The Legendary Mage (Alavin)

"Why don't you participate? With your strength, you could easily be listed in the top five."

"My mentor has his reasons, and he has consulted with the Commander," she said. Her mentor had hoped to bring her to The Clash of Eight Orders to win glory for Cobalt Strike, but Lord Viperbane's proposal had disrupted the plans. It wasn't that Hamund feared them, but rather, he was concerned that Lord Viperbane might resort to foul play during the gathering.

An open enemy is easy to guard against, but a hidden one is hard to predict.

Cobalt Strike had placed too many hopes on Celesse to risk her future for the sake of The Clash of Eight Orders.

Celesse suddenly asked, "Do you want to participate?"

"Me? The Protégés who participate in The Clash of Eight Orders are generally at least Novice Mage Stage IX, and there will also be some Advanced Mages. I still have a long way to go." "There are three more months; you still have a chance."

"Three months, from Novice Mage Stage VI to Novice Mage Stage IX?" Alavin shook his head, not out of lack of confidence, but because advancements in the later stages of being a Novice Mage were incredibly difficult. He managed to progress from Novice Mage Stage III to Stage VI in three months, but he doubted he could reach Stage IX in the same amount of time.

"Every guild sends ten Apprentices to participate in The Clash of Eight Orders, and each Apprentice must be under the age of eighteen. Besides me, four Golden Apprentices have been chosen, and six slots for Elite Protégés are still undecided-though thirty candidates have been listed."

"You're not suggesting me, are you?" Alavin looked towards Celesse.

Celesse chuckled lightly, "You guessed it. My recommendation, along with your recent victory over Galos, has made many of the Elders take you seriously. They've decided to observe you for a while and tentatively placed you as the thirty-first candidate."

"You're not joking?"

"I'm serious. You should strive for this spot for yourself and for all those who care about you."

If Alavin had only managed a draw with Galos, Celesse wouldn't have endorsed him. After all, the Clash of Eight Orders was a gathering of each guild's elite. Though it was called a friendly tournament, danger lurked beneath the surface, and the weak not only faced ridicule but mortal peril. But Alavin proved himself in the arena; his talent and combat prowess were extraordinary. Given three more months, he could advance to Level VII, or even Level VIII. By then, Alavin could take the tournament stage with a fighting chance.

Should Alavin earn a ranking, or even stand out during the social tea gatherings, and draw attention, his status within Cobalt Strike would rise significantly-at the very least, he could shed his servitude. The higher Alavin's status within Cobalt Strike, the sooner he could aid the Stormcast people. This was an opportunity—a truly rare one.

Alavin felt warmth in his heart as he understood Celesse's intentions. "Thank you."

"Don't thank me yet. You're only the thirty-first candidate the candidate among candidates."

"So, I have only three months?"

"The list will be finalized in two and a half months, with the last half month dedicated to intensive training."

"Who else is on the list of candidates?"

Celesse pulled out a scroll, the delicate script listing names. "Cedrick, Mariela, Nikulas-all these personal pupils are on the list. This list won't be made public, but candidates like Cedrick are aware they're being considered."

"I'll give it a try." Alavin had fully grasped the second segment of the Restoration Mantra, and his Channel of Energy had undergone a profound transformation. Besides, he could make three months' worth of progress in one.

"I've already persuaded my mentor; he'll help you as much as he can, but the key lies with you. Each competitor represents the image of Cobalt Strike, and it's not something to be taken lightly." Celesse truly hoped Alavin could succeed, but considering individuals like Cedrick, Mariela, and Nikulas, the gap between them and Alavin was vast. Moreover, the Grand Elder's faction would strongly oppose Alavin's candidacy, and they wouldn't make things easy for him in the coming months.