The Legendary Mage (Alavin)

"I might not be worthy now, but that doesn't mean Cobalt Strike lacks someone who is," Galos said, his pride evident. He didn't admit to being inferior to Eyla; only that he currently wasn't her match. "Go back. We don't accept your challenge," Alavin dismissed them with a wave of his hand, his stance resolute.

Roald, Semar, Admus, and Felis had all failed at the championship, and the reputation of the Golden Protégés had suffered. What they most looked forward to was defeating Alavin publicly to restore their honor. This challenge was clearly not offered in good faith.

"It seems this isn't the Alavin I knew." Galos strode into the grand courtyard, smirking with a cold sneer. He admitted Alavin had grown stronger, but that didn't stop him from despising Alavin. "Back when you were but a servant, you'd take on any challenge. Now that you've become a Golden Protégé, you've lost your nerve. Are you afraid of losing to Semar in combat and tarnishing your reputation as the Shadowlord's Messenger, or are you just scared of embarrassing yourself in front of Lady Eyla?"

The male and female Protégés following Galos began to goad.

"Alavin, we heard you've returned. The Protégés in the Organization are all thrilled and eager to witness the grace of the Shadowlord's Messenger. Isn't it unbecoming for you to refuse their challenge? Are you looking down on us?"

"Semar has already set up her challenge in the 5th Arena and was just waiting for you to step up."

"Semar, Felis, Admus, and Roald, four Golden Protégés are at the 5th Arena, inviting you to partake in a battle befitting the Golden Protégés for the entire Organization to behold."

"Everyone is anticipating it. If you don't show up, you'll be cooling a lot of hearts."

Alavin scoffed, "The arena is set up already?"

Carlys found it odd. Such quick preparations were done for the duel, and it was purposefully publicized for the entire Organization to see. What were Roald and the others up to?

"Lord Alavin, shall we go?" Godfred asked quietly. With such a spectacle, staying away could bring criticism.

"No! I'm not in the mood."

Galos burst out laughing. "Scared, Alavin? I knew it. How could you have possibly risen to fame at the championship unless you used some dark art to squeeze out your potential? The real you is nothing special!"

Eyla couldn't stand it anymore. As handsome as this man looked, his words were unbearable!

Alavin waved them away. "Leave now, I'm having my meal."

Galos took a couple of steps forward. "Just answer me, will you fight or not?"

"What does it matter to you whether I fight or not?"

"Ha! Just as I thought, scared!"

Alavin twirled his utensils, suddenly grinning. "I recall a rule within the Cobalt Strike. Those who dare intrude upon a Golden Protégé's private residence shall receive a slapping punishment! Godfred, grant them ten slaps each! And kick them out!"

"Eh?" Godfred looked up, mouth agape. Slaps? These were the elite Protégés of the Cobalt Strike. Could he really strike them?

"Alavin, you need to know your place." Galos' face grew colder.

Alavin pointed decisively. "Slap them!"

"At once!" Godfred bellowed, his excitement palpable. He leaped into the air, landing by the iron gate with a wicked smile, advancing toward them.

"Alavin, all the Organization's Protégés are waiting at the 5th Arena. I'll ask you one last time, will you or will you not fight!" Galos didn't believe Alavin would dare slap him, watching him coldly.

"Hey, what's your name?" Godfred approached him.

"Get lost, what are you to me..."

Slap! The resounding slap echoed through the courtyard as Godfred struck Galos, causing him to stagger. Galos, with his head tilted, stood stunned as a crimson handprint slowly surfaced on his face. A trickle of blood seeped from the corner of his mouth. The other Protégés' jaws dropped in disbelief.

"Come on, hold your head up." Godfred adjusted Galos' face, and then, in the next second, he let fly another slap.

Slap! The sound was loud and clear, the sting fiery hot. Galos, humiliated and enraged, was about to explode, but before he could react, Godfred delivered ten rapid slaps. His Master Mage presence dominated Galos. His hand moved as quick as lightning, the slaps resounding crisply.

Galos was truly dazed. His head was spinning, and the world was whirling as he stumbled backward into the iron gate with a loud thud.

"Wow!" The crowd snapped to attention. Was this for real?

"Everyone gets their share." Godfred laughed heartily, thoroughly enjoying himself.

"You've gone too far, Alavin," the onlookers panicked and fled, realizing this madman meant business.

"Nobody leaves," Godfred declared, slamming the iron gate shut and rolling up his sleeves to begin.

"I'll join in," Grima said with a wicked grin, rushing forward.

"Lord Alavin, is this really wise?" Carlys couldn't bear to watch.

"Indeed, this is going too far," Eyla chided with a cheerful laugh.

"Keep going! Add ten more for each!" Alavin commanded with a wave of his hand.