The Legendary Mage (Alavin)

The day after Alavin's breakthrough, he was meditating and refining, savoring the wondrous transformation that came with his newfound realm. Suddenly, a flicker at his brow signaled a presence in the room. Opening his eyes, he saw her. "Celesse?"

Amidst the hazy glow stood a striking maiden. It was a scene of ethereal beauty, her form and the environment so enchanting that it took one's breath away.

"Advanced Mage Stage II. I recall it's only been a few months since I left, or has it been years?" Celesse's gentle laughter echoed as she stepped into the Starlight Dais, her gown flowing elegantly, and her stature tall and slender. She radiated a beauty that was both innocent and dazzling.

"Six months to the day," Alavin replied, rising with surprise and delight. It was indeed Celesse. "When did you return?"

"Just today. I heard you were at the Sanctum of Mystical Scrolls and came to see you." Though Celesse was a Protégé nurtured by the Organization, she possessed an innate nobility and grace. Usually distan and proud, her frosty demeanor kept others at bay, exerting an overwhelming presence, yet she revealed her ethereal beauty and a tender smile only in Alavin's company.

"Finished so soon? I thought you'd traverse the Northlands and undergo trials for three to five years."

"A secret order from the Commander summoned my mentor back. There must be something special afoot." Had the Commander called them back? Alavin found it odd but didn't dwell on it. "How long will you stay?" "That depends. My mentor has gone to see the Commander."

"Have you reached Advanced Mage Stage III?" Alavin realized he could no longer gauge Celesse's strength.

"I achieved the breakthrough just before returning, but it's not yet stable. Tell me about you. I only heard about your exploits upon my return." Celesse had been in arduous training within some Sacred Territory, almost cut off from the world, only catching wind of Alavin's deeds on her journey back. She had imagined he would stay safely within Cobalt Strike, but instead, he had caused quite a stir. In just half a year, his name had resounded throughout the Northlands.

Him returning to the Organization sparked even greater buzz. Alavin had recently vanquished Semar and subdued Roald and other Golden Protégés, and his fame skyrocketed, becoming the talk of the Organization.

Celesse had always believed in Alavin's bright future, yet she never expected it to arrive so swiftly and intensely.

"Come, sit and chat," Alavin said, crossing his legs and settling down; his mood lifted.

Celesse joined him on the Starlight Dais, scrutinizing him for a moment, "You seem different somehow."

"Different how? I still look..."

"I can't quite put my finger on it." Alavin touched his face, recalling his sister and Mariela mentioning a change. Had he changed? He hadn't noticed.

"Where did you get your Shadowbringer?" Celesse was pleased with Alavin's growth but worried he might have dabbled in some forbidden Combat Magic.

"From the old man."

The old man? Realization dawned on Celesse, yet a question lingered in her mind. Just who was this elder? He was known for the Grand Arcanum of the Blade and now the Shadowbringer. Alavin recounted the events of the past six months candidly, sparing no details. There was nothing he needed to hide from Celesse.

From collaborating with the Mollen family to the martial tea gatherings, from the failed plot against Marak to the return to Cobalt Strike. From the rescue at Azure Mountain to the confrontation with the Rocke family, and the subsequent events at Atlantis.

Unwittingly, he spoke at length. Alavin felt an ease he had never known before, letting down all guards and sharing his efforts and growth with Celesse. The past six months had profoundly altered his life and would likely shape his future.

Celesse listened quietly and fell into a long silence afterward. Though Alavin spoke lightly, she could sense the dangers and hardships within his tales, as well as his perseverance and stubbornness. She felt a sudden tenderness and regret that she couldn't stand by him when he needed her most, to face those challenges together. Perhaps with her by his side, his path wouldn't have been so arduous. Alavin exhaled. "After half a year of turmoil, I can finally breathe easy."

The Commander had decided to protect Stormcast and keep the secrets safe. For a long time to come, he wouldn't have to live in fear and could dedicate himself to mastering Combat Magic. The only issue left to address was the Grand Elder!

It suddenly occurred to Alavin that the Commander and the Botanic Haven Elder seemed intent on dealing with the Grand Elder. Could summoning Hamund be for this purpose? Hamund, uninvolved with worldly affairs and naturally detached, rarely engaged in Organization matters, yet his power was formidable, second only to the Grand Elder.

Celesse softly asked, "Do you intend to leave Cobalt Strike in the future?"