"Two against one is also fine," Eyla chimed in, delighting in the chaos. She loved the effortless dominance Alavin displayed.
"Eyla, don't stir the pot!" Lucan quickly admonished, reminding her they were dealing with the royal Blessed Citadel.
Eyla chuckled lightly, "What's there to fear? They're not worthy to boast before Alavin. The Blessed Citadel is divided into three ranks: Outer Protégé, Inner Protégé, and Sacred Protégé, much like Cobalt Strike's common Protégés, Elite Protégés, and Golden Protégés. Granted, the Inner Protégés are elite, and some are exceptional, but our Alavin is the Shadowlord's Messenger! A few Inner Protégés are no match for him. Perhaps a Sacred Protégé might pose a slight challenge."
Lucan and the others smiled wryly. She truly held Alavin in high esteem.
Carlys bristled. "Why do you keep saying 'our Alavin?' Since when did he become yours?"
After conferring quietly with the three Elders, a handsome youth proposed with a smile, "We have a suggestion. Let's recreate Lord Alavin's famous battle from The Clash of Eight Orders, where he faced two opponents. What say you?"
"Two against one? Shameless!" The Mallister family objected. They were already uneasy about facing the Citadel Protégés, and now they proposed two against one.
"They're scared," Eyla laughed, interpreting their proposal as fear of not being able to defeat Alavin and getting humilated.
A young man and woman descended from the stands. "Lord Alavin, please do not misunderstand, we mean no disrespect in challenging you. My brother and I always fight together, practicing a set of combination Combat Magic. Only by joining forces can we barely contend with the other Citadel Protégés. You need not feel pressured."
"Shameless can be so naturally depicted. I am impressed!" Godfred muttered under his breath.
Marak's expression gradually improved. They were worthy of being Citadel Protégés. They spoke with such eloquence!
Alavin looked at them, offered no protest, but instead raised his hand to invite battle. "Please!"
The Citadel Protégés all revealed slight smiles. “The lad isn't half bad. He knows the score!”
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