The Legendary Mage (Alavin)

Alavin met her gaze, and his fingertips deftly tapped the wooden chair. "Elder Jaslin, enough is enough. Let's not make a scene; it's no good for anyone. If you truly seek a reckoning, I have but two words for you... Well deserved! Not enough? Four words then. Death is too kind!"

"You bastard!!" Elder Jaslin erupted in rage.

"Halt!" Commander Kashann entered the great hall. His voice was cold as he reprimanded Jaslin, "Do you not know your place?"

"Commander." Everyone rose to their feet.

Elder Jaslin stifled her fury, glaring at Alavin before slowly retreating to her seat. She had no ground to stand on, for Nysah and Ogmundr had a plan to slay Alavin. Even if Elder Jaslin tried to bring the matter before the Organization, Alavin was beyond her reach now, for he was no longer a mere servant to be disposed of at will.

Alavin added with a sneer, "If you can, then kill me. If you can't, I will never bow my head."

"You..." Jaslin Elder nearly rose again.

"Enough! This is the Cobalt Hall!" the Commander chided sharply.

Jaslin glared at Alavin with seething eyes but withdrew her menacing aura.

The Commander walked to the head of the hall, gesturing for all to be seated, and declared, "Alavin has brought honor to Cobalt Strike through his exploits in The Clash of Eight Orders. He demonstrated exceptional talent and determination. He no longer belongs among the Freshman Protégés. I propose, henceforth, to elevate Alavin to the rank of Golden Protégé. Do any of you object?"

The Elders did not dissent; the fact was clear, and opposition was futile.

"I thank you, Commander." Alavin rose and bowed in gratitude.

"Traditionally, a Golden Protégé would be mentored by an Elder. Elders, who will volunteer?"

Silence filled the hall because the matter had already caused a stir. Alavin's stance was clear, and no one was eager to take him as an apprentice.

"Who believes themselves worthy to guide Alavin?" the Commander asked with a slight frown. Is there truly no one willing to mentor Alavin, or is there fear of offending the Grand Elder? "Commander, I appreciate the gesture, but I require no mentor," Alavin stated.

"Are you certain?"

"Quite certain."

"Then we shall wait. There are many Elders not present within the Organization; upon their return, I shall inquire on your behalf. Until then, come directly to me if you have any issues." The Commander's personal endorsement made it clear to the Elders that Alavin was under his protection. It was also a warning not to trouble him further.

"Thank you, Commander," Alavin expressed his gratitude once more.

The Elders understood the Commander's intent, though they said little else.

"There is another matter of importance that brings us together today. Eight years past, Alavin's parents were dispatched on a special mission for the Organization, a matter crucial to its prosperity. They vanished, their fate unknown, and the subsequent events are familiar to us all. After eight years, grievances must be settled. Let us seize this opportunity to grant Alavin a new beginning and clear the Mallister family name."

The Cobalt Strike Commander paused, glancing at Alavin, who braced himself for the announcement. In a moment that should have stirred excitement, Alavin remained eerily calm.

Some Elders had heard whispers, while others learned only now. Everyone was astonished at the Commander's words. What's this? Were they to concede?

An Elder abruptly stood. "Commander! This must not be! The fate of Alavin's parents remains uncertain. Should they be found guilty of treachery, hiding in some forgotten corner of the realm? We would be compromising, not pardoning. I urge you to reconsider."

"I do not advise a pardon for Stormcast at this time."

"Commander, have you consulted with the Grand Elder?"

"What does the Grand Elder say? Surely, he would not agree."

Surprisingly, ten Elders openly opposed, their stance firm. The Commander's gaze hardened as he regarded them. He had announced a declaration, a decision made. Why had these Elders dared to counter? Disagreement was not forbidden, but they dared remind him to consider the Grand Elder's sentiments.

Unnoticed before, a strange feeling suddenly arose within him.