Watching Bishop Augustus and his grand entourage depart until the Holy See's banner vanished over the distant horizon, Leylo finally let out a long, deep breath. The pressure brought by that Bishop was far greater than anything he had shown on the surface.
"I've finally sent that plague god away for now."
Leylo felt a sense of relief. In the days that followed, Blackstone Territory returned to its usual rhythm of busy tranquility. Various territorial affairs progressed systematically under Leylo's planning.
What delighted him most was the growth of the two Iron-Armored Rhino cubs. The little fellows he had "borrowed" from the banks of the Blackwater River were now majestic. Their bodies had surged to over two meters in length and nearly 1.5 meters in height. Their once supple blue-black hides now gleamed with a metallic luster, looking as though they were clad in actual iron plate. Their limbs were thick and powerful, each step striking the ground with a heavy thud. The once short horns on their heads had grown to half a foot long, their tips glinting with a cold light.
On the training grounds, they ran like small whirlwinds. Ordinary Great Knights didn't dare match them in raw strength. Preliminary estimates placed the two youngsters at Tier 2 Magic Beast combat strength—a new cornerstone of Blackstone's military might.
One afternoon, after finishing his official duties, Leylo sent an attendant to summon Bolin to his study.
When Bolin arrived, Leylo noticed that the frustration and resentment the knight had shown when he first arrived at this remote frontier had long since vanished.
"My Lord," Bolin bowed.
Leylo motioned for him to sit and personally poured him a mug of ale. "Bolin, followng me to this godforsaken border to break ground... you must have grumbled quite a bit in your heart, haven't you?"
Bolin's face flushed slightly. He took a sip of ale to hide his momentary embarrassment. "My Lord, following you is my duty."
"Duty?" Leylo arched an eyebrow teasingly. "I seem to remember someone whose face was longer than the rocks of Blackstone Mountain when he first arrived. I thought you expected me to sell you off to the iron mines."
Bolin coughed awkwardly. "The Lord is joking. I was... just a bit unaccustomed back then."
Leylo laughed and stopped teasing him. "Enough joking. I've seen everything you've done for Blackstone." His expression grew serious. "From the initial camp construction to maintaining security and charging at the front lines during every invasion, you've never slacked. You are a major reason Blackstone is as stable as it is today."
Bolin felt a surge of warmth in his chest. "You overpraise me, My Lord. It is simply my duty," he said, his voice slightly thick with emotion.
Leylo waved a hand. "I reward merit and punish failure. I, Leylo, have always been clear on that." He pulled an exquisite wooden box from his robe and pushed it across the desk. The box was simple and ancient, emitting a faint medicinal fragrance.
Bolin's breath hitched. He had a faint inkling of what it might be.
"Open it," Leylo smiled.
With trembling hands, Bolin opened the box. A crystal-clear vial lay nestled in red velvet. It contained a pale golden liquid that pulsed with a strange energy.
"This... this is..." Bolin's voice was dry, his eyes filled with disbelief. As a veteran Great Knight, how could he not recognize this?
"Earth Knight Breakthrough Potion," Leylo said clearly. "You've been stuck at the Great Knight level for many years, haven't you? This potion might just help you shatter that bottleneck."
Earth Knight! Bolin's heart hammered against his ribs. He was forty-four years old; he had assumed his path of advancement had reached its end. He never expected such an opportunity in this remote frontier.
He stood up abruptly and dropped to one knee. "My Lord! Such a gift... I am not worthy!"
In the capital, such a potion would cause knights to kill each other in the streets. And here Leylo was, gifting it to him.
"Stand up, Bolin," Leylo helped him up. "You and Ed followed me here. Those who are loyal to me will always find their efforts rewarded."
Bolin's eyes were red. "Rest assured, My Lord! Bolin shall not fail your expectations! I am willing to die for you and for Blackstone!"
Leylo nodded with satisfaction. "Go. Find a quiet place. This is a masterpiece from Master Barnaby, so the success rate is higher than average. Prepare yourself well and break through in one go."
Daily Intelligence Refresh
The next morning, the parchment shimmered with new light:
Mercenaries in Ironthorn: A medium-sized mercenary group called "Iron Skull" has arrived in neighboring Ironthorn Territory. Led by an Earth Knight, with 3 Great Knights and over 100 retainers. They are secretly funded by First Prince Elliot.
Scandal in Sunset: The daughter of Baron Sunset has reportedly eloped with a stable boy. The Baron is offering 50 Gold Dragons for her return; it's the laughingstock of the local nobility.
Redstone Financial Crisis: Baron Philip "The Drunkard" is facing financial collapse due to excessive feasting. He is selling off family manors and mining rights at low prices.
Tax Protest: The Viscount of Limestone City has added a "War Surcharge" to all merchant caravans, causing widespread outrage among traders.
The Countess's Search: The famous, wealthy, and flirtatious Countess Isabella has announced she is seeking a "handsome, witty, and powerful personal consultant" for a salary of 1,000 Gold Dragons a year and a private lakeside manor. Young knights are flocking to her.
Red Leaf Succession: The struggle for the Red Leaf Earldom has turned white-hot. War between the two heirs is imminent.
The Black Dragon's Rise: To the east, the young Black Dragon is becoming more active, burning monster nests and forcing a Tier 4 Twin-Winged Bat Dragon and a flock of Redfire Crows into submission.
Border Tension: Conflict between the Sun Kingdom and the Thunder Dragon Principality is escalating. The Duke has dispatched a 1,000-man detachment of Thunder Dragon Knights to the border.
Bolin's Breakthrough: Your knight, Bolin, will successfully break through to Earth Knight in two days. Territory morale is surging.
Your Own Bottleneck: Your own combat qi is reaching maturity. Because of your contract with the Silver Dragon Moonlight, your physical and mental strength far exceeds normal knights. Your success rate for breaking through to Great Knight is extremely high.