The Legendary Mage (Alavin)

"I thought I heard some strange noises and came to see. Where's the Commander?" Hamund asked, his demeanor as serene as a gentle breeze.

"The Commander is pondering over his magical treasure, that one from Atlantis. He must have discovered something just now, causing a little stir. It's nothing to worry about," the Elder lied smoothly. "And you are here because...?"

Elder Codin, a venerable figure of considerable age and wisdom, noticed Hamund's lack of caution and chuckled with a carefree air. "I was just nearby when I heard the commotion and came running. The Commander had tasked me with standing guard outside to ensure our meeting remained undisturbed."

"Your efforts are appreciated," Hamund nodded in thanks, then turned to leave.

"Allow me to escort you, Hamund. I've heard that Celesse has reached Novice Mage Stage III under your tutelage-quite the accomplishment..."

Suddenly, Hamund raised his hand, and in a flash of cold light, a crimson longsword cleaved through Elder Codin's neck. With the ease of slicing through a ripe melon, his actions were decisive and deadly! The expression on Elder Codin's face was still one of a smile, even as his head flew off and bounced with a thud, rolling into the underbrush. The headless body slumped heavily to the ground, life extinguished Hamund's face was devoid of emotion as he gripped the crimson longsword, striding into the cave dwelling.

The Commander was impaled by five chains, his body wrapped around a stone pillar, with three middle-aged Protégés standing guard.

"Hamund? What are you doing here...?" They sprang to their feet, but in the next moment, three heads soared into the air, bereft of even a moment to resist.

The Commander slowly lifted his head. "Hamund... you've come,"

"What's happened here? Why are Lord Viperbane and Tobin present?"

"The Grand Elder has betrayed us, along with many others. They've...colluded with Lord Viperbane and Tobin. Cobalt Strike... is ruined... by my own hand..." The Commander closed his eyes in agony. The pain of his wounds was nothing compared to the torment in his heart. He was filled with hatred, regret, and sorrow. "It was my oversight. If only I had known, I would have struck earlier."

"Is he after the Commander's position?" Hamund's face twisted in disgust. To think someone would stoop so low as to ally with Lord Viperbane and Amber Valley for the sake of power!

"He doesn't just want the Commander's position. He wants... the Kings' Acceptance..." It was only now that he understood. The Grand Elder wouldn't betray them just for the role of Commander, and if he did, it wouldn't be now, nor would he side with Lord Viperbane and Amber Valley. There was only one possibility - he wanted the Kings' Acceptance, using Lord Viperbane and Amber Valley for his own ends. Now consumed by regret, the Commander also recalled the look in the Grand Elder's eyes that day in Atlantis. Perhaps at that moment, the Grand Elder had made his decision.

The Grand Elder wanted the Kings' Acceptance and was willing to forsake everything for it!

"What's this Kings' Acceptance? A secret of Atlantis?"

"The true secret of Atlantis is the Kings' Acceptance, and it rests with Alavin. Hamund, promise me you'll find Alavin and get him out! Quickly!"

"Alavin?" Hamund was taken aback once more.

"Forget about everyone else and me. As long as the Kings' Acceptance is out of reach, the Grand Elder won't dare to kill me. Protecting Alavin is crucial. We must not let him fall into their hands." "I'll take you with me!" Hamund swung his sword, severing the thick chains.

"Forget about me. Find Alavin, quick!" The Commander whispered weakly, blood pouring out.

"I don't understand anything right now. Let's leave together, and you can explain on the way." Hamund hastily staunched the Commander's bleeding and hoisted him up, rushing out of the cave dwelling. "Wait, are they after Alavin?"

"They don't yet know who holds the Kings' Acceptance. Lord Viperbane and Tobin might also be in the dark. They're off to slay the Elder of Botanic Haven now."

"What?" Hamund's expression shifted slightly.

"It's too late! It's already too late." The Commander moaned in pain. "What do we do now!" Hamund asked urgently, still unclear on the situation.

"Go... find Alavin..." The Commander murmured twice, then fell unconscious.

Hamund carried him away from the Sacred Territory, anxious to save the Elder of Botanic Haven. Yet halfway there, he felt a tremendous surge of energy erupt from the peak of Botanic Haven. Clouds roiled and surged into the sky, like a raging river between the heavens and the mountaintop, with a tremendous and awe-inspiring force.

The battle had begun!

Was it too late? Was it truly too late?