Chapter 124


    "Novice Mage Stage VIII!" Marthew suddenly eximed, even more incredulously than before.


    vin''s realm had clearly ascended to Stage VIII.


    Niks and the others'' expressions grew slightly more solemn, their gaze towards vin shifting


    and changing. When hest defeated Galos, he was but at Novice Mage Stage V. In mere months,


    he had soared directly to Stage VIII; moreover, judging by his performance against Adirich and


    Gwenda, his realm seemed to have stabilized.


    Was thisd''s growth unnaturally swift?


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    Balder''s eyes burned with fervor as he looked at vin, thinking, “What is a genius, if not this?


    vin had made the entire cohort of Cobalt Strike''s Elite Protégés into a jest! Ha, I''ve truly bet on


    the right treasure!”


    "vin will rece Gwenda in The sh of Eight Orders," the Cobalt Strike Commander dered


    once more, thoroughly pleased with vin''s recent disy. The simple sh had justified vin''s


    stance and allowed the Commander, a dignified exit.


    "Has vin gained the favor of the Mollen family?" Myke murmured softly, casting a intense look at


    Balder as he mingled with the crowd. The sudden visit by the Mollen family patriarch suggested that


    vin''s affair might have been the cause, possibly extracting a high price for the Commander to


    change his stance. Yet, it was unknown what vin had sacrificed in return.


    "vin refuses to remain a servant and is beginning to fight back; the Mollen family is his only


    choice," Niks nodded slowly. vin must have paid some price, for it is no easy feat to call upon


    the patriarch of the Mollen family. But upon reflection, vin had reasons thatpelled him; he


    was not only fed up but had also grown up, and, more importantly, had realized his own potential.


    He would no longer be content as a ve nor endure oppression.


    Cedrick chuckled, "A prodigy with boundless potential, not nurtured by Cobalt Strike, and forced to


    seek refuge with the merchants. Is this vin''s tragedy, or Cobalt Strike''s?"


    He made no effort to conceal his voice, immediately drawing the ire of a nearby middle-aged


    Protégé and several Elders.


    The entire assembly of Protégés erupted in fervor, finally grasping what had transpired.


    "The Commander is recing Gwenda with vin?"


    "Novice Mage Stage VIII?"


    "Thed grows more monstrous by the day; how does he do it?!"


    "While others progress by the month, he progresses by the day."


    "Is he truly up for it? His realm is clear for all to see. The sh of Eight Orders is a gathering of


    champions, for all the top Protégés from various Organizations, and vin is a full Stage behind."


    "Adirich and Gwenda were simply unprepared and suffered from vin''s brute strength."


    "Thisd really knows how to surprise people. He took Gwenda''s ce!"


    A minor interlude did not dampen the atmosphere; rather, it sparked even more intense discussion.


    Some even spected whether the Commander''s personal selection of vin was a sign of


    recognition, and whether vin''s status would change henceforth. After all, participating in The


    sh of Eight Orders was an honor in itself.


    The Commander, looking at vin, publicly stated, "Win a match in The sh of Eight Orders, and


    I shall release you from servitude, elevating you to Senior Protégé."


    This was his expectation of vin, as well as an incitement. “Just don''t disgrace us in The sh of


    Eight Order.” Winning one match will be an aplishment; expecting a grand victory is


    imusible.


    The true glory was for Roald and the others to strive for.


    vin nodded his thanks, but his heart harbored different ns. He remained with Cobalt Strike


    with the goal of rescuing his kin from Azure Mountain; should his family be freed from their plight,


    there would be no reason for him to stay with Cobalt Strike. This was one of the main reasons he


    was willing to pay any price to participate in The sh of Eight Orders.


    He had had enough of this ce!


    "Commander, I urge you to reconsider," Adirich could not contain his frustration.


    "Commander, The sh of Eight Orders is no trifling matter," Roald spoke up publicly, dismissing


    vin''s chances.


    The Commander sternly reminded them, "From this day until the end of The sh of Eight Orders,


    you ten must unite and strive for the honor of Cobalt Strike. Any infighting, sabotage, or actions that


    undermine unity will not be taken lightly!"


    With that, he silenced all objections.


    Adirich turned and nced at Gwenda being carried away. His fist clenched in silent resolve to step


    down.


    Myke chuckled lightly, extending a gesture of goodwill to vin. "Wee to the fold; this team


    could use some vitality."


    "You..." Adirich was already fuming.


    "Adirich!" Golden Protégé Admus stopped Adirich. He was also an Elite Protégé of a Grand Elder,


    and younger than Adirich by half a year. Yet, his realm was much stronger, having been stable in


    Novice Mage Stage IX for over a year. He was justcking the right opportunity.


    vin strode into the ranks, his demeanor serene and undisturbed.


    "Wee!" Cedrick dered heartily.


    "Go for it," whispered Mari with a gentle, encouraging tone.


    Niks, ever the boisterous one, pped a hand on vin''s shoulder. "How did you manage it?" he


    asked with a broad grin.