The Legendary Mage (Alavin)
Chapter 392

Ten towering statues of the Kings were erected outside the outer walls of the city, each occupying a different direction, while five were positioned outside the inner walls, and three stood sentinel within the city's Keep. They returned to silence, appearing as mere statues, yet they were crafted with such lifelike detail and divine skill that they seemed to breathe. Standing tall and dignified, their gazes stretched into the distance, guarding the ancient city.

The citizens of Stormcast gathered at the feet of these statues, kneeling in prayer, giving thanks for their divine intervention in the final moments, and beseeching their continued protection over Stormcast. Though the ancient city lay in ruins, with only a third still intact, the people felt an unprecedented sense of safety. No longer would they worry or fear; from this day forward, they could live their lives in peace, free from oppression.

The Grand Elder had fallen into despair, abandoning all futile struggles, and allowed the statues to dominate him. "Kill me! I have nothing more to say!" he declared.

At this point, there was little left to discuss.

Alavin's gaze was icy as he looked upon the Grand Elder, a wry smile tugging at his lips. "You think death will absolve you of everything? It won't be that easy!"

"You expect an apology? Save it! You were just luckier than me, nothing more!" The Grand Elder turned his head away, refusing to look at Alavin. He had no regrets for his actions. It was simply a case of the victor and the vanquished.

"An apology, and even your death, would not quench the hatred in my heart," Alavin signaled to the statues.

Soon after...

The statues forced the Grand Elder to kneel before the graves of Alavin's parents, and petrification started from his legs up, rapidly spreading through his entire body. He struggled in anger. To kneel, to bow- this was a fate worse than death. "You bastard, end it swiftly! Don't humiliate me like this."

"Swiftly? You're not worthy of that!" Alavin grabbed his hair, forcing him to look up at the dull night sky. "Did you ever think this day would come? As good begets good, evil reaps its punishment. Look up and see. The heavens spare no one! From today forth, you will kneel before my parents' graves, before the Keep of Stormcast, and atone for your sins with an eternity of penance!"

The Grand Elder's body was already half petrified, losing both his sensation and magic as the stony seal spread across him like a spider's web. "Alavin! I admit defeat. Grant me a swift end!"

He was the mighty Grand Elder, who, even in this state, maintained his pride. How could he bear such humiliation?

The disgrace was unbearable!

"Are you in fear now? I should let all of the Organization's Protégés witness your current expression!"

"Alavin... you bastard..."

Alavin laughed, though tears blurred his vision. "Father, mother, look who kneels before you!"

Many gathered inside and outside the courtyard, yet in that moment, silence reigned. No one stepped forward to intervene, as such a man deserved his fate. They all felt an inexplicable sorrow listening to Alavin's laughter; he had endured so much for nine long years. Who could understand the bitterness in his heart or the pressure he faced? They had seen his transformation, but who could've known the darkness he had withstood within his cocoon?

The Grand Elder's expression twisted in pain and fury, no longer able to remain composed. "Don't be too pleased with yourself," he warned. "You think intimidating the Northlands will secure the Kings' Acceptance? Naïve. Beyond the skies, there's a Royal Realm. The death of an Elder from the Blessed Citadel will not go unanswered. Your arrogance will be short-lived."

"With your pitiful dreams, you will kneel eternally before my parents, atoning for your past atrocities. I will erect a statue of you at Cobalt Strike, kneeling upon the peak of Cobalt Mountain, cursed by all of the Organization! Reflect on your life, behold your present, and know that it's your own madness that sealed your legacy of infamy." Alavin forced the Grand Elder's head down in a bow to his parents.

"I hate... I despise..." The Grand Elder, in agony, began to scream as the petrification spread like venomous snakes, covering his face, creeping into his mouth and nostrils, and surging into his organs. His final screams turned to gurgles as his tongue and throat petrified. He struggled to lift his head one last time, but Alavin pressed down firmly. "Father, mother... I have avenged you..."

With a final crack, the Grand Elder's form was frozen, kneeling, face contorted, mouth agape, eyes wide, entirely turned to stone.

The Mallister family moved to stand behind Alavin, silently observing the twin graves. They stood with folded arms and teary eyes. Rest now. We shall all live well, forevermore.

Lucan and the other guards of the Mallister family knelt in turn, paying homage to their Lord and Lady. The great vengeance had been fulfilled; it was time for them to rest in peace. Onlookers quietly left the yard, leaving the family in solitude. At this moment, outsiders could not fathom their grief.