavin understood the excitement that surged within him. Would his family still recognize him after eight years?

A smile graced his face, and his eyes were misty with warmth. He sprinted down the rugged mountain paths, leaping between the thick branches of ancient trees. His body felt as if it possessed endless strength.

Home! A simple thought, a relentless belief.

He fantasized about reuniting with his loved ones, yet he also feared the sight of his town's people in suffering.