The Legendary Mage (Alavin)
Chapter 161

The Stone Ridge was already teeming with people, as thousands of citizens gathered among the crags and hills.

Noble houses from old lineages each claimed their spots, while common folk huddled together, and many powerful mages also came to watch the battle.

The Stone Ridge spread over a hundred miles, with a multitude of peaks and valleys in a barren land devoid of green trees and streams. Due to its unique environment, it was often chosen as the final battleground for The Clash of Eight Orders.

The air was filled with the clamor of voices and a mix of opinions as many grew impatient for the event to start.

Within the depths of the crowd, spies from the Five Great Houses were present, tasked with assessing the strength and potential of the top ten Protégés and meticulously recording the final five to relay the information back to their respective Houses posthaste.

When people from the Eight Orders arrived, cheer upon cheer echoed through the mountains as thousands strained to catch a glimpse of them.

The old lord took to the stage to introduce the top ten Protégés of The Clash of Eight Orders without any superfluous words, simply declaring, "First match, Novice Mage Protégé duel!"

Alavin was the first to step forward towards the hundred-meter-tall Stone Peak. "Cobalt Strike, Alavin, calls for battle!"

"He's the first to get on to the stage again; that lad has got guts."

"He's reached Stage IX; he might have a chance at the top five."

"He has to be this tournament's brightest star, right?"

"Jackar! Go! Alavin's a newly ascended Stage IX Protégé; his state must be unstable."

"Jevan, don't bring disgrace upon the Bloodlore. Crush Alavin. As a prodigy of Bloodlore, are you afraid to face a servant of Cobalt Strike?"

Various Protégés from the organizations discussed among themselves, some laughing and urging Jackar and Jevan on. Neither was keen on facing Alavin, but the atmosphere was fervent, and with pride at stake, they both clenched their teeth and prepared to take the stage.

"Wait!" Both Organizations' Protégés held them back simultaneously.

"What is it?"

"Look there."

From the ranks of Cobalt Strike, Cedrick strode forward and ascended the Stone Peak. "Cobalt Strike, Cedrick, accepts the challenge!"

"Hmm?" The five Elders of Cobalt Strike were taken aback. Why had Cedrick gone up?

The Protégés were visibly surprised. Were they fighting amongst themselves now? Could this be a tactic of Cobalt Strike to ensure one Protégé would make it to the top five?

Unlikely, as neither Alavin nor Cedrick seemed the type, nor would Cobalt Strike make a decision that could draw such criticism.

"I told you in the Sanctum of Mystical Scrolls that I wanted to test your fists." Cedrick stood atop the peak, his gaze burning with the light of battle, tearing off his shirt to reveal muscles as solid as iron. He hadn't come to the championship for fame; he was here to challenge the strongest Protégé from each organization. And Alavin had ignited his long-dormant fighting spirit.

"Is he serious?" Nikulas paused, having thought it was all in jest until now.

Felis and others frowned, muttering almost in unison, "Madmen, both of them!"

Alavin stared intently at Cedrick, his own fighting spirit flaring. "As you wish!"

"If we don't die, let's battle to the end! Alavin, don't disappoint me." Cedrick roared to the heavens, his hair standing on end, his eyes blazing like lightning.

Clang!! The iron blade seemed to shatter the void, a mysterious realm enveloping the Stone Peak in an instant, causing the entire mountain to quiver slightly.

"Such powerful blade force!" people exclaimed, witnessing Cedrick's true might.

"The soul of the blade, unleashed." Once again cold and stern, Cedrick's voice echoed above the Stone Peak. His eyes turned pitch black, void of whites, yet his body's battle aura blazed like real flames. He whispered eerily, "Alavin, stop me!"

The plain black blade now writhed with mist, like serpents slithering along its edge. Alavin's eyes flashed with cold light as the Dawnedge Blade sang into his hand, ready for battle.

Cedrick's iron blade, almost sentient, circled the sky before diving at Alavin. Blade energy rippled violently, and the sky seemed to split with dark lightning, a web of deathly blade light. The crowd gasped in awe. Full force from the start? Were they really going all out?

Alavin's eyes shot forth a cold glint as he raised his sword to strike back, unleashing eighteen beams of sword's energy in a dazzling display like a meteor shower against the heavens, brilliantly lighting the sky. Darkness and light clashed above. The sound of metal on metal rang out as the iron blade and the ancient sword collided, sending sparks flying everywhere.

After an exchange, both were forced back. The iron blade trembled in the air and dove again as Alavin landed and lunged forward to meet it.

Battling Cedrick required no distractions, just a single focus-fight! Alavin charged ahead with no fear!

The danger of such a fight was part of the thrill.

Alavin unleashed his full strength without reservation, shouting, "Fall of Eternity! Infinite Swords!"

The ancient sword burst forth with a blinding light that engulfed Alavin, obscuring him from view. Suddenly, a massive waterfall appeared to surge upward. It was a dance of sword light in the sky.