The Legendary Mage (Alavin)
Chapter 188

At that moment, Elder Jaslin entered the Grand Hall of Azure Peak, glanced at Alavin, and took a seat opposite him, greeting, "Alavin." Alavin looked up. "Elder Jaslin."

"In less than a year, you've advanced to Novice Mage Stage IX. How did you manage that?" Jaslin, nearly forty but still captivating, was the most beautiful among the five female Elders of Cobalt Strike. She had an exceptional air about her, and many middle-aged Protégés harbored affection for her.

"Fortune."

"Is that how you address an Elder?"

"Do you remember now that I am a Protégé of Cobalt Strike? You didn't seem to think so in the past."

Jaslin had no interest in bantering and asked directly, "Where is Nysah?"

"You're asking the wrong person," Alavin replied, calm and indifferent.

"Whether I am or not, you know the answer," she pressed.

The Elders turned to Jaslin. They were aware that Jaslin's favored pupil, Nysah, had vanished, but few knew why. Today, Jaslin's words suggested a connection to Alavin.

Jaslin looked into Alavin's eyes. "Nysah is missing, as is Ogmundr, a Protégé of Botanic Haven. The entire foraging squad they were with has disappeared."

"Having not returned for months, they are likely dead. My condolences, Elder Jaslin."

"I heard they were tracking you."

"I was strolling through the nearby woods, and fortune smiled upon me as I stumbled upon a few treasures. Whether anyone was tracking me or not, I couldn't say." "I've heard that you have a grudge against Nysah?"

"Do I? That's news to me."

"And I've also heard that it was Nysah who arranged for you to join the herbal gathering expedition?" Elder Jaslin had been well informed by Tyral, but some matters couldn't be discussed openly, especially not the rumor that Nysah had set out to slay Alavin.

"Rumors, rumors, who have you been listening to? Elder Jaslin, you mustn't be so quick to judge without knowing the full story."

Jaslin's gaze turned icy as she suddenly flung a longsword that clanged as it embedded itself in the table beside Alavin.

It's the Gold-Veined Bronzesword!

Alavin glanced at it, his demeanor as calm as ever.

"This is the Gold-Veined Bronzesword, Ogmundr's personal weapon. Ogmundr,is dead, and yet the Gold-Veined Bronzesword ended up in the hands of a band of mercenaries."

"It seems you've been investigating. Nysah's spirit must be touched," Alavin scoffed.

"Their captain wielded the Combat Magic known as Indigo Viper."

"I'm not sure I follow your meaning."

"Somebody used the Gold-Veined Bronzesword to trade for that mercenary captain's Combat Magic, known as the Indigo Viper!"

The Elders were shaken, and all eyes were on Alavin. Could it be that Alavin had slain Ogmundr's herbal gathering party? That would be a grave sin!

Alavin spoke plainly, "I did it."

"You admit it?" Jaslin's expression turned frosty.

"I found a sword on the road, encountered a group of mercenaries, and fancied the captain's Combat Magic enough to trade on a whim. Apologies, I didn't know it belonged to Ogmundr. Had I known... well... I would have traded anyway." Alavin gave her a cold glance.

Bang!! Jaslin slammed her fist on the table, glaring at Alavin. "Do you think being a Golden Protégé means you can flout the Organization's rules?"

"Am I breaking the Organization's rules by picking something up? By not recognizing the Gold-Veined Bronzesword? You mourn your fallen disciple, but what's that to me? Don't pin a crime on me without evidence."

The Elders' faces showed their disapproval of this attitude. "Alavin, you are not yet a Golden Protégé, so don't be too arrogant," Elder Connas coolly reminded.

"If there's evidence, I'll admit my guilt. Without it, don't bother me, and don't try to lord your Elder status over me. I haven't bowed in eight years, and I won't start now." Alavin suddenly smiled, looking straight into Jaslin Elder's eyes. "I often say, if you can, then kill me. If you can't, I will never bow my head."

Jaslin was seething with rage, nearly striking Alavin down in her anger.

The Elders wore strange expressions, observing Alavin meaningfully. They had always heard that this young man was fierce, resolute, and stubborn. Today, they had seen it firsthand.