The Legendary Mage (Alavin)

Five days hence.

In the woods surrounding the Cobalt Strike Order, numerous Protégés were scattered about, most of them middle-aged. They were honing their skills while bearing the responsibility of patrolling the area. They kept a vigilant eye out for any mercenaries, Magi-Monsters, or other threats lurking in the forest.

As Alavin and his companions drew near to Cobalt Strike, three dark figures emerged from the woods, blocking their path. Many more silhouettes flitted through the depths of the forest, swiftly appearing nearby and lurking in the dense canopy. Godfred and Grima were immediately on guard, confronting the figures.

Alavin called out, "Cobalt Strike, Golden Protégé, Alavin, requesting to return to the Order."

Carlys also spoke up, "Cobalt Strike, Elite Protégé, Carlys, requesting to return to the Order."

The other two female Protégés stated their names as well.

Alavin had returned? The middle-aged Protégés relaxed their guard. "Who are these three?"

"These two are guards from the Mallister family, and this is Eyla of Bloodlore, a guest visiting Cobalt Strike."

Eyla? They were slightly stunned by the name, being well aware of the events that had transpired during The Clash of Eight Orders. They certainly knew who Eyla was. They took a longer look but did not hinder their passage, gesturing for them to proceed.

However, one of the middle-aged Protégés stepped forward. "Lady Eyla may enter, but the guards must stay outside."

Alavin walked straight toward him. "Not only am I a Golden Protégé, but I am also the Lord of Stormcast. I have the right to bring my guards."

Before the man could speak, Grima's spear was pointed at his throat with the speed of lightning. The tip quivered ever so slightly, its keen edge threatening his Adam's apple.

The middle-aged Protégé felt a chill run through him, hesitated for a moment, and then slowly stepped back.

Grima's gaze was sharp, her expression stern. Her golden spear held the Protégé at bay for over ten meters, and it wasn't until she opened a clear path that she withdrew her weapon. Grima was no mere Mage. She had once been a war-hardened Guardian General of Stormcast, with a fierce and warlike spirit in her bones.

The middle-aged Protégés all retreated back into the forest, no longer obstructing their way.

When Alavin and his party arrived at the Order, the Protégés guarding it were astonished. Alavin had returned?! Since the day he left, Alavin hadn't come back, and it had been three months already.

They watched Alavin enter the Order with complex expressions, offering no resistance, no words, just a sense of wonder. Alavin's name had been etched into the memory of all the young Protégés within Cobalt Strike. Though many were reluctant to accept it, they had to acknowledge him as a legend. Who could have imagined that a mere championship would change his life, or that he would rise to such strength, earning the respect and admiration of Protégés from the Eight Orders?

They found it hard to accept that Alavin had secured a place among the top five at the championship, but they had to admit that such an achievement required undeniable strength and resilience.

"Alavin has returned!"

"He's brought with him the granddaughter of the Bloodlore Commander, one of the top five of the championship, the Blood Elf Eyla!"

"Alavin has returned with two Master Mage guards!"

Cobalt Strike was abuzz with excitement!

Since the championship had ended, Alavin had kept a low profile, not flaunting his victory or seeking to humiliate those who had scorned him. He had left the Order the following day, and many had not had the chance to see him. Though he had departed, discussions about him within Cobalt Strike had never ceased, and many had been eagerly awaiting his return. Finally, after three months, he reappeared at Cobalt Strike.

But this time, Alavin didn't return alone. He came back with two Master Mage guards and the granddaughter of the Bloodlore Commander, Eyla, who was also among the top five of the championship-a beauty said to captivate souls!

Guards, and a beauty, this was certainly a display fitting for a Lord.

Many Protégés sighed in admiration. Alavin truly stood apart. Yet, what surprised many even more was how Alavin had brought Eyla back with him. Was he flaunting his relationship with Eyla, or did he intend to make a statement about severing his ties with Cobalt Strike and his consideration of joining Bloodlore?

Commanders, Elders, Mariela, Roald, Semar, Nikulas, and many others received the news.

Perhaps Alavin himself had not anticipated that his return would cause such a stir. Upon his return to the Order, he didn't rush to visit the Commander but first went to the warehouse where he had lived for over eight years.

The warehouse had become his 'manor' as a Golden Protégé, his personal domain, off-limits to other Protégés without his permission. Despite being away for three months, the warehouse was clean inside and out, free of weeds.

"I've been looking after this place," Carlys said with a smile as she walked into the warehouse. She had cleared out many of the useless items, created a spacious area, added some plants, and placed some simple furniture.