Chapter 79


    The events that transpired in the Azure Mountain only strengthened vin''s resolve to return home.


    Carlys pleaded with him for two days, but eventually, with a heavy heart, conceded. After repeatedly


    reminding vin to be cautious, Carlys handed him a detailed map.


    Two dayster, the roster for this year''s second hunting expedition was officially announced. At the


    very bottom of the list, thest name was unmistakably vin.


    To the discerning eye, it was clear that this was the work of Galos'' crew. Otherwise, with vin''s


    strength as a Stage V Novice Mage, and his status as both a Freshman Protégé and a servant, he


    would’ve never qualified to participate.


    The situation being what it was, one could only pity vin. He had made the grave mistake of not


    only defeating Galos but also provoking him. Galos held significant influence within Cobalt Strike,


    and he had many brothers-in-arms within the order. Now, by forcibly dragging vin into the


    hunting fray, they aimed to make him the prime quarry.


    The day after the hunting slots were announced, vin arrived at the Fifth Arena, the gathering


    ce for the hunting expedition.


    Hundreds of Protégés were already present at the Arena, mostly in their twenties, and all at least


    Level VI Novice Mages, with some as high as Level IX.


    Some Protégés, having participated many times, were calm andposed. Others, first-timers,


    were nervously seeking advice from the veterans.


    Though the hunting expeditions were fraught with danger, they also presented opportunities. One


    could gather precious Elixir Herbs or Elixir Fruits in the deep forests, capture young Magi-Beasts, or


    stumble upon some unique treasure. Compared to the regimented training within Cobalt Strike,


    many ambitious and spirited Protégés preferred to join the hunting expeditions in search of fortune.


    Each expedition attracted about a thousand participants – a grand scale indeed.


    Many Protégés even formed permanent squads that regrly joined the expeditions and shared


    treasures equally.


    In the square, first-time Protégés either huddled together or sought to join renowned elite squads.


    Some groups were recruitingpanions to bolster their strength.


    As soon as vin entered the Arena, a few approached to recruit him.


    "Brother, how many hunts have you joined? Interested in joining our squad?"


    ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    "Friend, we''re a newly-formed team in need of sturdy Protégés like you. What do you say?"


    "What level of Novice Mage are you? Would you consider... Wait... you look familiar."


    "Are you vin?" someone recognized him.


    "Yes," vin barely spoke when seven or eight people turned and scattered, leaving him behind.


    Others who were about to approach him also dispersed. To them, vin had the skill and the spirit


    but was a ma for trouble, likely to be ganged up on from day one. They were there for


    adventure, not a death wish; the less trouble, the better.


    vin was indifferent; he had no intention of joining any squad.


    The Arena buzzed with excitement and fervor. Groups gathered, discussing the uing


    expedition. Some were eager to dive into the madness, others encouraged each other to seek


    magical treasures, and some squads nned to cooperate to hunt down powerful Magi-Beasts.


    But in the crowd, vin spotted some unusual figures.


    Elite Protégé, Niks!


    Elite Protégé, Cedrick!


    Elite Protégé, Brunn!


    Even the seldom-seen Elite Protégé of Botanic Haven, Mari!


    "Why are they here? Are they also joining the hunt?" vin wondered. These individuals did not


    lack Elixir Herbs or training opportunities. Then it dawned on him – were they preparing for The


    sh of Eight Orders? Were these candidates using the perilous forest environment to challenge


    their limits, experience crises, and enhance theirbat prowess?


    As vin noticed them, they saw him, too.


    "Brunn, that''s vin," a female Protégée alerted Brunn.


    Brunn slowly turned, his gaze piercing and expressionless. His formidable presence was felt even


    from afar.


    vin met Brunn’s gaze unflinchingly. Over the years, he had observed Brunn’s training and had


    managed to figure out the first three segments of the Goliath Force technique, which had allowed


    him to advance as a Novice Mage.


    Brunn locked eyes with him for a moment before approaching vin. He moved with the grace of a


    prowling beast, his eyes sharp and his attire casual, but his body was all muscle, exuding strength


    without bulkiness, perfectly proportioned and strikingly handsome.


    As an Elite Protégé who had mastered the Goliath Force, Brunn''s explosive power was renowned


    throughout Cobalt Strike, having made a name for himself over the past few years.


    With his status, it was likely he''d go on to learn the Master Combat Magic, Gigas Grasp. His future


    was boundless.


    "Is Brunn heading towards vin?"


    "Is he going to challenge him to a duel?”


    “Is that vin? First time seeing him.”


    “Whoa! Is vin going to face Brunn? I''ve been looking forward to this."


    "I''ve always been curious about Brunn''s reaction to knowing vin has been practicing the Goliath


    Force. Heh, the show''s starting."


    Niks, Myke, and other direct Protégés turned their attention to the scene, watching closely. Brunn


    was a powerful Novice Mage of Stage VIII, known for his fierce and robust style, making him an


    opponent few wished to engage inbat.