Jiang Ning gathered the knights in front of the manor before the first light of dawn. The courtyard was still blanketed in mist, and the only sounds were the restless snorts of horses and the faint clink of metal armor.
Five knights stood at attention, their faces half-hidden by the pale glow of lanterns. All of them looked to Jiang Ning with curiosity, and a touch of confusion. It wasn't often their young lord summoned them this early.
When they noticed the grave look on his face, any thought of jest vanished.
Jiang Ning studied them quietly. Each of these men had served his father faithfully for decades. In his past life, when Baron Ren Ning fell in battle, these same knights had nearly followed him to the grave. If not for his father's dying order to protect Jiang Ning, they might have taken their own lives that very day.
They were soldiers through and through, loyal, disciplined, and unshakably proud.
Still, among them, three stood out.
The first was Sir Henry, an older knight nearing his fifties. His short, graying hair and worn face told the story of countless campaigns. Though not tall, barely reaching Jiang Ning's shoulder, he carried himself with the unyielding poise of a seasoned veteran. Once, he had been Jiang Ning's sword instructor, patient yet merciless in his lessons.
Next was Sir Rigor, a hulking man with a shaved head, thick beard, and a tribal tattoo snaking down the left side of his face. Once a mercenary, Rigor had traded coin for honor when he joined House Ning. He was loyal and kind to his comrades, but on the battlefield, his cruelty toward his enemies was the stuff of rumor and fear.
And finally, Sir Aldrin, the youngest of the group, not yet thirty. He had the athletic frame of a trained warrior and the sharp eyes of someone who never stopped learning. In Jiang Ning's past life, Aldrin had risen to become an Elite Knight under his command before dying in the prince's civil war.
When Jiang Ning had seen him again in this younger world, alive and eager, he silently vowed not to let that fate repeat.
He stepped forward. "Three of you will accompany me east of Vale," Jiang Ning said. "Rumor has it that a Dragon Tail Fern has been discovered there."
The knights exchanged quick looks, the name alone was enough to stir excitement.
"For this expedition," Jiang Ning continued, "I'll be taking Sir Henry, Sir Rigor, and Sir Aldrin."
The three chosen men straightened instantly. The others nodded in quiet respect.
"The fern is said to grow inside a cave at the end of Red Toad Gorge," Jiang Ning said, his tone low and steady. "But the rumor also claims the cave is home to a Fatal-grade monster. Our mission is simply to verify the truth. If the Dragon Tail Fern exists, we secure it before anyone else can."
A short silence followed, broken only by the sound of the horses stamping against the cobblestones.
"My lord," Henry spoke up after a moment. "If there truly is only one Fatal-grade creature, bringing Sir Ronan should be enough. Do we need so many men?"
It was a fair question. An Elite Knight like Ronan could slay most monsters single-handedly.
Jiang Ning met the old knight's gaze. "You're right, Sir Henry. Ronan could handle one. But we don't know if there's just one." His eyes hardened. "I'd rather be overprepared than regretful."
Henry nodded, understanding dawning on his face. "Forgive me, my lord. You are wise to be cautious."
Jiang Ning waved the apology away. "No need. I value your honesty. Now, make your preparations. We leave as soon as you're ready."
"Yes, my lord!"
The three knights saluted and dispersed to gather their equipment. The two unchosen knights lingered a moment, clearly disappointed, but Jiang Ning gave them a reassuring smile. "You'll have your turn soon enough. For now, keep our departure quiet."
They bowed and obeyed.
Within half an hour, Henry, Rigor, and Aldrin returned fully equipped.
Henry wore light leather armor reinforced with metal plates and carried his old longsword at his waist, the same blade he'd once used to train Jiang Ning. Rigor came in full steel plate, his massive frame gleaming with polished armor. A diamond-shaped shield rested across his back, and his broadsword hung at his hip. Aldrin, more lightly armored, had a spear in hand and two short swords strapped to his back. His stance was easy, yet alert.
"We're ready, my lord," Henry reported.
Jiang Ning gave a short nod. "Good. Let's move."
The knights mounted their horses, a line of strong, muscled beasts bred for war. These weren't common stallions but Wind Horses, known for their endurance and speed. Their coats shimmered like burnished silver under the faint dawn light.
Rigor's mount was the largest among them, a beast standing twenty-five hands tall and weighing over two thousand kilos. The other horses snorted uneasily beside it.
Henry smirked. "You should cut down on those roasted boars, Rigor. The poor creature can hardly breathe under your weight."
Rigor gave him a side-eye glare. "Keep talking, old man, and I'll make you run to the gorge instead of riding."
Aldrin chuckled softly from the rear. The teasing was a good sign, the men were relaxed, but alert.
As Jiang Ning adjusted his saddle, a small voice broke through the crisp morning air.
"My lord! Please be careful out there!"
He froze.
When he turned, he saw Lina standing in the doorway of the manor, clutching her shawl against the cold. Her face was pink from the chill, but her worry was plain.
Everyone turned to look. Lina flushed deeper, realizing what she'd done.
Jiang Ning couldn't help but smile. "Don't worry, Little Lin. I'll be back before sunset."
Her cheeks reddened further at the nickname. "Y-you shouldn't say that in front of everyone!"
Henry coughed into his fist, pretending not to smile. Rigor was less restrained, grinning broadly beneath his beard.
Lina pouted, stomped her foot, and hurried back inside, muttering something under her breath about "reckless young master."
Jiang Ning chuckled, shaking his head. "All right, let's go before she finds the courage to scold me again."
The knights laughed, easing the tension that had hung over the courtyard.
With a light pull on the reins, Jiang Ning's horse stepped forward. The others followed, the sound of hooves echoing faintly through the waking valley.
As they passed through the gate, the first rays of sunlight broke over the horizon, painting the world in gold and red.
Their mission had begun.
The path to the eastern forests was long and winding. Ahead lay the shadow of Red Toad Gorge, and whatever waited in the dark heart of the cave beyond.
Jiang Ning adjusted his gloves and looked eastward, determination flickering in his eyes.
This time, he thought, no one dies for nothing.