The Legendary Mage (Alavin)

Meanwhile, the caravan of the Mollen family, already en route, was deeply shaken. They had been invited by Balder to visit Stormcast for a meeting and talk, but as they neared the ancient city, they hadn't expected such a dramatic turn of events.

The patriarch of the Mollen family immediately ordered a halt, ignoring Balder's vehement insistence. They set up camp midway to wait. As the situation escalated, the Mollen family dared not intervene rashly. It was best to observe the changes quietly.

Deep within the Cloudveil Woods.

Hamund, bathed in his own blood, hid in a ravine, having escaped encirclement for the sixth time. Three days prior, Lord Viperbane's mighty blow had injured his Channel of Energy, and just two days ago, Tobin had ambushed him, piercing his body with a dagger and leaving him gravely wounded. He didn't know how much longer he could hold on, but he had to keep fleeing as best he could.

Lord Viperbane and his followers were even more livid. They had been tracking Hamund for six days straight-how much longer would they have to pursue him? What was the origin of this man who had escaped their grasp six times? Why were his movements so elusive? There had been instances where they thought they had slain him, only for him to incredulously reappear in another direction. Their hunt had caused an uproar in Cloudveil Woods, almost revealing Lord Viperbane's position.

They were nearing madness. How could a mere Elder be so troublesome?

What they found most unacceptable was that in several direct confrontations, they had not discovered the Cobalt Strike Commander. Where was he? Could he have been hidden away?

The Grand Elder had dispatched over two thousand of his troops to return and search for the Commander. They could not allow him to escape the forest, nor could he be allowed to spread the news. However, today, the secret of the Kings' Acceptance swept through Cloudveil Woods, reaching the very troops on the hunt.

Lord Viperbane was furious. "What a cunning man. You dare use me for your own ends, Grand Elder!"

As a king of the Northlands, a master of schemes and machinations, he immediately deduced the Grand Elder's true intent behind disrupting the Cobalt Strike. It wasn't about seizing the Commander's position nor was it to disrupt the balance of the Northlands for his ambition, but rather, it was a plot for the Kings' Acceptance! Considering further, if the Grand Elder was willing to create such chaos for the Kings' Acceptance, it suggested its immense value, and that the Grand Elder would stop at nothing to obtain it. Should the tripartite alliance fall into danger in the future, the Grand Elder might even abandon Cobalt Strike and flee to the hidden depths of the Sacred Territory to break through his limits.

Surveying the entire situation, it was all a game set by the Grand Elder, with everyone as his pawns. The Grand Elder's sole desire was one thing-the Kings' Acceptance!

Tobin was no fool either, and quickly saw through the ruse. His killing intent, as cold as a winter tide, locked onto the Grand Elder. "Explain yourself."

The Grand Elder feigned composure and replied with a counter-plan. "You give me too much credit. I had no knowledge of this Kings' Acceptance secret. I only sensed the Commander becoming a threat to me, beginning to oppress me, and forcing my hand to resist. At first, I couldn't fathom why the Commander was suddenly so harsh and intent on suppressing me. Now I understand he and the Botanic Haven Elder have chosen Alavin. They entrusted the sacred treasure from Atlantis to Alavin. You all know well the dispute between Alavin and myself. If the Commander wishes to support Alavin, he will surely suppress me, and even seek to kill me. Besides, had I known the treasure was with Alavin, I would have taken him down directly. Why would I need to rebel?"

Although he appeared calm, his heart was in turmoil. How could things have come to this? Was fate not on his side? First, Hamund returned, then the Commander was abducted, and most infuriatingly, the treasure of Atlantis ended up with Alavin! Why Alavin, why that servant!

Lord Viperbane and Tobin were not so easily fooled. The affair had already caused an uproar in the Northlands, putting Lord Viperbane and Amber Valley in an awkward and passive position. They had to find a way to resolve the issue or face severe trouble.

"As punishment, I shall cripple one of your arms," declared Lord Viperbane, unwilling to suffer the insult, as he raised his fist to disable the Grand Elder's other arm. Tobin, just as unforgiving, seized the opportunity to launch a sudden attack.

"Wait! Hear me out!" the Grand Elder called out urgently, not waiting for the others to lose their temper. "How did the news get out? What in the world are Alavin and their ilk up to? If they've obtained the legacy hiding it away is surely the wisest course of action. Why make it common knowledge? We still have a chance to set things right. We must strive to be the first to reach Stormcast. Before the other Organizations arrive, we need to capture Alavin... We'll... we'll divide the legacy among us!"

Lord Viperbane glowered at the Grand Elder, seething with anger. It took a moment for him to regain his composure. "Keep your arm. For now, it stays attached to you! We'll continue our alliance and make for Stormcast. I'm rather curious to see what they're up to."