The Legendary Mage (Alavin)
Chapter 183

Elder Marthew watched the grand procession approaching and let out a sigh of relief, his face breaking into a smile. "At last, we've returned."

"So many people." Adirich's expression dimmed slightly, unable to muster the same joy. They averted their gaze, slowed their pace, and deliberately fell behind.

Roald seemed calm on the surface, walking with Elder Marthew toward the welcoming party, but inside, Roald was anything but serene, fearing the intense gaze of admiration from the Protégés and Elders and struggling to maintain his composure.

"Commander! You've returned at last!" The Elders greeted them.

"A minor setback delayed us on the road; let's head back to the Organization first."

The Elders quickly signaled for the Protégés to make way, smiling as they asked, "How did we fare? Roald and the others must have done Cobalt Strike proud, right?"

The crowd of excited Protégés cheered and called out.

"Who made the top five? How many are in the top ten?"

"Roald, you must be in the top five; I'm proud of you."

"Semar, how did it go? Say something."

"Why the silence? Don't keep us in suspense; we can't wait any longer."

"Who made the top five?"

"Who is the hero of Cobalt Strike?"

The Commander smiled faintly, replying as he walked, "This year, every Organization had many exceptional Protégés. There were eleven Advanced Mages."

"Eleven?" The crowd gasped in disbelief, exchanging incredulous glances. Protégés on the outskirts eagerly asked, "What? What did he say? Pass it to the back; I can't hear."

"Commander, what about us...?" The welcoming Elders quickly inquired.

"Cobalt Strike stood out with one in the top five and another in the top ten. The tournament was spectacular."

"Wow!" A thousand Protégés cheered collectively.

Top five? Top ten? Ha, splendid! It had been three seasons since Cobalt Strike had anyone in the top ten, and now they could finally hold their heads high.

Such results were an inspiration to all the new-generation Protégés of Cobalt Strike. Who would dare say their generation fell short now? Celesse didn't even compete, and they still secured a top-five position. Had Celesse entered, would they not have claimed two spots in the top five?

Energizing! Thrilling!

Roald and the others, their faces flushed with heat, felt too embarrassed to lift their heads.

Suddenly, someone in the crowd shouted, "Come on, let's lift Roald up high!"

"Roald! Roald!" The crowd erupted in excited cheers.

"Roald, your mentor would be proud of you." The welcoming Elders nodded at Roald. This honor, being even more prestigious than the 'Golden Protégé,' was sure to make a name in the Northlands, promising a limitless future and validating their investment and high hopes in Roald.

An Elder in high spirits asked, "Commander, how shall we celebrate?"

"We should indeed celebrate properly." Commander Kashann turned and gestured to Alavin. "Alavin, don't stand back there."

"Alavin?" The welcoming Elders looked puzzled.

Alavin stepped forward. "Commander."

Commander Kashann nodded. "Go rest for now; tonight at the summit's Cloud Peak Hall, we'll discuss your new rank as a Golden Protégé and the matters of Azure Mountain."

"Thank you, Commander," Alavin expressed his gratitude.

The Commander introduced him to those around, "This year's top five contender at the Clash of Eight Orders was Alavin! Named by the Eight Orders Commanders as the Shadowlord's Messenger!" The excited atmosphere instantly quieted down, and the Protégés in the back whispered urgently, "Who? Who is it?"

"Commander, what did you just say?" The welcoming Elders thought they had misheard.

"Alavin! In the top five! Cedrick was in the top ten! They have won the honor for Cobalt Strike and are our pride." With those words, the Commander ascended the stone steps and entered the mountain gate. Alavin, Cedrick, Mariela, Balder, and others, all carrying their packs, entered the Organization. Roald, unable to bear it any longer, quickened his pace with a stern face, without a word.

"Elder Connas, Alavin? In the top five?" The Elders still couldn't believe it and repeated it over and over.

Elder Connas' face was stern. "Was the Commander not clear enough? At this championship, Alavin made it to the top five, and Cedrick to the top ten. The Eight Orders Commanders have named Alavin... Shadowlord's Messenger!"

This time, the mountain gate fell completely silent. Everyone stopped in their tracks with mouths agape, exchanging looks of disbelief. "Alavin? Did I really hear that right?"

Soon after Alavin and the others returned to the Organization, Cobalt Strike was completely astir.

"Alavin shone brightly in The Clash of Eight Orders, battling through two rounds to reach the top ten."

"Cedrick defeated three Protégés from the Stellar Precepts, standing alone against three, remarkably reaching the top ten."

"Alavin defeated Cedrick, advancing into the top five."

"Alavin, Novice Mage Stage IX."

"Named by the Eight Orders as the Shadowlord's Messenger!"

"Alavin received cordial invitations from the Bloodlore and the Earthbound Spirits."

"The Bloodlore Commander wishes to take Alavin as an Elite Protégé."

"The brightest star of this championship was none other than Alavin."

Word of this spread like wildfire through the entire Organization, causing a sensation from the highest to the lowest ranks. Whether Elder or Protégé, all were shocked and struggled to accept it. "Alavin? Impossible!"

"This is preposterous!"

Since when did the Clash of Eight Orders fall to such a state that even a servant could make it into the top five?