Chapter 159


    "Are you healed?" Commander Kashann entered vin''s chamber, somewhat surprised to see


    vin practicing his swordy. vin was spry and soaked in sweat, with no sign of injury on his


    body. Moreover, it seemed his powers had broken through to a new level!


    "Commander, you honor me with your presence," vin said, sheathing his sword and steadying


    his breath, showing neither surprise nor disturbance.


    "Do you intend to enter the tournament for the top five champions tomorrow?" Commander


    Kashann asked, his expressionplex.


    "Given the chance, I''d certainly like to try," vin replied with a light smile, meeting the


    Commander''s gaze. "Striving for glory on behalf of Cobalt Strike is a Protégé''s duty, is it not?"


    "Well said," Commander Kashann nodded softly, sitting in a wooden chair by the window, studying


    vin''s handsome face and his clear, determined eyes, his fingertips lightly tapping the desk.


    The room fell silent, with both men simply looking at each other.


    After a while, Commander Kashann hummed, "Eight years... You''ve grown up, looking very much


    like your father did at your age."


    "Yes, it''s been eight years," vin replied, his face still wearing a faint smile, betraying no emotions.


    "Do you remember that I was something of a mentor to your father?"


    "I''ve always remembered. I just wasn''t sure if you did," vin said, still smiling, his gaze unwavering


    from the Commander''s. But his heart was not at peace.


    "You don''t understand. The old grudges involve much, including the Grand Elder, the secrets of


    Cobalt Strike, and many people. As Commander, I cannot justify taking more lives for the sake of a


    few who are no more."


    "A few who are no more..." vin chuckled lightly. "I admire your magnanimity."


    Commander Kashann didn''t wish to exin further; it was pointless now. "Do you hate Cobalt


    Strike?"


    "To be honest, I am grateful that after eight years, I am still myself and have not turned into a rabid


    hound."


    Commander Kashann averted vin''s gaze and said inly, "I came today to remind you of


    something. For the sake of Cobalt Strike''s honor, I will not allow you to leave the Organization."


    "Rest assured, I have already turned down Bloodlore."


    "Oh? Why?"


    "I would like to make a pact with you."


    "Speak."


    "If I make it into the top five, you will pardon all the citizens of Stormcast, and forgive everyone in


    the Mallister family. Let bygones be bygones."


    "If you can make it to the top five, I''ll pardon you from your servitude, promote you to a Golden


    Protégé, and rmend you to the Botanic Haven Elder to be an Elite Protégé. But


    Stormcast... that''s not possible yet."


    This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    "Eight years, and still you cannot let go?"


    Commander Kashann fell silent for a moment. "Unless you can prove that your parents are indeed


    deceased."


    "What do you mean?"


    "Uh..." Balder suddenly knocked and entered, greeting everyone with a cheerful smile.


    "Commander, my family, the Mollens, can contribute resources to redeem Stormcast for vin."


    Commander Kashann waved him off. "Leave us."


    "If vin truly secures a ce among the top five, I believe I can speak on behalf of my father.


    Whatever the cost, whoever we must plead with, we will redeem Stormcast. In my humble opinion,


    you need not worry about the Grand Elder anymore. vin now... he is not alone." Balder stated


    firmly with a smile, nodding to vin before leaving the room.


    If one was to help, then they must do so wholeheartedly; if one was to make allies, then they must


    give it their all.


    vin felt a warmth in his heart and gave Balder a grateful look, waiting for the Cobalt Strike


    Commander''s decision.


    Commander Kashann, with his eyes downturned, pondered for a long time. "There is one


    condition."


    "Please, tell me."


    "Return to Cobalt Strike, and ept the promotion to Golden Protégé. You stay in the Organization


    for five years."


    "And the punishment for Stormcast?"


    "When you truly advance to the top five, I will consider it." Commander Kashann left the room, but


    he only said he would consider it, not that he would decide.


    ...


    The next morning, the Protégés of the Eight Orders gathered at the city hall.


    All Protégés would be there to watch the battles, collectively witnessing the birth of the top five


    champions.


    The ''Top 5 Protégé'' title was not only the highest honor, with fame spreading throughout the


    Nortnds, but it also came with a unique title and valuable rewards.