The immediate aftermath of the Archdemon's obliteration and the subsequent retreat of the demonic forces brought an atmosphere of immense relief and jubilant celebration to the weary encampment. It wasn't merely the repelling of a significant demonic assault that sparked such fervor; the news of Alaric Steele's sudden and unprecedented advancement to the rank of Grandmaster Mage had spread like wildfire, igniting an even greater wave of elation.
"Did you hear, Lothur?" Hilbert Pfeiffer, a seasoned knight with a weathered face, clapped his comrade on the back, nearly sending him stumbling. "Young Alaric Steele! A Grandmaster Mage! At seventeen!"
Lothur Dreyer, still catching his breath from the battle, grinned widely. "Unbelievable, Hilbert! Just a boy, and already wielding such power! The demons must be shaking in their boots!"
