Alavin was puzzled. This was different from what he had expected. "What price must I pay?"
Mariela was also surprised. Was her mentor intending to cultivate Alavin? An Organization leader publicly apologized. What was their intent?
Eyla, however, was intrigued. Cobalt Strike had finally decided to nurture Alavin, a decision not easily made.
Commander Jarad’s declaration was firm. "Your Kings' Acceptance belongs to you, but it must also belong to Cobalt Strike. That is our condition!"
"I...I don't quite understand."
"You have taken over from your parents as the lord of the city. From today, you must also take over another of your parents' roles, as the Elder of Cobalt Strike. You, Alavin, will forever be part of Cobalt Strike."
"Elder? Me?" Alavin was even more perplexed. An Elder at sixteen? There likely had never been such a precedent in the history of Cobalt Strike.
"In time, when the Commander steps down, you shall take up the mantle of Commander of Cobalt Strike," the Elder of Botanic Haven spoke with a voice that hushed the summit of Botanic Haven.
Alavin was stunned, Mariela's mouth fell open slightly, and Eyla blinked in disbelief.
Cobalt Strike, Commander?! The leader of an Organization!!
A chill breeze blew past, and Alavin was almost jolted awake. He had been worried before coming to Botanic Haven that the Commander and the Elder of Botanic Haven would not easily let go of the Kings' Acceptance, but he had never imagined it would happen in such a manner. The more he thought, the more shocked he became, and the more he remained silent.
The master of an Organization. What a rare honor, to be called the overlord of the Northlands, destined to make his name known throughout the Royal Realm!
Such a title, if bestowed upon Alavin, would be enough to command the respect of many and protect Stormcast.
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