The Legendary Mage (Alavin)

The Commander rose slowly, his authority filling the chamber like a surging ocean. "What is yours will be yours. What is not, do not covet."

He was warning the Grand Elder against coveting the Commander's position. To the Grand Elder, however, it seemed a clear reference to the secrets of Atlantis. So it was true! The treasure was in his possession! With that, the Grand Elder felt his heart harden. He waved his hand, dissolving the protective barrier. "Let me introduce you to some old friends."

"What is going on today..."

"Commander Kashann, it has been ages," a clear, laughing voice echoed through the cavern, as a streak of light suddenly appeared beside the Grand Elder. A figure in a flowing robe landed with a sharp gaze and a majestic presence, bringing with it immense pressure. It directly confronted the aura of The Commander. A thunderous rumble filled the air, causing the entire cavern to tremble gently.

He was a formidable man, yet he brought with him a mountainous weight.

"Lord Viperbane!" Commander Kashann's face turned ashen.

"We meet again." Neasilis shrugged off his cloak and strode into the cavern, a sinister smile on his face. Following closely behind, Lord Viperbane's other four confidants materialized. Facing the powerful Cobalt Strike Commander, they dared not be complacent. Their strongest auras shone forth, magic boiling within them, emanating a fearsome battle might that reflected off the leading figure of Lord Viperbane. "You conspired with Lord Viperbane!" The Commander realized in shock, disbelieving as he looked at the Grand Elder.

"It was you who forced my hand!" The Grand Elder had cast aside all pretense, revealing a malevolent and grotesque visage. He thought, "You won't give it to me, so I shall take it myself! The secrets of Atlantis, they will be mine."

"Forced you? When have I ever forced your hand!" The Commander, enraged, felt he had been tolerant enough toward the Grand Elder!

Both he and the Botanic Haven Elder had sensed the Grand Elder's ambition, but considering his past services, they had not taken direct action against Cobalt Strike. Wanting to handle things diplomatically, they sincerely wished to have an open and honest discussion with him, but... they had never imagined the Grand Elder would ally himself with Lord Viperbane!

What was he plotting? To usurp the Commander's position?! But of all people, why choose Lord Viperbane? That's like inviting a wolf into the sheepfold!

"You seek to destroy the millennia-old development of Cobalt Strike!" The Commander was a mix of sorrow and rage, ready to go to war.

However...

"Heh heh, Commander Kashann, remember me?" A gaunt old man with hands behind his back and a stooped posture slowly entered the cavern. He looked like an ordinary elder, but his movements were elusive, his feet not touching the ground, drifting in like a soul. With a soft chuckle, an invisible aura of lethal intent permeated the cavern, as if thousands of fine needles materialized from thin air, enveloping The Commander, each one glinting sharply with bone-chilling keenness.

"Tobin!" The Commander's brow furrowed. He recognized this old man-the foremost assassin of the Northlands, the leader of Amber Valley, Tobin!

The elder bowed slightly, his voice light with amusement. "I'm honored to be remembered by The Commander."

"Lord Viperbane, Amber Valley, who gave you the audacity to intrude upon Cobalt Strike?" The Commander's expression was extremely grim.

"Intrude is hardly the word; we've been invited as guests," retorted Tobin, the leader of Amber Valley, having already locked onto The Commander. Should Lord Viperbane make a move, he was ready to seize the opportunity to strike a deadly blow.

The atmosphere grew tense, brimming with murderous intent.

Lord Viperbane sneered, "I gave you a chance before, but you failed to seize it. I had to find like-minded partners."

The Grand Elder spoke, "I share many of Lord Viperbane's ideals. The Northlands... it's time for a change..."

The Commander's eyes blazed with killing intent as he glared at the Grand Elder. "You betray the Organization and plot to murder the Commander. You will be scorned by all, for what? For the title of Commander, you'd throw away even your own dignity? Once this gets out, the seven Organizations of the Northlands would rather destroy Cobalt Strike than allow your existence. You've been wise all your life how could you be so foolish now!"