novelxo Chapter 207
"I've no time for idle chatter. From this day forth, we of the Mallister family shall no longer be hostages to the Cobalt Strike, nor shall my townsfolk of Stormcast be slaves in the Azure Mountain mines. This is a pardon written by the hand of the Commander himself." Alavin produced the pardon.
The Cobalt Strike Protégés stirred restlessly but were silenced by Vandill, who frowned at Alavin. "Where is Elder Connas?"
"They're likely still traipsing around the forest and should arrive in a day or two."
"Hand me the pardon," demanded Vandill, reaching out.
"No thank you. I'm merely here to inform you. The rest is not your concern."
"Hmph, how do I know this pardon is genuine?"
"Are you thinking of reneging? That's not very befitting of an Elder."
"Alavin, no matter what you've become or how you've changed, you've no right to be insolent in my presence. Guards, seize him!" Vandill would not retreat from Azure Mountain easily; he needed to ascertain the fate of those three hundred Protégés, await Elder Connas for the handover, and drive the two hundred thousand slaves into Cloudveil Woods.
"How dare you!!" Lucan bellowed as a thousand of his guards drew their swords, encircling Vandill and his men.
"Ha! You think you stand a chance?" Vandill laughed, and the Protégés laughed with him. Did Alavin and his people really think they were that capable?
The Mallister family's guards looked at each other, their morale faltering. They truly dared not harm a Cobalt Strike Protégé. The consequences would be dire.
The Mallister family looked on nervously, not understanding Alavin's intentions. Even with the Mallister family's pardon, it wasn't worth provoking an Elder. They couldn't bear the cost.
"Alavin?" Oda approached Alavin timidly, gripping his arm and urging him not to be rash. If Vandill was angered, who knew what punishment might befall them again? They'd finally been pardoned, and it wouldn't be smart to be punished anew.
"Fear not, I am here," Alavin reassured her, stepping towards Vandill and stopping ten paces away. "Elder Vandill, have you truly grown old, or do you fail to understand the situation? Azure Mountain is no longer under your rule, but mine."
"Pah, where's your arrogance coming from? Unless the Commander himself orders me, Azure Mountain is still under my control. Put away your worthless pardon." Vandill truly did not see Alavin as a threat, bu he was still puzzled about what had happened to those three hundred men.
"Since you don't recognize the pardon, there's no need for further words. Uncle Lucan, prepare to fight. You've been suppressed for eight long years, and it's time to end this. Show them the mettle of men, and with their blood, put an end to these eight years." Alavin's words cast a heavy silence over the scene.
Lucan, shocked, turned to stare at Alavin. "Slay them? Am I hearing this right?"
"Alavin, don't be rash." Helna panicked. Was he about to kill a Cobalt Strike Elder? There were surely other ways to vent their anger.
"My lord, think this through," Godfred and the others were astonished. Was this their young lord? His words of violence made them tremble in fear.
"Ha!?" Vandill laughed in disbelief. Alavin was just a Golden Protégé, a top contender in The Clash of Eight Orders. Was he so full of himself that he thought he was untouchable?
The Cobalt Strike Protégés exchanged looks of disbelief. Had Alavin lost his mind to suggest such a ludicrous plan?
Mariela stood in the ranks, silent, as did Balder, though his gaze was peculiar.
Alavin watched Vandill quietly, then let out a laugh. "Many of you have lorded over Azure Mountain for years, bullying women and children, and committing untold atrocities. Today, we settle the score. Do you not understand now?"
"My lord, stay calm. Killing them may feel satisfying, but how will we explain this to Cobalt Strike?" Lucan whispered urgently. There were many ways to seek revenge without resorting to such extreme measures. To harm a Cobalt Strike Elder was a crime more severe than any his parents had committed.