The Legendary Mage (Alavin) novel Chapter 144

His voice carried clearly to the Protégés of the Eight Orders, and to the stands as well. Thousands exchanged bewildered looks. Was winning against Lylian not enough? After all, he was merely Stage VIII, and it was already impressive how far he'd come. Yet he wanted more?

"Alavin, you're going too far!" Lylian snapped, angered. What did he mean? Was their fight just a warm-up and the real show against the Earthbound Spirits?

Her fellow maidens were fuming – this was an outrage!

Below the stage, Semar grimaced. "I was bested by Lylian yesterday, and now you use her as a warm-up today? Is this not an indirect insult to me?"

Cedrick's gaze sharpened. "Is this the madness you spoke of last night?"

"Alavin, are you truly challenging us, the Earthbound Spirits?" Orland's face darkened with a heavy frown.

"A friendly spar, a martial contest, no ill-will harbored, just a desire for a hearty battle. Who among you is interested?" Alavin remained unshaken.

"I accept the challenge." A man from the Earthbound Spirits strode confidently onto the stage.

"Another one!"

The Protégés of various Organizations were shocked. Another? What did he mean? Did he intend to fight two at once?

"What in the seven hells do you think you're doing?" The judge was displeased. "This is my tournament ground, and I will not stand idly by while you cause such disruption."

"I shall fight them both at once. If I win, I advance to the top ten. Should I lose, I shall withdraw from the competition," Alavin declared to the eight Commanders seated at the high table.

The eight Commanders made no immediate response, merely watching Alavin from their elevated position with silent interest.

One against two? Such a precedent had never been set in the Clash of Eight Orders.

After defeating Lylian, Alavin sought to challenge two Protégés at once. Besting one after the other was one thing, but challenging two simultaneously was quite another. Did Alavin truly seek a fair contest, or was he looking down upon the might of the Eight Orders' Protégés?

"The Earthbound Spirits accept your challenge!" declared the Commander of the Earthbound Spirits. When the battle was brought to your doorstep, there was no reason to shrink away.

The Bloodlore Commander suddenly laughed. "This lad has a fierce spirit, I like it."

"Since he seeks a challenge, let him have it," the Commanders consented, allowing Alavin's request. If he could indeed triumph, he would rightfully earn his place among the top ten. But could he?