The Legendary Mage (Alavin)

In the dead of night, deep within the forest, five hundred Cobalt Strike Protégés received a secret summon. They were all disciples of the Grand Elder's faction, warriors not afraid of death, and honed by the wilderness. They rarely returned to the Organization unless called upon.

Under the cover of darkness, three hundred Protégés discarded their usual attire, concealing the insignia of Cobalt Strike. They disheveled their hair and tore their clothes, masquerading as bandits. "The Grand Elder has fostered your strength for years, and now it's time for you to serve," the shadow-clad leader announced. "Remember your creed; absolute loyalty to the Grand Elder and only to the Grand Elder. This mission is to be kept secret, and its memory will be forgotten forever afterward."

"Our target is Azure Mountain! The first group of one hundred bandits shall slaughter every member of the Mallister family, the second group shall hold off the Mallister guards, and the third group... ignite... plunder... slay the miners..."

"Depart!"

With a cold command, the shadowy figure vanished into the dark thicket.

The three hundred Protégés masked their faces, exchanged glances, and dispersed in groups. They sprinted through the woods like arrows loosed from their bows, silent yet brimming with lethal intent.

Further in the forest, at a designated valley, Balder awaited his troopst, five hundred assassins from the Mollen family called The Silent Blade!

They had traveled day and night, arriving breathless and weary. Their eyes were sharp, and their aura deadly, like drawn swords ready to strike. They all wore the same masks, white with black patterns, eerie and sinister.

"Sir! All five hundred assassins of The Silent Blade are at your command, ordered by the family head to follow your lead," declared the leader, a man of imposing presence who knelt on one knee and handed 'The Silent Blade' token to Balder.

As the Mollen family's most elite assassination squad, they were usually on missions far from home. Now, they had been summoned by direct order from the family head five days ago to hasten to Cloudveil Woods and rendezvous with Balder, who was far off at Cobalt Strike. The purpose of their mission remained unspoken.

Balder, devoid of his usual smile, was stern and cold. "Remove your family crests and take off your masks! We depart immediately for Azure Mountain!"

"Please instruct us, Sir!"

With a glint of determination in his eyes, Balder commanded, "Save lives, and take lives!"

"Move out!" bellowed the captain, and without a moment's rest, the company commenced their march.

The following morning, a contingent from Cobalt Strike assembled outside the mountain gate, waiting for Alavin. They were to accompany Alavin to Azure Mountain, ensuring safety en route and coordinating with Elder Vandill at the mining district.

Though it was a routine arrangement, Alavin couldn't help but be on guard when he saw the members of the group. This team, consisting of only fifty people, was primarily from the Grand Elder faction, including the leader, Elder Connas, and another member, Adirich.

Elder Connas bluntly stated, "Don't overthink it. We mean you no harm; we're here to liaise with Vandill. Elder Vandill is known for his temper. Others might falter, but I can handle the situation and save us some trouble."

Standing on the stone steps of the mountain gate, Alavin demanded, "Where's the pardon writ?"

"It's with me."

"Hand it over."

"It's safer with me."

"I am the lord of Stormcast. It is my duty to make the proclamation. Don't you think?" Alavin retorted without courtesy.

Elder Connas exchanged a hard look with Alavin, who did not flinch.

After a tense moment, Elder Connas relinquished the pardon writ and tossed it to Alavin. "Even though you're now a Golden Protégé, remember you're still but a Novice Mage Stage IX. A little humility would serve you well."

Adirich added, "Don't bite the hand that feeds you. Do you think I want to accompany you to Azure Mountain?"