The Legendary Mage (Alavin)

"Did you cause trouble again yesterday?" Mariela asked coolly as she led the way.

"No trouble at all."

"Do you blush when you say that?"

"Some sought trouble with me. I was merely defending myself."

"Did you have to slap them? The commotion has upset many Elders."

"Have those Elders ever been pleased with me? I prefer to act decisively, letting actions speak where words fail."

Eyla giggled delightfully, drawing close to Alavin and giving him a flirtatious wink. Their temperaments matched so well.

"What is your mentor's stance on this?" Alavin inquired, keeping pace with Mariela.

"He will not harm you that much is certain. As for his exact stance, that will depend on your performance. Let me remind you, he does not share the biases of the other Elders. Be courteous."

"Of course, 'do no harm unless harmed' is my philosophy," Alavin whispered to Eyla. "If I'm captured or killed, spread the word after you leave that the Kings' Acceptance has been detained by Cobalt Strike." "First to Bloodlore, then to all of the Northlands."

"Agreed!"

"It's settled then."

"Alright."

"If you die, I'll die of heartbreak."

Mariela, walking ahead, could only sigh in exasperation. "I heard that!"

At the mountain's peak, both the Elder of Botanic Haven and the Commander of Cobalt Strike awaited them, unconcerned by Eyla's presence and aware of Alavin's purpose.

"How much does Commander Jarad know?" The Commander had withdrawn all his divine aura, appearing like an ordinary Mage, avoiding any intentional oppression upon Alavin and Eyla. "Nothing, for now, rest assured." Curious, Eyla scrutinized the venerable Botanic Haven Elder with his frosty white hair. She had heard tales of an old-timer in Cobalt Strike, a peer to the Commander, who should have been of the same rank. Yet he chose to guard the Botanic Haven, living a life of low profile and mystery. Today, she finally met him in person.

The Botanic Haven Elder watched Alavin with a complex expression, remaining silent time and again. For the sake of Atlantis' secrets, his father had sacrificed his life, and Cobalt Strike had incurred the ire of the Warrior Tribe of the East. He had to resign his commission as Commander and remain alone in the Botanic Haven, suppressing the Chained Spirit, and using his own life force to sustain the Chained Spirit's vitality, ensuring it wouldn't perish.

After more than two decades of labor and sacrifice, it all seemed to have been for naught. He had done it for the youth before him!

Alavin remained composed, calmly accepting their scrutinizing gazes.

The Commander was also silent, unsure of his feelings toward Alavin. Recalling the feats during The Clash of Eight Orders, he had to acknowledge Alavin's talent and his spirit, and considering the events at Azure Mountain, he had to admit the young man's ferocity and resilience. Disregarding everything else, he knew that Alavin surpassed all of Cobalt Strike's Protégés. Yet fate was often unkind. Alavin harbored vengeance and bitterness, feeling no sense of belonging to Cobalt Strike.

The atmosphere grew heavy with silence atop the mountain; no one spoke, each lost in their thoughts.

Mariela awaited a decision from the Commander and her mentor, for they had not provided her with a definitive answer before Alavin's arrival.

A chill wind swept across the mountain peak, stirring the thick mists, and rustling the hair and garments of those gathered.

Finally, the Botanic Haven Elder spoke, "Congratulations, child. To inherit a legacy spanning millennia is a rare gift, one that may help you reach unprecedented heights in the annals of Cobalt Strike." With a simple statement, he recognized Alavin's claim to the legacy.

Mariela breathed a slight sigh of relief.

"The eight years I spent with Cobalt Strike are the most precious treasure of my life. I will forever hold them dear." Alavin also diplomatically stated his position, though his words might've been interpreted differently by different people.

The Botanic Haven Elder nodded slowly, finding Alavin's words ambiguous yet acceptable, neither sycophantic nor spiteful. "Let us now discuss your Shadowbringer."