The Legendary Mage (Alavin)

The Grand Elder whispered solemnly, "Alavin has a strong bond with Cedrick of the Iron family. It might be Cedrick who called upon the Iron family's folk."

Lord Falconcrest's face was a mask of icy sternness as he spoke even colder, "Alavin has quite the gall to summon the Iron family's kin. I suspect you had a hand in it. Cedrick is a direct heir of the Iron family, sent by the clan's patriarch himself to be fostered by Cobalt Strike. Now, you dare to rebel and nearly slew the Cobalt Strike Commander. The Iron family values loyalty and honor; they won't let you off easily."

The Grand Elder's face shifted from pale to flushed, but he could find no words to counter, nor did he dare to challenge Lord Falconcrest. He could feel the Lord Falconcrest's prejudice against him. He clamped his mouth shut and retreated to the back, his expression dark and dreadful. He, the Grand Elder of Cobalt Strike, was reduced to a state where he could be humiliated by others. It felt as though a dagger was being twisted in his heart. These last few days, each time a Lord visited or a Commander came by, that bastard, Jarad, would mock him mercilessly, parading him before others for their scorn. He couldn't withstand such humiliation.

Lord Mountguard spoke gravely, "We can't keep waiting like this; we must devise a plan."

The Stellar Precepts Commander pondered silently. With the Iron family joining the fray, Stormcast's strength had increased by at least a third. Jarad, Banneth, and the Iron family patriarch were all wild madmen of Stage VII and Stage VIII in prowess. His gaze shifted subtly, glancing toward the Five Lords. Should he join forces with them? No, he must not! But how, then, could he breach the walls and secure the Kings' Acceptance?

Inside the ancient city, Balder and Mariela greeted Cedrick personally, while the Mallister family folks were too moved to speak. With the Iron family's involvement, they had enough might to deter the Eight Orders and the Five Lords. They were saved at last!

"Where is Alavin? What has befallen?" Cedrick's brows furrowed with concern. When he had left, it was to attend the Iron family's clan gathering. Upon their departure, Cedrick had initially invited a dozen kinsmen to visit Stormcast, hoping they would have a sit-down and stay awhile, to show the close ties between the Iron family and the Mallister family. But the patriarch had never anticipated such an unexpected turn, and in the end, he had rallied a hundred kinsmen to follow him.

They came out of curiosity for the Kings' Acceptance, to witness the rare confluence of events, and to lend aid to Cobalt Strike.

"Alavin is not in the city, but he will return shortly. We assure you." Celesse bowed in respect to the Iron family members, explaining the situation with Alavin. She was well aware of the Iron family's power and influence and was keen on retaining their support as best as possible.

One day... Two days...

The arrival of the Iron family truly intimidated the various Organizations and the Five Lords, as well as the Blessed Citadel's forces.

The Five Lords wished to attack but feared a stealth strike from the Stellar Precepts, given that its Commander was the Northlands' acknowledged mightiest.

The Stellar Precepts Commander desired the Kings' Acceptance but couldn't overtly seize it by force, being part of the same Eight Orders alliance. Jarad and Banneth ceased their provocations against the Five Lords. Once the battle commenced, they would face the greatest pressure. More and more people gathered in the wilderness, waiting for the factions to clash, none able to see through the intentions of the three parties.

The clash of the ancient city calmed temporarily amidst the various considerations. Everyone had plans, yet all had reservations. After all, it was not a trifling skirmish; they were dignified figures with powerful organizations behind them. None wished to perish senselessly in this place.

Cobalt Strike's Protégés, like Carlys and Myke, gathered in the distance, mustering for the Commander and keeping a wary eye on the sanctified warriors above. They could not fathom the thoughts and emotions of these lofty overlords and could only pray for a peaceful resolution. Although... such hope was exceedingly faint.

On the afternoon of the second day, the Grand Elder, unable to bear it any longer, broached the subject with a stern face once again. "Things have escalated to this point, appearing chaotic and dangerous, but could this not be an opportunity?"

"What sort of opportunity?"

"What was the true purpose behind the Royal House establishing the five great noble courts in the Northlands? It was to contain and suppress the might of the Eight Orders. Yet for years, the Eight Orders stood united against common foes, and you never had the chance to strike, always waiting. But today, no matter how the tides of battle shift, the Orders will no longer be as they were. Their alliance is crumbling without a blow struck. I suggest we seize this moment to wage war, slay a few of their Commanders, and crush the Eight Orders once and for all. And while we're at it, let's capture Alavin—two birds with one stone."