On the training ground, more than twenty Knights surrounded a Black Rock Leopard. Their eyes gleamed with desire, as though they were gazing at a priceless treasure—or, as some joked, at a beautiful woman stripped bare before them.
Every Knight dreamed of owning a fine warhorse. Although the Black Rock Leopard was not a true horse, it could still serve as a mount—and a formidable one at that. It possessed the combat power of a Junior Knight, making it far stronger than ordinary steeds.
Just imagining themselves riding such a magnificent creature filled the Knights with excitement. On the battlefield, a warrior astride a Black Rock Leopard would surely be a sight of awe and fear—nearly invincible.
"My Lord! Your Excellency!" shouted Jorton, unable to contain his excitement as he rushed toward Rune and Magus. "Could you spare one of these Black Rock Leopards for me first?"
His booming voice carried across the entire training ground, instantly stirring the others.
"Why should it go to you, you drunkard?" one Knight retorted.
"I'm a Middle Knight! I should be first!" another protested.
"Ha! I'm the best rider here, it should go to me!" a third declared.
"That's for riding horses, not leopards!" someone argued.
"It's all the same, isn't it?"
"Nonsense!" another barked. "If that's the case, then I'm great at riding women—should the Black Rock Leopard go to me?"
The crowd erupted in laughter and argument. Rune rubbed his temples, feeling a headache coming on. Finally, he raised his hand and barked, "Enough! Quiet, all of you. This Black Rock Leopard will go to Brede first."
Brede, who had been standing silently off to the side, blinked in surprise. A moment later, his face broke into a broad grin. "Thank you, My Lord! Thank you, Your Excellency!"
Jorton and the other Knights exchanged glances, grumbling under their breath, but none dared object. Brede had long been one of their most respected warriors—one of the strongest among them. It was only natural he would receive the first mount.
Besides, Rune already knew Magus would craft a more powerful Black Rock Leopard for him later.
Magus tossed a necklace toward Brede and said, "This is the key to controlling the Black Rock Leopard. As long as you wear it, the creature will obey your commands. But remember—it can only understand relatively simple instructions."
"I understand! Thank you, Your Excellency!" Brede exclaimed. He quickly slipped the necklace over his head. Under the envious stares of his comrades, he leapt onto the Black Rock Leopard's back. With a proud roar from the beast, they sped off across the training ground, leaving a cloud of dust in their wake.
Rune watched the display and turned to Magus. "How long does it take to refine a Black Rock Leopard?"
"Three or four hours should be enough," Magus replied.
Rune and the Knights looked delighted—until Magus poured a bucket of cold water on their enthusiasm.
"The materials are rather costly," he continued evenly. "Each Black Rock Leopard requires black stone iron and gemstones. The total cost comes to about thirty-eight gold coins."
Rune frowned slightly, then relaxed. "It's acceptable," he said after a moment's thought. Compared to the military power these creatures brought, thirty-eight gold coins was a small price to pay.
As long as the Black Stone Mining Area remained under their control, Blackstone City would continue generating wealth. And in truth, military strength was their most urgent need. Only a strong army could protect their mines—the very heart of their prosperity.
"You don't need to worry about the cost," Rune said firmly. "I'll handle it. I must trouble you to continue refining the Black Rock Leopards."
Magus nodded calmly.
His daily life had become highly disciplined. When he wasn't meditating or brewing Sub-Active Potions, he spent his time reading. Meditation had largely replaced sleep for him, and refining the Black Rock Leopards didn't take much of his energy.
In fact, the process benefited him. Each refinement increased his Puppet Refining proficiency, and with greater mastery, his efficiency would continue to rise.
Two months slipped by in the blink of an eye.
By the Month of Scrolls (August), scorching heat had descended upon the land. The blazing sun baked the earth and withered the leaves, yet the residents of Blackstone City walked the streets with smiles on their faces.
The reopening of the Black Stone Mining Area had drawn numerous merchant guilds to the city. Trade flourished, wealth circulated, and the living standards of the citizens rose noticeably.
Even though the city had recently taken in a large number of refugees, the mining operation, the army, and the ongoing reclamation of barren lands had provided employment for them all. Instead of being a burden, the newcomers had become an asset to the city's growth.
Blackstone City was thriving. Hope filled every heart.
It was also during this month that Magus celebrated his seventeenth birthday. Though he insisted that no celebration was necessary, Rune refused to let the occasion pass quietly. He arranged a grand banquet in Magus's honor.
All the Knights of Blackstone City attended, along with representatives from several merchant guilds that had close business ties with the city.
Among the guests was Tyrion, president of the Fire Fox Merchant Guild, who came personally to present his gift—a chest containing twelve flawless rubies.
The gift drew murmurs of astonishment from the crowd. It was worth well over a hundred gold coins—by far the most extravagant present offered that night.
Perhaps Tyrion had heard that Blackstone City was in need of gemstones for refining. Regardless of his motive, his generosity was clear.
Even Magus, who prided himself on remaining calm, was a little surprised. He could sense that Tyrion was attempting to build a friendly relationship with him—but the reason was uncertain.
Could Tyrion have discovered his true identity as a Wizard Apprentice? And did he understand the significance such a title carried?
Though puzzled, Magus didn't reject Tyrion's goodwill. He accepted the gift graciously and conversed warmly with the merchant throughout the banquet.
Later, after the celebration ended, Rune and Magus returned to the study. As they sat down, Rune gave a low chuckle.
"I heard that old fox Tyrion likes to invest in promising young talents," Rune said. "He's probably already guessed that you're a Wizard Apprentice—and he understands the kind of power that represents. That's why he gave such an extravagant gift."
Magus nodded thoughtfully. "Perhaps. Still, his connections could prove useful. The Fire Fox Merchant Guild's network stretches across the Thorn Flower Duchy, and they maintain partnerships with many guilds in the Starlight Principality. Having his support will make it much easier for me to acquire wizardry texts and materials."
Rune smiled faintly but didn't respond. Magus noticed the shift in his expression.
"You seem distracted tonight," Magus observed quietly.
Rune sighed. "You always see through me." He straightened in his chair, his expression turning grave. "My scout in Shining City sent word. Zorlf, Norwood, and Devon will all attend the Harvest Celebration there three months from now."
Magus raised an eyebrow. He knew those names.
The three men had once been subordinates of Baron Arnest—Rune's late father. They had fought beside him on the battlefield and been personally promoted to Baronets for their service. But when Baron Arnest was killed and Owen seized the baronetcy for himself, the three had bowed to the new order, submitting to the influence of the Gold Rock Marquis.
Their silence during those dark days had allowed Owen to consolidate his power. And though that cowardice had spared Rune and his brother from immediate execution, Rune had never forgiven them.
"If it weren't for Father, those three would still be common soldiers," Rune said bitterly. "He gave them their titles—and now they've turned their backs on him. They're nothing but traitorous scum. They deserve to die!"
Magus remained calm. "Besides Blackstone City, Owen now completely controls the rest of Shanguang Territory," he said quietly. "I believe he'll make his move against us soon."
Rune clenched his fists, his jaw tight. Magus's words echoed his own deepest fears.
After a long silence, Rune suddenly slammed his palm against the armrest and rose to his feet. His eyes blazed with determination.
"We can't keep waiting," he declared. "Three days from now, we'll strike first. We'll attack the Black Scale Lizardmen's lair and wipe them out. It's the closest threat to our borders—we need to eliminate it before dealing with Owen."
Magus studied him thoughtfully.
Over the past two months, Rune had assembled a formidable cavalry regiment. Though it numbered just over sixty men, twenty were full Knights and the rest Apprentice Knights. More importantly, every one of them now rode a Black Rock Leopard.
They weren't yet an elite army, but they were well on their way.
Rune's plan was bold—but not without merit.
"Very well," Magus said at last. "I'll go too."
Rune turned sharply. "You're coming?"
Magus nodded. "If we delayed until later in the Month of Scrolls, I might already have advanced to a Second-Grade Wizard Apprentice, which would reduce our casualties. But time isn't on our side. Even if the battle now costs us more, we can't afford to wait."
Rune hesitated, but he saw the calm resolve in Magus's eyes and knew there was no use arguing.
"Then we'll fight side by side," he said.
Magus smiled faintly. "Don't worry. I still have a few spell scrolls prepared. With some luck, the outcome may be better than we expect."
The room fell into silence. Outside the study's tall windows, the night wind rustled through the trees. The faint glow of torches flickered across the city walls.
Both men knew the days ahead would be difficult. Yet both also knew that hesitation would bring ruin faster than any enemy.
Three days later, the Black Rock Leopards would ride into battle—and the first true test of Blackstone City's strength would begin.
End of Chapter 21 – Magus's Show of Good Will