The Legendary Mage (Alavin) novel Chapter 39

Alavin chuckled with ease. "Didn't the Commander hold a Spar in your honor at the Cobalt Peak? How has it ended so soon?"

"It should be over by now." The maiden's garments fluttered as she moved with a light step, coming to Alavin's side and sitting upon the stone bench.

She sat quietly, gazing at the night sky brimming with stars. Her demeanor was graceful, akin to a blooming tulip, rich and fragrant.

Celesse, the pride of Cobalt Strike, was one of the five illustrious Golden Protégés. She was also the object of countless Protégés' admiration.

Normally, she would hide her stunning beauty behind a veil, seldom showing a smile. But tonight, she had removed her veil, revealing her true face. Her skin was like silk, her eyes like deep pools of autumn, her nose sculpted, her lips moist and red, and her teeth like pearls. She possessed a beauty that could take one's breath away, like a celestial maiden descended from the heavens.

Alavin gazed upon Celesse's perfect profile, pleased for her. "Congratulations on advancing to an Advanced Mage. Are you happy?"

Celesse tapped her fingers lightly, her lips pursing slightly. "I was quite happy when I broke through, but slowly, my heart has calmed. In truth, it's nothing to be proud of. We Mages are like the stars in the sky, countless, all striving to shine. Every star that thinks itself bright will eventually find another that shines brighter."

"That's precisely why this world is so full of wonder, isn't it?"

Celesse's smile was gentle, brightening the dark night. Only in front of Alavin, would she be so relaxed and casual. "Thank you for the Combat Magic you sent me. Without it, I wouldn't have advanced so quickly."

"That Combat Magic is quite demanding. I only gave you the first phrase. Now that you're an Advanced Mage, you might try the second phrase." Alavin produced the Grand Arcanum of the Blade.

"I haven't truly practiced the first phrase; I've only drawn new insights from it."

"Why not practice it?"

"It resists me."

"What?"

"It's just a sheet, but there's a strange feeling in the words... it seems to resist me."

Alavin was surprised. Resistance? Could it be that the Grand Arcanum of the Blade's mysteries lay not in the tome itself, but in the words within?

"Where did you get this? This set of Combat Magic should be Master-level, or even higher." Celesse hadn't practiced it, but she had studied it carefully.