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Charlie entrusted the task of training the workers to the three alchemists. Aresia didn’t completely ignore it, but she chose not to intervene. After all, there was already one alchemist responsible for the assembly line.
The alchemists didn’t need constant supervision; they would only seek assistance if they encountered any problems or needed maintenance.
Although Charlie had already contacted the suppliers and the delivery was scheduled, the training was temporarily postponed, allowing the three alchemists some extra time for practice.
Things on the construction site were progressing smoothly. Aresia had some spare time to inquire about her brother, Amos, and his situation.
Initially, Amos had arranged a ten-person knight squad. However, due to their duties in taking care of the magical creatures, Aresia preferred to keep them inside the castle (secretly hunting creatures). The creatures were not allowed inside the castle, so the knight squad mainly patrolled the outskirts unless they were needed or called by someone.
Therefore, the knights’ presence had diminished, and their numbers varied from two to five.
Since Aresia didn’t need their assistance, the knights seemed somewhat idle. Amos had ventured deep into the mountains to deal with a high-level magical creature. The situation in that area was becoming more complicated, and Aresia wanted to know the details. She sent back a knight to bring her a message, seeking her opinion.
The knight squad, consisting of ten members, now had a rotating duty. Whoever suffered a severe injury or couldn’t continue their mission would obediently return to guard Aresia until someone else took their place.
Fortunately, there were healing potions available, and the castle had priests who could assist with treatment. Even if injured, they could quickly recover and continue their fight. This arrangement didn’t feel like a burden for the knights; instead, it seemed like a vacation.
The more magical creatures they captured, the greater their achievements, and the rewards they received. So when they were sent back to the castle to rest and bask in the sun, it felt more like a reward than a punishment. They weren’t complaining about the inconvenience.
However, if their contracted beast companions suffered severe injuries, the knights would return to take care of them. Another batch of “injured” knights had just returned. According to them, the previous group of “injured” knights excitedly packed their belongings and left.
Aresia asked the newcomers about Amos’ situation. This time, there were six injured knights, and their magical creatures were more severely wounded compared to the previous group. Although they had received treatment, the wounds hadn’t fully healed, and some required a longer recovery period.
“We encountered a group of Gryphons on a cliff in the east. The captain and the others are currently figuring out how to deal with them.”
Gryphons were solitary creatures and rarely cooperated with other races for hunting. Although they hunted on the plains, they resided on cliffs, choosing their territories without interfering with their neighbors.
If they faced an external threat, these neighboring creatures would collaborate. The Gryphons, being a highly organized species, would protect the entire group even if it meant sacrificing their own lives. This made capturing the Gryphons more difficult.
Moreover, the group they encountered consisted of more than 200 Gryphons, excluding the unhatched eggs. Among them, various types of Gryphons were present, ranging from white-headed, black-headed, and red-beaked Gryphons, with most of them being around level six. There were a few golden Gryphons that had already surpassed level six.
Finding such a large group of Gryphons was unexpected, but they weren’t willing to give up. The knights were currently observing the Gryphons and preparing to pick them off one by one.
They had also invited level-five and above mages from the Rogest territory to assist them. Additionally, they had bought horses and placed them in various locations on the plains. The knights were divided into several groups, lying in ambush nearby. When the Gryphons came to hunt, they would seize the opportunity to capture them. This plan was proceeding smoothly, and they had managed to capture a few Gryphons.
However, the plan didn’t always work perfectly. The Gryphon group led by a leader showed no concern for the life or death of other Gryphons. When members of the group went missing, they became more cautious and even sent other members to investigate.
They encountered several peak-level seven golden Gryphons that they couldn’t handle with their current strength. Just the peak-level seven leader alone could easily defeat all of them. The knights were considering contacting the Five Cities for assistance.
They decided to ask for help from the Five Cities, primarily through Amos, who had already contacted the administrators of the Five Cities and asked them to send troops to hunt other magical creatures. However, it was unknown how much support they would receive.
Moreover, the allegiance of the Gryphon Legion was strong, and the knights didn’t want to leave this task to someone else. They requested assistance from the mages, as they were part of the Duke’s household and considered comrades.
The Gryphons had their demands, and it wasn’t easy to capture suitable magical creatures to exchange for their help. However, with the Duke’s orders, the mages would coordinate with the knights.
The military forces of the Five Cities varied. Although they had numerous knights, their cooperation with the Gryphon Legion was uncertain. Moreover, even though they were currently serving in the Duke’s territory, the military forces of the Five Cities did not fall under one unified system. They were more obedient to the administrators of their respective cities, and the knights couldn’t simply step in and claim a share.
If they relied solely on the power of the knights and the mages, they would face heavy casualties. It would be a one-sided battle.
Some injured knights had returned, having suffered severe injuries during the siege of a peak-level seven golden Gryphon. Those with more serious injuries were currently recuperating in the castle. Since they lacked the presence of their contracted companions, their beast beasts were temporarily placed in cages outside their rooms. They could see each other through the windows, and the emotions of their beasts seemed stable.
Fortunately, their injuries weren’t in vain, as they successfully captured a golden Gryphon.
The capture of a peak-level seven golden Gryphon had dampened the morale of the Gryphon Legion, making it more difficult to face them again. It was the reason why Amos considered seeking external support. They didn’t choose to retreat.
When Aresia heard about the presence of peak-level seven golden Gryphons, her eyes lit up.
Her father, although not at the peak of level seven, was a professional. It was only a matter of time before he reached the peak of level seven.
If they put in the effort to raise a golden Gryphon to its peak and have it break through to level eight, it would be a significant achievement.
Wasn’t this a perfect match?
Aresia had been considering what gift to bring for her parents when she suddenly had an idea!
She immediately told the knights, “Tell Amos to temporarily halt communication with the Five Cities. My teacher recently sent me a letter, and I’ll ask for their help!”
The knights were initially skeptical about Aresia’s mysterious teacher. However, they quickly believed her. While they didn’t know the full extent of her teacher’s abilities, they understood that relying on a single person wouldn’t be enough to turn the tide.
Aresia didn’t have time for jokes. She urged the knights to deliver the message quickly, as she didn’t want Amos to contact the Five Cities anymore.
The knights hesitated before asking, “Miss Aresia, may I know the level of your teacher’s profession?”
Aresia’s joyful smile widened. “In the recent letter, my teacher mentioned that she has just broken through to level eight. She has finished her seclusion.”
An eighth-level mage?!!!
The knights were almost dumbfounded by the revelation.
They suspected that something was wrong with their ears.
An eighth-level mage in the Holy Lotean Empire? This couldn’t be a joke!
The knights were overjoyed at the prospect of having an eighth-level mage. They knew that Aresia wouldn’t joke about something so significant. The power of an eighth-level mage was unknown to them, but they believed it could make a difference.
They didn’t want to face the Gryphon leader alone; they wanted to overcome the entire Gryphon Legion.