The Legendary Mage (Alavin)

Alavin knew that Galos wouldn't let him leave without a fight. Furrowing his brow, he pondered for a moment before speaking. "Do you truly wish to test my mettle, Master Galos?"

"A knight should aid his brethren," Galos replied with a grin. "I offer you this chance out of goodwill. Will you accept it?"

"I'm not at my best today. How about this? In one month's time, I shall issue you a challenge right here."

"A challenge? To me?"

"Within the time it takes for a candle to burn. You owe me three sprigs of Pearlwort if I'm still standing. What say you?"

The surrounding people looked at Alavin in disbelief, wondering if they had misheard.

"Could you repeat that?" Galos asked, cocking an exaggerated ear.

"In one month, at this place, I will challenge you, Galos. If I stand until the candle has burned away, I win, and you give me three sprigs of Pearlwort." Alavin repeated his words clearly and deliberately. The crowd gasped in unison. Madness! To challenge Galos? Him?

"What does he mean by one month? Can he really surpass Galos in a month? He must be dreaming."

"No way! In a month, Galos might have fully mastered the seventh circle of the Novice Mage stage. His power will be greater, and it won't take more than a candle's time-just one strike to send Alavin sprawling."

"This is nothing but a desperate stalling tactic."

The others were stunned. How could Alavin possibly outpace Galos?

Galos paused, then erupted into laughter. "Are you sure?"

"I am certain! I have the will, and I hope you, Master Galos, will give me this opportunity." Alavin returned the sentiment. With his current abilities, defeating a seventh circle Novice Mage would be difficult indeed, but he was confident he could last the duration of a candle. He had always fantasized about challenging Galos and experiencing the might of his Thundervein Valor. Now, he had his chance. "And if you lose?"

"Then I am at your mercy," Alavin replied casually.

"Is that your word?"

"It is."

"Let it be witnessed here that in one month, I will accept Alavin's challenge," Galos announced, spreading his arms to the silent crowd. No one responded; they were all too stunned by Alavin's audacity. He might spar with the fresh recruits or stand up to intermediate apprentices, but a direct Protégé was out of his league. Galos was clearly baiting him, and yet Alavin was walking right into it. Could one call it pride, or sheer folly?

"Until next month," Alavin said as he hoisted his stone urn to leave.

Galos chuckled. "If you're not ready in a month, I can wait another. And if that's still not enough, we can wait longer."

Scattered laughter rippled through the crowd.

"One month will suffice!" A cool, clear voice suddenly rang out from the eastern side of the arena. It was melodious yet carried an aloof coldness that reached every corner of the gathering.

All turned to look, and a wave of exclamations swept through the crowd.

"Celesse? Is that Celesse?"

"Why is Celesse at the arena?"

A breathtakingly beautiful maiden with a violet veil masking her alluring visage stepped into the arena. Her elegance was otherworldly, as though she emerged straight from a piece of art. She was Celesse, the Cobalt Strike's Golden Protégé! By her side was the striking Carlys, her eyes cool and disdainful of the pressing throng.

The entire arena was captivated; the male apprentices were filled with adoration, and the female apprentices with envy. Her beauty was otherworldly and sacred, making it nigh impossible for onlookers to harbor any irreverent thoughts.

The bustling arena fell silent as a path opened up, leading to Alavin and Galos. Such encounters with the lofty Celesse were rare; today, they were fortunate to behold her.

Galos bowed courteously, his heart stirred. "Lady Celesse, congratulations on your ascension to Advanced Mage!"

He was proud of his own prowess, but he paled in comparison to Celesse. Still, that did not diminish his admiration for her. Only a woman of her exceptional caliber was worthy of his respect.