Chapter 54
"People express remorse in different ways. If not for the bonds of brotherhood, you might not have
even seen a head," Neasilis''s voice was low, and his words were veiled behind a gentle chuckle.
"You..." All the Elders stood up.
"Sit down,"manded the Commander with a calm authority. "Neasilis, after the incident a decade
ago, you ceased to be a Protégé of Cobalt Strike. Today, I meet with you as Lord Viperbane''s
envoy, as the guardian of young Lord Marak."
"Ie today on behalf of Lord Viperbane as well." Neasilis''s fingertip danced across the table
surface as he called out to the door. "A guest has arrived, and you fail to offer refreshment? Have
you Protégés no sense of decorum?"
The Protégés outside ignored him until the portly Elder cleared his throat softly. Then, a few brought
in tea, cing it beside Neasilis and Lord Marak.
Neasilis lifted the cup to his lips, savoring it with closed eyes: "Cobalt Strike''s water, it''s been nearly
twenty years since I''ve tasted it."
Lord Marak merely touched the cup but did not lift it. He paid no mind to the tense atmosphere in
the hall as if it had nothing to do with him. His gaze asionally drifted outside, where some
Protégés of Cobalt Strike stood.
Neasilis spoke unhurriedly, "I am here to extend Lord Viperbane''s congrattions. I''ve heard you''ve
nurtured a prodigy named Celesse. Just sixteen and already an Advanced Mage."
"You''re well-informed," remarked a female Elder coldly.
Neasilis put down his cup and looked at the Commander with a light chuckle. "Will Celesse be
partaking in The sh of Eight Orders?"
"What concern is The sh of Eight Orders of yours, or Lord Viperbane''s?"
In the Nortnds, Five Lords reigned supreme, and the Eight Orders stood tall. These were the
domains held in awe by all, the sacred ground for countless Mages. Cobalt Strike, being one of the
Eight Orders of the Nortnds, held a prestigious position.
Every two years, the Eight Orders held a tournament where leaders met, and Elders mingled. At
these gatherings, Protégés from different organizations sparred andpeted. This centuries-old
tradition was how they dered their dominance over the Nortnds.
Over time, The sh of Eight Orders had be an important assembly in the Nortnds. The
sparring between Protégés had taken on special significance, bing a stage for the Orders to
showcase their rising stars. The top five of each gathering not only received prizes but were also
granted titles.
Whoever secured a title at The sh of Eight Orders was sure to be renowned across the
Nortnds.
At every gathering, the Eight Orders brought their most outstanding Protégés. They strived for the
best ranks while also observing the promising Protégés of the other organizations.
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The performance of the Protégés indirectly reflected the potential of their organizations, for the birth
of a prodigy could undoubtedly influence an organization''s future strength.
Neasilis'' smile did not wane. "For three consecutive gatherings of The sh of Eight Orders, none
from Cobalt Strike have made the top five, and even few have been in the top ten. Is Cobalt Strike
declining? Have you lost the ability to nurture geniuses, or have the other seven Orders grown
stronger?"
"You are with Lord Viperbane, yet you still keep tabs on Cobalt Strike, how thoughtful. A few
gatherings do not diminish Cobalt Strike''s standing."
"It may not harm our standing, but it certainly affects our pride. However, this time, there is hope.
With Celesse''s talent, reaching the top five should be no issue. I''vee on behalf of Lord
Viperbane to offer early congrattions."
the Commander and several Elders regarded this with suspicion. Since when did Lord Viperbane
care so much about Cobalt Strike to offer early congrattions?
"Lord Viperbane had some misunderstandings with Cobalt Strike in the past, leading to strained
rtions. This time, he has sent me to mend fences. What say you, brother?"
The Commander did not voice his stance, instead, he pondered Neasilis'' true intentions. They had
been on good terms in their youth, but since Neasilis left Cobalt Strike twenty years prior to making
his own way, his temperament had grown increasingly peculiar, and their rtionship had cooled. It
was a decade ago that Neasilis joined Lord Viperbane and, to demonstrate his loyalty, did not
hesitate to raise his de against Cobalt Strike.
Over the years, Neasilis grew in power, and his standing among Lord Viperbane''s court rose higher
and higher until he became one of the Seven Champions, known as Lord Viperbane''s trusted right
hand and holding a formidable reputation throughout the Nortnds. Yet, Neasilis never once
returned to Cobalt Strike to admit any wrongdoing, nor did he try to mend the strained rtions
between Cobalt Strike and Lord Viperbane. And now, out of the blue, he thought of reconciliation?
He even brought the young Lord Marak with him.
Neasilis waited calmly for a while before speaking, "The young prince has always held Cobalt Strike
in high regard. This being his first visit, could you arrange for someone to guide him around?"
The Commander signaled for a Protégé outside to take care of the arrangements.
"We shall meet againter." Marak stood up to bid farewell, subtly exchanging a knowing look with
Neasilis, before departing the grand hall.