The Legendary Mage (Alavin)

Chapter 9

Botanic Haven was one of the many forbidden realms of Cobalt Strike, a towering sanctuary of nature that rose a thousand fathoms high, piercing the heavens and shrouded in mist all year round. The true visage of its peaks remained hidden from those outside. Here, magic saturated the air, making it a veritable treasure trove of mystical power. From the mid-mountain to its peak, it was said that there were scores of herb gardens, both large and small, and some were hidden away, nurturing even rarer herbs.

Alavin stood at the base of the mountain, gazing up at the majestic Botanic Haven. The mists were thick, not just with moisture but with magic. He breathed in deeply. The air was cool and refreshing, and he felt invigorated; the magic here was countless times stronger than in his remote storeroom.

How blissful it would be to train his magic here.

Alavin carefully carried the stone urn into Botanic Haven, securing the delivery list close to his body. He wouldn't have dared enter before. Was he taking a risk this time?

Due to the thick magic, Botanic Haven was home to a plethora of Elixir Herbs, and the trees grew exceptionally sturdy and tall. Their roots snaked out of the ground like serpents, tangled and twisted, with many branches drooping to the earth, making it hard to distinguish them from saplings. The place resembled a sealed-off realm, easy to get lost in if you hadn't visited before.

Botanic Haven was a mystery to most Protégés of Cobalt Strike since few had ever set foot here.

Alavin, taking his chances, walked through the dense, damp forest, greedily inhaling the energy and observing his surroundings, hoping to spot an Elixir Herb or perhaps an Elixir Fruit. Being a servant sometimes had its advantages—if discovered, he could simply claim he was delivering goods.

The higher Alavin climbed, the more he fancied this place. It was a veritable paradise. To train here for even a month would be worth being shut away for a whole year in seclusion.

"Is that an Elixir Herb?" Alavin's eyes lit up as he spotted a verdant little plant among the chaotic roots, half-hidden by dead leaves, with just a few delicate leaves poking out. If not for his keen eyes, he might have missed it.

It’s an Ordinary Elixir Herb.

Alavin set down the urn and carefully unearthed it, looking around to ensure no one was watching, then stuffed it in his mouth and chewed hastily before swallowing.

A wave of cool energy spread from his mouth throughout his body. He didn't know what herb it was, but it felt refreshing!

Alavin felt revitalized, carefully holding the urn as he continued to search. Before long, he found another Elixir Herb amidst a cluttered patch of grass.

After wandering for about an hour or so, he had discovered a total of five Elixir Herbs, ordinary though they were, but enough to thrill him.

"Such a rich scent of herbs." Alavin sniffed and quickened his pace, and soon, the scenery opened up before him. A vast herb garden appeared, veiled by a thin mist. The scent of herbs and the rush of energy hit him full-on, prompting him to take a deep breath.

"Who goes there!" A stern voice called out from beside him.

Startled, Alavin quickly set down his urn and called out, "Freshman Protégé Alavin, delivering goods on Overseer Odell's orders."

A young man with a clear and handsome face emerged from the small forest beside the garden, his eyebrows knitted and eyes unfriendly. "Nonsense! Since when has the garden done business with your storeroom?"

"Here's the list. Please check it. I'm just following orders." Alavin handed over the list.

The Protégé glanced at it but didn't take it, approaching Alavin with a cold demeanor. "Just because he asked you to, does it mean you should come? Have you forgotten the rules of Cobalt Strike?"

"Whether I deliver or not, punishment could follow. I had no choice; it was the Overseer's arrangement."

"Hmph, an Overseer dares to use the herb garden to settle scores? Is it him who's ignorant of danger, or you who's recklessly bold?" The young Protégé circled Alavin, his gaze icy.

"I'm just here to deliver, and the list was written by Odell. You can investigate. The goods are in the urn. Shall I get them out for you?"

"Wait. Are you a Novice Mage? How can a servant be a Novice Mage?" The Protégé suddenly became wary. This text is property of Nô/velD/rama.Org.

"That's a bit dismissive. Why can't a servant be a Novice Mage? A servant is still a Protégé of Cobalt Strike, after all."

At that moment, a cool voice drifted from the garden. "What's the trouble?"

"Mariela, there's a servant who trespassed into the garden," the young Protégé said with newfound respect.

"A servant?" A female Protégée appeared within the mist, her figure elusive, with a tall and graceful silhouette clad in a white gown.

Mariela? The Elite Protégé of the Elder who guarded Botanic Haven! Alavin had heard the name; to be taken as an Elite Protégé by the Elder of Botanic Haven was an honor many envied.

"Are you Alavin?" The woman asked, her voice sounding cool and indifferent.

"Yes, that's me." Alavin was a bit surprised she knew of him.

"Leave. This is not a place for you." The woman turned and walked back into the mist, without further inquiry or making things difficult for Alavin.

"Thank you." Alavin picked up his urn, wondering to himself, was she that easy to speak with?

"Wait, just like that, you let him go?" The young man seemed displeased.

Mariela's voice floated out. "There's no need to make things hard for a servant. Search him, and if he hasn't concealed any Elixir Herbs, let him go without punishment."

"See how fair she is? Why bother a servant?" Alavin chuckled.

The youth scrutinized Alavin for a moment, then reluctantly searched him, not even sparing the urn. "Hurry off, and don't come back."

"Could you kindly escort me out? I've lost my way."

"Heh, am I supposed to deliver this for you? Are you jesting?" The young lad turned on his heel and retreated back to the herb garden.

"Well, I'll be on my way, then." Alavin intentionally raised his voice and, shouldering the stone urn, he ventured back into the dense woods. He didn't leave straight away, but meandered through the forest, searching for an Elixir Herb and, if fortune favored him, perhaps an Advanced Elixir Herb or other treasures.

The lad was bold, indeed.

Botanic Haven was the true treasure trove of the Cobalt Strike, with nearly three-quarters of the Elixir Herbs used by the Protégés and Elders originating from these grounds. Owing to its unique environment and abundant energy, not all herbs were cultivated within the confines of the garden. Some special Elixir Herbs were grown in solitary places, such as cliffs, ravines, or beside waterfalls, all specially enclosed and not always watched over.