The Legendary Mage (Alavin) novel Chapter 212

"You make it sound like we're strangers if you thank us," Godfred and Grima said earnestly, studying Alavin. When they had parted, he was but a child, and now, eight years on, he had grown so much, bearing a resemblance to his father, yet with an even more resolute demeanor.

"Do we depart tomorrow, or wait until after Elder Connas arrives?" Godfred was eager to leave this forsaken place.

"We'll move after dealing with Elder Connas."

"What's the state of Stormcast now?" Grima inquired.

"The Mollen family has helped to scout Stormcast. It isn't a ghost town but has become a resting spot for mercenaries, filled with taverns and pleasure houses, utterly chaotic." Stormcast, bordering the Cloudveil Woods, was a common restocking point for mercenaries even eight years prior. Since the Mallister family's withdrawal and the citizens' exodus, it had become a lawless territory, with countless mercenaries making it their den. One could only imagine the level of disorder.

Many merchants also seized the opportunity, setting up shops to buy treasures from the mercenaries at low prices.

Godfred and Grima exchanged glances. "Shall we head back and deal with it first?"

Alavin shook his head. "Those mercenaries are desperados, having lived there for many years, and they won't leave easily. If you send too few, they won't pay attention, but if you send many, how will you move over two hundred thousand people? I've thought about it, let's send a hundred-man squad to investigate and spread the word about the pardon of Cobalt Strike. We'll focus our efforts on moving everyone to a location outside the forest, find a place to settle, and then deal with those mercenaries."

"Alright!! We'll follow your plan."

"These times may be hard. Have the guard ready themselves."

"As long as we can rebuild Stormcast, no matter how tough or tiring, we will do it," Godfred stretched his arms with vigor. It felt as if all the shackles binding him were now unfastened, leaving him light and comfortable.

Alavin commanded, "Uncle Lucan, distribute the magical ore and Elixir Herb among the guard."

"Give them all away? That's not advisable," Lucan shook his head.

"We have over seven thousand pieces of magical ore, with several hundred pieces of Intermediate magical ore, and more than a dozen pieces of Super magical ore. They're too precious to distribute, we should keep them as the foundation for the new Lord's manor," Godfred also objected.

"Right away! I’ll be off!" Godfred suddenly leaped from the mountaintop.

From the kilometer-high peak, a steep cliff lay before him. His jump startled Alavin, but after plummeting for a hundred meters, Godfred's body was suddenly enveloped in a purple aura. A pair of magnificent wings unfurled amidst a brilliant purple light, scattering feathers across the sky. The wings, five meters in length, flapped powerfully, carrying Godfred in a swift dive like a streak of light, cutting through the night sky toward the mining area.

"Is that Combat Magic?" Alavin exclaimed in surprise.

Lucan watched the fading purple light and nodded. "Beast Essence! A kind of Combat Magic that can merge with Beasts. The stronger the Beast, the more complete the fusion, the greater the power. Godfred's body now harbors the spirit of five great Beasts."

Alavin was amazed, "Was there such Combat Magic in existence?"

"Combat Magic is powerful, but the cost of training is high. This set of Combat Magic demands much of the body, and the training can be brutally damaging. One essentially feeds one’s own body to the Beast Spirit, and a single misstep can lead to being devoured. Moreover, Beast Spirits are an elusive existence, and gaining their favor is even harder. Godfred came across the Beast Essence by chance and made a great commitment to begin his training."