The afternoon sun filtered through the high windows of the Lord's Great Hall, casting mottled shadows upon the beast-skin rug. Ed stood to one side, already clad in the Guardian Plate Armor. The heavy metal encased his frame, and the faint shield rune on his chest seemed to harmonize with his steady temperament. Though it had yet to see combat, the mere sight of him in the suit provided a profound sense of security.
In the hall, Leylo had gathered his core members to discuss the impending Blood Wolf invasion. Just then, a series of hurried footsteps echoed from outside. A young figure appeared at the door, wearing an ill-fitting grey apprentice robe and a pair of alchemist's goggles perched on his nose—it was the newly recruited alchemy apprentice, Karl.
Karl carefully held a slender-necked glass bottle wrapped in thick cloth. Inside was a viscous liquid shimmering with a faint green light. He hurried to Leylo and bowed excitedly.
"My Lord! The... the Magic Beast Growth Elixir you requested... I succeeded!"
Leylo's gaze was instantly drawn to the potion. He gestured for Karl to come closer. "Oh? Let me see."
Leylo took the bottle and pulled the cork. A peculiar scent—a blend of herbs and minerals—wafted out. It wasn't unpleasant; rather, it carried a strange sense of vitality. The green liquid flowed slowly, seemingly imbued with an indescribable energy.
"Was the process smooth?" Leylo asked, observing the potion's color.
"Mostly," Karl adjusted his goggles, looking both relieved and proud. "The fusion ratio of Earth-Dragon Grass and magic beast spinal fluid is extremely strict. Any slight deviation causes a violent energy backlash. Since different grades of spinal fluid contain varying energy levels, the ratio of grass juice must be adjusted accordingly. That was the hardest part to master."
Leylo recapped the bottle and looked at Karl with approval. "Karl, you've done excellently! Faster than I expected. This elixir is of immense significance to the territory."
Receiving such direct praise, Karl's cheeks flushed red. "Thank you, My Lord! It is my honor to serve you!"
"This is your talent," Leylo said solemnly. "Blackstone needs people like you. Whatever materials you need or difficulties you face, go directly to Ed. The territory will prioritize your requirements. I will spare no effort to train you into a true Alchemist."
Karl was stunned by the promise and bowed deeply. Leylo waved him off. "Keep up the good work. This elixir is just the beginning. I have other formulas I'll give you when the time is right."
The light atmosphere didn't last long. A scout in leather armor rushed into the hall. "My Lord! Urgent report!"
Leylo's smile vanished. "Speak."
"Scouts to the west have spotted the Blood Wolf Mercenaries in the river valley ten miles from our border! About ten riders, well-equipped and moving fast—likely a reconnaissance unit!"
"The Blood Wolf Mercenaries! Finally here?" Leylo stood and walked to the beast-skin map on the wall. He pointed to the valley. "Just ten riders? They must be the vanguard."
Leylo turned to the group, his eyes narrowing. "Now that the Pegasus Squad is formed, the choice between offense and defense is no longer up to the Blood Wolf Mercenaries."
He began issuing commands:
Ed: "Lead the Pegasus knights. Consume small enemy groups, and harass large ones with arrows. From the moment they enter Blackstone, ensure they don't have a moment of peace. When the final battle begins, if they attack the town, strike them from the rear!"
Bolin: "Command the remaining knights, squires, and the Town Self-Defense Force. Defend Blackstone Town at all costs."
Barrett: "Lead the knight apprentices from the training camp as a mobile reserve force. Check your gear and ready the horses."
"Everyone," Leylo's voice was like clashing steel, "after this battle, the name 'Blood Wolf' shall be erased from existence."
As orders were carried out, the town transformed into a beehive of military activity. Knights polished armor, apprentices moved crates of arrows, and the militia—though poorly equipped—was high in spirit thanks to past victories.
The Blood Wolf main force finally arrived at the border. At the front were eighty elite cavalrymen with scimitars and cruel gazes. Behind them were over a hundred heavy infantry—the core of the group. Bringing up the rear were two hundred ragged bandits, the "cannon fodder" used to inflate their numbers and soak up initial casualties.