The Legendary Mage (Alavin)

"Is that your plan?" Felis replied, his expression unimpressed. He was a Golden Protégé, proud and dignified, and could not bring himself to utter such words. Alavin's strongest asset was the Shadowbringer. To ask him not to use it seemed unreasonable. If Alavin countered with, "I acknowledge your strongest Combat Magic, so don't use it. Let's just brawl with physical prowess," how would Felis respond? "What other choice do we have? Both of you go together."

Felis and Admus liked this idea even less. To face Alavin together? A victory would bring no honor, and a defeat would be utterly disgraceful!

Suddenly, Admus said, "Roald, you go. Only you can suppress Alavin now."

Felis immediately agreed, "Yes! The Icebound can't be completely ineffective. With your higher stage as an Advanced Mage, maybe you can withstand the Shadowbringer."

Roald hesitated, knowing that as an Advanced Mage, being a full stage above meant absolute domination. If he entered the fray, wouldn't that be seen as bullying? A resounding victory might be acceptable, but what if it was a narrow and ugly win? That would be no better than a defeat.

"Roald, are you scared?" taunted Admus and Felis. They had no intention of entering the fray themselves, leaving Roald no choice but to step up or face utter embarrassment today.

Roald clenched his fists, feeling the surge of battle spirit within him. The golden sword on his back let out a piercing hum as the sword's energy grew more intense. The blade, attuned to its master's will, was eager for battle.

As they hesitated, the Protégés below grew restless.

"Get on with it! Whose turn is it?"

"Felis, we believe in you, go for it!"

"Admus, let Alavin witness the vastness of your Endless Illusion Sea!"

"Surely he's not frozen with fear, is he?"

The jeers from the Protégés below grew louder; they had been momentarily subdued but were far from satisfied. They were eager to see more of Alavin's Shadowbringer and witness a more thrilling duel. Alavin's gaze lifted from Felis and the others to settle on Roald. "Roald, would you be interested in a match with me?"

"Alavin is challenging Roald?"

"Roald is now at Stage II, right?"

"There's a vast gap between each Stage of an Advanced Mage. Alavin is bold indeed, challenging beyond his rank." "Roald, accept the challenge!"

The crowd of Protégés below became rowdier, today's contest proving more exhilarating than anticipated.

More and more eyes turned to Roald, especially those of the Elite Protégés, who were keen to see if Alavin possessed the prowess to challenge beyond his rank as an Advanced Mage. Anyone else might have been scoffed at and taken for a jest, but Alavin's recent display had shocked them, and perhaps... he could indeed work a miracle.

"Roald, if you please?" Alavin spread his hands, and tendrils of dark mist swirled around them. The invisible aura of death once again filled the arena. His eyes were sharp, fixed on Roald, as a vast battle inten surged through him, burning like fire. His fists tightened, then suddenly released, each hand birthing a denser cloud of black mist, spinning violently in his palms.

Two wisps of black mist, two small whirlwinds, each harboring a Shadowbringer.

"Two Shadowbringers?" Admus and Felis wore grim expressions. How could they compete with that?

Roald stared coldly at Alavin, trying not to let his gaze be drawn to the twin whirlwinds, but it was as if they were two silent black holes, exuding a chilling allure, threatening to drag one's soul into their icy embrace.

"Roald, will you accept the challenge?" Alavin, wielding the twin Shadowbringers, was already confronting Roald.

"Roald! Roald!" Many Protégés began to chant in unison, their calls growing louder. Even the Protégés who were close to Roald joined in the shouting.

The golden sword behind Roald trembled fiercely, radiating a brilliant golden light. His hands gripped tighter, veins bulging along his arms.

Should he accept the challenge?

He truly wanted to teach Alavin a harsh lesson.

But...

Semar's crushing defeat made him hesitant. If Semar could have held out longer, it would have meant Alavin's strength was within expected limits. But now, just how strong was Alavin? Gazing at the twin blades, a chill began to creep into Roald's heart.

Roald's eyes suddenly sharpened, his resolve returning. No, how could he possibly be afraid?

"Roald! Will you accept the challenge? You invited me to the Arena. Is this how you welcome your guests?" Alavin saw the hesitation in Roald's eyes, lacking the sharpness and pride of before.

"I bet Roald is too scared to accept the challenge," Eyla commented with amusement, finding the standoff more interesting than the actual fight.

"Why?"

"He fears defeat!"

Some of the older Protégés began to murmur among themselves. "Roald is hesitating. Hesitate for too long, and fear takes hold."