Early the next morning.
Sunlight streamed through the window, warming Leylo's face. He opened his eyes, the lingering fatigue of last night's events still clinging to him.
[Daily Intelligence Refresh]
Black Dragon Expansion: The young Black Dragon in the eastern Blackstone Mountains has subjugated the Blood-Fang Gnoll tribe. Its influence has expanded thirty miles eastward, reaching the edge of the Emerald Swamp.
Griffin Migration: Due to the expansion of Demon Snake minions in the Emerald Swamp, many magical beasts are being forced out of their habitats. A pride of thirteen Storm Griffins will migrate to the Stone Forest near the Blackstone Mountains this afternoon to claim it as new territory.
Border Conflict: The conflict between the Sun Kingdom and the Thunder Dragon Duchy has escalated. A war affecting several territories will break out in three days.
Celestial Omen: Tomorrow afternoon, an omen known as the "Double-Tailed Comet" will streak across the sky. Prophets and secret cults are becoming active, predicting everything from a "Golden Age" to "Doomsday."
Peasant Uprising: In the southern Blazing Duchy, a massive serf uprising has broken out due to drought and cruel taxation. Though currently being suppressed, the sparks of rebellion are spreading.
Wind Talent: Elwin, the youngest son of Baron Legolas in the Wind-Whisper Hills, displayed a rare talent for wind element communication during a ritual. The Hurricane Mage Tower will issue an invitation.
Secret Recruitment: Countess Bella of Flowing Fire City is secretly hiring Master-level Alchemists to repair the "Phoenix Tear" amulet, which is rumored to have the power of resurrection.
Petrification Plague: A "Stone Disease" is spreading in the Golden Baron's territory to the east. The Baron has locked down the land and offered a massive reward for a cure.
Mammoth Migration: A herd of roughly twenty Mammoths has begun moving south from the Blackstone Mountains. They are expected to pass the border of Blackstone and Amber Territory in one month.
Sister's Arrival: Your sister, Lillian, failed her soul-bonding ritual with a Thunder Dragon hatchling at her coming-of-age ceremony. According to family tradition, she will be sent to the northern frontier as a pioneer lord. Her territory neighbors yours, and she will pass through Blackstone in half a month.
The Alchemist's Success
After breakfast, it was time for administrative affairs.
"My Lord, Master Kaven requests an audience," a servant announced.
"Let him in."
Kaven, the former apprentice who was now widely called "Master" by the locals, entered carrying a wooden box. As he opened the lid, a thick medicinal aroma mixed with a faint metallic scent of blood filled the room. Inside were over a dozen shimmering, deep-red potions.
"This is—"
"Knight Physique Potions, My Lord!" Kaven's voice trembled with excitement. "Using the Bone-Strengthening Grass you provided as the main ingredient, I have finally succeeded!"
Leylo picked up a vial. The liquid felt cool to the touch and surged with vitality.
"The effects?"
"Beyond expectations!" Kaven's eyes shone. "A common apprentice has a high chance of breaking through to a formal Knight within half a month. A talented squire could do it in seven days! For those who are already Knights, it accelerates Great Knight cultivation significantly."
Leylo's heart skipped a beat. High-level combatants had always been Blackstone's weak point. "What about the supply of Bone-Strengthening Grass?"
"We are out for now. Captain Ed has agreed to send more harvesters."
"Good," Leylo nodded. "Tell Ed to conduct a wide-scale search of the Giant's Valley to map out the distribution. This potion is vital. Kaven, go with him to see if there's a way to cultivate or increase the yield."
As they spoke, Moonlight leaped onto the table. She sniffed the potions curiously and looked at Leylo. He obliged, uncorking one and handing it over. Moonlight cradled the vial with both paws and gulped it down. She smacked her lips, tasted a bit of bitterness, and immediately lost interest in the rest.
"My Lord," Kaven remarked, "Moonlight eats the growth supplements every day, yet she doesn't seem to get any bigger. Those two Armored Rhino calves are already tougher than most knights!"
Leylo chuckled. Moonlight wasn't growing in size, but after seeing that "Mirror Clone" yesterday, her magical prowess was clearly reaching frightening levels.
Troubled Skies
In the afternoon, a Pegasus Knight arrived with an urgent report.
"My Lord! A pride of about fifteen Storm Griffins has appeared near the Stone Forest in the north. They've raided nearby villages for livestock. No human casualties yet."
"I see." Leylo stood up. "Order the villagers to avoid the Stone Forest. Strengthen the patrols. I will handle this personally."
The Stone Forest was a natural barrier, but fifteen Tier 3 Storm Griffins were a serious threat. If it were just one or two, he would have sent a team to tame them for his air force. But a pride of fifteen was more than his current forces could handle without heavy losses.
If they stayed, they would terrorize his trade routes. Perhaps Tempest can drive them off with his Kingly pressure, Leylo thought. If not... I'll have to let 'Boss' Moonlight handle it.
Moonlight leaped onto the windowsill, tilting her head as if sensing his worry.
"Some disobedient 'feathered beasts' have arrived. Let's go take a look." Leylo scratched Moonlight's chin, picked her up, and set her on his shoulder.