The Legendary Mage (Alavin)
Chapter 135

The maiden watched Alavin with a smirk that wasn't quite a smile, playfully blinking her eyes at him. The other Protégés of Bloodlore watched closely. Their gazes were fixed in Alavin's direction, and a few ever began to show interest. They hadn't yet decided who to challenge at this gathering of the guilds over tea. Perhaps Cobalt Strike would be their target?

Their grinning faces made the members of Cobalt Strike feel even more uneasy, while the other guilds were secretly pleased; with Bloodlore preoccupied with Cobalt Strike, their own teams would be under less pressure.

The five Elders of Cobalt Strike were puzzled what was going on? It seemed Bloodlore had set their sights on them. Dealing with the Earthbound Spirits was headache enough, and now Bloodlore, too? How could they possibly stand a chance?

At that moment, the small fox that had been nestled in the maiden's arms leaped away, deftly darting through the crowd until it reached the ranks of Cobalt Strike. The creature moved with a light and ethereal grace, its fluffy fur resembling a little cloud. Unconcerned with propriety, it jumped onto Alavin's shoulder, its moist little nose sniffing at him before it revealed a delighted smile, seemingly quite fond of Alavin's scent.

Alavin reached out to touch the fox's nose gently, but the little creature playfully scratched at his hand, as if urging him for more Restoration Aether.

"Eh? Eyla, what's going on?" the Protégés of Bloodlore murmured in surprise. The young lady's magical pet had run over to Alavin and seemed quite affectionate.

The other guilds were also taken aback; the little fox was known to belong to Eyla, so why had it made its way to Alavin?

Roald and his companions were even more baffled-what in the world was happening?

Eyla whistled, beckoning to the fox, but the little fox ignored her, perched on Alavin's shoulder, insistently nudging him with its bright, sparkling eyes.

The crowd grew more curious, their attention drifting towards this unexpected scene in the grand arena.

"Commander Jarad, does your precious granddaughter know that lad?" a Commander inquired from the main platform, speaking to an elder beside him.

The Bloodlore Commander was bewildered. The little fox was a Solar Fox, a creature of high spirit and pride. Aside from Eyla, it allowed no other to touch it-why, then would it approach a stranger? Commander of Cobalt Strike, fearing more chaos, made a calm suggestion, "Lord Doramon, perhaps it is time to begin."

"Indeed." The old Lord of Warriors' Vale rose to his feet, exchanging pleasantries before loudly declaring, "The Championship shall now commence!"

His call ignited the atmosphere, and a thousand eyes focused intently on the dueling platform, eager for the start of the contest.

"Alavin!!" With a roar, the Earthbound Spirits' Protégé Tarner leaped onto the platform, pointing at Alavin from afar. He couldn't wait any longer; he wanted to be the first to crush Alavin.

Alavin nudged the little fox, which reluctantly left his shoulder and returned to the Bloodlore ranks.

"His name is Tarner, much stronger than Marak, whom you faced the other day," Cedrick warned Alavin.

Adirich smirked sardonically. "The Earthbound Spirits have sized you up and vowed to repay Marak's injuries twofold. Be prepared and try to hold out as long as you can; don't be too quick to fall." "Remember, you represent Cobalt Strike!" Roald also reminded Alavin, urging him to put up a fight, however brief.

Alavin remained silent, stepping onto the dueling platform.

"The first bout of the tournament promises to be interesting."

"It's rare for someone to provoke the Earthbound Spirits before the contest even begins. That lad has invited trouble for Cobalt Strike; they won't let them off lightly."

"Alavin is a mere servant of Stage VIII. Cobalt Strike has provided this year's Championship with some amusement."

"I sense there's more to it. What do you think, could he surprise us?"

"Tarner is powerful; the Earthbound Spirits chose him for his certainty of victory. No matter what tricks Alavin tries, he'll likely fail."

The Protégés from various guilds watched Alavin with interest, most seeing him for the first time.

The spectators in the stands were also eager, most having heard of the incident three days prior.

"Let this be a fair match, and take care not to harm each other," a solemn middle-aged warrior reminded Tarner and Alavin from his seat on the platform.

"The Earthbound Spirits, Tarner!" Tarner shouted from across the distance, raising his fist in challenge to Alavin.

"Cobalt Strike, Alavin!" Alavin stood at the edge of the platform, not venturing far inward.

"Are you prepared?" Tarner was clearly impatient.

"Proceed!" With a brief warm-up, Alavin took a deep breath, let it out slowly, and unexpectedly closed his eyes before the watching crowd, his right hand tightening with a creak. "What is he doing?"

"Praying?"

"Is he too afraid to step forward? Why stand so close to the edge?"