Apart from delivering goods in the morning, he locked himself in the storeroom, practicing the Earthtorrent Greatblade and Indigo Viper techniques, and occasionally pondering the second verse of the Restoration Mantra. His days were busy yet fulfilling.
Yet every night, when silence enveloped the world, Alavin could feel an anomaly within the Shadowbringer and a faint calling from the direction of Botanic Haven.
"Who is imprisoned there?
"Is it a man, or a monster?
"Why does it call to the Shadowbringer?
"After all, the blade was a gift from the old man."
Alavin tried his best not to let his thoughts wander, but curiosity was gnawing at him.
Five days after the incident at Botanic Haven, an astonishing piece of news thundered through Cobalt Strike—Golden Protégé Celesse had been officially promoted to an Advanced Mage.
Living up to the high expectations, this pride of Cobalt Strike had ascended to the ranks of Advanced Mage at the tender age of sixteen. Her innate talent and strength were now on par with the champions of the Capital's various orders and the scions of the greatest noble houses.
This sudden stroke of good fortune finally lifted the gloom that had hung over Cobalt Strike for five days straight, diverting the attention of the Protégés just in time.
The Commander of Cobalt Strike, in a grand gesture, decreed a celebration for Celesse's advancement to Advanced Mage, rewarding everyone in the order. Each Elite Protégé was to receive two Advanced Elixir Herbs, Senior Protégés one, and every other common Protégé an Ordinary Elixir Herb.
This was a boon for the entire order, lifting the spirits of countless Protégés.
Moreover, the Commander himself hosted a Spar at the summit of Cobalt Peak, gathering many Elders, and the five new-generation Golden Protégés in attendance.
It was a Spar of the highest order.
As night deepened, the stars filled the sky, and the revelry within Cobalt Strike showed no signs of waning.
"Hamund, where's Celesse?" asked Golden Protégé Roald the Goldgrace, respectfully bowing to Celesse's Elder, right after the Spar concluded.
"Ah, Roald," Hamund replied with a light chuckle. "Celesse was weary and has already retired."
"May I visit her? I'd like to offer my congratulations in person."
"Better to wait for another day. She truly was tired and left before the party ended."
"That's... very well then. Please convey my congratulations to her on my behalf. I'm delighted for her."
"Your mentor was just praising you, saying you're half a year away from becoming an Advanced Mage yourself. Keep up the good work. You're not far behind Celesse."
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