"Roald, what are you waiting for?" Felis asked, puzzled and anxious. They had to win a bout today, no matter the means.
"Alavin is not invincible, and he certainly can't challenge beyond his rank in the Advanced Mage tier," Admus also urged. If Roald didn't step into the fray, they would have to.
Roald's face was stern, and his presence commanding, but the golden sword at his back slowly became tranquil.
"Roald, you…" Felis and Admus sensed something amiss.
"This is not like when we were Novice Mages. We are Advanced Mages now. I am one stage above you, and it's not fitting for us to spar. Once you ascend to Stage II, I shall accept your challenge," Roald said calmly, voicing words he himself resented. He couldn't afford to lose! He had just advanced to Stage II, and his mastery was not yet stable.
The crowd erupted into murmurs. Was that a refusal?
Not only were the Protégés below the stage surprised, but the Elite Protégés also raised their eyebrows in unison.
Roald, with the strength of a Stage II Advanced Mage, refused Alavin's challenge. Was it really just a feeling of impropriety. Everyone had their own judgment.
The five Elders had already left. The moment Roald declared his refusal, they knew there was no need to stay. It was a tacit concession!
Thousands of Protégés looked at each other in dismay. Was this the Goldgrace Roald they knew?
"Roald, won't you reconsider?" Alavin's gaze was piercing as he continued to stare at Roald.
"When you reach Stage II, there will be a battle between us."
"I ask you again, will you fight or not?" Alavin's voice suddenly rose, resonating through the arena. His body was erupting with fierce lightning, bright and blinding, nearly enveloping him in a display of overwhelming might. His hands were clenched, and a black vortex howled as it spun. The Shadowbringer seemed almost uncontrollable.
At that moment, Alavin's will to fight was immense. His lightning and killing intent swept across the arena, subduing many.
Roald frowned deeply, showing a hint of hesitation.
Then Alavin suddenly dispersed the lightning and grasped his hands firmly, reining in the Shadowbringer. He strode away from the Arena. Was Roald far from what Alavin had expected, not worth the challenge anymore?
Roald almost shouted out, accepting the challenge, but in the end, he couldn't open his mouth.
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