The Legendary Mage (Alavin)

The Commander's place of cultivation was hidden deep within the thirty-plus great mountains of Cobalt Strike, a secluded spot unnoticed by others. Even if there were some disturbances, the Elders would not pay it any mind, as it was normal for some noise during secluded meditation.

But...

"What's wrong?" Celesse was discussing the new Combat Magic with Hamund when she noticed his distraction.

"You stay here," Hamund left the courtyard, gazing towards the mist-enshrouded mountains deep in the distance, where the energy fluctuations were odd, and flocks of spirit birds could be seen fleeing in panic. Was it from the direction where the Commander was meditating? Had something happened?

"What has happened?" Celesse followed him out.

Hamund watched for a while; the strange energy fluctuations soon dissipated.

"It's nothing now. Let's continue. We're almost done."

Hamund didn't give it much thought and returned to the courtyard to continue absorbing the magical treasure gifted to him by the Commander. He drew Combat Magic from it and channeled it into Celesse's consciousness.

Celesse sat cross-legged, her focus unwavering as she received the complex legacy of Combat Magic. They streamed into her mind like a multitude of sprites, a wild swarm of energy. The ancient Combat Magic was chaotic, imbued with a potent force that continually battered against Celesse's consciousness.

She had persisted for half a day already, her face pale and beads of sweat gathering on her forehead.

After a long while, Hamund smoothly absorbed the magical treasure, transferring the last of the legacy into Celesse's consciousness. Celesse was immersed in deep meditation, wholeheartedly accepting the legacy.

Hamund stayed by Celesse's side for a while, watching over her condition to prevent any mishaps. However, a sense of unease nagged at him, prompting him to leave and check on the Commander to see if something had indeed gone wrong. Before he left, he cautiously set up a warding spell around Celesse's villa, inside and out, ensuring she wouldn't be disturbed by outsiders.

The battle at the Commander's Sacred Territory had come to an end.

The Commander was impaled by five chains, bound to a stone column within his sanctum, groaning in agony, "You can't hide this... you will regret it..."

"Regret has nothing to do with you, and from this day on, you are no longer The Cobalt Strike Commander. You won't live to see the day of my regret," the Grand Elder said, looking at the gravely wounded Commander, feeling a weight lift from his heart. Although the commotion was not insignificant, it had not caused an uproar.

"Now, to the Botanic Haven," Lord Viperbane said, not wanting to delay. A swift victory was essential to minimize risk.

At that moment, an Elder suddenly reminded the Grand Elder, "Hamund has returned."

"When?" The Grand Elder's brow furrowed.

"Just yesterday. He came here to the Commander's place and talked late into the night before leaving."

"Is there trouble?" Lord Viperbane and the others looked troubled.

"No hurry. We may have another guest."

"Who?"

"Hamund."

"And who is Hamund?"

"An Elder in our Organization, an Archmage!"

"Is he a threat, or can he be swayed?"

"He is a neutral party, never meddling in Organization affairs, often wandering afar." The Grand Elder suggested they wait. Other Elders might not notice the anomaly here, but with Hamund's power, he might harbor suspicions.

If Hamund came, they would deal with him directly; if he didn't, it meant he had no suspicions.