Chapter 191
In the dead of night, deep within the forest, five hundred Cobalt Strike Protégés received a secret
summon. They were all disciples of the Grand Elder’s faction, warriors not afraid of death, and
honed by the wilderness. They rarely returned to the Organization unless called upon.
Under the cover of darkness, three hundred Protégés discarded their usual attire, concealing the
insignia of Cobalt Strike. They disheveled their hair and tore their clothes, masquerading as bandits.
"The Grand Elder has fostered your strength for years, and now it''s time for you to serve," the
shadow-d leader announced. "Remember your creed; absolute loyalty to the Grand Elder and
only to the Grand Elder. This mission is to be kept secret, and its memory will be forgotten forever
afterward."
"Our target is Azure Mountain! The first group of one hundred bandits shall ughter every member
of the Mallister family, the second group shall hold off the Mallister guards, and the third group...
ignite... plunder... y the miners..."
"Depart!"
With a coldmand, the shadowy figure vanished into the dark thicket.
The three hundred Protégés masked their faces, exchanged nces, and dispersed in groups.
They sprinted through the woods like arrows loosed from their bows, silent yet brimming with lethal
intent.
...
Further in the forest, at a designated valley, Balder awaited his troopst, five hundred assassins from
the Mollen family called The Silent de!
They had traveled day and night, arriving breathless and weary. Their eyes were sharp, and their
aura deadly, like drawn swords ready to strike. They all wore the same masks, white with ck
patterns, eerie and sinister.
"Sir! All five hundred assassins of The Silent de are at yourmand, ordered by the family
head to follow your lead," dered the leader, a man of imposing presence who knelt on one knee
and handed ''The Silent de'' token to Balder.
As the Mollen family''s most elite assassination squad, they were usually on missions far from home.
Now, they had been summoned by direct order from the family head five days ago to hasten to
Cloudveil Woods and rendezvous with Balder, who was far off at Cobalt Strike. The purpose of their
mission remained unspoken.
Balder, devoid of his usual smile, was stern and cold. "Remove your family crests and take off your
masks! We depart immediately for Azure Mountain!"
"Please instruct us, Sir!"
With a glint of determination in his eyes, Baldermanded, "Save lives, and take lives!"
"Move out!" bellowed the captain, and without a moment''s rest, thepanymenced their
march.
The following morning, a contingent from Cobalt Strike assembled outside the mountain gate,
waiting for vin. They were to apany vin to Azure Mountain, ensuring safety en route and
coordinating with Elder Vandill at the mining district.
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Though it was a routine arrangement, vin couldn''t help but be on guard when he saw the
members of the group. This team, consisting of only fifty people, was primarily from the Grand Elder
faction, including the leader, Elder Connas, and another member, Adirich.
Elder Connas bluntly stated, "Don''t overthink it. We mean you no harm; we''re here to liaise with
Vandill. Elder Vandill is known for his temper. Others might falter, but I can handle the situation and
save us some trouble."
Standing on the stone steps of the mountain gate, vin demanded, "Where''s the pardon writ?"
"It''s with me."
"Hand it over."
"It''s safer with me."
"I am the lord of Stormcast. It is my duty to make the promation. Don''t you think?" vin retorted
without courtesy.
Elder Connas exchanged a hard look with vin, who did not flinch.
After a tense moment, Elder Connas relinquished the pardon writ and tossed it to vin. "Even
though you''re now a Golden Protégé, remember you''re still but a Novice Mage Stage IX. A little
humility would serve you well."
Adirich added, "Don''t bite the hand that feeds you. Do you think I want to apany you to Azure
Mountain?"