The Legendary Mage (Alavin)

On the second day, the Commander summoned Neasilis and Marak to the grand hall atop the main peak.

"Have you made your decision, brother?" Neasilis asked with a smile, looking at the several Elders present in the hall.

"I'd like to hear your thoughts once more," the Commander gestured for the Protégés to serve water before asking everyone to leave.

Neasilis' smile deepened as he leisurely sipped his water, exchanging a knowing glance with Marak at his side.

"Let's skip the pleasantries. Yesterday, Lord Marak fell head over heels for Celesse at first sight, smitten with affection. Both of them are well-matched in status and talents, and they share mutual fondness. I wish to seize this opportunity to arrange their marriage, to celebrate this union of love."

"What dowry does Lord Viperbane intend to offer?" The Commander asked, taking a sip from his tea cup.

Unable to contain his excitement, Marak cleared his throat and sat upright. "Whatever gifts you ask for, Commander, we of Lord Viperbane's house will strive to satisfy and ensure Celesse is wed into Lord Viperbane's home with honor."

Neasilis spoke, "With this alliance, our houses will become kin. Your affairs will become ours, and we shall advance together, conspiring for mutual prosperity."

"That sounds promising, but we currently face no troubles," the Commander remarked to the other Elders.

The Elders exchanged looks and feigned ignorance. "What trouble could be so great that we would marry off our girl to overcome it? None that we know of." "There are no outsiders here, let's speak plainly. The threat of Botanic Haven..."

The portly Elder feigned surprise. "What about Botanic Haven?"

Neasilis maintained his smile as he observed them. "The matter concerning the previous Cobalt Strike Commander."

"Our former Cobalt Strike Commander lived an honorable life, never committing unrighteous deeds."

As Neasilis' smile slowly faded, Marak sensed something was amiss.

The Commander said calmly, "I hold Lord Marak in high regard, but the matter of the alliance must be considered carefully." "Must we speak so frankly? If the threat of Botanic Haven isn't addressed, Cobalt Strike could face danger at any moment."

The portly Elder replied, "I really don't see what threat Botanic Haven poses."

"Don't take risks. If word of this gets out..."

A female Elder scoffed with a hint of warning in her voice, "Neasilis, fabricating accusations against your own order won't be believed by outsiders. They might even question your character."

"Do you truly believe you can keep the secret of Botanic Haven?" Neasilis' gaze turned cold as he realized Cobalt Strike was blatantly denying Botanic Haven's secret.

"I really don't know of any secret in Botanic Haven, but if you're referring to last night's strange noises, I can tell you it was an Elder injured during training, nothing more."

Marak spoke gravely, "Commander, do not jest with the fate of Cobalt Strike."

Neasilis signaled Marak to be patient. "Would you dare take me to Botanic Haven to see for myself?"

"Please!" The Commander stood and led the Elders out of the grand hall.

Soon, they arrived at Botanic Haven, at the spot where the suppression had taken place. The pit had been filled in, and the chains and boulders were gone. Neasilis walked around, frowning. No trace of the Rune of Abandonment Lock could be found; it seemed completely erased.

Had it been moved elsewhere?

Impossible!

Only the magic of Botanic Haven within Cobalt Strike could sustain the enchantment, and redeploying it elsewhere would require immense resources and manpower, not something that could be done silently. Could it have been destroyed?

Equally impossible!

Cobalt Strike couldn't bear that responsibility; otherwise, they would have executed the Chained Spirit long ago, and not kept it imprisoned.

The female Elder reminded him again, "No one will believe a defector's accusations against his order. Be mindful of your actions."

"Lord Marak, please forgive our poor hospitality. I have matters to attend to; I bid you farewell." the Commander left abruptly, showing no interest in further hosting.

"Arrange for a few people to see our guests out," the Elders said with a cold laugh, leaving one by one.

Soon, only a few stern-faced middle-aged Protégés remained to watch over them.

"What's going on?" Marak's expression soured, puzzled at how Cobalt Strike's demeanor had changed overnight, seemingly confident and unafraid of any threat from Lord Viperbane.

"Let's head back for now. This secret isn't something that can be resolved with tricks; something must have happened," Neasilis, who had spies within Cobalt Strike, instructed them to investigate in secret. "Are we just leaving?" Marak hadn't secured the marriage agreement, nor had he brought up Mariela's issue.

"We will return. Trust me," Neasilis reassured Marak, departing with a stern face.

Atop Botanic Haven, the Commander stood with hands behind his back, watching Neasilis and the others leave. His expression was far from relaxed.

The Elder of Botanic Haven slowly approached, "Don't worry, the Chained Spirit has been moved. I will inform you once everything is settled."

"Much obliged," the Commander said to the elder with great courtesy. In all of Cobalt Strike, there was only one person who could command such respect and absolute trust from him. Since the Elder had spoken, he had no choice but to believe.

"Leave the Chained Spirit matter to me, and deal with Lord Viperbane yourself. They will not rest easy."

"Cobalt Strike has not fallen so far as to be at anyone's mercy."

...

In the blink of an eye, the day of the contest between Alavin and Galos arrived.

Most Protégés within Cobalt Strike had forgotten about their wagered match, as each had their own training and affairs to attend to. Who would keep such a thing at the forefront of their thoughts daily? However, thanks to the reminder of some keen individuals, the 10th Arena was bustling with Protégés from early on, with many more rushing over in great haste.