The Legendary Mage (Alavin)

As Eyla, Roald, and the others retreated to the edge of the dueling platform, the gathered crowd of over two thousand Protégés fell into a hush. Anticipation and tension hung in the air as all eyes were on Semar and Alavin.

Semar, a Grand Elder's Elite Protégé, and a Golden Protégé, was second only to the legendary Celesse among all the female Protégées in the entire Organization. Her influence weighed heavily in the hearts of the new generation of Cobalt Strike Protégés, and her reclusive nature, combined with her rare public appearances, only added to her mystique. Subconsciously, many favored Semar, her longstanding influence deeply rooted in their minds.

The five Cobalt Strike Elders were not openly present, but they watched the proceedings with silent intensity. Unlike the chaotic discussions among the Protégés, all Organization Elders focused on one thing - the Shadowlord's Wrath, the Shadowbringer! This was the powerful combat magic Alavin used to balance the Earthbound Spirits, defeat Cedrick, and cause a sensation at the championship. However, no similar magic had ever been seen from Cobalt Strike. Where had Alavin acquired it from? And what was its true power?

This was why they had come today, to witness it firsthand.

"Alavin, show me your full strength! This may be a spar, but it's no child's play," Semar declared, her battle spirit blazing, her eyes shining with a fierce light.

At that moment, Semar was no longer the understated figure she was known to be but rather a drawn sword, her aura overpowering.

Alavin raised his right hand, his fingers slowly rotating, tendrils of dark mist swirling around them. "There's no need for complexity. You wanted to face my Shadowbringer, didn't you? Let's begin!" Semar's gaze sharpened. She had suspected as much! Nikulas must have told Alavin about Icebound. She glanced at Roald and the others nearby, who nodded slowly. Their main objective for the day was to test the power of his Shadowbringer, so they could prepare and not be taken by surprise.

As Alavin's right hand slowly clenched, his knuckles turned white, and veins stood out on his arm. The dark mist surged and spun rapidly around his hand. A chilling aura spread silently over the dueling platform, wafting through the vast Arena, drifting past everyone and sending shivers down their spines. The Arena, already quiet, seemed to grow even more silent. Those of lesser strength thought they heard faint whispers at the edge of hearing, sending involuntary shudders through them.

"My blade is formless. It bears a grudge, but it is not simple. Are you truly ready, Semar?" Alavin's hand tightened, the dark mist becoming more turbulent, spinning into a small vortex in his palm. The coldness of the air grew more pronounced, even the distant Elders felt it.

The Arena fell silent. All eyes were drawn to the tiny vortex, and faces were etched with concern and concentration. Unintentionally, everyone gazed at it, transfixed.

The entire crowd did the same!

Semar's brows furrowed. She had witnessed its power at the championship, but today was the first time she faced it directly. The small black vortex gave her an ominous feeling, drawing her gaze as if eyes were slowly opening within it, locking onto her from hundreds of meters away. The longer she stared, the colder she felt, as if those eyes...

"Semar!" Roald suddenly cried out.

She snapped to attention, biting her tongue to regain clarity. The oppressive cold had already invaded her body. Without hesitation, she gathered her thoughts and began to recite Icebound. Her lips moved silently, her eyes clear.

The mumbled incantations took shape, powered by her spirit, forming tangible characters that floated from her skin, weaving around her. These ancient characters, indecipherable and complex, glowed with the soft light of polished ivory, beautiful and growing in number to form a hazy outline around her.