The Legendary Mage (Alavin)

Chapter 216

Elder Connas felt a pang in his heart and quickly lifted several black shrouds to reveal the faces beneath. His vision darkened, and he nearly collapsed. As a confidant of the Grand Elder, he was somewhat privy to the Grand Elder's plans, and these 'brigands' were clearly the Protégés sent by the Cobalt Strike.

The total was over seven hundred Protégés, all from the Grand Elder's faction, now dead.

Alavin approached him, his tone was neither too harsh nor too soft. “Do you recognize any of these brigands, Elder Connas?”

“I do not,” Elder Connas replied, squatting on the ground and closing his eyes tightly. Their loyal Protégés, who were secretly cultivated over many years, were now gone without a trace. He could imagine the Grand Elder's fury upon receiving the news.

What was meant to be a simple task had gone horribly wrong. How could such an error have occurred?

Elder Connas paused for a long while, his face a mask of ice as he turned to Mariela. "Speak. What exactly has transpired here?"

Mariela replied coolly, "Everything Alavin has said is true."

Adirich nearly shouted in anger. His thoughts were racing with accusations of lies and deceit. "Do they take us for fools?"

With feigned gravity, Alavin declared, "This atrocity cannot stand. Cobalt Strike must investigate this matter thoroughly."

"Cobalt Strike will never let the perpetrator escape justice," Elder Connas said, struggling to control his emotions and regain his composure. The situation was suspicious; how could it be that over

seven hundred Cobalt Strike Protégés had perished without explanation? What had happened in the depths of the previous night? And where was Garrat? Surely, this was not the work of the Mallister family's guard; they lacked the strength.

The only possibility that came to mind was that Alavin had accomplices. Perhaps there was a hidden force within the Azure Mountain!

This thought tightened Elder Connas' chest as a crucial concern dawned on him. If Alavin dared to slay Vandill and kill over seven hundred Protégés of Cobalt Strike, did he also plan to turn on them? He glanced around the mine nervously, a deep unease spreading within him.

“The handling of these corpses will be a task for Elder Connas, I’m afraid,” said Alavin.

“How am I to manage that?”

“By returning them to Cobalt Strike, of course. Let the Commander investigate the origins of these bandits. It’s abhorrent that they would dare to kill Elder Vandill, to target Cobalt Strike’s Protégés. Elder Vandill served Cobalt Strike tirelessly for years, only to meet such a tragic end in this mine. It’s a sorrowful fate.”

Alavin spoke with solemnity, but Elder Connas felt like cursing. They were all clever enough to understand the subtext. This detestable Alavin was far too arrogant!

“Why so silent, Elder Connas? Have you thought of something?” Alavin prodded. Ccontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

Concerned about potential ambushes within the mine, Elder Connas dared not provoke Alavin further. “We will look into this matter thoroughly. Leave it with me.”

“Good, that’s settled then. We’ve finished our business here and plan to return home today.”

“Congratulations, and travel safely,” Elder Connas said, his words not matching his feelings.

“The mine will be closed today. My people are gathering in the square. Would you care to address them, Elder Connas?"

"There's no need. I'd rather not interfere with your affairs."

"They've been enslaved for eight years, carrying deep scars, and still hardly believing they're free. I thought perhaps you could say a few words to show your support, Elder Connas."

"Really, there's no need. I doubt they wish to see another Elder from Cobalt Strike."

"How could that be? We're all part of the same community, after all. Please, just a few simple words."

The more Alavin insisted, the more uneasy Elder Connas felt – a genuine disquiet. With over seven hundred lifeless bodies before him, the threat of death was both real and overpowering, making it impossible for him to assert dominance. Never had he imagined that there would come a day when he'd stand before Alavin... and feel fear.

Adirich and the others were puzzled. Why had Elder Connas' presence weakened? As they mulled this over, their expressions shifted subtly. If Alavin dared harm Vandill, could it be that he planned to do the same to them?