Chapter 160


    Over the years, each cohort of Top 5 Protégés generally had a bright future—barring a few untimely


    deaths, most grew to be Elders in their Organization or ventured beyond the Nortnds,


    towards the Capital, the Kingdoms, to a broader world, carving out their own legacies. Being a part


    of this and witnessing it was an anticipation in its own right.


    "Six Advanced Mages, four Novice Mages—it''s quite promising."


    "vin won''t have a chance topete. With only three left in the Novice Mage category, how will


    thepetition proceed?"


    "Haven''t the Commanders made a decision? Will they let the three battle it out, or what?"


    "By the rules, there are three spots for Advanced Mages and two for Novice Mages among the top


    five. Who will be chosen this time? Cedrick and the other two are all strong; it''s a close match."


    "I actually quite wish vin would take the stage once more."


    "vin might be a bit out of his league, considering his current level—it''s a stroke of luck that he


    made it into the top ten. I doubt he''s ready to stand against the likes of Cedrick; stepping into the


    arena is likely to end in defeat."


    "Don''t worry about it. The Commanders will have a n in ce. We just need to wait and see."


    "The whole city''s abuzz with predictions now. I''m quite looking forward to it."


    The Cobalt Strike team was thest to arrive at the gathering grounds, where Commander Kashann


    nodded to the other seven Commanders, all of whom turned their gaze to vin in the ranks. Word


    of vin''s breakthrough the previous night had spread, and now he''d surely be in today''s battle for


    the top five.


    "vin? He actually showed up." Some spectators gasped incredulously as they watched the


    approaching Cobalt Strike team, with vin and Cedrick, two of the top ten, leading the way, both


    looking hale and hearty.


    "Eh? Has he healed? Just the day before yesterday, he was carried off half-dead. Has he recovered


    too quickly?”


    “What kind of potion did Cobalt Strike feed him? How has he healed in two days?"


    A soft chuckle came from the Bloodlore team. "He''s not just healed. He''s broken through To a new


    stage!"


    "Novice Mage Stage IX?" The news spread rapidly, causing a stir among the protégés of various


    organizations. Was this a case of breaking down and then standing taller than before?


    "Stage IX! Is hepeting for the top five?" The Ster Precepts Protégé, Jackar, suddenly


    frowned; he was one of the top ten and due to enter the fray today. But he truly didn''t want to face a


    madman like vin. That wouldn''t be a contest. It would be a fight for survival! vin was wild


    enough at Stage VIII, and now with a breakthrough and his power surging, how much more intense


    would his madness be?


    Many quickly grasped the significance. vin was vying for the top five! And it seemed he had a


    good chance.


    But who would he face? The Ster Precepts'' Jackar? Or Bloodlore''s Jevan?


    Many looked towards the two, with mischievous smiles, asking, "Who''s going to fight him?"


    Jevan''s expression darkened. "You think Cedrick''s easy to handle? Two madmen! Each crazier than


    thest!"


    Bloodlore''s E and The Ster Precepts'' Darron each advised Jevan and Jackar. "Try to pick


    Cedrick if you can."


    Compared to Cedrick''s ferocity, vin had an edge of danger, especially his Shadowlord''s Wrath,


    which was hard to resist. And while Cedrick was a wild and proud warrior, vin was utterly


    reckless with his life. Given the choice, they preferred their fellow protégé to face Cedrick; at least


    there was a semnce of a fighting chance.


    "Commander Kashann, my early congrattions, the hope for a spot in the top five is strong this


    year," the old Lord greeted the Cobalt Strike Commander with a congrattory smile.


    "Not at all, Jackar and Jevan are both very skilled. Nothing is certain until the end."


    "Who will you choose?" vin asked Cedrick, personally leaning towards The Ster Precepts''


    Jackar.


    "I choose you," Cedrick said expressionlessly.


    "What?"


    "I''ve told you before, I want to challenge you."


    Niks coughed lightly from behind. "Take it easy, shall we?"


    At that moment, the Eight Orders Protégés were all ounted for, and the old Lord announced


    loudly. "Let''s set out!!"This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.