The Legendary Mage (Alavin)
Chapter 127

"The Earthbound Spirits!" Roald, who was leading the way, halted and furrowed his brow as he beheld the approaching party. The Earthbound Spirits were a formidable organization, second only to the Stellar Precepts in might. Their Protégés who entered the contests were universally strong, making them a powerful adversary for Cobalt Strike at this tea gathering. Furthermore, with their explosive power, they often excelled in the Novice Mage ranks, unrestricted by conventional limitations. With clever tactics, they could challenge and potentially defeat those of higher stages, just like Alavin, who, while at Stage V, had vanquished a Stage VII Galos with sheer brute force.

No organization wished to encounter them on the battleground.

"Are you Cobalt Strike?" The front-runner of the Earthbound Spirits squad stood firm. Each member was around two meters in height, exuding a forceful presence that was intimidating.

"I'm Roald from Cobalt Strike!" Roald responded with a salute.

"Who here is Celesse?" The Earthbound Spirits' leading Protégé, named Orland, an Advanced Mage of formidable strength, was tall and robust without being cumbersome, resembling a rock sculpture in both his steadfastness and his unyielding force.

How did they know of Celesse? Roald's frown deepened. "Celesse has ventured out for training and will not be partaking in the tea gathering."

"Is she afraid to come? Hmph, it's rare for Cobalt Strike to produce someone of note, yet she lacks the courage to show up."

"I will be your opponent!" Roald stepped forward, his aura blazing. His golden sword glinted brightly, as if sensing its master's will to battle. "You? Never heard of you," Orland said dismissively.

"Golden Protégé, Goldgrace Roald, Advanced Mage. I shall challenge you at the tea gathering." Roald declared on the spot, representing Cobalt Strike with an unwavering spirit, undaunted even by the fearsome Earthbound Spirits. On this front, Alavin, Cedrick, and others stood by him, stepping forward in unison.

"Oh? An Advanced Mage?" Orland gave him a few more glances, as did the nine Earthbound Spirits Protégés behind him, slightly surprised that Cobalt Strike's new generation boasted two Advanced Mage Protégés.

The elderly leader of the group interjected with a smile, "Let's get you registered first. There will be plenty of opportunities for friendly combat."

"Remember my name, Roald!" Roald passed by Orland, following the elder deeper into the manor.

Orland sneered, "Interesting. Cobalt Strike is making quite the entrance this time. Let's go and see what kind of lineup they've sent."

"

Leading his team into the hall, Roald found it to be a place of elegance and antiquity. At the center stood a table with an elder seated, keeping records. The elder glanced at them and began noting, "Is this the team from Cobalt Strike? State your ranks and how long you've been at your current stage.' "Roald, seventeen years old, Advanced Mage, Stage I, promoted two months ago."

"Felis, sixteen years old, Novice Mage, Stage IX, one and a half years."

"Semar, sixteen years old, Novice Mage, Stage IX, one and a half years."

"Admus, sixteen years old, Novice Mage, Stage IX, promoted one year and three months ago."

"Mariela, sixteen years old, Novice Mage, Stage IX, promoted eight months ago."

"Cedrick, sixteen, Novice Mage, Stage IX, promoted nine months ago."

Such details were usually kept secret, but The Clash of Eight Orders was, on the surface, a 'friendly martial exchange' of a benevolent nature. Thus, before each tea gathering began, Protégés from each organization would disclose their capabilities truthfully.

Felis, Semar, and Admus, these three Golden Protégés, had already been stable at Novice Mage Stage IX for over a year, almost stepping into the realm of Advanced Mages. With their talents, given the right opportunity, they could easily break through, and they were all just sixteen years old.

Orland and the others stood outside the hall, nodding slowly. This generation's Cobalt Strike Protégés were indeed strong, and not a single one was over eighteen.

The Clash of Eight Orders stipulated that competing Protégés must be under eighteen. However, it was common practice to present Protégés no older than seventeen, a testament to the potential of each organization and an unspoken agreement among the Eight Orders.

Myke and the others registered in turn, all fresh Novice Mage Stage IX. The recording Elder nodded in approval; Cobalt Strike's team was formidable indeed, with a good chance to vie for the top ten. If Cobalt Strike had brought their prodigious Protégé Celesse, it would have been even more thrilling. Yet, their deliberate choice to leave her behind likely stemmed from their own strategy.

But when it was Alavin's turn, the atmosphere in the hall grew tense.

"Alavin, fifteen years old, with thirty-three days until sixteen. Novice Mage, Stage VIII, promoted twenty days ago." Alavin reported calmly, then looked at the elder who had lifted his head in astonishment. "Is there a problem?"

"Stage VIII? Twenty days ago?" The old scribe thought he must have misheard.

"Indeed." Alavin calmly faced the bewildered stares of those around him.

"Ha ha!!" The protégés of the Earthbound Spirits outside the hall burst into laughter.

"Stage VIII? Is there not a single Stage IX Protégé available in Cobalt Strike? If it comes down to it, just grab an eighteen-year-old Stage IX, or force someone to advance if need be."

"What's the situation? Celesse won't come, well, fine then, but to bring a Stage VIII Protégé? Cobalt Strike, you've truly set a precedent for The Clash of Eight Orders, dragging down the level of the entire championship by a full Stage."