Chapter 149


    vin stood in the center of thebat arena, gasping for breath. His body was drenched in blood,


    with dozens of wounds that were a shocking sight to behold. His head hung low, and his


    consciousness faded as if he might copse at any moment.


    He had reached his limit!


    The arena was silent at first, but then sporadic apuse began to echo. Before long, the pping


    grew louder and louder, with even Protégés, including Ond, joining in to apud him.


    The judge presiding over the arena looked towards the old lord''s dais for a signal, and, upon


    receiving a nod, strode towards vin, lifting his right hand. "The second round, the first battle,


    vin from Cobalt Strike is victorious, granted entry into the top ten of this year''s The sh of Eight


    Orders!"


    There was no dissent, no objections; although his rank was lower, vin’s strength was undeniable,


    and he was worthy of the title among the top ten.


    "Congrattions Commander Kashann, Cobalt Strike has an early champion in the top ten," the old


    lord said with a smile as he congratted them.


    Commander Kashann managed a weak smile and nodded his thanks.


    The other seven Organizations did not offer congrattions. Their expressions remained neutral—


    not out of jealousy, but rather they were pondering the rumors they had heard—had Cobalt Strike


    ughtered vin''s entire family and town? Had they enved vin for eight years? Had vin


    sold himself for a spot in thepetition, just to save his town from very?


    The plot was thickening.


    Perhaps even the Commander Kashann himself hadn''t anticipated such a standout performance


    from vin; otherwise, he would never have brought him here. The more remarkable vin''s


    performance, the more Cobalt Strike''s reputation was tarnished.


    vin had barely stepped off the high tform when darkness clouded his vision, and he fell


    forward, having reached his absolute limit.


    Mari was the first to catch him, disregarding the blood that covered him, and took him to the side


    to check his wounds.


    vin had lost consciousness, but a faint smile hung on his lips. It was a harrowing and thrilling


    battle, and he felt exhrated. He had even forgotten his mission, and was lost in the joy ofbat,


    challenging his own limits.


    "Thepetition will continue; we''ll take vin back," Niks approached them.


    "Here are some healing potions." Mari handed him a crystal vial.


    Niks gave Mari an extra nce, said nothing, took the vial, and helped vin away.


    The apusested a long time, seeing vin off. The first of the top ten was born, a title well-


    deserved, but with such serious injuries, it was unlikely he could participate in the battle for the top


    five, ending his journey in the top ten. For a Stage VIII Protégé to achieve this, it was already a


    matter of great pride, enough to make his name known throughout the Eight Orders.


    A Cobalt Strike Elder furrowed his brow, his gaze cold. After watching vin leave, he quietly


    slipped away from the crowd''s view and left the venue.


    ...


    Inside the manor of Cobalt Strike.


    Adirichy in bed, lost in thought. His injuries from the previous day were not serious, and he had


    woken up this morning, but he had no desire to watch thepetition at the Warriors'' Vale, nor did


    he have the face to show himself there. He hade full of confidence, thinking he would make a


    name for himself and bring honor to his master, but he had not expected to be carried back after the


    first round.


    "How will I exin this when I return? How will the other Protégés see me? That cursed vin, if he


    hadn''t stolen the spotlight, would I have encountered a freak like Inga?"


    Adirich''s gaze was hollow as he stared nkly at the ceiling beams, feeling empty, devoid of any


    enthusiasm.


    He had joined Cobalt Strike at ten, was taken as an Elite Protégé by the Grand Elder at twelve, and


    reached Stage VIII at fifteen. He had always been the pride, the envy of many, and a model for


    others. He had long awaited The sh of Eight Orders, eager to make a name for himself there, to


    be remembered by all of the Eight Orders, but now… s… “I should not have been so rash, why


    did I insist on being the third to fight?”


    The door creaked open, and a Cobalt Strike Elder entered.


    "Elder Connas," Adirich did not get up, pretending his injuries were severe. He didn’t have the heart


    to engage.


    ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    "Why didn''t you go to watch thepetition?" Elder Connas was from the Grand Elder''s faction,


    also the same Elder who had just left the arena.