The Legendary Mage (Alavin)

Alavin was puzzled. This was different from what he had expected. "What price must I pay?"

Mariela was also surprised. Was her mentor intending to cultivate Alavin? An Organization leader publicly apologized. What was their intent?

Eyla, however, was intrigued. Cobalt Strike had finally decided to nurture Alavin, a decision not easily made.

Commander Jarad's declaration was firm. "Your Kings' Acceptance belongs to you, but it must also belong to Cobalt Strike. That is our condition!"

"I...I don't quite understand."

"You have taken over from your parents as the lord of the city. From today, you must also take over another of your parents' roles, as the Elder of Cobalt Strike. You, Alavin, will forever be part of Cobalt Strike." "Elder? Me?" Alavin was even more perplexed. An Elder at sixteen? There likely had never been such a precedent in the history of Cobalt Strike.

"In time, when the Commander steps down, you shall take up the mantle of Commander of Cobalt Strike," the Elder of Botanic Haven spoke with a voice that hushed the summit of Botanic Haven.

Alavin was stunned, Mariela's mouth fell open slightly, and Eyla blinked in disbelief.

Cobalt Strike, Commander?! The leader of an Organization!!

A chill breeze blew past, and Alavin was almost jolted awake. He had been worried before coming to Botanic Haven that the Commander and the Elder of Botanic Haven would not easily let go of the Kings' Acceptance, but he had never imagined it would happen in such a manner. The more he thought, the more shocked he became, and the more he remained silent.

The master of an Organization. What a rare honor, to be called the overlord of the Northlands, destined to make his name known throughout the Royal Realm!

Such a title, if bestowed upon Alavin, would be enough to command the respect of many and protect Stormcast.

Alavin had to admit that he was tempted, and his blood felt like it was on fire. He couldn't help but admire the determination of the Commander and the Elder!

This was equivalent to setting the future of Cobalt Strike with a Commander of boundless potential. It meant resolving the grudge between Alavin and Cobalt Strike. It also meant dealing with the threat posed by the Chained Spirit, avoiding any future alliance between Alavin and the Chained Spirit to seek revenge on Cobalt Strike.

Such determination, such wisdom. And such a risk!

Yet Alavin was more amazed at the magnanimity of the Commander and the Elder of Botanic Haven. They had not thought to monopolize the Kings' Acceptance. They truly considered what was best for Cobalt Strike, not their own selfish desires!

Eyla had to look at the Commander and the Elder of Botanic Haven's decision with newfound respect. She was compelled to declare it brilliant and bold!

Mariela had never imagined her mentor would make such a decision. Alavin? Commander? How did they come up with that?

The Elder of Botanic Haven continued, "You will first serve as a nominal Elder of Cobalt Strike. We will observe you for about a decade. After ten years, we will make an official announcement and proclaim throughout the Northlands that you are to be the next Commander of Cobalt Strike."

Their decision was indeed bold and risky, so they added a condition. A decade of trial meant a decade of observation. If Alavin lived up to their expectations within that time, they would announce to the Northlands. If not, they would seek other methods.

Ten years was also the period they had thoughtfully selected, predicting that Alavin would not reach the level of Archmage within that time. As long as Alavin was not an Archmage, they could still firmly control his fate, preventing any unforeseen events.

Alavin did not rush to decide. This was completely different from what he had anticipated, and while he admitted to being tempted, it was precisely because he was so tempted that he could not hastily agree. "What about the Grand Elder? My revenge must be had. That is my bottom line. As long as the Grand Elder is there, he will never allow me to be Commander of Cobalt Strike."

"That is not for you to worry about. We will handle the matter of the Grand Elder."

"How will you handle it?"

"In our own way. Give us your answer first, and we will give you ours." They were all truly considering what was best for Cobalt Strike, and it was this sense of justice that informed their surprising approach to dealing with Alavin. It was because of this same justice that they would not allow the ambitions of the Grand Elder to continue to swell.

Alavin pondered for a long time. "Give me some time to think. Before I leave Cobalt Strike, I will give you my decision."