Half an hour later, the troops regrouped.
Over twenty Mammoths, bound by thick ropes, were driven and dragged by the knights. They took heavy, reluctant steps, their massive bodies moving through the night like wandering hills. The journey back to Blackstone Castle was slow but uneventful.
At dawn, the silhouette of the castle finally appeared. It was only after the Mammoth herd was settled in a pre-planned open area outside—secured by heavy wooden fences and a secondary perimeter of trenches—that Leylo finally breathed a sigh of relief. These Tier 3 magical beasts were untamed; any rampage within the castle walls would be catastrophic.
He instructed Ed to arrange for a strict guard, ordered Borin to handle the rest and meals for the Amber knights, and then returned to the inner keep with Lillian. Lillian, buzzing with excitement throughout the journey, was now finally feeling the exhaustion and was ushered off to rest by her maids.
Leylo looked toward Moonlight, who was sprawled by the table, yawning lazily with her pale-gold eyes half-lidded.
"Moonlight, I need a favor." Leylo crouched down and scratched her soft chin.
Moonlight purred comfortably, her tail tip twitching in a way that clearly said, Speak up.
"The big fellows we just caught outside... I need you to 'tame' them a bit," Leylo whispered.
Moonlight opened her eyes, glanced out the window, and then lazily closed them again, her tail going still. Leylo knew the drill; she was setting her price.
"Twenty roasted geese when the job is done."
Moonlight's eyes remained closed.
"My dear Moonlight, the gray-headed geese in the Blackwater River are almost extinct because of you. We need to let them breed—it's called 'sustainable development.' If you eat them all now, there will be none left for the future."
Moonlight remained unmoved, slowly licking a paw, evidently unimpressed by the concept of sustainability.
"Forty geese, maximum. No more."
Moonlight's ears twitched almost imperceptibly. Leylo's mouth gave a slight tug; he really needed to put "artificial goose farming" on the agenda soon.
"Fine, fine! One hundred roasted geese."
Leylo gave in. He had to get these Mammoths under control. Leaving twenty-odd volatile Tier 3 beasts right next to his castle was a recipe for disaster.
"Awoo!" Moonlight let out a satisfied chirp, stood up, and stretched. She trotted out of the room with an air of someone just going for a casual stroll. Leylo shook his head helplessly. Half an hour later, Moonlight reappeared at the window and hopped back onto the desk.
The job was done. Soon after, the first batch of geese prepared by Chef Marlene was served.
Morning and the Information Refresh
The next morning, Leylo woke up feeling refreshed. Outside, the castle was already stirring with the sounds of morning drills and the scent of woodsmoke. Moonlight was nowhere to be seen—likely sleeping in a corner or extorting more snacks from the kitchen.
[Daily Intelligence Refresh]
Black Dragon Activity: The young Black Dragon entrenched in the eastern Blackstone Mountains has successfully enslaved an Ogre tribe of over 300 members. Its strength and territory are expanding.
The Eternal Turtle: "Evil Eye," a scion of the Nine-Headed Hydra in the Emerald Marsh, is searching the Blackwater River for the Eternal Turtle (Tier 5). The turtle, heavily injured, is hiding in the depths to heal. It was once the familiar of a Tier 6 Magic Sovereign. Recorded on its shell are several unique spells created by its former master.
Academy Recruitment: The Thunder Dragon City Magic Academy will hold its annual entrance exams in one month.
Vampire Conflict: 1,200 km northwest of Blackstone Territory, a powerful Vampire clan is in a violent conflict with neighboring human lords over a newly discovered ancient ruin.
The Life Scripture: The Holy See has issued a high bounty for a Tier 4 Archmage who stole a fragment of the Life Scripture. He is fleeing toward the northern wilderness and plans to hide in the Blackstone Mountains for several years.
Emerald Marsh Setback: A marsh warband sent north was crushed by a Stone Giant tribe and Storm Eagles.
Diplomacy: Emissaries from the neighboring Black Iron Dragon Duchy have arrived in the capital, offering military aid in exchange for food and winter supplies.
Ancient Dragon Nest: 3,000 km north in the deep Blackstone Mountains, seismic activity has revealed a hidden cave containing shed scales and teeth-grinding marks of an Ancient Dragon. It holds secrets of the Elder Dragons.
Holy War Propaganda: Three days from now, Cardinal Dict of the Holy See will deliver a sermon in the Saint Violet Empire, calling for a "Crusade" to cleanse the "Dark Corruption" of the north.
The Merman Threat: A tribe of Deepwater Mermen is migrating up the Blackwater River. They are eyeing the river valley south of Blackstone Territory as a potential habitat. If not driven out by force, you will gain a hostile neighbor.
New Plans
"Mermen..."
If these amphibians took root, the safety of his waterways and fishing would be finished. Leylo immediately summoned Borin.
"Borin, send men to patrol the Blackwater River banks, specifically the southern valley. Tempest spotted aquatic monsters during a hunt that could threaten the territory. Report any sightings immediately."
After handling the merman threat, Leylo turned his thoughts to the Ancient Dragon nest. He thought of Master Barnaby. The wizard was obsessed with dragon research and was now a Blackstone advisor—one of his own. It would be stingy not to share such a lead, and Barnaby's expertise in alchemy and draconic lore far exceeded his own.
"The usual excuse—I'll just say Tempest found it while hunting in the north..."
Decision made, Leylo headed toward Barnaby's laboratory. Before he even reached the door, the pungent, chaotic scent of magical reagents and raw materials hit him full force.