The Legendary Mage (Alavin) novel Chapter 220

Deep into the night, the Lord of Golden Scorch, Lawren, made his way to the secretive depths of the city to awaken the old Lord, Lanard.

"Father! I've just received wonderful news!" Lawren greeted with a bow, unable to conceal his excitement beneath his handsome and scholarly demeanor.

"I'm nearly one with the grave. What news could be so good?" Lanard, his hair as white as frost and his face lined with age, slowly emerged from the dim recesses. His gaze was still sharp despite his advanced years.

"The Mallister family... they are returning!"

"What has happened?"

"Do you remember Alavin?"

"Alavin?" Lanard pondered, then recognition dawned. "The Mallister's only son? The one sent to Cobalt Strike?"

"It's him! He served as a bondservant for eight years, and who knows by what stroke of fortune his strength soared so rapidly. Not only was he chosen to partake in The Clash of Eight Orders, but he also secured a top five ranking in the tournament."

"Oh?" Lanard expressed his surprise. Making a name for oneself in The Clash of Eight Orders was no simple feat, and to be among the top five was to become renowned across the Northlands.

"Not even Cobalt Strike knows what's happened to him, but that's not important now. What matters is that the Cobalt Strike Commander has pardoned Alavin's servitude, elevating him to a Golden Protégé, and has even forgiven Stormcast!"

Lanard nodded slowly, then something came to mind, and he suddenly looked up, locking eyes with Lawren.

Lawren, unable to contain his excitement, nodded vigorously. "The Mallister family—they're returning!"

"Good! Very good!" Lanard exclaimed thrice in approval. "Who of the Mallister family still lives?"

"Just Zakar and Helna, aside from some others of no consequence."

"To think I might unlock the ancient sword's secrets in my lifetime," Lanard said, cradling the old blade with excitement. He was convinced it held a great secret, be it Combat Magic, a legacy, or a relic, any of which could usher the Rocke family to glory.

Lawren, gazing at the ancient sword, was overcome with emotion. "Father, if the secret of the ancient sword helps you break through to become an Archmage, our family will be free from Cobalt Strike's influence and establish a firm foothold in the lands of the Northlands. Your life will be extended as well."

Lanard gently caressed the old greatsword. "When do the Mallisters move out of Cloudveil Woods?"

"I've just received word they've started their to relocate. They're expected to leave within seven days."

"There are only three who may know the secret from back then, Zakar, Helna, and Alavin. Make certain you find out promptly, but be discreet—don't alert Cobalt Strike, and don't turn this into a spectacle. Do you understand?"

"Father, rest assured, I'll unearth the secret without anyone being the wiser. Neither the Mallisters nor Cobalt Strike will connect it back to the past events."