Everyone instinctively looked up. In the high, distant sky, a massive dark shadow was streaking past. The figure was sleek and elegant, its scales reflecting a cold metallic luster under the setting sun. Each flap of its gargantuan wings carried a silent, heavy pressure.
It was a dragon! A dragon as black as obsidian!
Its size wasn't particularly enormous, looking like a young dragon that had just reached adulthood. Yet even so, the fluid lines of its body, the menacing head, and the crushing aura it exuded as it passed sent a chill through everyone's hearts.
Moonlight, who had been lazily draped over the horse's head, stopped moving entirely. It looked up, a complex and unreadable light flashing in its eyes. Its body crouched low, and a deep, threatening growl vibrated in its throat.
The Black Dragon didn't seem to notice the tiny group on the ground—or perhaps it simply didn't deign to care. it flew straight over their heads toward the deeper reaches of the Blackstone Mountains, soon becoming a small black dot that vanished into the horizon.
Only when the invisible pressure completely dissipated did the knights breathe a sigh of relief, cold sweat unknowingly soaking their foreheads. "A dragon... it's actually a Black Dragon..." a young knight muttered, his voice trembling with disbelief.
Ed's expression was grim. "Black Dragons... they are not friendly neighbors."
The atmosphere on the return journey was noticeably somber. Even the usually lively Moonlight was uncharacteristically quiet. Leylo reached out to stroke its soft fur, his fingertips feeling the slight tension in its muscles. This little fellow seemed exceptionally concerned about that Black Dragon.
Back at Blackstone Town, Leylo checked the castle's construction before nightfall. The foundation was complete, made of dark, hard rock providing a stable base. Dozens of craftsmen and conscripted townsfolk were busy, the air filled with the clinking of hammers and rhythmic chants of workers moving stones. The walls had begun to rise, utilizing the hardest stone quarried from the mountains. Following Leylo's requirements, the design was simple and functional, prioritizing defense.
Old Buck was on-site, directing workers to move a massive slab. Seeing Leylo, he wiped the sweat from his brow and greeted him. "My Lord! The walls are going up. We're using the best black stone—it's guaranteed to be sturdy!"
"The progress is good," Leylo nodded in approval.
That night, Leylo stood by his study window, overlooking the town under the moonlight. Moonlight hopped onto the sill, sitting beside him. "Little guy, you seemed quite nervous when you saw that dragon today?" Leylo asked softly, scratching Moonlight's chin. Moonlight squinted comfortably and purred, but only nuzzled his hand in response.
The next morning, Leylo woke to find Moonlight gone, likely off playing somewhere.
[Daily Intelligence Refresh]
1: An apprentice of the late Alchemy Master, Master Balin, is said to be carrying part of his mentor's manuscripts. He has appeared in a small town in the neighboring Silver Moon Territory.
2: Deep within 'Crying Canyon' (about 15km SE), a rare 'Dragonthorn Fruit Tree' will ripen at dawn tomorrow. It is guarded by a Rank 3 magic beast, the Frostfang Great Python. Dragonthorn fruit is said to grow only where dragon blood has spilled. It allows magic beasts to break through bloodline shackles and potentially rank up.
3: Beneath a giant oak tree in the Withered Woods (5km SE), a chest left by an adventurer is buried. It may contain magical items or gold.
4: In the western hills, an adult Wyvern (Rank 4) has been active recently, attacking human settlements. It is powerful and breathes acid.
5-7: [Routine details]
8: A caravan crossing the 'Misty Forest' claims to have seen traces of Treant activity.
9: On the edge of the Blackwater Swamp, mana fluctuations are abnormal. Massive moss-covered reptilian tracks have been reported, suggesting a powerful water or earth beast is awakening.
10: A herd of Pegasi will pass by the banks of the Blackwater River (SW of Blackstone Mountains) tomorrow afternoon to drink. Spooked by the new Black Dragon, they are fleeing the mountains to find a new habitat.
The morning sun cast dappled shadows through the window. Leylo walked to the door and told his attendant, "Go, invite Mr. Barrett to see me."
"My Lord, you summoned me?" Barrett arrived quickly.
"Mr. Barrett, sit." Leylo got straight to the point. "I have word of an alchemy apprentice in Silver Moon Territory. The borders there are tight right now. Since you've spent years among the common folk, you are the best person to infiltrate and bring him back."
Barrett stood, solemn. "Don't worry, My Lord. I will bring him back."
After Barrett left, Leylo summoned Old Buck. "Old Buck, I need a massive amount of rope snares and capture nets—as many and as strong as possible. Organize the skilled women and the old hunters to weave them immediately."
"Understood! I'll see to it right away!" Old Buck scurried off.
Leylo smiled. If he could secure this fleeing Pegasus herd, his Pegasus Knight Order would finally take shape. With enough nets and a bit of strategy, the chance was there. Just as breakfast was served, Moonlight appeared out of nowhere, hopping onto the table to brazenly share the meal.