The Legendary Mage (Alavin)

"Am I really worth such a challenge?" Alavin said with a smirk.

Roald's expression was indifferent. "As Golden Protégés, we should have an understanding about the strength of each other. It's also time for the Protégés in the Organization to know, as well as all Elders, the extent of your growth over these years. There's a curiosity about your current strength. We're answering the call of the Protégés with a duel in the 5th Arena."

With those words, he shifted the intent to the Organization, making it seem as if the challenge came from the Protégés' request, not from personal ambition. "It seems I have no choice but to accept," Alavin conceded.

"Please do. The Protégés are all waiting." Roald had been anticipating this day for a long time. Alavin had to be defeated at the Arena in Cobalt Strike. Though now an Advanced Mage Stage II and unable to act directly, Semar and the others were sufficiently skilled. If Semar defeated Alavin, it would be as if he had defeated himself.

Three months earlier, a championship had turned them, the Golden Protégés, into a laughingstock, the only blemish in Roald's life. Previously, lacking a way to suppress Alavin, they could not act and had to endure. But now, with Icebound, they had a trump card to play without hesitation.

"Please!" Semar, Admus, Felis, all three grand Golden Protégés raised their hands in invitation, their battle spirit blazing, eager to begin.

Nikulas and Myke were also looking forward to it. How strong had Alavin become after advancing to an Advanced Mage? Without the Shadowlord's Wrath, could he withstand the onslaught from Semar and the others?

Alavin waved them off. "Tomorrow, please. I'm weary today."

Roald and his companions tensed. Tomorrow? The four grand Golden Protégés had come to invite Alavin in person, and he was still delaying.

"Been on the road for five days, I'm tired. What, you seek to take advantage of me at my weakest?" Alavin retorted on purpose.

Roald and the others were left speechless.

"Godfred, see our guests out!"

"When tomorrow?" Roald asked, struggling to contain his irritation. The man he once looked down upon now dared to stand tall and proud before him.

"Perhaps in the morning, or maybe in the afternoon. I shall inform you in due time."

How utterly insolent! Semar and the others were provoked. Their patience had been worn thin by Alavin's taunting.

Even Nikulas was somewhat bewildered. Did Alavin truly not regard the Golden Protégés as such?

"Tomorrow, at the 5th Arena, we shall wait for you all day!" Roald and his companions, their fury ignited by Alavin, vowed no mercy for the morrow! "Let's see how you maintain your arrogance then!"

"Aren't you provoking them a bit too much?" Myke didn't even know what to say. He had known Roald and the others for many years, and this was the first time he had seen these lofty figures be put in their place.

"I truly have matters to attend to tomorrow. I'll head to the Arena once I'm done."

"Anything we can help with?"

"I can manage on my own."

Nikulas reminded him, "We'll be waiting at the Arena tomorrow. Be very careful. If they've dared to challenge you time and again, they must be thoroughly prepared."

After seeing Nikulas and Myke off, Alavin exhaled. "At last, peace."

"Lord Alavin, are you confident about tomorrow?" Carlys was worried. She had grown up in Cobalt Strike, witnessing countless legends of Semar and the others. Their title of Golden Protégé was well-earned.

"We'll see."

"Aren't you concerned?"

"Not particularly worried. They won't find it easy to defeat me." Alavin had that much self-assurance. His concern wasn't the martial contest of the morrow, but rather the attitudes of the Cobalt Strike Commander and the Botanic Haven Elder toward him; that was his main reason for returning.