Chapter 27


    In the dim and damp depths of the forest, vin moved with caution, always choosing the most


    hidden paths for his travels. His knowledge of the nearby woods and mountains paled in


    comparison to that of Ogmundr, a Botanic Haven Protégé. They were no longer as careless as they


    had been at the outset, likely devising new ways to ensnare him at every turn. A moment''s


    inattention could mean falling prey to a hidden snare.


    However, the forest teemed with peril, and despite vin''s utmost care, Magi-Monsters ambushed


    him several times. On one asion, as he was dodging a Cloud Leopard that lurked ahead, a


    shadowy griffin swooped down from the sky, shattering the chaotic branches in its path, and lunging


    at him with ck, glossy talons that nearly sped his throat.


    After two days and nights of searching, he found no trace of Nysah and her group, though he did


    encounter several small bands of herb gatherers. To avoid trouble, vin steered clear of them.


    The gathering of herbs wouldst only a fortnight; time was short, and he needed to find a solution


    swiftly. If Nysah rallied other herb collectors to hunt him down, his chances of survival would dwindle


    further.


    Come the noon of the third day, fortune smiled upon vin as he unearthed wild ginseng as thick


    as a turnip. Held to the sunlight, its clear veins were visible within. It was an Elixir Herb—precious


    even among the Ordinary, though not quite Advanced.


    "Ssshhh..." A strange rustling came from the damp forest ahead. vin pocketed the ginseng and


    peered forward, his breath catching at the sight.


    A horde of Vermilion Spiders!


    Each monstrous spider was asrge as a calf, their bodies sheathed in a glossy ck carapace that


    caught the dim light. Their eyes, a blood-red hue, stood out starkly in the shadowy underbrush.


    Their eight legs were like rigid spears, thick and powerful.


    A single Vermilion Spider was not fearsome, but a host of them—fifty strong—searching for food in


    the woods, was a terrifying sight indeed. This seemed to be their domain.


    vin held his breath and retreated silently. Fortunately, the Vermilion Spiders paid him no heed,


    lazily strolling through their territory.


    "Where could Nysah be hiding? Could she have sought out other herb gatherers?" vin pondered


    as he moved through the forest, stopping now and then to sense his surroundings keenly.


    Suddenly, a faint scent of blood wafted towards him from somewhere up ahead.


    "How is it him?"


    vin climbed into the treetops and narrowed his eyes at the scene below. Beneath an ancient tree


    sat a man, bloodied, his head tilted back in horror, his vacant eyes staring into the void.


    It was the robust male Protégé from Ogmundr''s gathering group.


    "What has befallen him?" Sensing no immediate dangers present, vin descended cautiously.


    Indeed, it was him, recently dead, blood still oozing from his wounds. Signs of a brief and violent


    struggle were evident, but the area was small, suggesting a quick end to the fight.


    N?velDrama.Org owns this.


    "How did he meet his end here? Was it Ogmundr''s doing, or..." vin''s gaze caught more blood


    trails leading deeper into the woods. Gripping his Dawnedge de, he followed the bloodspots


    leading onward until they reached a stream, where numerous chaotic footprints were found.


    At that moment, vin heard a scream, followed by cruel, mockingughter. vin''s brow


    furrowed, and he followed the bloody trail.


    Aheady a secluded valley blooming with wildflowers. Their fragrance wafted through the air, and


    several elegant trees dotted thendscape. The scenery was idyllic, but the events unfolding were


    far from beautiful.


    A band of mercenaries had captured Nysah and Ogmundr. Ogmundry in a pool of his blood,


    pinned under the boot of a burly man who was admiring his Gold-Veined Bronzesword. "Fine de!


    Ha, a fine de indeed, worthy of a Cobalt Strike Protégé! You actually carry a treasure like this.


    This sword''s worth a king''s ransom in gold!"


    "The Gold-Veined Bronzesword is yours, just let us go!" Ogmundr pleaded, wounded and struggling


    on the ground.


    "Oh, changing your tune, are we? Weren''t you talking tough just a moment ago? Why’ve you


    softened up so quickly?" The burly man kicked Ogmundr aside.


    Ogmundr curled in pain. "I am a Senior Protégé of Cobalt Strike''s Botanic Haven, destined to be an


    Elite Protégé. If you kill me, Cobalt Strike will hunt you to the ends of the earth. Let me go, and I''ll


    act as if nothing happened. You can have the Gold-Veined Bronzesword."


    "You think we''re fools? Let you go only to face your vengeance? We know your kind. We struck with


    no ns to let you leave."


    The burly man tore his shirt, revealing a torso scarred yet muscr, and strode towards the


    flowerbeds with a gleeful smile.


    "Don''te any closer..." Nysah, severely injured,y there weakly.


    Seven more mercenaries surrounded her, eyeing her hungrily. Their gaze traveled over her body


    withscivious intent.


    "She''s exquisite. I can barely hold myself back."


    "Cobalt Strike sure knows how to nurture their Protégés. Look at you, so delicate and soft. I''m


    burning up just looking at her, ha!"


    "A beauty like her would be the star attraction in any pleasure house—worth a hundred in gold for a


    single night. Today''s our lucky day; even death is worth this moment."


    "Come on, boss, have your fill so we can have a turn."


    The mercenaries were like starving wolves eyeing a b of meat, saliva dripping from their mouths


    as they could barely contain their eagerness to pounce and savor such beauty—a beauty they had


    never before encountered. With alluring looks, shapely and long legs, and a slender waist, every


    inch of her was perfect.