Blackstone Territory.
The vast square in front of the Lord's manor was already teeming with people. Sunlight spilled generously over the scene, highlighting the scratches on the suits of armor—medals of honor earned by the knights. Before leaving, Leylo had specifically instructed Barrett to select a group of knight apprentices and formal knights who had distinguished themselves in recent battles. Now, these men were the center of attention.
A stone platform, one meter high, had been temporarily erected in the center of the square. Leylo wore simple noble attire, eschewing elaborate ornaments save for the knight's sword hanging at his hip. He stood at the edge of the platform, his gaze calm as he scanned the rows of faces below—some young, some weathered by time. Behind him, Barrett stood in full plate armor, looking solemn as he held a heavy wooden box.
"Warriors of Blackstone!" Leylo's voice carried clearly to every corner of the square. He skipped the pleasantries and got straight to the point. Every eye turned toward him, filled with awe, anticipation, and a hint of nervousness. He gestured for Barrett to step forward.
As the wooden box opened, a faint, exotic fragrance mixed with a ripple of mana drifted through the air. Inside, dozens of crystal-clear potion bottles were neatly arranged, shimmering under the sun.
"Today, ten knight apprentices, for their bravery and loyalty, shall receive the Knight Breakthrough Potion to help them shatter their shackles and become true knights!"
Barrett began to read the names. "Knight Apprentice, Horne!"
A burly young man with a fresh scar on his face snapped his head up, his eyes erupting with disbelief. He strode forward and knelt on one knee. "I am willing to die for the Lord!" His voice trembled with emotion.
Leylo personally picked up a pale green potion and handed it to him. "Rise, Horne. Blackstone needs your strength."
"Thank you, My Lord!" Horne gripped the bottle tightly, his heart racing.
"Knight Apprentice, Martha!" A girl with a youthful face but steady eyes stepped out. She was one of the few women in the ranks, her cheeks flushed as she struggled to contain her excitement.
One by one, the ten apprentices stepped up to receive the potions that would change their destinies. Some were moved to tears, others bit their lips to hide their feelings, but their trembling shoulders betrayed their inner turmoil. The commoners erupted in cheers, hailing these young protectors.
Once the ten apprentices returned to the ranks, Leylo spoke again.
"Next, fifteen formal knights! You are the pillars of Blackstone, the lions of the battlefield! For your outstanding service, I grant you the Great Knight Breakthrough Potion. May you reach even higher and become the true backbone of this land!"
At these words, the roar from the crowd nearly shook the sky.
"Knight, Olaf!" A bearded giant, usually a man of few words, strode out with eyes wide. His knee hit the stone tiles with a resounding thud.
"Olaf, your heavy hammer smashed open the path forward for Blackstone," Leylo said.
Olaf accepted the potion with both hands, his voice gruff but powerful. "I'll smash ten more Blood Wolf Bandit groups for you, My Lord!" His bluntness drew a wave of good-natured laughter.
"Knight, Roy!" A lithe and agile knight stepped forward. "I have seen your valor. This potion may help you touch a higher realm."
The fifteen knights were all warriors who had achieved great feats—some were members of the Pegasus squad, others were heroes of the Demon Snake hunts or vanguards against the Blood Wolves. As they took the symbols of glory from their Lord, their excitement was palpable. One knight named Gru, known for his fearlessness, scratched his head sheepishly as he took his potion, making even Leylo crack a smile.
When the last knight received his reward, the atmosphere reached a fever pitch. All the recipients spontaneously raised their potions high above their heads and hammered their left chests in unison.
"For Blackstone!" "For the Lord!"
The thunderous shouts echoed through the clouds. Leylo stood tall, looking at the fervent faces, feeling a surge of pride. Barrett leaned in and whispered, "My Lord, the effect of this bestowal has far exceeded expectations. I guarantee that from this day on, the cohesion of our forces will reach a new height."
The Call to War
The following morning, as the first light of dawn appeared and the air was crisp and cool, the day of the confrontation in Red Leaf City arrived.
The Pegasus Knights were ready before the sun fully rose. Over a dozen Pegasi took flight, turning into streaks of silver light that vanished toward the horizon. Their mission: to monitor the movements of Ironthorn Castle.
Leylo watched them go from the high platform. Everything was deployed; they only waited for the signal. The day passed in an oppressive silence until evening, when the setting sun stained the sky a magnificent orange-red. Small black dots appeared on the horizon, rapidly growing larger.
It was the scouts! The lead knight landed and dismounted in a blur. "My Lord! Movement at Ironthorn! We saw massive clouds of dust; a large army is mobilizing!"
"Finally," Leylo's eyes narrowed, his lips curling into a cold arc. Baron Monde had clearly received the signal from Alaric and was heading to Red Leaf to intervene.
"Pass my orders!" Leylo's voice rang across the square. "Assemble the army! We depart immediately!"
The Blackstone army, already standing by, moved with orderly precision. Tempered by the battle with the Blood Wolves and inspired by yesterday's rewards, their morale was like a caged tiger ready to pounce.
"My Lord, all is ready!" Ed arrived at Leylo's side, his armor gleaming in the twilight.
Leylo nodded and mounted the Storm Griffin, pointing his sword forward. "Target: the Ironthorn border! Move out!"