The Legendary Mage (Alavin)

Chapter 233

In a single night of turmoil, Stormcast's flames soared skyward, thick smoke billowed, and many buildings became ruins amidst the chaos of war.

Fortunately, the citizens of the city, seasoned by past storms, did not flee in panic. Instead, they gathered together, avoiding greater chaos and making it easier for the guards to hunt down the mercenaries.

It wasn't until dawn that the chaos began to subside, with mercenaries either slain or fled.

Lawren was seething with 'rage.' The mercenaries knew full well that the Golden Scorch was stationed here, yet these reckless fools dared to come and pillage. It was a blatant provocation, disregarding the might of the Golden Scorch.

Lucan was irritable, his anger simmering as he patrolled everywhere. His worst fears had materialized right under his watch. Stormcast was vast, its walls stretching for miles. Many sections were dilapidated and had collapsed, not yet fully repaired, making the city vulnerable. It was no surprise then that the mercenaries had created chaos. And they did so with utter disregard for the deterrence of the Rocke family.

By daylight, they discovered many mercenaries active in the wilderness outside the city, tasting success and ready to plunder amidst the night's fire.

Lawren gathered his people, his voice stern with indignation. "We must devise a plan. These mercenaries can see our ancient city's defenses are weak. If this batch succeeds, it'll draw more of their kind."

Lucan's expression was grim. "What do they want? What does the old city have that could tempt them?"

"It must be the Mollen family's caravan that attracted them!"

"Possibly! They must’ve guessed the caravan had brought many treasures."

Alavin said not a word, his gaze cold as he glanced at the Rocke family members.

After a debate, they decided to shift the protective forces to the city defenses as much as possible and also requested assistance from the Mollen family's guards. As for the Lord's manor, there was no need for too many defenders. A show of force with additional troops and leaving Daman in charge would suffice; mercenaries would not dare to breach it.

Lucan noticed Alavin's troubled expression. "My lord, will you go to the gates or stay at the manor?" Content property of NôvelDra/ma.Org.

"I'll stay home. I don’t feel good about this."

"I can arrange for more men."

"No need. With Daman here, there should be no issues."

Lawren spoke with firm resolve, "In these trying times, we must unite! We must quell these soldiers, or we'll face endless troubles later."

Throughout the day, the city was tense, with citizens, men and women alike, flocking to the walls to plug the breaches as best they could.

As night fell, the wilderness teemed with mercenaries, scattered across various positions, eager to strike.

The defenders in town were on high alert, strengthening patrols along the walls, ready for battle. The Lord's manor was surrounded by many soldiers, but inside, it was dim and quiet.

Helna sat in her room, practicing her magic. She was a Mage, a Master Mage of Stage V in her prime. But when the Cobalt Strike punished the Mallister family, she led a rebellion in outrage and was gravely wounded in the process, so her powers were crippled. Over the years, consumed by sorrow and fatigue, she lost the will to practice her craft, becoming a frail shadow of her former self. Now, her training was akin to starting anew, but with her foundation and proper care, there was a chance for her powers to return swiftly.

In the dead of night, as silence enveloped both the manor and the city, the mercenaries seemed in no rush to attack.

In a secluded corner behind the sitting room, the stone wall rippled like a disturbed lake surface, and a face slowly emerged through the wall, its gaze sharp as a blade, surveying the room for dangers before passing through. The man moved eerily, as if he were a ghost, his whole being shimmering with faint ripples. With each step, the ground rippled, and the energy around him echoed these movements, as if he were one with the earth. He moved silently through the sitting room and the stone wall separating it from the bedroom, arriving where Helna was.

Helna opened her eyes in shock, "Who are you? How did you get in?"

"Someone wishes to meet you!" The diminutive man gestured towards Helna, his body's energy rippling violently. The stone walls of the room mirrored the ripples and a strange power surged toward Helna.