The Legendary Mage (Alavin)

The warehouse courtyard was in utter chaos. The sound of crisp smacking intermingled with the screams and wails of the crowd echoed incessantly. Godfred and Grima chased after them like one might chase down chickens, delivering more than twenty slaps each, not one less. Their victims' faces swelled with bruises, and amidst pitiful cries, they scrambled and tumbled, trying to dodge, until they finally managed to burst through the iron gates of the warehouse. But Godfred pursued them down the low hillside, adding a slap or two for good measure, completely beating the fight out of them. With curses and complaints, they supported each other and fled.

Godfred and Grima were both Master Mages, and it was a tad unseemly for them to thrash a group of Novice Mage Protégés. But... it felt so satisfying!

Back in the Azure Mountain, it was the Cobalt Strike Protégés who bullied them. Never had they imagined giving the Cobalt Strike Protégés a taste of their own medicine. This was truly a day to remember, and well worth it!

Before long, the Cobalt Strike was abuzz.

Semar, Roald, and two other Golden Protégés had set up a challenge in the 5th Arena, waiting for Alavin to show up. Hundreds of Protégés were hurrying to the 5th Arena, eager to witness Alavin's current strength. But Alavin couldn't care less about their provocations. He not only refused the challenge but also sent Galos and others, who came to issue the challenge on behalf of the Golden Protégés, packing with bruised faces. Galos was a favored disciple of the Grand Elder, and no one expected Alavin to treat him like that.

A joint challenge issued by four Golden Protégés was unprecedented, and to refuse it outright? Was Alavin as wild as ever, or did he simply consider himself above the likes of Roald and his peers? The entire Organization was stirred, and even those who were initially disinterested began to take notice.

Word reached the Elders.

"Outrageous! This is simply outrageous!"

"Does he think he's a celebrity of the Northlands now?"

"No respect for the rules! What a disgrace!"

"Assaulting fellow Protégés? He must be sternly punished!"

"Does becoming a Golden Protégé give him the right to act above the law? Every generation of Golden Protégés has been humble. What makes him think he can be so brazen? Seize him! Make him kneel in penance!"

One of the Elders immediately ordered Alavin's capture. Alavin had just returned to the Organization and started trouble. If this continued, it would be intolerable. Alavin needed to be taught a lesson!

Before long, a group of middle-aged Protégés really did arrive at the warehouse, their attitudes arrogant as they glanced at Alavin, who was tidying up. With a cold laugh, they pushed open the door. "Alavin, in the name of the Elder, you are to be taken to the Cliff of Reflection!"

"Hmph, what can you do as a Northlands Shadowlord's Messenger? Once back in Cobalt Strike, you're a Protégé of the Organization and will be punished for breaking the rules just like anyone else!" Today, they got to experience what it was like to seize a Golden Protégé!

Alavin wiped his hands with a towel. "Which Elder gave the order? Haven't you learned the Organization's rules?"

"Enough talk, come with us!"

"Go back and study the rules of the Organization and learn some manners." Alavin whispered to Godfred, "What do you think? Can we take them?"

"Merely high-ranking Advanced Mages, of course, we can take them!"

Alavin raised his voice. "Trespassing is punishable by slapping!"

"What?" The middle-aged Protégés frowned.

"Godfred, ten slaps each!"

"What, dare you say that again?"

"We were sent by the Elders, don't escalate the situation! Come with us!"

"You'd better keep a low profile. Don't make the Elders unhappy, or a joint resolution might strip you of your Golden Protégé reputation."

Their anger was mixed with indignation. In terms of seniority, they were older than Alavin's, and here he was, authorizing punishment with such arrogance.

"No need to trouble yourselves. Godfred, strike! If ten isn't enough, make it twenty!"

"Shall I start then??" Godfred cracked his neck, rolled his shoulders, and approached them with a chuckle, reveling in the thrill of serving Lord Alavin in such an entertaining way.

The middle-aged Protégés' expressions shifted. This was not good. He seemed serious!

Grima appeared by the iron gate, her golden spear slowly closing the door as her rosy lips curled into a smirk.

"Alavin! Think of the consequences!" The middle-aged Protégés' faces began to contort with worry.

"Line up, one by one." Godfred's body surged with an aura of power, blowing debris around him. The presence of a Master Mage dominated the courtyard. Black mists billowed from his body like serpents writhing, intertwining and growing larger, finally coalescing into a massive beastly shadow.

"This is..." The middle-aged Protégés watched in astonishment as the shadow grew larger and more imposing.