"My god..." The young knight who had previously complained about the smell now stared with eyes wide, nearly drooling. "These bandits... they really knew how to save!"
"It's not saving; it's plundering," Ed replied, picking up a ruby the size of a baby's fist, weighing it, and setting it back. "This is likely the result of decades of raiding merchant caravans, extortion, and perhaps even excavating ancient ruins."
"Take all the gold, silver, gemstones, and these enchanted pieces. For ores and materials, pick only the most valuable. Seal the rest; we'll return for them after the Blood Wolf Mercenaries are dealt with," Leylo ordered.
The knights immediately set to work, filling their sturdy packs with loot. The clinking of gold and the shimmering of gems cleared away the fatigue of battle, replaced by the joy of a bountiful harvest. One knight, Charlie, found a garish crown encrusted with low-quality gems and jokingly placed it over his helmet, drawing laughter from the group. "Charlie, you look like a nouveau-riche king who just got mugged!" his companion teased.
The loading took nearly an hour. High-value, portable items were prioritized, with several heavy packs distributed among the strongest Pegasi. Enchanted weapons and armor were securely lashed to the saddles.
The next day at noon, Leylo and the Pegasus knights descended from the sky, landing steadily in the town square. Leylo went straight to the manor with Ed, bringing the most significant spoils into the Great Hall. In a spacious room, Ed personally unwrapped the thick linen bundles containing the true treasures.
First were three sets of armor:
Guardian Plate Armor: An older style but perfectly maintained. It featured a shield-shaped rune on the chest. Ed noted it significantly boosts physical defense, especially against bludgeoning and slashing attacks.
Great-Strength Plate Armor: Brute and heavy, engraved with runes of power. Ed warned it would be too demanding for an average knight to wear.
Agile Leather Armor: Made from supple magic-beast hide and lined with feather-like runes. It increases agility and muffles footsteps—perfect for scouts or high-speed combatants.
Next were the weapons:
The Armor-Piercing Spear: Crafted from magic wood with a steel tip and spiral enchantments. It was designed to punch through heavy plate.
The Sharpness Sword: A reliable knight's blade enchanted to never dull or break.
The Frost-Blade: A wider sword etched with blue frost patterns. Ed gripped it, and a visible wisp of cold air escaped his breath. It carries a chilling effect that slows enemies and causes frostbite.
"Three sets of enchanted armor, three enchanted weapons," Ed summarized. "Not many, but the quality is superb—especially the Great-Strength Plate and the Frost-Blade."
Leylo felt a surge of excitement. These were a "timely rain" for Blackstone. While his knights were brave, their gear was rudimentary. With these, he could outfit a small elite force.
"Ed," Leylo looked at his most trusted captain, "the Guardian Plate and the Armor-Piercing Spear are yours. In the coming battle with the Blood Wolf Mercenaries, you must strike down their leader."
Ed didn't refuse. "Thank you, My Lord."