The Legendary Mage (Alavin)

"Miss Eyla, you've gone too far!" the Citadel Protégés fumed with embarrassment and anger.

"Thought you were struck dumb, did you?" Eyla shot them a defiant glance, taunting them silently with a smirk as if to say, "What are you going to do about it?"

Alavin laughed. Eyla's 'joke' was timely and effective, a perfect reminder for them to think before they acted on impulse.

The white-haired Elder pulled out two golden badges and placed them on a stone before him, then left without a backward glance. They had all momentarily forgotten that Jarad might return at any moment, and that cantankerous old wizard was not one to be trifled with. He was capable of anything. It was better to leave now before things escalated further. They had more pressing matters to attend to, like uncovering the secrets of Atlantis. For today, it would serve as a warning to the Protégés of the Blessed Citadel not to underestimate the talents from the outer realms.

"We acknowledge your title as the Shadowlord's Messenger. Until we meet again." the Citadel Protégés grudgingly conceded, helping Sveinn and Erica as they all left.

Marak followed in silence; his earlier bravado was gone. Yet, when he looked back at Alavin, the malice in his eyes had deepened. After being repeatedly humiliated, his patience was at its limit. "Alavin, our next encounter won't be so simple. We shall see," he vowed silently.

Alavin's smile remained, but a lethal intent had taken root in his heart. This threat needed to be dealt with swiftly, lest it bring disaster. Alas, he did not have the energy to deal with it now.

Eyla, perceptive as ever, whispered, "Keep him around, play with him slowly, and play him to death."

"You're amazing!" Oda exclaimed, rushing to Alavin, eyes wide with admiration. "I want to be strong too, to defeat mighty foes in the arena."

Lucan and the others were full of admiration. To think that the Protégés of the Blessed Citadel had been bested by their young lord. What impressed them even more was his complete lack of psychological pressure, as if he did not regard them as Protégés of the Citadel at all, but merely as opponents. To disregard the Citadel with such audacity was truly inspiring.

They had been oppressed by the Cobalt Strike Guild in the mines for eight years, accustomed to compromise and submission, so Alavin's show of strength resonated deeply and was incredibly motivating. "If Lord Alavin fears nothing, neither should we! We need to act more boldly and not always rely on him to lead the charge."

"Remember, let today's events be as if they never happened," the Citadel Protégés reminded each other as they left the beast pit. If word got back to the Capital, it could provoke untold ridicule and possibly earn them the scorn of other Inner Protégés, a shame that would spread all the way to the Northlands.

They all nodded in agreement, vowing silence on the matter.

Just then, whether Eyla heard them or simply thought of it, she suddenly called out to their retreating figures, "Do you need my help to send the news back to the Capital?"

The group turned back in outrage. That cursed woman, if this were the Midlands, they would not let her off!

"Consider it done then, no thanks needed. You go about your business. I'll handle the publicity," Eyla declared, reveling in the chaos. Such intriguing tidings surely had to be spread through the Midlands, with a fair share of fanfare in the Northlands as well.

Suddenly, one of the bold Protégés, Preytan, turned around and shouted, "Alavin! Eyla!"

"What is it, another challenge?" Eyla was not averse to another bout.

The male Protégé's voice boomed across the beast pit, "In eight months, the 'Luminous Sanctuary' of the Capital will open, and the young heroes of the Royal Realm will be invited. I, on behalf of the Blessed Citadel, invite you to participate. The golden sigil you possess is your pass."

"We'll wait for you at the Luminous Sanctuary!" The Citadel Protégés cast a lingering glance at Alavin and strode out of the beast pit.

"What is this Luminous Sanctuary?" Alavin inquired, having never heard of it.

Carlys and the others were also unfamiliar, but Eyla knew, "It's a royal Sacred Territory. Officially, it's called the Luminous Sanctuary, but it is commonly known as the Dimension of Vitality and Void. The royal family opens it periodically for two months every year. It is said to be the oldest and most mysterious range in the Royal Realm, preserved since ancient times in its primal state. Originally, it was an ancient battlefield, but it was later sealed by mysterious forces. It changed hands many times until finally coming under royal control."

"Why is it called the Dimension of Vitality and Void?"

"The environment there is primal, filled with countless treasures but also many terrifying Magi-Monsters with ancient lineages. Every year, it attracts numerous young heroes from the Midlands. It's a completely sealed space teeming with danger, making it an ideal place to settle scores. Man against beast, man against man, it's all the same. Every year, thousands enter, and less than half survive. Over time, it came to be known as the Dimension of Vitality and Void."