Looking at the six Pegasi standing before him with lowered heads and submissive eyes, their demeanor had shifted from defiant to docile as if they had undergone a soul transplant. Leylo could no longer suppress the burning desire in his heart to command the heavens. He glanced at the little creature perched atop the white horse's head, using its tiny claws to preen its silver fur, and a smile touched his lips.
"My Lord, do you wish to try?" a knight asked, sensing Leylo's intent and quickly stepping forward to hold the white horse's reins.
"Have the kitchen prepare the roasted geese for Lord Moonlight."
Leylo nodded, strode to the side of the white horse, and gently patted its warm neck. This time, the horse merely let out a comfortable snort and leaned its body slightly to make mounting easier for him. Leylo flipped himself into the saddle with fluid grace. He reached out and scooped up Moonlight, who was still busy grooming. The little dragon squirmed in protest, its claws clutching Leylo's lapel while it let out a muffled grumble—likely calculating the eighteen roasted geese it was about to receive.
"Sit tight," Leylo whispered to the bundle in his arms. He adjusted his posture and gave a light squeeze with his legs. "Up!"
With a low command, the white horse understood. Its four hooves kicked off the ground, and its massive wings unfurled with a powerful snap. Whoosh! A strong current of air swirled the dust and grass clippings. In the next instant, Leylo felt the weight vanish beneath him as a powerful thrust propelled man and horse off the ground, shooting straight into the clouds!
"He's... he's flying!" The knights on the ground gasped, their heads tilted back as their eyes followed the white silhouette with expressions of shock and envy. Is flight not the ultimate dream of every knight?
The wind howled in his ears. Unlike the bumpy gallop on solid ground, this was a smooth, rapid ascent. The ground shrank away, and his field of vision suddenly expanded. The castle, the training grounds, the woods and fields beyond the walls—everything appeared from a brand-new perspective. Leylo's heart raced with excitement. He had never felt the flow of the wind and the vastness of the sky so vividly.
The white horse was clearly thrilled to regain its freedom, stretching its powerful form in the air, every beat of its wings brimming with strength. Leylo could feel the muscles tensing and coordinating beneath him. He tried to guide the direction, and the horse's response was swift and precise. The synergy between man and beast was unexpectedly perfect.
For the first time, the full panorama of Blackstone Territory lay clear before his eyes. Beyond Blackstone Town, neatly planned farmlands stretched out; though much land still awaited reclamation, it was already taking shape, with scattered farmers working the soil. The Blackwater River snaked through like a silver ribbon, nourishing the land. In the distance were the rolling Blackstone Mountains and deep forests—both a protective barrier and a source of unknown danger and opportunity.
Moonlight seemed equally interested in the altitude, its little head turning curiously back and forth. It no longer cared about its interrupted grooming, staring down with wide, bright eyes. Suddenly, it extended a claw toward a specific direction below, making a "gurgle" sound. Leylo looked down; it was pointing toward the smoke rising from the castle's kitchen chimney. The faint scent of roasted meat seemed to drift up.
"I know, I won't forget your geese," Leylo laughed, patting its head. Eighteen roasted geese in exchange for six high-value strategic assets—this was a bargain no matter how one looked at it.
Moonlight rubbed its head against his chest in satisfaction, found a comfortable position, and half-closed its eyes with an air of "This Lord has finished his inspection; time to return for the reward."
The wind brushed his face with a high-altitude chill, blowing away the fatigue of recent days. After circling a few times to fully master the controls, Leylo reluctantly guided the horse down. The Pegasus folded its wings gracefully and touched down with a lightness that barely felt like an impact.
Leylo dismounted and patted the horse's neck again; it nuzzled his arm affectionately. The knights swarmed forward, their eyes burning with envy.
"My Lord, this Pegasus..." one knight stammered.
"Yes, it's excellent," Leylo nodded. "Have Captain Ed make arrangements. Everyone must learn to ride them! A Pegasus herd usually has dozens or even hundreds of members. We will capture more in the future."
The knights erupted in cheers of "Long live the Lord!"
Three days later.
The morning light filtered through the window, casting dappled shadows on the wooden floor. The images of soaring through the sky remained vivid—the sense of freedom from the earth's shackles was intoxicating. Moonlight was curled up on a cushion at the foot of the bed, sleeping sprawled out with its little belly rising and falling, a trace of satisfied... drool? hanging from its mouth. It was likely dreaming of a mountain of roasted geese.
[Daily Intelligence Refresh]
1: There is a cook named "Marlin" in the south district tavern of Blackstone Town. She is skilled, especially with poultry. Her family recipe for "Honey Herb Goose" is said to be a masterpiece.
2: Several newly reclaimed wheat fields in the north are showing signs of Rust Disease. Farmers are helpless, and there is a risk of a widespread outbreak. It is a fungal infection; burning the infected areas is the only effective way to stop the spread.
3: Hunters report a rare colony of "Herb Rabbits" on the edge of the eastern hills, numbering about thirty. Their pelts are premium material for lightweight enchanted leather armor, and their meat is a delicacy.
4: At the Blackstone Town flea market, an old mercenary claims to have a fragment of a treasure map leading to a "Hidden Cave." Because it is a fragment, its authenticity is doubted. However, this old mercenary was once an Earth Knight who fell in rank due to injury. He was once a Senior Instructor of the Thunder Dragon Knight Order and possesses vast training experience. For you, he is the true "treasure."
5-6: [Routine details omitted]
7: Internal conflict has erupted in the neighboring Count Redleaf's territory over succession; several knights have already perished in the struggle.
8: Your western neighbor, the Baron of Silver Moon, has been frequently moving his knight squads and increasing border checkpoints under the guise of bandit clearing. The actual reason is the discovery of a small silver mine in his territory, which he has begun mining.
9: On the cliffs of the northern Blackstone Mountains, a rare herb called "Starlight Grass" is in bloom. It is a crucial ingredient for high-level healing potions and magical ink, holding great value.
10: A massive upheaval is occurring in the Eastern Blackstone Mountains and the Emerald Swamp. The former overlord, the Nine-Headed Hydra Hydra, has entered a deep slumber to gather strength for ascension. Its uncontrolled monster minions are wreaking havoc. Meanwhile, a Young Black Dragon has just left its mother's protection and intends to establish its own dragon nest and kingdom in the Eastern Blackstone Mountains.