The Legendary Mage (Alavin)
Chapter 28

Their hunger was palpable, their thirst unquenchable.

Nysah was in despair, for the first time in her life, cursing her own beauty. She had joined the herb gathering quest solely to slay Alavin, to quench the burning vengeance in her heart. She never anticipated such a dire predicament. Had she known, she would have never left the safety of Cobalt Strike.

"Ha ha, no rush, my friends, there's plenty to go around. Looks like we've found ourselves a fresh flower, boys; today's our lucky day," bellowed the burly man, pushing his way to the front to stand before Nysah. His eyes greedily scanned her smooth skin and fiery curves, a feverish desire ignited within him.

They wouldn't dare rob a Cobalt Strike party under normal circumstances, but the sudden encounter with such a beauty was too much to resist.

"Come on! Just do it already." the other mercenaries urged impatiently.

"Line up, you curs! I'll have the first taste," the burly man licked his lips and began to crawl towards Nysah.

"No... please no..." Nysah struggled in terror, but the burly man easily overpowered her.

Alavin was hidden in the treetops, witnessing everything transpiring in the valley below. He should have felt a sense of satisfaction, yet disgust welled up inside him. To watch Nysah be violated unto death?

Grinding his teeth in inner turmoil, Alavin lowered his gaze and then suddenly lifted his eyes with a fierce light flashing within. He turned and vanished into the forest.

"Please, let me go! I can give you treasures, so many treasures, I swear it," Nysah pleaded desperately, unable to fathom what she was about to endure. "Treasures? You are the treasure I seek," the burly man tore at Nysah's garments, revealing her crimson bodice and soft skin.

Nysah screamed in despair, struggling helplessly.

The other mercenaries breathed deeply, their excitement palpable.

"Wait! Just wait!" Ogmundr suddenly struggled to his feet.

"What now?"

"You needn't risk the wrath of Cobalt Strike. I can give you gold, piles of it. With that gold, you can have your pick of women in the town."

"Save it. Don't take us for fools."

Desperate, Ogmundr shouted, "I can give you Elixir Herbs!"

"You have Elixir Herbs on you?" The mercenaries turned to Ogmundr with renewed interest.

"Not with me, but I can find them. I am a Protégé of Botanic Haven, and we have unique methods for locating Elixir Herbs. I can guide you to find plenty of Ordinary Elixir Herbs. There's even a chance to discover Advanced Elixir Herbs, I promise you this."

The mercenaries exchanged glances, intrigued by the proposition.

"Very well! Your life is spared for now," declared the burly man with a sweeping gesture, sealing Ogmundr's fate.

Ogmundr breathed a sigh of relief while inwardly seething with anger. To think a Protégé of Botanic Haven would beg these lowly sellswords for his life. "And she?"

"Her? Ha! Even if you brought me a Super Elixir Herb, I wouldn't trade her for it," the burly man laughed. The other mercenaries chuckled as well, knowing such a delicacy might only come once in a lifetime. "Keep an eye on that one; don't let him try anything funny," the burly man could no longer hold back. His whole body was leaning towards Nysah.

Nysah closed her eyes in utter despair, tears streaming down. At that moment, her mind inexplicably wandered to Alavin. Why did I come here? It was all because of Alavin!

She despised Alavin to her core. If not for him, would she have fallen to such a low?

Ogmundr turned away, resigned to the fact that his own survival was paramount.

Suddenly, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed from outside the valley. Ogmundr turned back, and Nysah opened her tear-filled eyes.

Before long, a figure burst through the dense forest, panting as they scanned the valley.

"Alavin?" Ogmundr could hardly believe his own eyes.

Alavin? Nysah stared in shock, almost thinking it was a dream.

The figure was indeed Alavin. Clenching his teeth, he resolutely charged into the valley.

"That's one of their companions," the burly man grimaced, his good time interrupted yet again.

"Another one is seeking death. Don't bother, boss; we'll handle him," two mercenaries brandished their blades, ready to confront the newcomer.

"Trying to play the hero? How naïve," the others scoffed, not taking him seriously. It was just one man trying to be the hero.

But their expressions soon froze, for as Alavin charged out of the forest, a chilling rustling followed, and a Vermilion Spider burst forth, its eight black legs thrashing at incredible speed, emitting a ghastly shriek as it pursued Alavin. Then another, and another... ten... twenty...

Dozens of Vermilion Spiders emerged from the forest, each the size of a calf, their shiny black carapaces glinting in the sunlight, and their robust claws like forged steel, snapping their venomous fangs as they relentlessly hunted.

Alavin charged into the valley, brandishing a Vermilion Spider's leg. He had slain a Vermilion Spider, enraging the swarm, and led them on a wild chase to the valley. He could not stand by and watch Nysah be despoiled. This wasn't about hatred; it was about humanity!

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