"The Earthbound Spirits!" Roald, who was leading the way, halted and furrowed his brow as he beheld the approaching party. The Earthbound Spirits were a formidable organization, second only to the Stellar Precepts in might. Their Protégés who entered the contests were universally strong, making them a powerful adversary for Cobalt Strike at this tea gathering. Furthermore, with their explosive power, they often excelled in the Novice Mage ranks, unrestricted by conventional limitations. With clever tactics, they could challenge and potentially defeat those of higher stages, just like Alavin, who, while at Stage V, had vanquished a Stage VII Galos with sheer brute force.
No organization wished to encounter them on the battleground.
"Are you Cobalt Strike?" The front-runner of the Earthbound Spirits squad stood firm. Each member was around two meters in height, exuding a forceful presence that was intimidating.
"I’m Roald from Cobalt Strike!" Roald responded with a salute.
"Who here is Celesse?" The Earthbound Spirits' leading Protégé, named Orland, an Advanced Mage of formidable strength, was tall and robust without being cumbersome, resembling a rock sculpture in both his steadfastness and his unyielding force.
How did they know of Celesse? Roald's frown deepened. "Celesse has ventured out for training and will not be partaking in the tea gathering."
"Is she afraid to come? Hmph, it's rare for Cobalt Strike to produce someone of note, yet she lacks the courage to show up."
"I will be your opponent!" Roald stepped forward, his aura blazing. His golden sword glinted brightly, as if sensing its master's will to battle.
"You? Never heard of you," Orland said dismissively.
"Golden Protégé, Goldgrace Roald, Advanced Mage. I shall challenge you at the tea gathering." Roald declared on the spot, representing Cobalt Strike with an unwavering spirit, undaunted even by the fearsome Earthbound Spirits. On this front, Alavin, Cedrick, and others stood by him, stepping forward in unison.
"Oh? An Advanced Mage?" Orland gave him a few more glances, as did the nine Earthbound Spirits Protégés behind him, slightly surprised that Cobalt Strike's new generation boasted two Advanced Mage Protégés.
The elderly leader of the group interjected with a smile, "Let's get you registered first. There will be plenty of opportunities for friendly combat."
"Remember my name, Roald!" Roald passed by Orland, following the elder deeper into the manor.
Orland sneered, "Interesting. Cobalt Strike is making quite the entrance this time. Let's go and see what kind of lineup they've sent."
Leading his team into the hall, Roald found it to be a place of elegance and antiquity. At the center stood a table with an elder seated, keeping records.
The elder glanced at them and began noting, "Is this the team from Cobalt Strike? State your ranks and how long you've been at your current stage."
"Roald, seventeen years old, Advanced Mage, Stage I, promoted two months ago."
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