The Legendary Mage (Alavin)

Chapter 218

Lucan, stepping into the mine before the others, nodded to Balder. "Elder Connas has gone. Set your men in motion."

With a smile that remained both innocent and endearing, Balder instructed The Silent Blade beside him. “Escort Elder Connas. Ensure he doesn’t return to Cobalt Strike unscathed.”

“Yes!” The two Silent Blade lieutenants left promptly, vanishing from the spot.

“It’s getting late. We should also depart,” Lucan said, looking around the mine. After eight years, it was time to say goodbye.

Azure Mountain was nearly a hundred miles from the edge of Cloudveil Woods. For a Mage, it wasn’t too far, but for the average person, it meant a day and a night’s journey.

To ensure safe passage, they divided the twenty thousand people into six groups, leaving the forest in stages, moving one group per day. Though a group of forty to fifty thousand was still immense, the escort could just about manage. This is from NôvelDrama.Org.

The first group consisted of over forty thousand sturdy volunteers, ready to clear a suitable path on the road and construct shelters outside the forest, as no one was certain when they could truly return to the ancient city.

“Alavin, surely nothing else will go wrong.”

Helna was nervous. After eight years, they were finally leaving, and any mishap could cause everyone to break down.

“Rest assured, nothing more will happen,” Alavin comforted Helna.

“Could Cobalt Strike send trouble our way?”

“I’ve made arrangements. They won’t be able to reach us for quite some time.”

Helna nodded, her smile one of relief as she straightened Alavin’s clothes. “My boy has grown up.”

“I’ll accompany you,” Oda said, tugging at Alavin’s garment.

“You all will stay. Leave in the last group,” Alavin instructed, ruffling Oda’s hair.

“I shall stay and accompany you,” Balder declared with conviction.

“My lord, all preparations are complete,” Lucan hurried over. Eight hundred of the Guard and three hundred of The Silent Blade will collaborate to ensure protection, while the remaining forces will stay behind to safeguard the people within the mining district.

“March!!” Alavin took a deep breath and strode towards the assembled host of over forty thousand people. As they saw Alavin approach, they stood tall and proud, their spirit undaunted.

Standing before them, Alavin looked over the weathered faces and into the steadfast eyes of his warriors. His heart was a mix of emotions. Despite having thought of many rousing words the night before, he found himself speechless at the moment. With a soft smile and a forceful wave of his hand, he proclaimed, "We're going home!"

Over forty thousand souls were stirred, their eyes glistening with warmth, as if something had firmly grasped their hearts. Together, they bellowed, "Home!!"

From afar, the onlookers clasped their mouths, tears brimming in their eyes.

“Home!”

“We're going home...”

Oda flung herself into Helna's embrace, sobbing uncontrollably. The Mallister family all smiled through their tears. Outsiders could not fathom their emotions. At this moment, so much hope and feelings were invested.

"March!" Alavin, holding his ancient sword aloft, led the way forward.

Godfred spread his wings and took to the skies, a purple radiance filling the heavens as he guided the way. The eight hundred of the Guard were resolute, two hundred cleared the path ahead, two hundred guarded the rear, and four hundred patrolled the flanks.

The three hundred of The Silent Blade had already vanished into the dense forest.

"Onward!" Over forty thousand townsfolk gripped their makeshift spears and cried out with fervor, falling into step with determined unity.