The Legendary Mage novel Chapter 226

"During the Clash of Eight Orders, the Bloodlore Commander showed great interest in Alavin, and even visited his chambers for a private discussion that lasted half an hour. Furthermore, the Bloodlore Commander's granddaughter, Eyla, seems to have taken a fancy to Alavin, appearing in his courtyard several times after midnight. The terms they offered were very tempting. First, the Bloodlore Commander would take Alavin as an Elite Protégé; second, Eyla would become Alavin's lover; and third, they would help him solve various troubles. At the time, I wondered how Alavin could refuse Bloodlore. Now, thinking about it, it's very likely that while he appeared loyal to Cobalt Strike on the surface, he had already struck a deal with Bloodlore in secret."

Elder Connas had suspected the Mollen family, but after much consideration, he felt that the Mollen family didn't have the nerve. They were merely a mercantile guild, and not bold enough to massacre Cobalt Strike's Elders and Protégés just for Alavin. Aside from the Mollen family, the only ones who could aid Alavin and dare confront Cobalt Strike were those of Bloodlore.

The damned Alavin was too cunning! No, rather, too clever—he had anticipated that the Grand Elder would target the Mallisters.

They really underestimated Alavin!

The Grand Elder's hands, clasped behind his back, slowly tightened into fists. "Garrat has not yet returned."

"Could he also have been slain?" Elder Connas looked up in disbelief, then affirmed, "It must be Bloodlore, without a doubt."

"I was careless," admitted the Grand Elder. His plans had been designed to ensure that the operation would go smoothly, without fail, dealing with Alavin and the Mallisters once and for all. Once they were dead, even if the Commander would have doubts, he would no longer delve into the matter. But the Grand Elder had underestimated Alavin, who had delivered a resounding slap to his dignity—Vandill, Garrat, and over seven hundred Protégés, were all lost to Alavin’s hand.

“What do we do now? Shall I arrange for someone to take out Alavin in Stormcast? We were careless this time; it won’t happen again.”

“The forest provided cover, allowing us to act without restraint, but in Stormcast, killing Alavin won’t be so simple,” the Grand Elder noted. He wasn’t so brazen that he would make it obvious to all that he was after Alavin.

“So we let it go?”

“Allow me to think on it.”

“What about the bodies at Azure Mountain?”

“I will arrange for other Elders to take control swiftly. Remember, keep this quiet.”

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