Storm Griffins!
Mammoths!
These were Tier 3 magical beasts—powerful partners that ordinary knights could hardly hope to encounter in a lifetime. To become the Lord's personal guard and receive such a formidable mount was undoubtedly an immense opportunity and honor. Every face flushed with excitement, and eyes shimmered with a burning desire.
Seeing their spirited expressions, Leylo continued: "Knights, I hope you will fight side by side with them, becoming Blackstone Territory's sharpest sword and strongest shield."
"We live and die for the Lord!" the twenty knights roared, kneeling once more with impassioned conviction.
Leylo nodded and gestured to his side. "Ed, take them to choose their partners."
"Yes, my Lord!"
1. The Choice and the Contract
Under Ed's guidance, the knights moved to the other side of the plaza. There, ten magnificent Storm Griffins stood tall, their tawny iron feathers glinting with a metallic luster in the sun, their sharp gazes filled with untamed defiance. Beside them, ten massive Mammoths stood like mobile hills, thick fur covering their bodies and curved tusks gleaming coldly. Every step they took made the ground tremble.
"Those with strong physiques, choose a Mammoth. Those with agile movements, choose a Storm Griffin," Leylo announced.
The knights quickly made their choices based on their own attributes. The burly, powerful knights approached the Mammoths, while the nimble, quick-reacting ones moved toward the Storm Griffins.
Though these Tier 3 beasts had been basic-tamed, their inner wildness remained. As the knights drew near, several griffins emitted warning screeches, and the mammoths restlessly swung their long trunks.
At that moment, Moonlight, perched on Leylo's shoulder, let out a yawn. Her pale-gold eyes swept casually over the agitated beasts. An invisible but mountainous pressure instantly enveloped the area. The once-defiant griffins and mammoths suddenly became as quiet as chicks caught by the neck, submissively lowering their heads.
The knights exchanged glances, their awe of the "big cat" on the Lord's shoulder deepening yet again.
"Begin," Leylo commanded.
With his permission, the knights took deep breaths, suppressed their excitement, and began attempting to establish mental links and forge contracts. Under Moonlight's suppression, the beasts' will to resist was at its lowest. While the process still required significant mental effort from the knights, it was infinitely smoother than it would have been under normal circumstances.
One by one, contract halos lit up and slowly dissipated. When the final knight successfully bonded with his Mammoth partner, a cheer erupted across the plaza.
"Roar!"
One knight, having bonded with a Mammoth, excitedly patted the creature's massive leg; the Mammoth responded by gently rubbing its trunk against his armor. On the other side, a knight clumsily climbed onto the back of a Storm Griffin. Though the griffin was a bit unaccustomed to the weight, it obediently unfurled its wings and let out a clear cry, announcing the birth of a new partnership.
2. Strengthening the Commanders
Leylo watched with a satisfied smile. A Tier 2 Great Knight paired with a Tier 3 Storm Griffin or Mammoth wasn't just a simple addition of strength—it was a qualitative leap. Whether in a mass charge or split up for scouting and raids, the flexibility and lethality of this Guard unit would be immense.
Blackstone's high-end combat power had ascended another level.
"Alex," Leylo turned to Alex, the Earth Knight sent by the Grand Duke. "This Storm Griffin will be your partner from this day forward." He pointed to an especially robust specimen. Alex was overjoyed and quickly completed the contract with Moonlight's "help."
"Borin, that female Armored Rhino Moonlight tamed last night is yours. It's not as agile as a griffin, but it's a rare beast for breaking enemy lines." Borin gave a simple, honest laugh and nodded vigorously; he had been eyeing that high-defense rhino for some time.
Aside from Knight Monk, the other three Earth Knights of the territory now had Tier 3 mounts. Monk, the former commander of Iron-Thorn Territory, would need to prove his loyalty in the coming war before receiving a matching reward.
3. Alliances and Preparations
The plaza was bustling with energy when the sound of hooves approached. Lillian arrived with a squad of Amber Territory knights. Today was the agreed date for the transfer of the Mammoths.
"Brother!" Lillian called out from afar, leaping down from her Golden-Feather Griffin.
"Lillian, you've come at the right time," Leylo smiled. He pointed to a corner of the plaza where eleven adult Mammoths and two adorable calves waited. "The Mammoths are ready for you."
Lillian's eyes lit up. She had brought eleven of Amber Territory's finest Great Knights. Under the gaze of Moonlight, they successfully bonded with the eleven adults. The two calves were quite lively, curiously rubbing their small trunks against Lillian's skirt, drawing a soft laugh from the girl.
"Lillian, there's something I want to discuss," Leylo said, his tone turning serious. "Count Gawain sent word. He wants us to mobilize as soon as possible to help clear the outskirts of the Emerald Marsh. I plan to head to Redleaf Territory soon."
Lillian's smile faded slightly. Unlike Blackstone, Amber Territory was bordered by the mountains and other human lands; the threat of the Marsh wasn't as immediate for her. After a moment of thought, she looked up. "Brother, when I return, I will immediately gather my knights and join you."
Leylo felt relieved. With Amber Territory joining, the chances of success were much higher. "Remember to leave enough men to defend your home."
4. The Departure Banquet
After seeing Lillian off, Leylo looked toward the paddocks where the newly tamed Earth-Dragons were kept. He decided to hold a banquet to boost morale before the campaign.
He summoned Ed. "Tonight, arrange a bonfire banquet on the plaza. First, it's a pre-war mobilization for the departing knights. Second, select ten male Earth-Dragons. Have the twenty knights who fused with the Earth-Dragon bloodline compete in pairs. The winners will receive the right to contract an Earth-Dragon."
Ed took the order. "Understood, my Lord. Is there anything special we should prepare?"
"Don't be stingy," Leylo replied. "Ensure there is enough meat and wine for everyone."