The Legendary Mage novel Chapter 2

Suddenly, the crowd gasped as Alavin leaped to his feet. His right fist clenched tightly as he hurled it towards Elder Jaslin. "For the second round! Take this punch!"

To everyone's amazement, the lightning that cloaked his body now converged into his fist, bursting with intense light. It was something impossible for a newly initiated Novice Mage to achieve.

“Humph!” Elder Jaslin suddenly turned around, brushing past Alavin as she slammed her palm into his abdomen. Alavin spat blood and was sent flying backward, crashing down below the raised dais and tumbling over several times before coming to a stop.

"Could it be that he is at Stage II of Novice Mage?" Many onlookers assessed Alavin's strength. To concentrate magic to such an extent was certainly not within the abilities of a Stage I Novice Mage. This lad was indeed a prodigy, having reached this level through his own trials. At that moment, they even pondered, how powerful Alavin might become if he were not the son of a criminal. Could he be seriously trained by Cobalt Strike? Alas, fate had been cruel to him.

Struggling to his feet, Alavin coughed up another mouthful of blood, wobbling unsteadily. His abdomen burned with fiery agony as if a fierce blaze were consuming him from within.

The crowd dispersed around him, and none stepped forward to offer assistance. However, a few impudent youths exaggerated their expressions as they scrutinized Alavin.

"Well, did Master Alavin just give us a demonstration of a dog eating dirt? Come on now. Give a round of applause, please. That performance was spot on."

"Look at you, you are so bold! You actually tried to launch a sneak attack on an Elder."

"Got what you deserved for your arrogance!"

"You were so proud, weren't you? So mighty, weren't you? How come you can hardly stand now? Need me to help you up?"

"You came here to be a hostage, so behave and atone for your parents' sins, and atone for the twenty thousand people of Stormcast."

Alavin abruptly raised his head. His eyes reddened, sweeping over the crowd.

The few Protégés shivered internally, immediately shutting their mouths as their gazes drifted away. They had sparred with Alavin often enough, and usually ended up bruised and battered. A fact that cast a shadow of fright over their hearts.

Elder Jaslin descended the testing platform and faced Alavin. Her voice was as cold as her expression. "Crawl back to the storeroom and do your duty as a servant. Cobalt Strike will never train you; you'd best not show your face at any more trials."

After a brief pause, Alavin dusted himself off and managed a bloody, carefree grin. "One day, I'll earn the standing I deserve within Cobalt Strike, and it won't be beneath you. Mark my words."