Chapter 105
Deep within the forest, a giant mountain nearly a mile high suddenly copsed. Dust clouds
billowed, and fierce winds howled, sweeping across several miles of woond, startling the nearby
birds and beasts. Yet the thunderous crash and the trembling of the earth drew the attention of
many Cobalt Strike Protégés and bands of mercenaries.
It wasn''t long before figures started to appear in the nearby forests, curiously observing.
As the dust settled, they beheld a ragged peak, half its mass gone. The eastern face was now but a
pile of rubble mixed with broken trees and underbrush tumbling into the surrounding woods and
hills. Strangely, at the base of the ruins was a clear entrance to a cavern, over thirty feet wide and
ten feet high.
It seemed as if a hollow had formed underground, causing the copse of the mountain. But for a
mountain nearly a mile high, with such a vast area copsed, the debris outside didn''t seem as
''grandiose'' as one would expect. This meant that most of the stone must have fallen into the depths
below. How vast could the subterranean space be?
The odd phenomenon kept many at bay, with onlookers keeping their distance. As more and more
people gathered, standing scattered in the surrounding woods and atop hills, they murmured and
peered curiously.
"There seems to be a light inside the cave."
"Look closely, there really is something gleaming inside. Could it be treasure?"
"How could the mountain just copse like that? It''s not natural."
"Don''t rush in there! I suspect someone or something caused this mountain to fall."
By noon, the surrounding woods were crowded with thousands. The mercenaries and Cobalt Strike
Protégés ceased their skirmishes, and all eyes were fixed on the strange cavern entrance.
vin had arrived early, choosing a distant hill to sit atop and practice his Restoration Mantra. He
was cloaked in a ck cape and wearing a mask. The Dawnedge de was resting on his legs, its
sword''s energy sharp and formidable. He appeared to be a fearsome figure. This ensured no one
would dare bother him, especially the Cobalt Strike Protégés , who wouldn''t provoke a solitary
''frencer,'' especially in such circumstances.
As the crowd of onlookers grew, so did the restless ones, and groups of mercenaries began to
approach the cavern. Living by the sword''s edge, they cared little for danger and much for profit.
The Cobalt Strike Protégés remained rtively calm, observing from their position.
"Such a strong scent! Could there be a woman inside, heh heh."
"It''s the smell of herbs!"
"The fragrance seems to have manyyers; there could be a multitude of herbs inside."
"Who will go in first to scout the path?"
As the mercenary bands were tentatively considering venturing into the cave, the pervasive scent
attracted a crowd of Magi-Monsters.
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A horde of Hignd Hedgehogs came thundering through, small in stature but radiating
tremendous strength. Their quills were like steel spikes, and their tiny teeth were sharp enough to
bite through metal. Inrge numbers, they paid no heed to the Cobalt Strike Protégés or nearby
mercenaries and charged into the upheaval, quickly disappearing without a trace.
Soon after, a pack of Tempest Wolves approached, their fierce presence causing hearts to race. A
majestic tiger with wings upon its back strode out from the dense woods, its presencemanding
and eyes fierce. Seven ck apes, several meters tall, bounded through the forest, ignoring the
surrounding onlookers and crashing into the cave with a booming fervor.
This was just the beginning; more and more Magi-Monsters from all directions converged,
seemingly lured by the scent inside.
"What are we waiting for? Charge!" A band of mercenaries shouted and plunged into the cave. The
others no longer hesitated, and followed in quick session.
"Don''t act rashly; let''s wait a bit longer. What if there''s danger inside?" many from Cobalt Strike
urged restraint.
An Elite Protégé calmed his peers. "Let the Magi-Monsters and mercenaries scout for us. We''re in
no rush; we''ll move when the time is right."
"Let''s wait a bit longer. The Elders should be on their way here."
The Protégés didn''t rush in blindly. They were noble scions, not to risk their lives carelessly. If there
were treasures inside, they could reap the benefits from the outside. And if danger lurked within,
why should they die like mere mercenaries?
The cave seemed deep, with over a thousand people and Magi-Monsters having entered, but the
sounds that echoed out were deep, chaotic, and muffled. Those standing afar could barely hear, as
if the throngs that entered and the beasts had vanished into oblivion.
As the Cobalt Strike Protégés watched anxiously, vin, fully healed, approached the cave
entrance with the ancient sword in hand, furrowing his brows as he peered inside.
A dim glow shone from within the cave, as if emanating from deep below, apanied by a rich
fragrance that was refreshing and invigorating, as if one had consumed an Elixir Fruit. Yet mixed
within the scent were hints of blood and other odors. Without a doubt, the mercenaries and Magi-
Monsters inside had shed.
As vin observed, a young man with an iron sword approached, his gaze also sharp and focused.
His presence was formidable, and the ck battle de on his back hummed faintly, as if alive with
spirit.
Cedrick!
He didn''t recognize vin, merely giving a cursory nce at the ancient sword. "Nice de!"
Before long, another youth arrived, fair as a maiden, with glowing skin, delicate features, and lips as
red as the blushing dawn. His brows appeared meticulously groomed, and his tall and slender figure
was wrapped in a richly embroidered robe. At first nce, he could be mistaken for a high-born
lady. Yet his eyes were sharp as a hunting hawk, shining with intelligence and danger.