The sky was just beginning to lighten. Dawn filtered through the window lattice, casting mottled patterns of light and shadow on the floor.
[Daily Intelligence Refreshed]
[1: The Lord of the neighboring Giant Stone City has dispatched an envoy who will arrive in Black Stone Territory in three days. You are invited to Giant Stone City to discuss a "Joint Border Defense" initiative.]
[2: A unit of the Demon Serpent's Fangs has silently appeared in the northern part of Silver Moon Territory. Because the Silver Moon Lord has focused his main forces on defending against his neighbors and protecting the Silver Mine, several villages have been completely massacred by the Demon Serpent's Fangs, resulting in hundreds of casualties among the populace.]
[3: A group of about fifty refugees will arrive at Black Stone Town tomorrow. They claim to be from a village in the east destroyed by the Demon Serpent's Fangs. They are ragged and short on food. A few among them appear to be craftsmen with special skills. They are requesting asylum in Black Stone Territory.]
[4: Uncle Martin from the northern farm has repeatedly reported to the sheriff that he saw the scarecrow from the neighboring Hans' House running into the fields at night to dance and attempting to steal his radishes.]
[5: ...]
[6: ...]
[7: A large-scale conflict has broken out between several domains on the border of the Fiery Sun Kingdom and the Thunder Dragon Duchy. The fighting is intense. This conflict could escalate into a full-scale war between the two nations, potentially affecting the price and distribution of strategic materials such as weapons, ore, and grain.]
[8: The atmosphere in the neighboring Baiyang Viscount's Domain has been strange recently. Its Lord has been in frequent contact with certain unidentified individuals. An intelligence agent who has infiltrated the domain reports hearing whispers about "sacrifice" and "Power," suggesting a connection to a Cult of Evil, most likely a remnant force of the Demon Serpent Church.]
[9: On Azure Sky Peak, in the eastern Black Stone Mountain Range, grows a rare "Dragon Language Flower." The unique fragrance emitted by this flower is fatally attractive to Magical Beasts, but it also draws in ferocious aerial predators.]
[10: The Blood Wolf Corps and their hidden backer have reached an agreement, doubling the commission for the mission to destroy Black Stone Territory. With their demands met, the main force of the Blood Wolf Corps will arrive at Black Stone Territory tomorrow evening. Their last attack on Black Stone Territory resulted in heavy losses for the Corps; this new assault by their main force will leave their den extremely vulnerable.]
'The Blood Wolf Corps is coming again?'
'A hidden backer?'
Raylo mulled it over, and a plan quickly formed in his mind.
He had an attendant summon the core members of the territory's leadership.
At the breakfast table, Raylo began to lay out the day's affairs.
"First things first. I've received new intelligence. Our old adversaries, the Blood Wolf Corps, are expected to arrive with their main force at Black Stone Territory tomorrow evening."
"They still dare to come? Wasn't the last lesson enough for them?" Ed said.
"The Blood Wolf Corps wants to catch us off guard, so we'll give them an even bigger 'surprise.' A passive defense has never been my style. Since they're throwing everything they have at us, we'll take the opportunity to wipe out their den!"
"By leveraging the mobility of the Pegasus Knights, we can leave after breakfast, destroy the Blood Wolf Corps' den, and still have enough time to return and defend the territory."
Forgoing a static defense in favor of a proactive strike was aggressive, but it certainly had a chance of success.
Raylo stood up, walked to the center of the dining hall, and his gaze swept over everyone present.
"I will personally lead the team this time. Ed, you will lead the Pegasus Knights and accompany me."
"Let's show those gutter rats that starting today, the tables have turned."
Ed immediately stood up, his face filled with undisguised confidence.
"Yes, my Lord!"
"Bolin," Raylo said, "you and Old Mayor Buck will be in charge of Black Stone Town's defense. The Blood Wolf Corps' main force won't arrive until tomorrow evening, which gives you more than a day to reinforce the town's defenses, organize the Militia, and prepare siege supplies like stones and hot oil."
Bolin took a deep breath and said solemnly, "Rest assured, my Lord. As long as one of us is still standing, we won't let the Blood Wolf Corps take a single step into Black Stone Town!"
"Good," Raylo nodded.
"Instructor Barrett, your task is the most critical. Not only must you train the new recruits, but you must also assist Bolin in commanding the defense. The remaining forces of the Pegasus Knight Order, along with all the followers and Apprentices from the Knight Training Camp, will be under your unified command."
Barrett's face was expressionless. He simply gave a firm nod. "Yes, my Lord."
Half an hour later, on the training grounds of Black Stone Territory.
Ed had already finished assembling the troops. Twenty Pegasus Knights stood in neat formation.
Raylo, dressed in light Leather Armor with a Long Sword at his waist, walked to the front of the formation.
"Men," Raylo's voice carried clearly across the training ground, "the mission is clear. Everyone will follow Captain Ed's command. Maintain formation and do not act without orders."
"Yes, sir!" the Knights responded in unison.
"Move out!"
Ed shouted, spurring his Pegasus into the air first.
One by one, the Pegasi took flight. Their white wings cut through the air as they sped toward the depths of the Black Stone Mountain Range, toward the unknown den of the Blood Wolf Corps.
The wind roared in their ears, and below them, the mountains and forests receded at a dizzying pace.
Ed flew at the head of the formation. As an experienced Knight and commander, he was well aware of the risks of this surprise attack.
The Blood Wolf Corps had been entrenched in the Black Stone Mountain Range for years; their den was surely in an extremely hidden and easily defensible location.
Time passed in monotonous flight.
The scenery below gradually shifted from the familiar surroundings of Black Stone Territory to an unfamiliar, desolate landscape.
The mountains grew more treacherous, their peaks overlapping one another, devoid of any human presence.
Occasionally, they spotted birds of prey circling the cliffs or caught a glimpse of a massive figure flashing through the dense forest below—dangerous Magical Beasts from the depths of the Black Stone Mountain Range.
「Several hours later.」
The Pegasi circled once above a hidden valley surrounded by mountains, then began to descend.
"We're here."
Raylo's voice rang out.
"It's halfway up that cliff face below."
The Knights all controlled their Pegasi to lower their altitude, hovering cautiously in the air as they looked down.
Below them was a sheer cliff. Partway down its face, there was a massive cave entrance, mostly obscured by vines and rocks. It would be extremely difficult to spot without careful observation.
Below the entrance was a relatively gentle Chaotic Stone Slope, but the incline was still steep, making it nearly impossible for a large force to climb.
On the cliffs to either side of the cave entrance, faint traces of man-made excavation were visible, appearing to be crude lookout points and defensive fortifications.
"It seems the intelligence was correct. Their main force has indeed left."
Ed observed for a moment before speaking in a low voice.
The Knights landed in a hidden forest clearing a couple of miles from the cliff.
The terrain here was flat and the trees were dense, enough to conceal their presence.
The Knights quickly dismounted, undid the saddles of their Pegasi, and fed their mounts with the water and special fodder they had brought.
After such a long flight, these magnificent creatures needed to rest.
The Knights also took out their own waterskins and rations to replenish their energy.
The several consecutive hours of high-altitude, high-speed flight had taken a significant toll on both their mental and physical stamina.
Time passed, and the light in the forest gradually dimmed.
The silhouettes of the distant mountains blurred in the twilight.
Raylo glanced at the sky.
"Good. It's about time."
He turned to the Knights. "Everyone, prepare to mount! Remember our objective: breach the cave as quickly as possible and eliminate all resistance! Ed, you'll lead the first squad as the assault team. The second squad will move with me."
"Yes, sir!"
The Knights roared their assent, swiftly readied their gear, and swung themselves onto their mounts.
The Pegasi also seemed to sense the tense atmosphere, letting out a series of low neighs and beating their wings, ready for takeoff.