The Legendary Mage (Alavin) novel Chapter 183

Elder Marthew watched the grand procession approaching and let out a sigh of relief, his face breaking into a smile. "At last, we've returned."

"So many people." Adirich's expression dimmed slightly, unable to muster the same joy. They averted their gaze, slowed their pace, and deliberately fell behind.

Roald seemed calm on the surface, walking with Elder Marthew toward the welcoming party, but inside, Roald was anything but serene, fearing the intense gaze of admiration from the Protégés and Elders and struggling to maintain his composure.

"Commander! You've returned at last!" The Elders greeted them.

"A minor setback delayed us on the road; let's head back to the Organization first."

The Elders quickly signaled for the Protégés to make way, smiling as they asked, "How did we fare? Roald and the others must have done Cobalt Strike proud, right?"

The crowd of excited Protégés cheered and called out.

"Who made the top five? How many are in the top ten?"

"Roald, you must be in the top five; I'm proud of you."

"Semar, how did it go? Say something."

"Why the silence? Don't keep us in suspense; we can't wait any longer."

"Who made the top five?"

"Who is the hero of Cobalt Strike?"

The Commander smiled faintly, replying as he walked, "This year, every Organization had many exceptional Protégés. There were eleven Advanced Mages."

"Eleven?" The crowd gasped in disbelief, exchanging incredulous glances. Protégés on the outskirts eagerly asked, "What? What did he say? Pass it to the back; I can't hear."

"Commander, what about us...?" The welcoming Elders quickly inquired.

"Cobalt Strike stood out with one in the top five and another in the top ten. The tournament was spectacular."

"Wow!" A thousand Protégés cheered collectively.

Top five? Top ten? Ha, splendid! It had been three seasons since Cobalt Strike had anyone in the top ten, and now they could finally hold their heads high.

Such results were an inspiration to all the new-generation Protégés of Cobalt Strike. Who would dare say their generation fell short now? Celesse didn't even compete, and they still secured a top-five position. Had Celesse entered, would they not have claimed two spots in the top five?

Energizing! Thrilling!

Roald and the others, their faces flushed with heat, felt too embarrassed to lift their heads.

Suddenly, someone in the crowd shouted, "Come on, let's lift Roald up high!"

"Roald! Roald!" The crowd erupted in excited cheers.

"Roald, your mentor would be proud of you." The welcoming Elders nodded at Roald. This honor, being even more prestigious than the ‘Golden Protégé,' was sure to make a name in the Northlands, promising a limitless future and validating their investment and high hopes in Roald.

An Elder in high spirits asked, "Commander, how shall we celebrate?"