The Legendary Mage (Alavin)

'The Silent Blade,' the elite assassins of the Mollen family, were feared by many! He dared not move recklessly, as stepping out would mean certain death.

"The Mollen family actually goes against Cobalt Strike over someone like Alavin," Garrat ground his teeth in frustration.

"Continue the search!" Balder commanded.

'The Silent Blade' dispersed to conduct a thorough hunt. The fierce battle had cost them over eighty lives. Although they held the upper hand, the Cobalt Strike Protégés had resisted fiercely, and to have lost only eighty was already fortunate.

Lucan watched as 'The Silent Blade' departed, finally allowing himself a sigh of relief. He had feared they would become another threat, harboring ulterior motives. "Thank you! I will not forget this debt of life- saving grace!"

"No need for thanks, I am a friend of Alavin," Balder explained, having deliberately dispersed his troops to ease Lucan's mind, sensing his wariness.

"We're still a bit confused. Could you please clarify further?" Helna approached, Alavin's fate weighing on her heart.

Balder recounted everything that had transpired over the past few months with Alavin, putting the minds of these tormented souls at ease.

The Mallister family and Lucan listened in silence, feeling as if they were in a dream.

Could this be true? Had their young lord become a Golden Protégé? Had the Mallister family been pardoned? Had Stormcast been forgiven? There was no excitement, no cheering, only doubt and fear that it might all end in disappointment.

"When will my brother arrive?" Oda asked anxiously, eager to see Alavin. She would believe in the truth only with Alavin's personal confirmation. "He should be on his way. Don't worry."

"Since the Grand Elder dared to tamper with Azure Mountain, would he let Alavin live?" Korb coughed weakly, his hair gray and his figure frail.

"Rest assured, Alavin has his ways," Balder consoled. "The lad's as slippery as an eel. He'll be fine."

"Lord Balder, may I have a word?" Lucan led Balder aside, whispering, "We appreciate your help, but if Cobalt Strike finds out about this, won't the Mollen family be in danger?"

"The Mollen family may fear Cobalt Strike, but we do not fear the Grand Elder," Balder said with an easy smile. If the Mollen family chose to make this decision, they were prepared for all eventualities. Lucan nodded, understanding the situation.

"We'll finish our search and then go into hiding. The rest is up to you to negotiate. Just say you were ambushed by bandits and that you handled it all by yourselves." While Balder wasn't afraid, it was still best to avoid trouble where possible.

Deep within the mining district.

Vandill and his group were puzzled. Was it over? Why hadn't Lucan returned yet?

"Elder, should we send someone to check on them?" A worried Protégé beside him suggested.

"Let's wait a bit longer," Vandill said, frowning into the distance.

"Wait longer for what?" Godfred couldn't hold back his frustration.

"I said, wait longer!" Vandill shot back with a glare.

"Fine!" Godfred gritted his teeth.

They waited a while longer, and before they knew it, half an hour had passed. The distant battle had ended some time ago, but Lucan and his group had yet to return.

Elder Vandill himself grew uneasy. "Take ten men, and find out what's happening, but be cautious. If there's trouble, return immediately to report to me."

The ten Protégés exchanged glances and dispersed, rushing westward.

"We'll go as well." Godfred started to organize his troops.

"Did I give you permission to leave?" Vandill turned with a cold gaze, his voice a chilling rebuke. "Without my command, no one moves."