Robert's eyes lit up.
Overhead, a flock of Greylag Geese wheeled across the pale sky — the very same first-order magical birds mentioned in his intelligence reports. Known for their tender, flavorful meat, they were a rare delicacy.
"Ade."
"Yes, my Lord!"
"Take two knights skilled in archery and bring down a few of those geese."
"Understood!"
Robert's mount, Moonlight, circled his horse excitedly, a low purr rumbling from its throat.
"You want a taste too?" Robert asked with amusement.
Moonlight butted its head against his leg, rubbing insistently.
Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!
Arrows sliced through the crisp air, striking several geese at the edge of the flock.
"Gaa! Gaa!"
The injured birds let out sharp cries as they tumbled from the sky. The rest of the flock, startled by the sudden attack, honked in alarm and scattered, their wings beating wildly as they climbed higher into the blue.
Moonlight joined the hunt with infectious enthusiasm, sprinting toward the fattest goose. Just as the large bird spread its wings to flee, Moonlight's eyes flashed. A bolt of lightning leapt from its body, stunning the prey instantly.
Proudly, the creature trotted back, carrying the massive goose—nearly as large as itself—its head high as though presenting a treasure.
"Enough!" Robert called once more than a dozen geese had been felled. "Collect the prey. We're heading back."
The knights hurried to gather the fallen birds while Moonlight strutted forward, dropping the largest goose before Robert and looking up expectantly.
Robert chuckled. "Well done." He patted its head, and Moonlight purred contentedly.
By the time the hunt was done, a dozen fat Greylag Geese hung from the backs of their horses.
That evening, bonfires burned bright in the open space at the center of Blackstone Town. The rich aroma of roasting geese filled the air, drawing laughter and hungry gazes from every direction.
The first bite silenced the chatter — the meat was tender, juicy, and perfectly crisped to a golden brown. The flavor earned the hunters waves of praise.
Moonlight was given two whole geese of its own. It wasted no time, devouring them greedily. Grease smeared its whiskers and muzzle, and it purred in deep satisfaction. Before long, only a few clean bones remained.
When night fell and silence returned, Robert retired to his quarters. Moonlight curled at the foot of his bed, already asleep and full.
Robert sat by the dim firelight, toying with an old brass ring in his hand. The ring was worn, its surface dull, the gemstone long since missing. He had purchased it for three silver eagles at the town's general store.
Now, carefully, he pressed a magic stone into the empty setting. His spiritual perception flared to life, and he felt the stone's energy flow into the metal. The ancient ring quivered faintly as if awakening from a deep slumber.
The next morning dawned bright and clear.
Robert opened his eyes to a familiar chime.
Daily Intelligence Update
A Giant Sloth has taken over the abandoned mine after sensing unusual elemental fluctuations.
A horde of Sand Rats is approaching Blackstone Town. These first-order beasts burrow quickly, reproduce rapidly, and can devastate crops and food stores if left unchecked.
Traces of a Pegasus herd have been sighted near the Mist Forest on the western edge of the Blackstone Mountains. The herd is drawn to magical alfalfa grass, known to enhance strength and bloodline purity in herbivorous beasts.
An Ironclad Rhinoceros, a third-order beast, has been seen on the southern bank of the Blackwater River. Having just birthed two calves, it's in a berserk state—highly aggressive and dangerous.
Old Huke, the town's blacksmith, is rumored to possess an ancient dwarven forging technique, though he guards his secret closely.
Upstream from the Greylag Geese's valley, a waterfall hides a mysterious cave behind its curtain of water.
—
—
—
Your knight training is nearing perfection. The Knight Seed within you has grown strong. Today may be the day you advance to a Formal Knight.
Robert's pulse quickened.
"Ade!" he called.
The young knight appeared at once, posture straight and alert. "My Lord!"
"Fetch Old Buck."
"Yes, my Lord!"
Moments later, Old Buck, the white-haired mayor of Blackstone Town, entered the room with brisk steps.
"You sent for me, my Lord?"
"Please, sit," Robert said, motioning to a nearby chair. "During yesterday's patrol, traces of Sand Rats were discovered within our borders."
Old Buck's expression darkened. "Sand Rats? That's bad news. Those pests breed like wildfire and can destroy a granary in days. We've suffered such plagues before—heavy losses."
Robert nodded. "Then we'll act before they spread. Gather the townsfolk—especially experienced hunters and farmers. I want traps set around the outskirts and near the granaries. Pit traps, cages, whatever they can build. The more, the better. And post guards at the grain stores. No carelessness."
"Yes, my Lord," Old Buck said, rising. "We'll prepare at once. As long as we stay alert, we can prevent the worst."
"Good. Tell everyone there's a bounty—ten copper sparrows for each Sand Rat caught."
"Understood!" Old Buck bowed and hurried out the door.
With the immediate danger addressed, Robert turned his attention inward.
He returned to his room and sat cross-legged on the floor. Closing his eyes, he steadied his breathing and focused on the faint pulse deep within his body — the Knight Seed.
It glowed softly in his inner vision, a small yet steadfast light. To break through and become a Formal Knight, that seed needed to ignite fully — to take root in his flesh, merge with his spirit, and form a perpetual energy core.
The process demanded immense willpower and energy.
Robert exhaled slowly, summoning every strand of Battle Qi in his body. The current of energy surged like a torrent, battering against the seed again and again.
Once.
Twice.
Again.
Each impact sent faint tremors through his body.
The room was silent except for his steady breathing and Moonlight's occasional soft whimper in its sleep.
Then, suddenly—something shattered within him.
A burst of radiance flared from the Knight Seed, its color transforming from soft white to brilliant silver, edged with sharp, vibrant energy.
A wave of power surged outward, racing through his veins, muscles, and bones. His entire body thrummed with strength.
His bones creaked faintly, muscles tightened, and his blood pulsed with newfound vigor. His senses sharpened—he could hear Moonlight's heartbeat and feel the faint magical energy radiating from it.
He had done it.
Formal Knight!
A deep joy swelled in his chest — not just from power, but from transformation. This was a true evolution of body and spirit.
But before the feeling could settle, something strange happened.
Through the bond that linked him with Moonlight, Robert felt a cool, mysterious power trickling into him. It was gentle yet vibrant, infused with Moonlight's unique magical aura.
Instead of conflicting with his new Knight Core, the power blended seamlessly, like light joining with shadow. The silver glow within him deepened, and a pale violet shimmer — like moonlight reflected on still water — appeared around its edges.
His Battle Qi now carried a faint trace of magic.
Robert opened his eyes, astonished.
Moonlight was staring back at him, its purple eyes luminous. It purred softly, as though sharing in his triumph.
"Moonlight," Robert murmured, reaching out to stroke its silky fur, "it seems you've completely accepted me."
The creature leaned into his touch, tail flicking happily.
Robert smiled, feeling the pulse of power that now connected them.
Then, with a glint of mischief in his eye, he said, "Moonlight, show me your true form."
The beast blinked, tilting its head innocently.
"Come on," Robert insisted. "You can drop the act. I know what you are." He leaned closer, voice low and certain. "Silver Dragon."
Moonlight meowed and wagged its tail, pretending to be an oversized, clueless cat.
Robert sighed, rubbing his temples. "You're really going to keep pretending?"
Moonlight responded by curling up into a ball and closing its eyes, purring loudly.
Robert chuckled, shaking his head. "Fine. Keep your secrets—for now."
He glanced once more at the faint violet energy flowing through his veins and smiled.
Whether Moonlight admitted it or not, the truth was clear — his companion was far more than it appeared, and together, they had taken their first true step toward greatness.