The Legendary Mage (Alavin)

"Place your bets! A little gamble for a little fun, just for entertainment's sake, ha!" "Bets on Galos to win are even. Bets on Alavin lasting till the end are ten to one." "I'll hold the stakes, so bet with confidence, my friends."

Balder swaggered through the crowd, calling out boisterously. His rotund body, adorned in a lavish robe, made him look like a skewer of meatballs garnished with herbs, an amusing sight that drew much good- natured ribbing. Following him were several male and female Protégés he had recruited, holding signs, clutching ledgers, and carrying bags, enthusiastically explaining the rules to the other Protégés, clearly experienced in such matters.

Many Protégés casually wagered a few gold coins or some Elixir Herbs, considering most present were Senior Protégés with some means to spare. They were quite willing to partake in this seemingly surefire small gamble.

After making his rounds, Balder found not a single person betting on Alavin to win; it was all on Galos. Though Alavin had brute strength and had begun training in Goliath Force, it was simply impossible to master it within a mere month without being overwhelmed by its backlash.

Who was Galos? An elite of the upper circles! And who was Alavin? A madcap from the lower circles.

Who would win? One need only think with their toes to know.

"I bet on Alavin!" A pretty young maiden approached Balder.

"Miss Carlys? You've come on your own," Balder's plump face immediately beamed like a well-stuffed dumpling, finding no room for frowns.

"Lady Carlys." The Protégés behind him promptly smiled and bowed respectfully.

Carlys flipped through their signs, clearly dissatisfied. "Why is the bet for our Alavin at ten to one?"

"Well... it's the voice of the crowd, my lady. The odds are based on the feedback from the scene, not intended to belittle Alavin," Balder said with a harmless grin that nearly forced a laugh out of you, even if you wanted to be angry.

"I bet three Pearlworts that Alavin will last till the end. You'll really pay me thirty if he does?"

"Of course, of course," Balder signaled to his assistant to take note.

"We shall see," Carlys huffed, turning to leave.

"Ah, Miss Carlys, the Pearlworts?" The Protégé, ready to collect the bet, hesitated. You have to provide collateral for a wager.

"Our Alavin will surely last till the end. I'm certain to win, so just prepare thirty Pearlworts for me when the time comes. I need not place any now."

Balder's face soured. "A wager without stakes?"

"I'm sparing you the trouble. Hey, make sure it's noted; I'll come to collect the Pearlworts," Carlys called to her companions, leaving with a giggle.

"Sir, what do you think..." The Protégé behind Balder was unsure what to make of it.

"Take note then. It's not a big deal," Balder responded cautiously, doing his best not to upset the young lady, viewing it as a means to keep her content.

In a whisper, a female Protégé said behind him, "Sir, did you notice? Carlys kept referring to him as 'our Alavin.""

"She's always called him that."

"Sounds rather sweet, doesn't it?"

"No gossip! Continue taking bets." Balder chuckled, moving about, occasionally praising passing Protégés.

Suddenly, a commotion surged through the 10th Arena, and countless Protégés turned toward the eastern entrance. Celesse made her way to the arena, ascending the stage from the east.

With her breathtaking beauty, serene demeanor, and statuesque figure, she was flawless. Not only was she the object of many male Protégés' affections within Cobalt Strike, but she was also everyone's pride. It was Celesse's astonishing talent that had allowed the new generation of Cobalt Strike to hold their heads high.

They were excited; most were not there for the spectacle but for Celesse herself. It was truly rare to see her, and many people were laying eyes on her for the first time.

Carlys and her friends gathered around Celesse, waiting for the match to begin.

Then someone exclaimed, "Look, Cedrick has arrived! They say he went to seek out Alavin on the day he visited the Sanctum of Mystical Scrolls. I wonder what for."

Cedrick, dressed in black, stood out from the crowd. His piercing eyes and stern face were without a hint of a smile. He was like an unsheathed sword, exuding a presence that discouraged others from drawing near. His appearances in public were scarce, making his presence there all the more surprising.

But this was just the beginning. The 10th Arena continued to stir as renowned Elite Protégés and special senior Protégés started to appear one after another.

"Look there, Myke has come too, what a strong aura. It is said his Illusory Blade has reached mastery."

"Is that Nikulas? What brings him here? It's been a long time since he's been seen."

"What's going on today? So many prominent figures have turned up."

The crowd was abuzz with surprise, not expecting a mere challenge to draw such a crowd. Was it just because of Celesse?

"Mariela? Mariela from Botanic Haven has come! Am I seeing right?"

"She's so beautiful! It's truly Mariela!"

Gasps of astonishment echoed from the western entrance, as Mariela, clad in a flowing white robe and exuding an air of cold, aloof beauty, made her way into the Arena. A faint chill seemed to spread through the air around her, causing many nearby to shiver.

This must've been the first time Mariela had set foot in the Arena and, indeed, the first time she had come to witness the contests between the Protégés.