Chapter 286


    "I take it you''ve agreed to apany me to Cobalt Strike." vin declined gracefully. It wasn''t that


    he was rejecting the idea out of hand or being overly fussy; his concerny in joining the Bloodlore


    coven and getting entangled in moreplex dangers, potentially bringing vengeance upon the


    fragile Mallister family. After all, Bloodlore had made many enemies, and while the threats might


    diminish openly should he join their ranks, the shadows would teem with greater peril. Thus, he


    chose a middle path – alliance! vin sought out various powers with whom to forge partnerships,


    such as the Mollen n, the Iron kin, and even Bloodlore!


    vin harbored a lofty aspiration. "I am my own provenance, the bedrock for all my kin and


    comrades!" Someday in the future, when others beheld him, it would be his own person they


    respected or feared, not the might behind him.


    vin was aware of the difficulty, but as the saying goes, "No rest for the mighty!" He was


    determined to be among their ranks. This was his life''s quest! And his resolve began now.


    "Best me in a duel, and if it pleases me, then I shall decide whether to join you on your journey to


    Cobalt Strike."


    "At your service!"


    ………………


    Oda rapped on Helna''s chamber door, beaming like a butterfly. "Look who''s here."


    "Hello, Helna," Carlys said as she entered, her beauty lighting up the room.


    "You are...?" Helna didn''t recognize her at first, only that the sight was a breath of fresh air, a lovely


    and beautiful maid before her.


    "Take another good look." Carlys smiled sweetly.


    Oda chuckled. "See who she reminds you of. She’s the child who used to y with me in the


    castle."


    "Carlys?" Helna ventured.


    "Heehee, hello, Helna."


    "Carlys! Is it truly you?" Helna eximed joyfully, rushing to greet her.


    "I should havee to visit you sooner."


    "Nonsense,e in. Forgive the humble abode." Helna surveyed Carlys with great pleasure,


    repeatedly nodding. "Carlys, you have grown into a finedy, more beautiful with each passing day."


    Her joy was heartfelt. Over the years, the Mallister family had suffered greatly, toiling as servants


    under Cobalt Strike''smand. Many once close had vanished, some even adding insult to injury.


    The Mallisters had seen the true colors of the world, a harsh reality that led some to despair. The


    genuine aid for the Mallister family came only from Carlys, Celesse, and their mentor Hamund, who


    esteemed vin and protected him, just as Carlys and Celesse did.


    Adversity revealed true friendship, especially for the Mallisters, who felt this bond deeply. She


    always remembered and was always moved.


    "Where''s Miss Celesse? Didn''t shee, or has she gone in search of vin?" Helna peered


    outside.


    "She is off with our mentor on a journey of trials, with no word on their destination or return. Rest


    assured, once she''s back, we''ll visit you together."


    "Oh, good, good, I haven''t seen Celesse in years. We were too ashamed to face her when we lived


    in the mines, but now things are looking up, and vin has grown up." Helna''s eyes misted slightly.


    "Don''t think like that. We''ve always been one family."


    Helna sped Carlys'' hands tightly. “It’s rare for you to visit. Stay a few days and let me have the


    chance to properly thank you."


    "No need for thanks, nor does my sister expect it. We simply did what we could," Carlys replied, a


    tad embarrassed.


    Helna sighed. "Celesse is a good soul. Without her, vin might not have endured these years."


    "vin is strong. Don''t worry so much."


    "I truly am grateful to you two. We once thought nothing of watching vin and Celesse as children,


    hand in hand, carefree. We even spoke of betrothal. But before anything formal, the Mallisters fell


    on hard times. vin became a servant, Celesse was taken by Hamund, and the gap between


    them grew. We were too ashamed to face you, but you never scorned us and never scorned


    vin." With Carlys'' arrival, Helna couldn''t help but recall the years past, her eyes welling with


    tears.


    Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    "In truth, it is vin who never gave up on himself. He once said, ''If you''re not strong, others can''t


    even help if they try.''"


    Helna smiled through misty eyes. "He is indeed strong."


    "Things are improving. vin has made a name in The sh of Eight Orders, be a Golden


    Protégé, and is tasting the sweet life after years of bitterness. Once our mentor returns, he''s likely to


    take vin as an Elite Protégé. Then, with my sister and vin together, and our mentor''s backing,


    no one will dare trouble him. The Mallister family and Stormcast will regain and even surpass their


    former standing. I have faith, and you should, too."


    "If Hamund took vin as his Protégé, that would be wonderful.” Helna nodded happily.