Chapter 290


    The top five Protégés born from The sh of Eight Orders were said to represent the strongest


    new generation of the Nortnds, and they were keen to challenge and learn from them.


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    "I’m but a Protégé still in training," vin said with a smile, shaking his head.


    Marak jeered, "vin, do you even know fear? Weren''t you always cocky and proud? Now, you’re


    too scared to even join the fray?"


    The Citadel Protégés were slightly disappointed; this didn''t match the rumors they had heard.


    vin just smiled and shook his head without a word.


    A young man spoke in a tepid voice, "Could it be that Lord vin looks down upon us?"


    "Far from it, my good sirs. I beg of you, spare me," vin replied, shaking his head repeatedly.


    "Where has the fearless vin gone? Are you truly afraid, or do you simply disdain us? They are


    the Inner Protégés of the Blessed Citadel, worthy adversaries for you," Marak pressed, refusing to


    let vin off the hook. He had brought the Citadel Protégés to Stormcast to dete vin''s renown


    and to crush him thoroughly.


    "I am indeed afraid. Not of you, but for the well-being of my townsfolk."


    "What do you mean? Speak inly, Lord vin."


    "You hail from the royal Blessed Citadel. This is but a humble town in the Nortnds. You are


    exalted Citadel Protégés, and I am merely a modest town lord. My fear is... if I should injure one of


    you, you could bear it, but if the injury were severe, crippling one of you, this small town would not


    withstand your wrath."


    All the Protégés of the Blessed Citadelughed, and the three elders in front slightly raised their


    eyes. To cripple an Inner Protégé of the Blessed Citadel? Such audacity! He might win against one


    or two, and they may concede, but could vin really cripple them? Are you mocking the Blessed


    Citadel?


    A formidable Protégé bellowed, “Worry not! We do not harm the innocent! But there is a condition.


    In the Capital, there is a new trend for duels of skill – that requires one to ce a wager. It stirs the


    passion, making the contest all the more thrilling. Do you dare to take part, Lord vin?"


    "What could I possibly have that could interest Citadel Protégés?"


    "Your title! The name bestowed upon you by the Eight Orders, Shadowlord''s Messenger. If you lose,


    you must publicly renounce the name of the Shadowlord''s Messenger," the mighty Protégé stated.


    His terms were met with approval from the others. They weren''t here for mere sport. They seldom


    traveled to the Nortnds. Not only were they investigating Antis, but they also wished to spread


    the influence of the Blessed Citadel by defeating one of the ‘Top Five'' of The sh of Eight Orders.


    To take vin''s title would be to dere to the Nortnds that their champions were naught but


    trifles!


    vin finally understood their purpose. He nced at Marak, who lifted his head, challenging him


    with a defiant stare.


    If it came to that, there was nothing to shy away from. vin feigned hesitation once more. "I strike


    hard and lose control when I fight, I truly fear injuring you."


    "Ha! Worry not, even if you kill me, none will hold you ountable!" the robust young manughed


    heartily.


    "Truly?"


    "Cast aside your concerns, victory or death, it''s all down to skill. Any wagered duel in the Capital is


    subject to just judgment. Even if one party dies, the other cannot be persecuted. Now I ask you, do


    you dare ept our challenge?"


    "If it''s a test of skill you seek, I shall not disappoint."


    "vin, consider this well. You represent the Eight Orders of the Nortnds," Marak reminded him,


    a hint of eagerness in his voice. Ha, if vin were to be soundly defeated, not only would he be


    ruined, but the Eight Orders'' reputation would also suffer. Cobalt Strike would not let it go lightly,


    and the Eight Orders would no longer shield him. Once vin became a stray dog, Marak could


    easily dispose of him without worry for organizations like Cobalt Strike.


    "What will you wager? How about... Marak''s head?" vin suggested.


    Marak''s smile froze, unable tough anymore.


    "How dare you!" the two guards by Marak''s side eximed.


    "Our Citadel duels'' stakes are for us to decide. If you can risk the title of Shadowlord''s Messenger,


    we cannot possibly embarrass ourself. So, here''s the deal..."


    As they spoke, they arrived at the town hall, where the guards had already lined up, having heard


    the news. The Mallister family had been escorted into the inner quarters of the hall for safety.


    E stood outside the town hall. Her exquisite figure was outlined against the nearly translucent red


    silk of her dress, and her curves were enchanting, with an irresistible charm and allure that was


    beyond this world.


    Many of the Citadel Protégés were stunned. Their expressions were awash with admiration. What a


    vision!