"Huff... huff..."
Thor panted heavily, his chest heaving like a pair of bellows. He shook his slightly numbed arms and looked at his contracted magic beast. There was no fear in his eyes; instead, a raging battle intent burned within them.
The Iron-Armored Rhino also halted its pace, snorting two thick clouds of white vapor from its nostrils. Its large, copper-bell-like eyes remained fixed on its master, seemingly awaiting the next command.
"Not bad, Thor. Your control over your strength has improved again."
The instructor walked over and patted Thor on the shoulder.
"The Earth Bear bloodline must be tempered through constant struggle to unleash its true potential. Your Iron-Armored Rhino is coordinating well with you; offensive and defensive in one—your future is promising."
"Once you advance to a Tier 2 Great Knight and stimulate more of the Earth Bear bloodline, you might awaken the 'Earth Rooting' innate ability. When that time comes, you'll be able to continuously draw power from the earth, and your strength will undergo a qualitative transformation."
Thor grinned, revealing two rows of pearly white teeth in a simple, honest smile.
"Thank you, Instructor!"
He turned to his Iron-Armored Rhino and reached out with a hand as large as a cattail leaf fan, stroking the rhino's coarse, hard armor.
"Iron Bull, you did a good job."
The Iron-Armored Rhino seemed to understand the praise. It gently nudged Thor's waist with its massive head and let out a low neigh, appearing quite affectionate.
On the training ground, the sun was blazing, but the knights' enthusiasm for training did not diminish in the slightest.
Two days later, in the afternoon.
Sunlight filtered through the stained-glass windows of the castle study, casting mottled shadows. Leylo sat behind a wide oak desk, reviewing dossiers on various territorial affairs.
Knock, knock, knock.
A somewhat hurried knock sounded at the door.
"Come in."
Leylo did not even lift his head.
The study door was pushed open, and Bolin appeared at the entrance. Compared to two days ago, his entire temperament seemed to have settled. His originally honest face now carried an irrepressible excitement.
"My Lord!"
Bolin's voice was louder than usual, carrying a slight tremor caused by excitement.
"I... I succeeded! I have officially advanced to an Earth Knight!"
Leylo set down his quill and looked up, a gentle smile appearing on his face.
"Bolin, congratulations. I knew you could do it."
He could clearly feel the denser, heavier aura radiating from Bolin.
Bolin grinned and scratched the back of his head, looking a bit sheepish.
"Hehe, it's all thanks to the breakthrough potion you provided, My Lord."
Just then, a castle guard walked in quickly.
"My Lord, there is a knight outside the castle claiming to be from the Red Leaf Earldom requesting an audience. He says he has an urgent matter to report."
"Red Leaf Earldom?"
Leylo's eyebrows twitched imperceptibly.
"Let him in."
"Yes, My Lord."
A moment later, a knight dressed in dark red combat gear with a burning maple leaf crest embroidered on his chest entered the study. He was about thirty years old, with a resolute face, sharp eyes, and a steady, powerful stride—clearly an experienced knight.
Upon entering, his gaze fell on Leylo behind the desk. He immediately dropped to one knee, right hand over his chest.
"Knight Marcus of Red Leaf, pays his respects to the Baron."
"Knight Marcus, please rise."
Leylo raised his hand slightly.
"No need for formalities. May I ask what urgent matter brings you here?"
Marcus stood up and took a wax-sealed letter from his tunic, presenting it with both hands.
"My master, the eldest son of the Earl of Red Leaf, the Honorable Gawain Red Leaf, has sent a personal letter to Lord Leylo."
Leylo took the letter. The wax seal was stamped with the Red Leaf family crest—a clearly veined maple leaf with flame-like patterns along the edges. He broke the seal, pulled out the parchment, and scanned it quickly.
The handwriting on the paper was vigorous and powerful, but the content caused Leylo's gaze to gradually turn deep.
Seeing Leylo finish the letter, Marcus said in a heavy voice, "Lord Leylo, everything stated in the letter is the truth. The Earl is gravely ill and likely doesn't have much time left. My master, Lord Gawain, as the eldest son, should have naturally inherited the Earldom. However, his younger brother, Alanric, has shown a wolf-like ambition and has actually colluded with outside forces in an attempt to usurp the succession."
Leylo placed the letter gently on the desk.
"Outside forces? As far as I know, the internal affairs of the Red Leaf Earldom are not for outsiders to meddle in."
A flash of indignation and helplessness crossed Marcus's face.
"Alanric... he has gained the support of the First Prince, Elliot. Baron Monde of Ironthorn Territory, acting on the Prince's orders, is already preparing to interfere in the Red Leaf succession with military force."
"First Prince Elliot..."
Leylo's pupils contracted slightly. It seemed that the recent frequent movements in Ironthorn Territory were actually intended to interfere in the succession struggle of the Red Leaf Earldom.
Marcus took a deep breath, his tone sincere.
"Lord Leylo, my master Gawain knows how difficult this matter is. But if Alanric succeeds, not only will the Red Leaf Earldom become a vassal to the First Prince, but the entire power structure of the northern frontier will likely be affected. Lord Gawain has heard that Lord Leylo is young and promising, that Blackstone Territory is flourishing under your governance, and that your troops are strong and well-trained. Thus, he has specially sent me to plead for your assistance to help him stabilize the situation and reclaim everything that rightfully belongs to him."
He paused and threw out an extremely tempting condition.
"As a reward, if Lord Leylo is willing to send troops to help, once the matter is settled, Lord Gawain is willing to grant half-ownership of the medium-sized copper mine in the Blackrock Mountains within his territory to Blackstone!"
Half the proceeds of a medium-sized copper mine!
Even with Leylo's steady disposition, he couldn't help but feel a stir in his heart upon hearing this condition. Copper was a vital strategic material for forging weapons and equipment; the value of a medium-sized copper mine was immeasurable, especially for the rapidly expanding Blackstone Territory, which was in dire need of resources.
Gawain Red Leaf's offer was indeed extravagant.
The atmosphere in the study grew somewhat stagnant for a moment. Bolin stood to the side, listening to the conversation, his heart also surging with emotion. Although he didn't fully understand complex territorial disputes, he knew this was a major event that could influence the future of Blackstone.
Leylo weighed the pros and cons.
Helping Gawain offered massive rewards; half the output of a medium-sized copper mine was enough to significantly boost Blackstone's military strength and financial income in a short time. However, the risk was also significant, as it meant direct conflict with First Prince Elliot.
But if he didn't help and allowed Alanric to control Red Leaf with the Prince's support, a potential and powerful threat would emerge to the north of Blackstone. A Red Leaf Earldom that was completely aligned with the First Prince would certainly be detrimental to Blackstone's future development.
This slice of the pie came with honey, but it might also hide poison.
"What is the military strength of the Red Leaf Earldom? How much power does Lord Gawain currently command? And what about Alanric?" Leylo asked after a moment of deliberation.
Marcus's spirit lifted. He knew that as long as Leylo hadn't refused outright, there was still a chance.