The Legendary Mage (Alavin)

"Well done, Lord Alavin, you've got quite the skill in the kitchen!"

"Mmm, the soup is thick and full of flavor. A pinch of Elixir Herb would enhance it even more."

"What did you season these wild greens with? They taste strange, and they're making my body feel all warm."

"Come now, let's drink!"

"Leave that rabbit leg for me."

"Open wide, and have some meat. I'll feed you."

"Ha ha..."

Their laughter and cheerful banter filled the air.

Eyla found it hard to believe that Alavin, a man known for his decisive and lethal prowess, could be such a whiz at the hearth.

"Lord Alavin, what sort of man is the Cobalt Strike Commander?" Grima always harbored a distaste for Cobalt Strike. Though the Grand Elder was the main culprit and had destroyed the Mallister family, the indifference shown by the likes of the Cobalt Strike Commander had chilled many hearts. The Mallister family had been tasked with escorting tributes, and though they indeed deserved punishment for losing them, the family had served Cobalt Strike loyally for many years. They had labored hard, if not always successfully. They didn't deserve such a ruthless and heartless slaughter or being suppressed for eight long years.

"I haven't had much interaction, so I'm not quite sure."

"How many enemies do you have within Cobalt Strike?" Eyla asked casually while savoring the delicious soup.

"What are you talking about? I am a peaceful man and have no enemies." Alavin clinked his cup with Godfred's and took a swig of the strong liquor, feeling the hot liquid warming his throat and belly, comforting his whole body.

"Do you even believe that yourself?" Eyla rolled her eyes at him.

"I never made enemies on purpose. I delivered goods faithfully and treated people kindly. If you don't believe me, ask Carlys."

Carlys covered her mouth with a mischievous giggle. "He is indeed faithful. It's just others who tend to be less so."

"It can't be helped. There always seemed to be those who took ill to me," Alavin said, nodding toward the iron gate. "Look, here comes trouble."

They all set down their utensils and looked toward the iron gate as the sound of chaotic footsteps approached.

"Alavin! You're back and did not even bother to check on us?" Galos pushed open the iron gate and strode in with a swagger. Behind him followed a group of young Protégés. They entered the courtyard and fixed their gaze on Alavin, sizing him up. Though he was a familiar face, Alavin had changed, not just in status, but in strength too, and they found it hard to accept.

That was the reason why Protégés from other organizations admired Alavin, while those from Cobalt Strike did not - they were unsettled!

How could a once mere servant suddenly rise above them?

"Galos, you've come at the right time. Care for a bite?" Alavin signaled to Godfred and the others to stay calm. Galos wasn't foolish enough to start a fight here.

"No need."

"Just being polite."

Carlys snorted with laughter.

"I'm here to deliver a challenge from Semar," Galos said; though he tried to appear calm, his eyes were cold. He would never forget the humiliation of having his arm disabled by Alavin's punch in the Arena. Although his arm was saved by prompt treatment, and he had since advanced to Stage VIII, the shame of that day haunted him, and he dreamt of vengeance, of humiliating Alavin.

However, he no longer had the chance to redeem himself. Alavin was now beyond his reach.

"Has Semar made a breakthrough?"

Galos lifted his head proudly. "Not only has Semar broken through, but Admus and Felis have also reached Advanced Mage Stage I."

Carlys was surprised. She hadn't heard such news upon leaving Cobalt Strike. Had they suddenly made a breakthrough thanks to some treasures from Atlantis?

"If Semar truly wishes to challenge me, why didn't she come herself?"

"What, am I not worthy to request a challenge?"

"Don't get me wrong, Galos, I just find it odd."

"Will you accept or not!"

Alavin thought for a moment. "Forget it, I have more pressing matters. Some other time, I might seek Semar's guidance."

Semar was the Grand Elder's favored Protégé, talented and strong, but still not quite a match for Alavin - he was confident in that, and he believed Semar knew it as well. If they both understood the gap in their strength, why did she request a challenge? Only the gods knew the trickery involved.

"Your pressing matters are eating and drinking?" Galos scoffed, not expecting Alavin to flat out refuse. Was it because Semar hadn't come in person? "Hmm, being a Golden Protégé really changes a person," Galos thought.

"Why do you care about our dining and drinking?" Eyla laughed scornfully, not understanding the man's arrogance.

"Are you Eyla, my lady? Would you be interested in sparring with us, the Cobalt Strike Protégés? It's rare for you to visit, and we'd be honored to witness the prowess of a Blood Elf."

"Just you?"