Chapter 157


    vin was deep in meditation, seated cross-legged, when it happened—a breakthrough! Yes, a


    breakthrough had urred just moments before! The electric glimmers that enveloped him began


    to subside steadily.


    Novice Mage Stage IX! The long-coveted realm of power!


    A transformation was evident throughout his being—spirit, veins, Energy Realm, constitution, and


    so much more—all had been enhancedprehensively as if he were already preparing to ascend


    to the rank of an Advanced Mage.


    He could now clearly feel the change within—a sublime, ethereal sensation. A pervasive strength


    was coursing through his body, and the surging magic was within his Energy Realm and Channel of


    Energy.


    A breakthrough!


    Ovee with excitement and emotion, vin could hardly wait to test his newfound strength.


    When the Bloodlore Commander and E entered the room, vin waspleting the cirction


    of magic through his Channel of Energy, dispersing thest of the electric glow.


    The pair studied him with a hint of surprise. Was he in the midst of a breakthrough seclusion?


    The Bloodlore Commander regarded vin intently as if confirming the breakthrough. The young


    one was interesting indeed. Reaching Stage VIII within a year was impressive enough, but to break


    through again during The sh of Eight Orders was extraordinary.


    "Commander Jarad, greetings," vin said, steadying his breath and looking at them curiously.


    "Congrattions, Stage IX," E purred, her red lips parting in a seductive smile.


    A little fox leaped into vin''s arms, nuzzling affectionately and breathing in theforting


    Restoration Aether that wafted around him.


    "It seems quite fond of you. Would you like it as a gift?"


    "I couldn''t possibly ept."


    "Do you know what kind of creature it is?"


    "It must be precious, but it''s too much for me to take."


    Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    E moved closer to vin, reiming the little fox into her arms with a dazzling smile. "My


    grandfather nearly lost his life to acquire it."


    vin straightened his posture slightly. This woman was indeed tempting, not just in her attire, but


    also with an innate aura of allure that seemed to emanate from within, causing his heart to flutter.


    Without any deliberate flirtation, her every nce and smile radiated remarkable charm.


    "Who is your mentor?" Jarad couldn''t believe someone would rise so suddenly without reason.


    Some said it was due to a buildup of power; others spoke of a transformation as profound as a


    storm shaping a resilient tree, but he suspected vin hade upon some fortuitous encounter.


    This fortune might’ve been rted to what vin called ''Shadowlord''s Wrath,'' and that ancient


    sword even the Cobalt Strike Commander had not seen before.


    "I have no mentor."


    "And what about the presence within you?" Jarad suddenly chuckled. He had his suspicions from


    the stands, but now, up close, he was sure of it. There was a power hidden within vin, an energy


    that decidedly wasn''t his own.


    "I''m not sure what you mean," vin said defensively.


    "Don''t worry. Others can''t sense it."


    "What is inside him?" E''s interest in vin grew.


    "Hard to see, it''s hidden deep," Jarad admitted, feeling a surge of curiosity to investigate, but he


    restrained himself.


    "Why are you here?"


    "If I invited you to join Bloodlore, would you consider it?" An offer from the head of an organization


    was an honor that could excite and make proud any individual.


    vin didn''t ponder long, politely declining. "Thank you for your kind offer, but I am already


    committed to another organization."


    "What if I could help you with the troubles at Azure Mountain?"


    vin looked at Jarad earnestly. "You''ve been investigating me?"


    E blinked andughed softly, her allure undeniable. "Join Bloodlore, and we''ll handle your


    Stormcast grudges. My grandfather will take you as an Elite Protégé. Whatever conditions you


    desire, just name them."


    vin shook his head. "I appreciate the gesture, but I am not worthy of such recruitment."


    "How do you not understand your own value?”


    “I’ve already pledged to the Mollen family.”


    “Bloodlore can clear the path for you. I only want you,” the Bloodlore Commander said, showing


    rare interest in a person.


    "The Mollen family has done me a great service. I owe them a debt," vin politely refused.


    "Are you certain you won''t reconsider?"


    "I am honored," vin reiterated his stance.


    He wasn''t sure of the Bloodlore Commander''s true intentions. Was it mere curiosity or a desire to


    study the ''energy'' within him? Also, vin considered his kin and the townspeople; if he truly left


    Cobalt Strike to join Bloodlore, he would likely be deemed a traitor. Cobalt Strike might absolve the


    charges from Stormcast, but they wouldn''t easily forgive, and who knew what terrible actions they


    might take?


    He needed to protect Stormcast and ensure it wouldn''t fall into war again. It was his parents'' legacy


    and the debt he owed to the two hundred thousand townsfolk.


    The Bloodlore Commander left with a sense of regret, not insisting further.