The Legendary Mage (Alavin)

Alavin sat quietly in his wicker chair, without argument or rebuttal, awaiting the Commander's final proclamation.

Commander Kashann fell silent, and his expression was unreadable as he watched the Elders. Was he thinking too much, or...

The Elders looked perplexedly at the Commander. Why the silence? Was he reconsidering?

An odd hush fell over the Azure Hall, and no one spoke further.

After a lengthy pause, the Commander announced with an impassive voice, "Henceforth, Cobalt Strike formally absolves the Mallister family and Stormcast of all accusations. The citizens of the old city shall vacate Azure Mountain and return to Stormcast. The Mallister family will once again govern Stormcast, with Alavin as the new Lord."

"What?" All Elders were stunned. Why!

"Does anyone object?" The Commander's voice was heavy. His authoritative gaze swept across the faces of the Elders.

The Elders felt a tremor in their hearts, avoiding the Commander's gaze as he seemed to have suddenly turned stern.

Alavin rose to his feet and, with a respectful salute, addressed the Commander, "Thank you, Commander!"

"When do you plan to set out for Azure Mountain?"

"Immediately."

The Commander cast a chilling glance over all the Elders present, but his tone softened slightly as he looked at Alavin. "Depart at dawn tomorrow. I'll arrange for someone from the Organization to accompany you."

In the dead of night, Cobalt Strike was once again abuzz with news. Alavin had not only been elevated to become a Golden Protégé but was also appointed as the Lord of Stormcast.

Why had the Commander suddenly changed his demeanor, showing such favor to Alavin? Wasn't the Commander worried that, once Alavin's power was fully grown, he might seek vengeance on Cobalt Strike? After all, Cobalt Strike had been the architect of Alavin's misfortunes for the past eight years.

Did the Commander not consider the Grand Elder's position? After all, the Grand Elder hadn't changed his attitude in eight years!

Many were not just shocked, but also found it hard to accept.

Protégés like Galos had been discussing just that day whether to form an alliance, with Golden Protégés such as Semar and Roald at the helm, to trip up Alavin in the future, create trouble, and hinder his growth, making his tenure as a Golden Protégé uncomfortable. But now, Alavin was not only a Golden Protégé; he was a Lord!

Being a Lord didn't just signify a rise in Alavin's status; it also meant that he might not stay long at Cobalt Strike and spend more time abroad. More importantly, Alavin could now raise his own army. Throughout the night, Cobalt Strike was filled with whispers and murmurs, but no matter what, the Commander had made his decision. Alavin was not only a Golden Protégé but a Lord, his status not inferior to the common Elders, and his future growth set to surpass all other Protégés of his time.

Alavin stood in the courtyard, quietly gazing in the direction of Azure Mountain, without the excitement others imagined. The more he thought about it, the more suspicious it seemed. The Commander had beer reluctant even to pardon the Mallister family; how had he suddenly declared Alavin a Lord?

"Was this a decision made in consultation with the Grand Elder, or does the Commander have other plans?

"Stormcast is the lifeblood of the Mallister family. Of course, I am its Lord! Do I need his appointment?

"The current Stormcast has become a desolate town. How easily can it be restored to prosperity? How shall the two hundred thousand townsfolk be settled?

"Winter is coming. What about food? Clothing? How will these be solved?"

Alavin frowned deeply. The Mallister family had finally been pardoned, but the road ahead seemed more difficult than he had anticipated. He needed to carefully consider his next steps, and every move had to be deliberate because he could not afford to lose.

"There's nothing to fear."

The voice of the Chained Spirit suddenly echoed in Alavin's mind, deep and hoarse, reverberating with resonance.

"If you are strong, who dares to be recklessly against you?

"Always remember, you are the heir of the Shadowbringer!

"In this world, strength is supreme, an eternal and unchanging law. Once you've settled your affairs, head to the Watcher's Coast, and unlock the secrets of the Ancient Kings."