The Legendary Mage (Alavin)

Alavin hoisted the hefty stone cauldron, delivering goods far and wide, and this time, Odell dared not meddle with his tasks. His tardiness in deliveries inevitably led to reprimands and mockery from the Senior Protégés. But Alavin paid them no heed; he dropped off the goods and left in a hurry, eager to return to his training.

Overnight, he had advanced to Stage IV, and his vitality, aura, and spirit all enhanced, showing significant growth in strength. However, it was not a normal breakthrough; his core was unstable, and the magic within his Channel of Energy was not abundant. The best way to recuperate was, of course, to consume some Elixir Herbs or Elixir Fruits.

Taking advantage of his delivery errands, Alavin ventured near Botanic Haven again to see if the Viper's Berry was still there.

The cliff was covered in thick green vines, twisted and chaotic, hiding countless snakes and pythons within. At a glance, it was hard to tell the vines from the serpents.

The Viper's Berry was well hidden; had it not been for a lucky glimpse the day before, Alavin might have never spotted it.

"I'll come back tonight to pick it up," Alavin confirmed the presence of the Viper's Berry and prepared to leave. It was not safe to linger long in this place.

Suddenly, the Shadowbringer within his Energetic Core began to tremble, spreading a dark mist over the energy above, as if warning of some danger.

Alavin quickly hid in the tangled forest.

What was happening? Was someone nearby?

The trembling of the Shadowbringer grew more intense, and the dark miasma loomed over.

Wait, what was that?

Alavin watched in astonishment as a golden serpent slowly poked its head out from the vines where the Viper's Berry grew, flicking its blood-red tongue. Its small eyes swiveled and soon fixed on Alavin's hiding spot.

Was that a Magi-Monster?!

Alavin was startled. There really was a Magi-Monster. No wonder the myriad of snakes and pythons circled the Viper's Berry but didn't swallow it directly; a Magi-Monster was guarding it.

Was the Viper's Berry not the property of Botanic Haven, and it actually belonged to the monster?

The Golden Serpent slowly wound around the Viper's Berry, its gaze claiming ownership.

"So it is," Alavin muttered, "Advanced Elixir Fruits aren't just lying around for the taking." He hesitated. Should he risk returning tonight? Ordinary snakes could be easily dealt with, allowing him to leave unnoticed. But the Golden Serpent was clearly a Magi-Monster, and with his current strength, he couldn't easily defeat it. If a standoff ensued, he might end up surrounded by the Protégés of Botanic Haven. "Perhaps it's best to wait. Once I grow stronger, I'll come back for it!"

Suppressing his desire for the Viper's Berry, Alavin left Botanic Haven and returned to the warehouse to practice in peace. With magic scarce in his Channel of Energy, he could only slowly absorb it from the world around him.

This minor setback couldn't dampen Alavin's spirits. At least he was certain the Viper's Berry wasn't owned by Botanic Haven, but by the Magi-Monster, so he bore no guilt and needn't worry about repercussions.

The Grand Arcanum of the Blade and the Dawnedge Blade lay before him. The long-awaited Combat Magic, and the weapon he had yearned for!

Alavin lifted the ancient sword, pointing it towards the sky, its cold light spilling forth under the sun, bright and dazzling. His heart surged with excitement, and with a clear cry, he danced and swung the blade, casting sword blossoms into the air.

The ancient sword seemed forged from a single piece of divine metal, seamless and unified. It was noble and elegant, and even just resting there, the sword's energy permeated the air. Once he began to wield it, the sharp energy swept through the courtyard, leaving fine marks on stones and trees alike.

What a divine weapon!

Alavin gripped it tightly, giving in to his enthusiastic training. But soon, the blade grew colder and heavier, his right hand and arm becoming numb and sore. He was confident in his physical strength, but he could only wield it for a short time.

"The Arcanum! The ancient sword! The Shadowbringer! These are not for me to wield lightly." Far from being discouraged, Alavin's spirits were lifted, grateful for the old man's gifts. Such generous offerings were almost too much for him to accept.

"Earthtorrent Greatblade! One sword to cleave mountains and rivers asunder!"

Setting down the Dawnedge Blade, Alavin began to focus on understanding the Arcanum. The Arcanum was resistant, and to see the text within and comprehend the flow of energy, he had to concentrate intensely, with not a single stray thought, or the words would blur, and the pathways would distort, leading to errors in his understanding.

Alavin might not have seen true Combat Magic before. Still, he knew that its practice required utmost precision-a single misinterpretation or a forgotten energy channel could lead to grave consequences. The Grand Arcanum of the Blade, such miraculous Combat Magic, required even greater respect and care.

Alavin locked himself in the warehouse, not wanting any distractions. He studied each word and each energy channel methodically.

The Earthtorrent Greatblade was only the first technique, yet it had hundreds of annotated words and a complex flow of energy.

From noon to evening, and then deep into the night, Alavin dedicated himself to understanding the Arcanum. The expenditure of mental energy was severe, and Alavin needed to constantly chant the Restoration Mantra to draw in the Restoration Aether and replenish his reserves, ensuring he could continue his research.