The Legendary Mage (Alavin)
Chapter 32

"Let me see it first," the middle-aged man said, sensing the young man's aura was not strong and choosing this place out of caution. He slowly relaxed his guard.

Alavin tossed a stone into the air, and with a flick of the Gold-Veined Bronzesword, it cut cleanly through, leaving a smooth surface. "One hand for Combat Magic, the other for the weapon."

The woman's eyes were filled with an unmistakable desire as she nudged the man subtly. "Since you've already mastered the Indigo Viper, perhaps..."

The man hesitated, knowing full well that he had studied the Indigo Viper spell thoroughly; yet, he was aware it could fetch a handsome price at any other auction. "My Combat Magic is Novice Tier-2," he said with a hint of challenge in his voice. "Do you reckon your sword is worthy of an exchange?"

"It's up to you to trade or not, and to decide if it's worth the price," Alavin replied, stepping back towards the edge of the cliff.

"You mean to traverse the Cloudveil Woods alone?"

"That's none of your concern."

"What might I call you?"

"That, too, is none of your concern. I am here solely for this transaction."

The middle-aged man wavered, consulting the woman beside him, "Do you truly fancy it?"

"Indeed, I do!"

With that, the man produced the worn parchment of the Indigo Viper Combat Magic and tossed it to Alavin.

Alavin caught it and quickly glanced over the scroll before throwing his Gold-Veined Bronzesword in exchange. The woman caught the sword midair, her face lighting up with a radiant smile as she brandished i excitedly.

"This Gold-Veined Bronzesword might have a peculiar history. I advise caution in its use, lest you draw unwanted attention. Fare thee well," Alavin said, before leaping from the cliff. He plummeted thirty meters flipping mid-air and landing with a resounding splash that sent water soaring into the sky.

"That lad's got spirit," the woman remarked, peering over the cliff's edge, half-tempted to snatch the scroll back.

At night, Alavin sought refuge in a secluded cave, kindled a fire, and studied the Combat Magic.

Lightning-based Combat Magic was rare, and Novice Tier-2 was even rarer. He hadn't expected to come across such an opportunity.

This was Alavin's first foray into the study of Combat Magic outside the esoteric Grand Arcanum of the Blade, and the Indigo Viper seemed more suited to his current abilities.

However, as he perused the spell, something felt amiss. The Indigo Viper consisted of seven techniques that looked impressive at first glance. Upon closer inspection, he realized that the first six segments were merely methods of channeling, transforming, accumulating, and releasing lightning, with no real offensive capabilities.

"Have I been swindled?"

With furrowed brows, Alavin scrutinized the spell. Indeed, the first six segments were all about manipulating lightning, lacking any lethal force. "The seventh segment, Snake Roar."

Alavin hastily flipped to the end and studied it intently. After a while, he took a deep breath of relief, having unraveled the mystery. The Combat Magic, with its multitude of techniques, boiled down to a solitary segment-the seventh!

The essence of Indigo Viper lay in this final part. The preceding six segments were not only methods of handling lightning but also preparatory steps for executing the seventh segment. To cast 'Snake Roar,' one had to master the initial segments and seamlessly weave them together. Only then could one form the 'Shockwave Cobra.' Once materialized, the Shockwave Cobra would unleash a transformative and formidable force.

Typically, a Tier-2 Novice Combat Magic would have significant destructive power in every segment, with each one stronger and more distinctive than the last. Unlike them, Indigo Viper was a wild and unconventional approach, seeking the sudden release of power after sustained suppression.

With the situation clarified, a smile spread across Alavin's face. It was not a loss; the spell had not disappointed him.

For three days straight, Alavin remained hidden within the cave, poring over the Indigo Viper spell. The first six segments seemed simple, but mastering them was no minor feat. Especially when aiming to conjure the 'Shockwave Cobra,' he had to execute the complex maneuvers with proficiency and in rapid succession; otherwise, the Shockwave Cobra would fail to manifest, and its power would be lost.

The more complex the challenge, the greater the anticipation. Alavin looked forward to the day he would master the spell and unleash the might of the 'Snake Roar.'

On the fourth day, he packed up the scroll and, with the Dawnedge Blade slung over his shoulder, returned to Mount Eagle to await the return of his fellow Botanic Haven Protégés.

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