The Legendary Mage (Alavin)
Chapter 133

On the second day, the Skyborne Rivers and the Starlit Echoes arrived successively at Warriors' Vale.

Late that night, a solemn gathering commenced as the Eight Orders Commanders began their meeting. The Eight Orders Elders were stationed outside the hall, on high alert.

The true purpose of the so-called championship was actually a high-level meeting among the Eight Orders Commanders. They convened to discuss the interests and development of the Eight Orders, aiming to secure their position in the Northlands and form a counterbalance to the influence of the Five Lords of the Northlands.

In recent years, the Five Lords of the Northlands had become increasingly assertive, often suppressing the Eight Orders and forcing them to unite more closely.

The Cobalt Strike Commander even raised the matter of a strategic marriage alliance with Lord Viperbane, reminding each organization that the Five Lords might try to sow discord among the Eight Orders and to be prepared.

As the Commanders' secret meeting progressed, a list of Eight Orders Protégés participating in the competition was officially announced. There were eleven Advanced Mage Protégés. The Stellar Precepts alone boasted three, Bloodlore two, and the remaining organizations each had one Advanced Mage Protégé. Such a lineup put pressure on all the Protégés of the Eight Orders, as this year's championship seemed much stronger than previous ones.

The Eight Orders Protégés began to meet each other frequently, each trying to gauge the others' strengths and preparations. After all, every Protégé who came was aiming to make a name for themselves and to showcase their abilities at the championship.

The list also included a simple ranking of the eighty Protégés, with Alavin unsurprisingly placed at the eightieth position.

The top rank was held by Darron, the number one prodigy of the Stellar Precepts—a legend already renowned across the Northlands.

Other notable names high on the list included Bloodlore's Eyla, the Earthbound Spirits' Orland, and more.

Among the Novice Mage rankings, the Stellar Precepts' Jackar and Bloodlore's Arus were among those at the forefront.

Despite a formidable lineup, Cobalt Strike did not stand out in the Eight Orders' preliminary rankings. Roald and his peers felt the pressure, as this simple leaderboard was actually a prediction list. From beginning to end, Alavin never showed his face, hiding in his room and diligently practicing his magic. He did not underestimate the Eight Orders Protégés, nor did he assume he could easily break into the top ten. His strategy was to surprise everyone, making full use of his own advantages.

He not only wanted to earn the recognition of Cobalt Strike but also of the Eight Orders, to lay the foundation for his future path!

On the morning of the third day, the Clash of Eight Orders martial competition commenced as scheduled, held in the depths of the city fortress' training grounds. Although it was the championship of the Eight Orders, it was customary to invite many prominent families from Warriors' Vale to observe and bear witness.

As dawn broke, the city's young lords and ladies had already arrived in their finest attire, excitedly discussing and filling the stands.

These individuals were usually very arrogant, but at the site of The Clash of Eight Orders, they all behaved modestly, none daring to be excessively arrogant. In the lands of the Northlands, the Eight Orders held a very high status, on par with the Five Lords, and the Protégés of the organizations present at the championship were the elite talents, with vast potential for growth, not to be trifled with.

In the early morning, as the bell tolled, the Eight Orders Commanders personally led their Protégés to the training grounds, entering from eight different directions. Everyone in the stands rose to their feet. The atmosphere was charged with excitement and cheers as they strained to see the Eight Orders' lineup and discern their features.

"My old friends, please, please, come in," the old city lord warmly invited the Eight Orders Commanders to ascend to the high platform and take their seats on either side.

Over a hundred fully armed guards protected the main stage, separating them from the other spectators.

The eight Commanders wore smiles, seemingly having come to good terms over the past two days, engaging in cheerful conversation and not forgetting to praise each other's competing Protégés. The atmosphere appeared very harmonious.

The competing Protégés of the Eight Orders gathered at eight positions around the combat platform, observing each other, each filled with a high fighting spirit and formidable presence.

The stands teemed with hundreds and thousands of people, buzzing with lively discussions and pointing fingers. They had already learned about this year's Eight Orders lineup through their own channels, which was much stronger than in previous years, especially the Stellar Precepts, which had produced three Advanced Mage contenders, clearly aiming to dominate the top ranks. Each organization had Advanced Mage Protégés competing, and more than thirty Protégés had advanced to Stage IX for over a year.

Such a powerful lineup was rare in previous years, and the anticipation for this Clash of Eight Orders was high.

Of course, Alavin was an exception.

"Look there, the one in black-that's Alavin, the Novice Mage Stage VIII from Cobalt Strike."

"He's quite the handsome one, isn't he? Teehee."

"Is he really a servant? Doesn't seem like it with that bearing."