Chapter 335


    The following morning, vin departed from the stronghold of Cobalt Strike.


    Celesse couldn''t follow him, for Hamund had received a precious treasure from the Commander, an


    artifact obtained from the royal pce of Antis, perfectly suited for Celesse.


    Despite Hamund''s stoic nature, he was exceedingly strict with his sole Protégé, Celesse. Especially


    now, as Celesse had just ascended to Stage III, it was crucial for her to solidify her newfound


    powers, and he didn''t want her distracted by vin.


    Celesse, not wishing to defy her mentor, agreed to visit Stormcast in a few days'' time.


    N?velDrama.Org holds ? this.


    With vin gone, the other Protégés of Cobalt Strike breathed a collective sigh of relief. His


    presence for even a day brought a strange tension to the Organization, and one could never predict


    when turmoil might erupt. Now that he was gone, peace would return to Cobalt Strike.


    Roald and the others felt a noticeable ease, but none showed their faces outside; instead, they


    converted their embarrassment into motivation, and trained with fervor. They all harbored a burning


    desire to one day defeat vin.


    However, after vin left, a message echoed from the Sanctum of Mystical Scrolls. He had broken


    through! Advanced Mage Stage II!


    Painful groans could be heard throughout the stronghold. Another breakthrough! Even with potions,


    such speed seemed unnatural.


    This news was yet another spur for the prideful Protégés. Some Eldersmented that at this rate,


    vin''s rise to power woulde sooner than they had anticipated.


    In the deep of night, when all was still.


    The Commander of Cobalt Strike was in seclusion within his Mystical Grotto.


    He had acquired three treasures from the pce of Antis. One he had gifted to Hamund to pass


    to Celesse, one remained in the vault, and one he kept for himself.


    It was an exquisite Relic, its millennia-old radiance undimmed, wrapped inyers of rainbow light,


    dazzling and mysterious, with the sound of thunder faintly emanating from within.


    The Commander had been contemting it for some time, hoping for inspiration. With some luck,


    he might even break through his current limits.


    "Commander." The Grand Elder approached the Sacred Territory''s chamber, bowing as was


    customary.


    "What is it?" The Commander asked indifferently, his consciousness withdrawing from the Relic and


    summoningyers of energy to momentarily suppress it.


    The Grand Elder waved his hand, casting a barrier in the Mystical Grotto to iste the inside from


    the outside. "I seek your counsel on a matter."


    The Commander cast a curious nce at the barrier but thought little of it. "Speak. There''s no need


    for formality between us."


    The Grand Elder, d in elegant robes, with refined features and long hair tied loosely behind him,


    inquired, "I wish to discuss Antis. Who has activated it?"


    "I am still investigating, but we should have some leads soon."


    "Forgive my bluntness. Are you truly investigating?"


    The Commander felt an unusual edge from the Grand Elder today. "The matter of Antis is of great


    importance; of course, we will investigate thoroughly."


    "Do you have any leads?"


    "Nearly."


    "May I know of them?"


    "It''s just a thread at the moment, but you''ll be informed once it''s confirmed."


    The Grand Elder chuckled dryly. "Commander, we have known each other for thirty years, from


    when we were Protégés to now, you as Commander, I as the lead Elder. We have been through


    much together, and we understand each other. Do you really think... I can be easily deceived?"


    The Commander regarded him quietly for a moment. "What are you getting at?"


    "A year ago, the Chained Spirit vanished from Botanic Haven, and you showed no urgency, no


    investigation. Why?"


    "The investigation into the Chained Spirit has been ongoing. It is a sensitive matter, not to be


    publicized."


    "Is that supposed to satisfy me?" The Grand Elder''s expression grew graver, his gaze fixed on the


    Commander''s eyes. "Am I not to be trusted?"


    "What has gotten into you today? These matters are not for you to question!" The Commander''s


    tone sharpened, betraying his impatience.


    "I have dedicated half my life to Cobalt Strike and earned my stripes. Why do you keep me in the


    dark? I will give you one more chance to answer my three questions. Where is the Chained Spirit?


    What pact have you made with it? Was it you who opened Antis?"


    "How dare you! Do you presume to interrogate me on Organization affairs?"


    "Answer me!" The Grand Elder''s voice was icy. "You are still hiding things! Do you wish to keep the


    treasures to yourself? After decades of toil for Cobalt Strike, is this the loyalty I receive? Even if you


    had shared the knowledge with me, given me a share, it wouldn''t havee to this." His cold gaze


    awaited the Commander''s final reply.