The Legendary Mage (Alavin)
Chapter 158

"Should you ever wish to visit Bloodlore, just mention my name," Eyla said as she accompanied the Commander out. "Thank you, farewell."

"Do you not fancy women?" Eyla suddenly turned back.

"What?"

Eyla waggled her finger. "The way you look at me is different from other men."

"I am still young. I have much to learn."

Eyla was taken aback, then laughed heartily, her laughter as enchanting as her presence.

Soon after, the news that the Bloodlore Commander had personally visited Alavin reached the ears of Commander Kashann.

The five Elders of Cobalt Strike were far from pleased.

"Commander, Alavin is ungrateful. He is using The Clash of Eight Orders as a guise to secretly contact Bloodlore. Does he intend to sell himself out? This is a betrayal of his order!"

"Indeed, Commander, we cannot ignore this matter. You are well aware of the sort of folk that dwell within the Bloodlore, much akin to Alavin in temperament-both ruthless and mad in their actions. Should Alavin join their ranks and gain a foothold among them, it's inevitable that he would oppose us at every turn, to the detriment of Cobalt Strike."

"I wonder if Alavin has ensnared the Bloodlore Commander's granddaughter?"

"Alas, Alavin bears a grudge against Cobalt Strike. When a common Protégé departs, it's usually of no consequence, but with Alavin's burgeoning potential... If he were to come into his power, he could very well become the next 'Neasilis.""

"Every Organization is watching the conflict between Alavin and Cobalt Strike. To poach Alavin is to not only take a Protégé of potential but also to arm oneself with a weapon that harbors a vendetta against Cobalt Strike."

Though the Eight Orders are allied, their competition never ceases in the shadows, particularly the Stellar Precepts and Bloodlore, the two strongest factions, both aspiring to control the other Organizations and claim dominion as the supreme leader.

The likes of Alavin must never be allowed to break away from Cobalt Strike.

As the Commander appeared unmoved, Elder Connas spoke in a hushed tone, "Commander, Alavin's murderous ways are more severe than we imagined. It's possible he slew Elder Jaslin's Elite Protégé Nysah and Botanic Haven Protégé Ogmundr. And we can be almost certain that the Grand Elder's Elite Protégé Trevas perished by his hand."

"Is there evidence?" The other Elders were visibly shaken.

"When Alavin went out to gather herbs, it was actually a scheme devised by Nysah. It's said she had a dispute with Alavin and planned to kill him with Ogmundr's aid. Yet only Alavin returned, and neither Ogmundr nor Nysah was seen again. Elder Jaslin didn't have enough proof, or she would not let Alavin off easily, but it's certain that he was involved. As for Trevas, I'm ninety percent sure Alavin was his killer. A masked figure with a sacred sword appeared in the forest, relentlessly pursuing Trevas. If not Alavin, then who? I suspect at least ten of Cobalt Strike's Protégés have met their end at Alavin's hands."

"By the gods!" Elder Marthew slammed his fist in outrage. To begin a massacre even before leaving Cobalt Strike? What future horrors might he bring? Commander Kashann, with his back to them and eyes closed, remained silent.

Elder Connas approached the Commander and suggested, "We could bring Alavin back to Cobalt Strike under the pretense of worsening injuries. On the journey, we could replace the opportunity to deal with him and claim it was due to his injuries being too grave to save."

"Do we need to resort to such measures?" questioned an Elder, contemplating the morality of secret execution.

"Alavin is too cunning. Perhaps he has stumbled upon some fortune and has been quietly growing stronger while posing as a servant, and secretly slaying fellow Protégés. Now, he's aligned with the Mollen family for The Clash of Eight Orders, striving to showcase his might and gain renown, drawing the interest of other Organizations. Such a schemer must not be given the chance to turn the tides, lest he becomes a great menace." Elder Connas, having lost hope in Adirich's willingness, felt compelled to step forward with the suggestion.

Another Elder still questioned, "We could punish Alavin, imprison him, even cripple his powers. But... to kill him, what would the other Organizations think?"

Elder Connas scoffed, "Since when does Cobalt Strike concern itself with the opinions of others?"

An Elder spoke sternly, "Commander, if Alavin truly did slay Nysah and Trevas among others, our Organization's laws demand the harshest of punishments."

Elder Marthew spoke gravely, "I request we capture Alavin first and interrogate him rigorously!! If he harbors ill intent and has indeed assassinated fellow Protégés, we must not be lenient."

"There's no need for further discussion," Commander Kashann interjected.

"We beseech you to reconsider," all the Elders implored in unison, bowing their heads.

"Leave me. I will deal with this," the Commander stood alone in the chamber, eyes closed in deep contemplation for a long while.