The Legendary Mage (Alavin)
Chapter 39

Alavin chuckled with ease. "Didn't the Commander hold a Spar in your honor at the Cobalt Peak? How has it ended so soon?"

"It should be over by now." The maiden's garments fluttered as she moved with a light step, coming to Alavin's side and sitting upon the stone bench.

She sat quietly, gazing at the night sky brimming with stars. Her demeanor was graceful, akin to a blooming tulip, rich and fragrant.

Celesse, the pride of Cobalt Strike, was one of the five illustrious Golden Protégés. She was also the object of countless Protégés' admiration.

Normally, she would hide her stunning beauty behind a veil, seldom showing a smile. But tonight, she had removed her veil, revealing her true face. Her skin was like silk, her eyes like deep pools of autumn, her nose sculpted, her lips moist and red, and her teeth like pearls. She possessed a beauty that could take one's breath away, like a celestial maiden descended from the heavens.

Alavin gazed upon Celesse's perfect profile, pleased for her. "Congratulations on advancing to an Advanced Mage. Are you happy?"

Celesse tapped her fingers lightly, her lips pursing slightly. "I was quite happy when I broke through, but slowly, my heart has calmed. In truth, it's nothing to be proud of. We Mages are like the stars in the sky, countless, all striving to shine. Every star that thinks itself bright will eventually replace another that shines brighter."

"That's precisely why this world is so full of wonder, isn't it?"

Celesse's smile was gentle, brightening the dark night. Only in front of Alavin, would she be so relaxed and casual. "Thank you for the Combat Magic you sent me. Without it, I wouldn't have advanced so quickly."

"That Combat Magic is quite demanding. I only gave you the first phrase. Now that you're an Advanced Mage, you might try the second phrase." Alavin produced the Grand Arcanum of the Blade.

"I haven't truly practiced the first phrase; I've only drawn new insights from it."

"Why not practice it?"

"It resists me."

"What?"

"It's just a sheet, but there's a strange feeling in the words... it seems to resist me."

Alavin was surprised. Resistance? Could it be that the Grand Arcanum of the Blade's mysteries lay not in the tome itself, but in the words within?

"Where did you get this? This set of Combat Magic should be Master-level, or even higher." Celesse hadn't practiced it, but she had studied it carefully.

"The old man gave it to me before he left."

"Where did he go?"

"I wish I knew. He left without a word." Alavin shrugged.

"Since it's a gift from the old man, it belongs to you now." Celesse pushed the Arcanum back to Alavin. "Its techniques are profound and unique, unlike any standard Sword Skill of Cobalt Strike. When you have mastered it, you could give me some insights."

"Alright."

"Were you just practicing Combat Magic?" Celesse had been watching Alavin for a while. The boiling lightning, the robust Shockwave Cobra, and the intense brilliance, all formed a stunning picture. She could hardly believe this was the Alavin she knew.

Alavin hesitated. "I killed Nysah and Ogmundr."

"The herb gathering that happened some time ago?" Celesse was calm.

Alavin briefly recounted the events in the forest. "I traded the Gold-Veined Bronzesword of Ogmundr for a set of Combat Magic."

"The Gold-Veined Bronzesword is one of the treasured blades of Botanic Haven. If those mercenaries show off too much, Botanic Haven might trace it back to you."

"Don't worry, I'll just say I found it. I'm scarred from head to toe. I'm not afraid of anyone."

Celesse laughed softly, shaking her head. "Do you want to know what was said at the Spar today?"

"Apart from some encouraging words, what else could there be?" Alavin lay back on the stone.

"The Commander asked what gift I wanted, and I said to release you from your servitude and promote you to Senior Protégé."

"Really?" Alavin sat up again, just having laid down.

"The Commander didn't agree, nor did he refuse. He might be seriously considering it. Since it involves the Grand Elder, the Commander has to be mindful of his dignity."

Celesse had strived to reach Advanced Mage in hopes of helping Alavin escape his servitude. At the Spar, when the Commander asked her what she wanted, she spoke without thinking. But she didn't expect the Commander to hesitate, and the other Elders to remain silent. Of course, it wasn't the Commander who punished Alavin, but the Grand Elder. The Commander's hesitation and the other Elders' silence suggested that the Grand Elder still harbored resentment over the past and was not willing to let go.

It'd been eight years! Eight long years, and they still couldn't forgive him?