Everyone instinctively looked up.
In the distant sky, a massive black shadow was rapidly flying past.
The figure was agile and elegant. Its scales reflected a cold, metallic luster under the setting sun, and every beat of its enormous Dragon Wings carried a silent pressure.
It was a dragon!
A Giant Dragon, pitch-black from head to tail!
It didn't seem particularly massive; it looked like a young dragon that had just reached adulthood.
But even so, its fluid lines, ferocious head, and the oppressive feeling it gave off as it flew past still made everyone on the ground's hearts tighten.
Moonlight, who had been lazing on a horse's head, uncharacteristically froze. It raised its head, a complex and inscrutable light flashing in its eyes. It lowered its body slightly and let out a low, threatening growl from its throat.
The Black Dragon didn't seem to notice the tiny group of people on the ground, or perhaps, it simply disdained to notice.
It just flew straight over their heads, heading for the deeper parts of the Black Stone Mountain Range. It quickly became a small black dot and disappeared over the distant horizon.
Only after the formless pressure had completely vanished did the Knights let out a sigh of relief, cold sweat having unknowingly beaded on their foreheads.
"A dragon... It's actually a Black Dragon..."
a young Knight muttered, his voice trembling with disbelief.
Ed's expression also grew grim. "Black Dragons... They aren't exactly friendly neighbors."
The atmosphere on the way back was noticeably more somber.
Even the usually lively and active Moonlight was uncharacteristically quiet.
Raylo reached out and gently stroked its soft fur, feeling the slight tension in its muscles with his fingertips.
'This little one seems particularly concerned about that Black Dragon.'
Back in Black Stone Town.
Before nightfall, Raylo went to check on the construction of the fortress.
The foundation of the fortress was now complete, its sturdy base formed from dark, hard rock.
Dozens of craftsmen and conscripted townspeople were bustling about, the air filled with the CLANG CLANG of hammering and the rhythmic chants of workers hauling stone.
The walls were beginning to rise. They were built from hard rock quarried from the Black Stone Mountain Range, and after some initial polishing, they were stacked piece by piece, already taking shape.
As per Raylo's request, the fortress's design was simple and practical, prioritizing defensive capabilities.
With Black Stone Territory's current finances, getting the main frame of the fortress built to ensure his and his people's safety was the top priority.
Old Buck was also on-site, directing workers as they moved a huge stone block.
Seeing Raylo approach, he quickly put down his work, wiped the sweat from his forehead, and came over to greet him.
"My Lord, you're back!"
Old Buck's voice was a bit hoarse, but he was full of energy.
"Look, the walls are already going up! We're using the best black stone, it's absolutely solid!"
"Good progress."
Raylo nodded in affirmation.
"Don't you worry, my Lord!"
Old Buck patted his chest in assurance.
"I've sent more men to the quarry on the other side of the mountain to guarantee the supply! As for security, Captain Ed has sent a few guards to keep an eye on things. There won't be any problems."
Late that night, Raylo stood at his study window, looking down at Black Stone Town under the moonlight.
At some point, Moonlight had jumped onto the windowsill and sat down next to Raylo, its tail tip idly flicking against the window frame.
"Little one, you seemed very nervous when you saw that dragon today, didn't you?"
Raylo asked softly, scratching Moonlight under the chin.
Moonlight squinted its eyes comfortably, a purring sound rumbling in its throat. In response to Raylo's question, however, it simply nuzzled its head against his hand.
The rest of the night passed peacefully.
When Raylo woke up the next morning, Moonlight was nowhere to be found, having gone off to play somewhere.
[Daily Intelligence Refreshed]
[1: An Alchemy Apprentice of the late Master Balin has reportedly appeared in a small town in the neighboring Silver Moon Territory, carrying some of his master's manuscripts.]
[2: Deep within Crying Canyon, about fifteen kilometers southeast of Black Stone Town, a rare Dragon Thorn Fruit Tree will ripen at dawn tomorrow. Its Guardian Beast is a Tier Three Magical Beast, the Frost Fang Python. Dragon Thorn Fruit is a precious fruit said to only grow when irrigated with a Giant Dragon's Essence Blood. Magical Beasts that consume it can break through their bloodline shackles and have a certain chance of advancing their Level.]
[3: Deep within the Withered Wood Forest, about five kilometers southeast of Black Stone Town, a box left behind by an adventurer is buried under a giant oak tree. It may contain some valuable Magic Items or Gold Coins.]
[4: In the western hills of Black Stone Town, an adult Two-legged Flying Dragon has been frequently active, attacking several human towns and camps. The Two-legged Flying Dragon is a Tier Four Magical Beast with great Power, capable of spitting acid.]
[5: ...]
[6: ...]
[7: ...]
[8: A merchant caravan passing through the Mist Forest claims to have seen signs of tree spirit activity.]
[9: At the edge of the Black Water Swamp, Magic Power fluctuations are abnormal. Adventurers have reported discovering enormous, moss-covered reptilian tracks, suggesting that a powerful Water or Earth Element Magical Beast has awakened.]
[10: A herd of Pegasus will pass by the banks of the Black Water River, southwest of the Black Stone Mountain Range, to drink tomorrow afternoon. Startled by the newly appeared Black Dragon in the Black Stone Mountain Range, they are leaving to find a new habitat.]
The morning sun filtered through the window lattice, casting mottled patterns of light and shadow.
Moonlight was still nowhere to be seen. 'That little one seems to be getting more and more independent lately,' he thought.
He walked to the door of his study and instructed an attendant outside, "Go and ask Mr. Barrett to see me."
"My Lord, you were looking for me."
Barrett arrived quickly.
"Mr. Barrett, have a seat."
Raylo gestured to a nearby chair and got straight to the point.
"I've received some information. In a small town in the neighboring Silver Moon Territory, there's an Alchemy Apprentice who studied under Master Balin. Silver Moon Territory is on high alert right now. I've given it some thought, and since you have years of experience blending in with the common folk, you're the most suitable person to go."
Barrett stood up, his expression solemn. "Rest assured, my Lord. I will bring him back."
"Very good. Set out as soon as possible," Raylo gestured.
After seeing Barrett off, Raylo didn't rest, calling for Old Buck next.
"Old Buck, I have a task for you, and it needs to be done quickly."
"Just give the order, my Lord!"
Although Old Buck was getting on in years, he was always in high spirits.
"I need a large quantity of Rope Traps and Beast Capture Nets. The more, the better, and the sturdier, the better. I want you to immediately organize the townspeople, especially the deft-handed women and the old hunters skilled in weaving, and have them focus all their efforts on making these two items."
"Right away! No problem!" Although Old Buck didn't fully understand, he had always carried out the Lord's orders without question.
"I'll get it arranged right now! I guarantee it'll be done just right!"
Watching Old Buck's back as he hurried off to relay the orders, a faint smile touched Raylo's lips.
'If I can get my hands on this herd of Pegasus, my Pegasus Knight Order will finally begin to take shape.'
Pegasus weren't easy to capture, but with enough sturdy nets and rope traps, plus a bit of strategy, it wasn't impossible.
After dealing with these two matters, Raylo finally had time for breakfast.
Just as breakfast was served, Moonlight, as if drawn by the scent, appeared out of nowhere.
It hopped onto the dining table and began to enjoy the meal with a swagger.