The Legendary Mage (Alavin)

"Could they possibly have a method to suppress my power now?" "Indeed! They've acquired an incantation known as 'Icebound.""

"It's juat an incantation. Does it have the strength to restrain me?" Alavin was taken aback, questioning their overconfidence.

"They've plundered numerous treasures from Atlantis, and Semar had deciphered the incantation from a powerful staff. It's said to clear the mind and purify the spirit, resisting all manner of illusions. She's already tested it with illusion-specialized Protégés, and they were completely unaffected."

Nikulas stated, "Semar has shared the secrets of Icebound with Roald, Admus, and Felis. All four Golden Protégés have mastered Icebound specifically to counteract your Shadowlord's Wrath."

Alavin understood now. No wonder they were eager to challenge him. They were confident they could suppress the Shadowlord's Wrath, and by doing so, they could defeat him. They intended to make him admit defeat in front of the entire Organization, using his fall to re-establish the renown of the Golden Protégés.

"Either ignore them or come up with a counter-strategy." Nikulas and Myke had come specifically to warn Alavin. His most formidable move was Shadowlord's Wrath, and if it was neutralized, Alavin might not stand a chance against Semar and the others, which clearly aimed to embarrass him. Even if Semar were to fail, Admus and the rest would step up to challenge him in succession.

Alavin, however, felt his interest piqued. The ancient incantation of Icebound must've possessed considerable power. Could it truly suppress the murderous intent of the Shadowbringer?

If it really could, it meant that Shadowbringer had a nemesis, and he'd need to be more cautious in the future to avoid disaster at crucial moments.

"My lord, someone else has arrived," Grima alerted him.

"Alavin! As fellow Protégés, we should foster closeness, not isolate ourselves to the point of having no friends." A cold voice came from beyond the iron gate. Semar, a trusted Protégé of the Grand Elder, pushed open the gate. Dressed simply in plain garments, her long hair flowed casually down to her waist. She was naturally beautiful, yet never adorned herself.

However, no sooner had she finished her insinuation about Alavin's lack of friends than she saw him there, laughing and talking with Nikulas and Myke! Nikulas raised an eyebrow. "Is it wrong to wish for privacy? Perhaps tonight, you should leave your door ajar, and I'll take a stroll through your quarters." Semar's eyes turned icy, nearly ready to chastise him on the spot.

"Others can't enter your abode, but you can freely invade theirs? Hypocrite!" Nikulas was rugged in appearance and equally rough in temperament, with no patience for pretense.

"Nikulas, watch your tone!" Admus, Felis, and Roald emerged from behind Semar. The four Golden Protégés had all arrived!

Alavin's eyes narrowed slightly. It seemed a confrontation was inevitable.

Roald glanced at Eyla. Had she truly sided with Alavin? But it mattered little; such a woman would cling to power, and once Alavin was defeated, it would be seen whether she remained by his side. Felis and Admus were surprised to find Nikulas and Myke there. Had they come to tip off Alavin?

"What brings you to my humble storehouse?" Alavin asked with a faint smile, welcoming them.

Semar, with a pointed edge to her voice, said, "Previously, we were remiss in not considering your current status and merely sent an Elite Protégé to summon you. This time, all four of us Golden Protégés have come. Will you accept the challenge?"

Nikulas and Myke exchanged glances. This was ruthless! First, an Elite Protégé delivered a challenge, followed by an Elder's reprimand, and now four Golden Protégés joined forces to issue a summon. They wouldn't rest until their goal was achieved. If Alavin refused to fight, they could proclaim to the entire Organization that Alavin was too cowardly to accept! This approach might prove more effective than defeating Alavin outright.