A bold suspicion flickered in Leylo's mind.
Had Moonlight actually kidnapped that missing spatial dragon whelp from the depths of the Blackstone Mountains?
Realizing this possibility, Leylo was no longer in a hurry to approach. He took a few steps back, knowing that when dealing with such a wary magical beast cub, one could not be impatient. He used retreat as a means of advance, allowing it to adapt to the room's new environment and lower its guard.
Drawing on his experience from contracting Moonlight, Leylo turned and walked to the door, calling for an attendant.
"Find Marlene in the kitchen. Have her prepare ten roasted geese and bring them here as soon as possible."
The attendant hurried off. Inside the room, Moonlight had already led the little black cat onto Leylo's large bed. One cat was snow-white, the other pitch-black; having likely just sprinted out of the mountains, they unceremoniously stamped fresh mud prints all over the soft bedding.
Leylo ignored the mess, sitting at his desk to observe them with great interest. Moonlight now carried herself with the air of a "big sister," diligently teaching the little black cat "how to be a proper cat." She demonstrated how to elegantly lick paws, how to wash her face with her forepaws, and even let out a few standard "meows."
The little black cat acted entirely like a loyal follower, imitating Moonlight's every move. Although its posture was a bit stiff, it was clearly learning with great seriousness. Leylo saw it clearly: the little black cat's current form was undoubtedly a disguise created by Moonlight's Transformation Magic.
It seemed his guess was most likely true.
About the time it takes for a stick of incense to burn, the cook, Marlene, arrived with a massive tray stacked with ten fragrant roasted geese. Leylo took the tray at the door and laid the golden, glistening geese on the desk. A rich aroma of meat instantly filled the room.
"Awoo!"
Moonlight's nose twitched. She let out a cheerful cry, leaped from the bed, and landed lightly on the desk, eagerly biting into a wing. After two bites, she seemed to remember her "little brother" and barked at the black cat on the bed, signaling for it to share the feast.
The little black cat remained timid, but under Moonlight's prodding and the temptation of the meat, it cautiously crept to the edge of the bed and jumped onto the desk. Leylo tore off a succulent goose leg and placed it gently about 10cm in front of the little black cat, then made no further movement.
The cat glanced warily at Leylo, then at the leg. After ten seconds, unable to resist the scent, it lunged forward, snatched the leg, retreated to Moonlight's side, and began to nibble. Compared to Moonlight's ravenous devouring, the black cat's eating habits were far more refined.
Leylo smiled. Good, using food to gain initial trust—the first step is a success. ---
The March Begins
The next morning, the knights quickly packed their gear. As the morning sun bathed Blackstone Castle in gold, a clear, resonant cry pierced through the mist from the eastern sky.
A dazzling golden light streak across the sky, slowing as it approached the castle. It was a magnificent Golden-Feather Griffin, its plumage shimmering like gold. A young girl in a fiery red mage robe jumped down from its back.
"Brother!" Lillian shouted, running toward Leylo. "I'm not late, am I? Amber Territory's troops are right behind me!"
"Not late at all. Just in time," Leylo smiled.
Behind Lillian, the Amber Territory army appeared on the horizon—banners fluttering, ranks disciplined. The two armies merged and set off toward Redleaf Territory in the east.
Leylo rode the Storm Griffin King, Tempest, circling at low altitude. On his shoulders sat two cats, one black and one white. The black cat was visibly nervous, pressing half its body against Leylo's head and looking around warily.
The route Leylo chose clung to the border of the Emerald Marsh. The air grew damp with the scent of humus. Ten Pegasus Knights spread out high above, scouting for any sign of the Magic Snake's minions.
The march was a series of quick, surgical strikes:
Northeast, 300m: A Tier 2 Slough Giant Frog was dispatched by Sorin on a Storm Griffin.
North, 5km: Five Swamp Croc-Lizards were crushed by the Mammoth Knights.
3km Ahead: A Naga scout party was obliterated by the new Earth-Dragon Knights.
The knights took turns attacking, treating the skirmishes as both a cleanup and live-fire training. After traveling over 200km, they had harvested several high-tier carcasses, providing valuable materials and meat for the griffins and dragons.
The Naga Warband
On the second morning, a Pegasus Knight returned with an urgent warning.
"My Lord! Five miles directly ahead, a massive Naga Legion has been spotted!"
Leylo and Lillian exchanged looks and urged their mounts higher. Soon, they saw the "legion"—a dark wave of at least a thousand Nagas armed with bone spears. Mixed among them were massive Slough Giant Crocodiles, Stench Lizards, and Vampiric Monstrous Bats.
The warband was marching south, clearly targeting a vulnerable human settlement. Lillian frowned. "Brother, this force isn't weak. It looks like a vanguard from deep within the Marsh."
Leylo watched the crawling evil flood below. "Since we've run into them, there's no reason to let them pass. It's the perfect time to let our new army sharpen their blades."
He turned to his sister. "Lillian, care to stretch your limbs with me?"
Lillian's eyes flashed with excitement. "I'd be delighted to accompany you."