In the training grounds.
More than twenty knights formed a circle, their eyes gleaming as they assessed the Black Rock Leopard in the middle, with a gaze as if they were looking at a beautiful woman stripped of her clothes.
Every knight wishes to have a fine warhorse.
Although the Black Rock Leopard is not strictly a warhorse, it can still serve as a mount.
The key is that this mount also possesses Junior Knight-level combat power, isn't it much stronger than a warhorse?
This would be so majestic to ride!
On the battlefield, it would be unstoppable!
"Sir, Your Excellency, may I have the first pick of this Black Rock Leopard?"
Jordon, full of excitement, dashed towards Kei and Sunan, his voice loud enough to be heard throughout the training grounds.
Upon hearing these words, the other knights were immediately dissatisfied.
"Why should it be you, a drunkard, who gets it first?"
"I am a Middle Knight, it should be mine first!"
"Bah, I'm the best at riding, it should be given to me first!"
"That's horse riding, this is a leopard!"
"They're not much different!"
"Nonsense, I'm also good at riding women, shouldn't the Black Rock Leopard be given to me first?"
Seeing everyone was about to start an argument, Kei rubbed his temples in frustration and waved his hand, saying, "Everyone shut up, this Black Rock Leopard goes to Brad first."
Brad, who was quietly standing aside, didn't expect this surprise and broke into a wide smile.
"Thank you, sir, thank you, Your Excellency."
Jordon and the others looked at each other, pursed their lips, and said nothing.
Brad had a considerable amount of respect among the knights, with one of the top strengths; giving him the first Black Rock Leopard didn't cause much dispute among them.
As for Kei, Sunan had already said he would refine an even more powerful Black Rock Leopard for him later.
Sunan tossed a necklace to Brad, saying, "This is the key to controlling the Black Rock Leopard. As long as you wear it, the Black Rock Leopard will obey your commands, but it can only follow some fairly simple instructions."
"Understood, thank you, Your Excellency!"
Brad excitedly put on the necklace and, amid the envious gazes of the others, mounted the Black Rock Leopard and galloped around the training grounds.
Kei turned to Sunan and asked, "How long does it take to refine a Black Rock Leopard?"
"About three to four hours."
Seeing Kei and the knights showing joy, Sunan poured a basin of cold water on them.
"The material for the Black Rock Leopard is Black Stone Iron and gemstones; the cost for one is about thirty-eight gold coins."
Hearing this, Kei frowned, but quickly relaxed.
Compared to enhancing military strength, the cost of thirty-eight gold coins isn't much.
As long as the Black Stone Mine operates for another day, Black Stone City will receive a continuous inflow of gold coins.
By comparison, what Black Stone City needs more urgently now is military strength.
Only with a strong army can the golden goose of the Black Stone Mine be safeguarded.
"You don't have to worry about money; I'll handle it. The task of refining the Black Rock Leopard will be yours."
Sunan nodded calmly.
Aside from meditating and making lesser Active Potions every day, the rest of his time is spent reading, his sleep mostly replaced by meditation, so finding a few hours to refine a Black Rock Leopard isn't difficult.
Moreover, refining the Black Rock Leopard could also increase his proficiency in Puppet Refining, and as he refines more, his level will rise, and the time consumed will become shorter and shorter.
This task wouldn't take much of his energy.
...
Two months passed in the blink of an eye.
In the month of Summerdew (June), the rising temperature scorched the leaves, the blazing sun licking the ground day after day.
Despite the extreme heat, smiles graced the faces of the residents of Black Stone City.
With the reopening of the Black Stone Mine, a large number of merchant convoys were attracted to Black Stone City.
The flourishing commerce lifted the living standards of the people to a higher level.
Although the city had just absorbed large numbers of refugees, the Black Stone Mine, the military, and newly tilled fields effectively absorbed this group of refugees, greatly mitigating the impact they brought to Black Stone City.
Everyone could see the thriving nature of Black Stone City, filled with hope for the future.
It's worth mentioning that Sunan's birthday also falls within the month of Summerdew.
Although Sunan said it's unnecessary, Kei insisted on holding a 17th birthday banquet for him.
All the knights of Black Stone City, as well as several trade associations closely collaborating with Black Stone City, sent representatives to attend the banquet.
Mu Zhuo, the president of the Fire Fox Trading Company, personally came and presented Sunan with a precious gift—twelve rubies in all!
Perhaps he had heard that Black Stone City was purchasing gemstones.
No matter the reason, this gift, valued at hundreds of gold coins, stood out among all the guests' offerings, its lavishness leaving many secretly astonished.
Sunan was somewhat surprised as well.
He sensed Mu Zhuo's intent to build a good relationship with him but could not understand why.
Could it be that Mu Zhuo had discovered his identity as a Wizard Apprentice?
And also understood what being a Wizard Apprentice entailed?
While these doubts lingered in his heart, Sunan did not reject Mu Zhuo's goodwill, engaging in an amiable conversation with him during the banquet.
"I heard that old fox Mu Zhuo likes investing in young people with potential. He has probably already discovered you're a Wizard Apprentice, and is well aware of the might of being a Wizard Apprentice, that's why he gave you such a grand gift."
After the banquet ended, Kei and Sunan returned to the study, where they discussed Mu Zhuo's actions that evening.
"However, the Fire Fox Trading Company's influence spans the Thorn Flower Duchy, and it also cooperates with many trading companies in the Starry Duchy. Building good relations with him will make it much easier for you to gather Wizard's Scripture and materials."
"Indeed," Sunan nodded, glancing at Kei, "Did something happen? You seemed a bit distracted tonight."
"You noticed it."
Kei displayed a bitter smile, then his expression turned serious.
"The spy I've planted in Flash City received intelligence that Zolf, Norwood, and Davin will attend the Harvest Celebration in Flash City three months from now!"
Zolf, Norwood, and Davin are all former subordinates of Baron Yanest, who followed him onto the battlefield and were promoted by him to ranks of merit.
However, when Baron Yanest unexpectedly died in battle, and Owen blatantly usurped the barony, these three, intimidated by Marquis Golden Rock's force, chose to remain silent.
It was also due to these three's silence that Owen hesitated and didn't eliminate their two brothers immediately.
However, Kei neither appreciated nor forgave these three for this.
"If it weren't for Father, those three would never have had the chance to attain noble ranks. Yet, they have no gratitude, now turning to follow that robber; it's truly despicable!"
Unlike Kei's anger, Sunan remained calm and composed, speaking evenly:
"Aside from Black Stone City, Owen has now completely controlled the entire Flashing Territory. I suspect he won't take long to make a move against us."
Kei restrained his fury, his brows furrowed tightly.
What Sunan said was also his biggest concern at the moment.
After pondering for a while, he quickly made up his mind, slapping the armrest forcefully and standing up, asserting solemnly:
"We can't delay any longer. In three days, we will attack the Black-scaled Lizardmen's lair to eliminate the nearest threat first!"
After two months of training, the Cavalry Legion Kei had formed had begun to take shape.
Though it only numbered over sixty men, there were twenty knights, and the rest were all squire knights.
More importantly, the entire Cavalry Legion was equipped with Black Rock Leopards as mounts.
Although time was pressing, with this Cavalry Legion in hand, Kei still had some confidence in wiping out the Black-scaled Lizardmen.
"Let's do it, I'll join too," Sunan said, rising.
If they postponed the battle until the Book Moon (August), and he waited until becoming a Level Two Wizard Apprentice before acting against the Black-scaled Lizardmen, they could surely minimize the loss.
As of now, even if victory was certain, the loss would inevitably be substantial.
Yet, it might not turn out that way, given that he still possessed the Spell Scroll as a trump card.
With some luck, the outcome might be favorable.