The Legendary Mage novel Chapter 125

In the vast and sprawling Northlands, stretching for thousands of miles, the land was vast and boundless.

They traversed great mountains and deep ravines, passed through ancient towns and fortifications, and after ten days of travel, they arrived at the site of The Clash of Eight Orders, the Warriors' Vale!

Throughout their journey, they kept a low profile, deliberately concealing their tracks and identities, choosing secluded routes. Otherwise, given Cobalt Strike's standing in the Northlands, the lord of every city they passed would have come out to greet them with great reverence. The Cobalt Strike Commander intentionally wanted them to bond, to experience the outside world. He would occasionally drew out Magi-Monsters for them to hunt and train, keeping their spirits high so they might present themselves in the best light at The Clash of Eight Orders.

Warriors' Vale had a long history, being the most ancient city in the Northlands, grand and majestic, and filled with the sense of time's erosion.

The city walls towered thirty meters high, forged entirely of black onyx stone, solemn and imposing. The gate towers were grand and atmospheric, like mighty titans guarding the ancient city, deterring the throngs of passersby. The moat was over a hundred meters wide and dozens deep, lurking with many terrifying Riverine Beasts; falling in would have unimaginable consequences.

Warriors' Vale was bustling with life, home to a million souls; the flow of visitors was a vast number. During The Clash of Eight Orders, many mages also gathered here.

Standing before the city gates, Nikulas and his companions admired the grandeur of the ancient city, feeling a surge of bold aspiration. “The Clash of Eight Orders, we have arrived!!”

Everyone had the heart of a champion, and everyone yearned to duel with the genius warriors. The Clash of Eight Orders would gather the strongest elites of the Northlands, being the perfect stage to showcase their valor!

Alavin, however, seemed lost in reverie. The ancient city, its bustle, the guards, the drawbridge—all these scenes were so similar to the memories of his childhood. It was all too similar to Stormcast, where he was born and raised, and where he left his laughter and joy. But eight years had passed, what would it look like now? Laid to waste or overtaken by wicked bandits?

"What are you thinking about?" Cedrick noticed Alavin's distraction. While everyone else was eager, Alavin seemed lost in thought.

“I’m thinking of home.” Alavin came back to his senses, offering a slight smile.

“Do you hate them?”

“Many have asked me that. If I didn’t hate, how ungrateful would that make me?”

Cedrick looked intensely at Alavin, then said no more.

The city gates were wide open, and a troop of soldiers burst forth. Their armor was gleaming, and their horses were prancing. With a commanding presence, the people outside the city made way for them.