The Legendary Mage (Alavin)

Mariela escorted Alavin down from the mountain's peak, reminding him, "This is the most favorable decision my mentor and the Commander have made for you. You must seize it. To have the chance to become a Commander at sixteen is an honor none of the Protégés have ever had since the founding of Cobalt Strike."

"I'm going to say something out of turn. The terms your mentor and the Commander are offering are tempting, but they're all just words, things promised for ten years from now. Who can say what will happen?' Eyla's eyes sparkled, and she clung to Alavin's arm. "Ha, they haven't fooled you, have they?"

"I'm not a three-year-old child who can be bribed with sweets."

"I'm liking you more and more, what should I do?"

"Stop that, we're still young." Alavin was clearly overwhelmed by her affectionate gesture.

Mariela rolled her eyes, must they do this in front of her? "At the very least, this shows a commitment from my mentor and the Commander. You may not understand them, but I do. If they've said this to you, then that's likely what's been decided. The Commander's position is far off, but the terms they're offering you now are quite generous-protecting you, guarding Stormcast, and providing you with various resources and conditions. What I mean is, my mentor and the Commander have shown their stance, and you should respond in kind."

"Don't worry, I'm not a fool. I'll grasp what truly benefits me. Thank your mentor and the Commander for me. I didn't expect this attitude from them, I'm... truly touched." Alavin was sincere. Before his arrival, he had envisioned countless scenarios where he might have to compromise to protect Stormcast and its legacy if the Commander and the Botanic Haven Elder asked for something in return.

But they hadn't. They chose to exchange 'favor' for 'cooperation' and didn't pry too much into the affairs of the Shadowbringer.

"Think it over carefully," Mariela said earnestly, hoping Alavin would accept the terms. After all, it was all an advantage and not a drawback. It was also the best way to deal with the Chained Spirit. If Alavin became the Commander of Cobalt Strike, he would certainly not harm it anymore; he would find a way to settle the grudge between the Chained Spirit and Cobalt Strike. This was probably one of the main reasons her mentor had offered these terms, as in his heart, resolving the conflict with the Chained Spirit was just as important as the Kings' Acceptance. After all, the power represented by the Chained Spirit was too terrifying; otherwise, her mentor wouldn't have given up the position of Commander to stand guard over Botanic Haven for twenty years.

Eyla said, "If you go to Bloodlore, my grandfather will offer you even better terms."

Alavin chuckled, "Suddenly, I'm in such demand; it's a bit overwhelming."

Eyla and Mariela both gave him a withering look.

"Lord Alavin, how goes it?" Grima and Godfred were waiting at the base of the mountain, and as soon as they saw Alavin come down, they rushed over.

"I'm fine, don't worry," Alavin reassured them.

Eyla laughed, "They want Alavin to be the next Commander."

"What?" Grima and Godfred's voices lifted.

"He hasn't accepted."

"What?" Their voices lifted again.

The 5th Arena was already packed to the rafters, with every perilous nook and cranny on the mountaintop filled with onlookers. Five Elders and over forty Elite Protégés were all in the Arena awaiting the start of combat, a sight rarely seen.

Roald and the others stood in silence on the battlefield, believing Alavin would surely come, but while they could wait, the Protégés couldn't, having arrived early, and now, with it nearing midday, where was he "Alavin wouldn't make us wait till evening, would he?"

"Having four Golden Protégés waiting with bated breath, only Alavin could manage that."

"Who says they're waiting eagerly? Look at their faces, they haven't shown impatience since morning. Heh, it's the first time seeing Golden Protégés wait for someone else."

"I really can't wait anymore. What kind of fortune has Alavin stumbled upon to rise so high? If only I could have that chance, fame, and beauty, I'd have whatever I want."

"Semar and the others have been seething since the championship. Losing isn't scary, but the fear is losing to someone you've looked down upon, and that person winning. Alavin embarrassed them; they want to take revenge."

"The tales of Alavin's feats in The Clash of Eight Orders have been astonishing. Just how strong is that lad? Where has he gone, keeping us in suspense? Hurry up and show up."

"Semar and the others are insisting on challenging Alavin. They must have some plan. Today will be quite the spectacle."

"Where is he? Where is he? Is he dead? If he doesn't show up soon, I'm going to give him a piece of my mind!"