The Legendary Mage novel Chapter 154

“You didn’t have to fight so hard,” Mariela said to Alavin. He could have easily used the mysterious Combat Magic ‘Shadowlord’s Wrath’ right from the start instead of waiting until the bitter end to employ it.

“I wanted to test my limits.” Alavin sought not only to win the tournament but also to push his potential, looking for an opportunity to break through. As a Stage VIII Novice Mage, he might’ve had to settle for the top ten, but reaching Stage IX could give him a shot at the top five, and he was well aware of that.

"The Clash of Eight Orders is a tournament, not a fight to the death," Mariela said, at a loss for words with him.

Balder glanced at Mariela, intrigued. Was there a relationship between this aloof beauty and Alavin? Not only had she stayed here for half the day, but she also initiated a conversation with Alavin—quite rare indeed.

"How did you two fare?" Alavin inquired of Mariela and Cedrick, noting that Cedrick seemed more severely wounded.

Balder interjected with a grin, "Mariela won and will compete in the third round tomorrow for a spot in the top ten. Cedrick single-handedly challenged three Protégés from the Stellar Precepts and advanced to the top ten ahead of time."

"Oh?" Alavin was surprised. Cedrick took on three? And all from the Stellar Precepts?

"It's a shame you won't be in the final matches. Otherwise, I'd relish a bout against you," Cedrick said as he got up and left the room.

"Rest well, you've already made it to the top ten. You've reached your goal, and there's no need to overexert yourself any further." Mariela left him with these words before she, too, exited the room.

That evening, the lord's manor hosted another banquet, inviting Protégés from various Organizations.

Alavin, citing his severe injuries, did not attend and locked himself in his room, drawing in the Restoration Aether from the world around him to heal his wounds. His injuries appeared grave, seemingly ruling out any participation in the final battle for the top five, yet he was confident he would recover by night's end.

He was determined to partake in the ultimate showdown!

Late at night, in the stillness of his quarters, Alavin fully opened his energy channel, free of distractions, drawing in the Restoration Aether toward the lord's manor.

The window creaked open gently, and the little fox slipped in once more, intoxicated by the abundant Restoration Aether in the room. A human-like smile had spread across its face. It tiptoed onto the bed and curled up on Alavin's legs like a comfortable fluff-ball resembling a snowball.