Faced with this sudden apex predator, the Ironclad Land Dragon was terrified but did not retreat; instead, it displayed a flash of fierce courage. Its thick tail swung violently, the bony mace at its end whistling through the air as it remained warily aimed at the sky.
Unfortunately, the gap between their tiers was immense.
The Wyvern let out a disdainful screech, its diving speed not slowing in the slightest. It precisely evaded the swinging tail-mace of the Land Dragon and dropped down like a bird of prey. Its two powerful hind claws flashed with a cold glint as they gripped the Ironclad Land Dragon's back with savage force!
Clang! Clang!
Talons collided with thick armor, producing a piercing metallic screech and even sending sparks flying! The defense the Ironclad Land Dragon took such pride in was not instantly shredded by the Tier 4 Wyvern's claws, but it was left with several deep gashes.
"Awoo!"
The Ironclad Land Dragon cried out in pain, letting out an angry and agonizing roar. It struggled violently, its massive body twisting as it attempted to buck the enemy off its back. Its thick tail swept around frantically, snapping several small nearby trees and smashing shallow pits into the ground.
But the Wyvern's claws were like iron pincers, clamped firmly into the gaps of the Land Dragon's shell. No matter how the Land Dragon struggled, it could not break free. Immediately after, the Wyvern flapped its massive wings, generating a blast of gale-force wind. It actually managed to lift the staggeringly heavy Ironclad Land Dragon right off the ground!
"Roar! Roar!"
The Ironclad Land Dragon twisted futilely in the air, its limbs kicking wildly as it let out roars of despair. Its gargantuan body looked helpless beneath the Wyvern's talons.
High in the sky, Leylo, Ed, and the Pegasus knights watched in stunned silence. The scene before them was full of primal, violent beauty, but it also sent a shock through their hearts.
Holding the desperately struggling Land Dragon, the Wyvern ascended rapidly until it reached a height of nearly a hundred meters. Then, it released its grip!
"Whish!"
The heavy Ironclad Land Dragon fell straight toward the valley floor like a meteorite!
BOOM!
An earth-shattering explosion echoed out, and the entire valley seemed to shudder. Dust and smoke filled the air as debris flew in every direction. When the dust finally settled slightly, the once-imposing Ironclad Land Dragon was sprawled on the ground. Its thick scales were shattered in multiple places, blood was gushing out, and its body was twisted unnaturally. It was clearly dead.
Falling from a height of a hundred meters was an impact so terrifying that even the Ironclad Land Dragon, with its incredible defense, could not withstand it.
The Wyvern in the sky circled once, letting out a victorious screech. It dove again, landing beside the dead Land Dragon. It nudged the prey with a claw to confirm it was completely deceased. Then, it gripped the massive carcass with its talons once more, flapped its wings, and flew toward the horizon, quickly disappearing into the clouds.
In the valley, only a mess and the faint scent of blood remained.
Leylo and his group hovered in the air, speechless for a long time. The duck that was already cooked... no, the magical beast they had set their sights on, had just flown away. Moreover, it had been snatched by a more powerful existence in such a shocking manner.
Ed's face was slightly pale. "A Tier 4 magical beast... to actually appear here..."
This was completely beyond his expectations. Although Blackstone was a border territory, the core areas were relatively safe; high-tier magical beasts generally stayed deep in the wilderness or in dangerous lands.
Leylo's expression was also somewhat grim. Previous intelligence had mentioned a Wyvern active in the territory, but he hadn't expected it to appear today and snatch his prey right out from under him. A Tier 4 beast was not easy to deal with. Leylo had no intention of—nor currently the strength for—taking on this fierce Wyvern.
"Let's go back," Leylo said.
The squad turned around and began the return flight. The atmosphere on the way back was somewhat somber. Amidst their thoughts, the familiar silhouette of Blackstone Town appeared on the horizon. The Pegasus knights skillfully lowered their altitude and flew toward the castle square in the town center.
The moment they landed, Barrett hurried forward to meet them.
"My Lord, you're back! Good news!"
Leylo dismounted and handed the reins to a nearby attendant, looking at Barrett. "What good news?"
"Just today, following Thor's promotion to formal knight, five more knight apprentices have successfully triggered their battle qi seeds and officially advanced to knights!"
This news was like a fresh spring, instantly washing away the gloom brought by the Wyvern.
"Oh?" A genuine look of joy appeared in Leylo's eyes. "Five? Excellent!"
Ed and the other knights also broke into smiles. Five formal knights! For Blackstone, which was currently in dire need of mid-level strength, this was undoubtedly a shot in the arm. Every formal knight meant a substantial upgrade to the territory's defensive power.
Leylo immediately said, "Send word. Have all the newly promoted knights gather in the castle hall. I want to meet them personally."
"Yes, My Lord!"
A moment later, inside the castle hall. Five young men wearing brand-new leather armor, their faces still carrying a hint of boyishness and excitement, stood in a row, looking a bit stiff. These were the apprentices who had broken through their bottlenecks and successfully advanced over the past few days.
Leylo's gaze swept across the five young faces. He could feel the battle qi fluctuations within them—newly formed and not yet stable, but certainly real. He nodded.
"You have done well," Leylo's voice echoed clearly in the hall. "Through your own hard work and sweat, you have earned the honor of a knight. From this day forward, you shall be the solid strength that guards this land."
The five new knights straightened their backs excitedly, their faces flushing.
"Glory belongs to Blackstone!" they responded in unison, their voices loud and full of youthful vigor.
Leylo continued, "As a reward for your successful promotion, and as partners for fulfilling your duties in the future, I have decided to grant each of you a warhorse!"
The words had just left his mouth when the side door of the hall opened, and five warhorses were led in by attendants. The annihilation of the Blood Wolf Mercenaries had provided Blackstone with a batch of excellent warhorses and packhorses; their previously scarce horse resources had suddenly become abundant.
The new knights' eyes lit up instantly. They knew better than anyone what a good warhorse meant to a knight.
"Our thanks to the Lord!" The five bowed again in salute.
Leylo stepped forward and personally handed the reins to each of the new knights. After the ceremony, Leylo offered them a few more words of encouragement before letting them go to get familiar with their new partners.
In the days that followed, Blackstone Town returned to its usual peaceful bustle. The small castle was slowly being built and was nearing completion of its roof. While Leylo handled various territorial affairs, he did not slacken in his own cultivation.
One morning, while Leylo was in his study researching a map of Blackstone and planning the next steps of development, the sound of a guard reporting came from outside the door.
"Lord, an envoy claiming to be sent by the Lord of Boulder City has arrived at the castle and requests an audience."