The afterglow of the setting sun coated Blackstone Territory in a layer of warm gold. Tempest's powerful silhouette sliced through the sky like a loose arrow, landing steadily in the castle courtyard.
Moonlight leaped lightly from Tempest's back, shook her silver fur, and trotted with elegant, feline steps toward a familiar sun-drenched corner. She curled up, narrowed her pale-gold eyes, and let out a lazy yawn.
Leylo jumped down.
"My Lord," a castle attendant was already waiting by his side. "Sirs Alex, Borin, and Monk have arrived. Shall I summon them?"
"Wait until Ed returns," Leylo replied. Back in the castle, he began re-evaluating his recent plans and strategies for the impending war.
The Return of the Earth Drakes
By dusk, a massive commotion erupted outside the castle. The thunder of hooves, the shouting of knights, and a series of dull, powerful roars rose and fell, as if a pack of monsters was approaching.
Leylo frowned and walked to the window. Outside, over a hundred knights had returned, covered in the dust of travel. In their midst were several massive creatures bound tightly with thick ropes—Earth Drakes.
These drakes were three to four meters long, covered in hard, earthy-brown scales. Their limbs were thick and powerful, and their sharp claws glinted coldly. Most looked somewhat exhausted after a fierce struggle. A few particularly violent ones continued to hiss and thrash despite their bonds, their thick tails slamming against the ground with muffled thuds, kicking up clouds of dust.
Leylo headed downstairs. Ed strode forward and saluted. "My Lord, mission accomplished! We successfully captured twenty-two Earth Drakes, six of which are juveniles."
"Excellent work, Ed." Leylo's gaze swept over the group. Twenty-two drakes—this was a formidable force. "Any casualties?"
"Three brothers sustained minor injuries, but nothing serious," Ed reported. "These beasts have fierce tempers. A few were heavily injured during the capture, but most are in good condition."
Leylo nodded. "Stall them outside the town for now and ensure they are well-tended. Have Karl see to the injured ones." He then turned to an attendant. "Go and invite Martha, the Minister of Agriculture."
Shortly after, Martha arrived, breathless. "My Lord, you called for me?"
"Minister Martha, thank you for coming," Leylo pointed to the drakes. "These big fellows will be under your management from now on."
"Yes, my Lord." Among magical beasts, Earth Drakes were known to be relatively easy to domesticate and breed.
The Grand Reorganization
The following morning, in the castle's council chamber, Leylo sat at the head of the table. To his left was Ed. Below them sat Borin, Alex, and Monk—the core pillars of Blackstone Territory. Near the fireplace, Moonlight occupied the most comfortable cushion, curled into a ball of silver fur, her twitching ears the only sign she was "eavesdropping" on the meeting.
"Gentlemen, I have summoned you to discuss several vital matters," Leylo's voice echoed clearly. He looked at Ed first. "Ed, report on the current number of knights in the territory."
Ed rose and bowed. "My Lord, we currently have 4 Earth Knights, 28 Great Knights, and 180 Official Knights. Additionally, over 300 Trainee Knights are under Instructor Barrett's tutelage. Many of the gifted ones are expected to promote soon."
Leylo nodded. This rapid growth was thanks to Master Barnaby's breakthrough potions and Karl's strength-enhancing concoctions, combined with the absorption of knights surrendered from the Blood Wolf Mercenaries, Iron Thorn Territory, and the Stone Crow Bandits.
He then looked to Barrett. "How are our supplies and grain?"
"Our armor and weapons are sufficient for existing knights," Barrett grunted. "Arrows and bolts are low and need increased production. Grain can sustain us for over six months under normal conditions, but a long-term campaign will require further stockpiling."
Leylo paused, his expression turning solemn. "I have received confirmed news: The Sun Kingdom and the Thunder Dragon Duchy have officially declared war. According to the Grand Duke's mobilization order, Blackstone Territory must deploy its forces in one month. We have very little time."
The room grew heavy. Leylo continued, "To face this challenge, I am reorganizing our military. We will form two main knight orders."
1. The Moonlight Knight Order
Commander: Ed
Vice-Commander: Alex
Composition: 20 Great Knights, 120 Official Knights.
Role: The "Sword" of Blackstone. Responsible for external campaigns and high-intensity combat missions.
2. The Blackstone Knight Order
Commander: Borin
Vice-Commander: Monk
Composition: 8 Great Knights, 60 Official Knights.
Role: The "Shield" of Blackstone. Responsible for territory defense, internal security, and law enforcement.
"Barrett," Leylo added, "I want the training camp to push as many trainees to Official status as possible within the month. The rest will participate as soldiers."
Master Barnaby's Breakthrough
As the council adjourned and the castle transformed into a high-speed machine of war, Leylo stepped outside.
"Leylo, boy!" a frantic voice called from behind.
Leylo turned to see Master Barnaby poking his signature "bird's nest" head out of the castle door. His eyes sparkled with an unusual light. "Master, why the rush?"
"It's done! It's done!" Barnaby scurried forward, his robes fluttering. "The Earth Drake Bloodline Potion is a success! After multiple refinements, the stability has reached my expectations. We can now use it on the knights on a large scale!"