Chapter 393


    In the heart of the deep forest.


    Elder Connas faced the biting mountain breeze, standing atop the peak, gazing at the night-shrouded Stormcast. Eighteen statues stood tall and


    majestic, emanating a soft white glow that held back the darkness of the night. All but three of the statues facing the Lord’s Keep were oriented


    outward, like celestial guardians who gazed into the wilderness and oversaw the city’s inhabitants below.


    A bitter smile slowly appeared on his face as he shook his head in resignation. s, the gathering of champions had stirred the Nortnds into a


    frenzy, causing chaos and upheaval. In the end, those who did not die fled, and it was vin who reaped the benefits.


    The fate of the Grand Elder in vin''s hands would not be pleasant. Knowing vin''s temperament. even if the Grand Elder did not die, his life would


    be worse than death


    No one to me, such was the will of fate!


    "It''s over. It''s time for me to leave." Elder Connas sighed deeply, vanishing into the night-shrouded woods. He couldn''t face returning to Cobalt Strike;


    the Organization would not spare anyone who had partaken in the rebellion. With vin, the ‘Protégé,’ as their backbone, Cobalt Strike would only


    grow more dominant. They would not hesitate to kill thousands of rebellious Protégés or even a dozen rebellious Elders.


    It was better to leave early than to return and face disgrace. The other rebellious Protégés had probably already fled long ago.


    The Botanic Haven Elder, left at the mountain''s summit, slowly regained consciousness in the dead of night. mustering his weakened body to


    descend the high mountain.


    The forest was now a gathering ce for many Protégés and three Elders. They had all arrived days before to offer assistance but had yet to break


    free from the forest and were now crowded together within the woond. Previously, the Archmage melee prevented any attempt to help, as it would


    have meant certain death, no help at all. Now, they dared not venture out. The eighteen statues stood silently in and around the city, seemingly


    peaceful, but whe knew if an approach would be met with a fatal mistake?


    "Carlys, would you go ahead and greet them?” Niks urged, eager yet fearful of the stone guardians.N?velDrama.Org holds ? this.


    "Carlys, you''re familiar with vin; go and smooth things over and let us all in,” the Elders also pleaded politely, concerned for the Commander''s


    safety. The day''s battle had been fierce, and they were uncertain whether the Commander was alive or dead


    "I know vin, but the statues don''t know me,” Carlys muttered.


    "Send someone to call out from a distance, to let vin steady the statues and let them know that it’s one of our own, to avoid any mishap," an Elder


    turned ta nominate someone, but the Protégés collectively stepped back, turning their heads aside, each thinking, “Not me, I won''t go. What if my


    shout is met not with wee but with the statuesshing out? My fragile limbs would be instantly pulverized.”


    The three Elders grimaced in frustration: perhaps it was best to wait longer.


    Just then, a tumultuous noise arose from within the forest, followed by a shout. "Quick, someonee! It’s the Botanic Haven Elder!"


    The Lord’s Keep.


    After consoling his parents, vin adjusted his emotions and, with the Mallister family, hosted the distinguished guests.


    The once-dpidated courtyard grew lively. Helna and the others, unsure how to entertain such renowned figures, scurried about, wishing they could


    personally serve ale.


    Jarad, Bah, the Starlit Echoes Commander, the elders of the Iron family, Hamund, Commander Kashann, and the Floral Enchantress


    Commander, among other significant figures, gathered in the parlor, entertained by vin himself.


    "Where are your wings?” Jarad inspected vin closely, increasingly satisfied and curious.


    vin had reverted to his normal


    appearancewo different from usual,


    in NS


    and had calmed after a cathartic -


    release. § haven''t had the change to


    study.t them yet. They emergeden


    routehere, part of the legacynthe


    Wings of Eternity.” Contentbelongs


    to  4


    The Mollen family patriarch chuckled lightly. "An Advanced Mage able to take flight is rare indeed. There will be significant speed andbat utility


    enhancements, far more practical than Combat Magic.


    “It''s likely not as simple as ordinary wings. Study them well, and you''ll surely reap the rewards,” the other Commanders agreed.


    “What exactly is the Kings'' eptance?” Bah asked, though he knew the question was abrupt.


    "The mystery of the Kings’


    eptance lies in immortality, but


    l''ve yet to delveinto the specifics,"


    vin didn‘tshy away from


    revealingthe secret. He was deeply”


    g atefuLto these elders before him,


    his tone and demeanor respectful.


    Withiou their valiant defense, who


    ksi0ws if the Mallister family and the


    ancient city could have éfidured until


    his return. After meeting and


    learning of the situation, he bowed


    deeply before these elders to


    express his gratitude. Content


    belongs to


    “Immortality...” The crowd gazed


    intently at vin, their hearts stirred


    invo untarily But considering the.


    eighteenking statues guarding x


    within aad beyond the city, none.


    darecMo probe vin''s condition too


    closely. From that day forward, no


    one regarded vin as a mere


    Protégé.


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