Dawn City, seven or eight hours after Li De's return to Earth, it was already the next day in Glory.
December 17th. The approach of the Months of Deep Winter had pushed the weather into a sharp decline, and even the construction efficiency of various projects had slightly dipped.
Still, everything was progressing in the right direction.
In a residential area adjacent to City Hall in the Southern District, inside a three-story building.
"Lord Oli, can my son join the Blade of Kings?
Please, I'm begging you to say a word to the interviewers for us. We're all from Eric Town, aren't we? You're so trusted by Lord Kachar, surely you can help, can't you?"
Li De's only fanatical devotee, Oli, looked somewhat troubled as he faced the black-clad woman in front of him.
"Aunt Gina, the Blade of Kings is a division personally commanded by His Majesty Kachar, and this recruitment is being overseen directly by him.
No one can go behind His Majesty's back, so it's best not to even think about such shortcuts. Besides, your son may not necessarily fail."
Upon hearing that, the plump-faced aunt looked visibly disappointed, but she knew that the recruitment of the Blade of Kings was an order issued personally by Lord Kachar.
Everyone in City Hall had said that Lord Kachar was forming an aerial cavalry unit that would ride Whispering Bats, so the selection process would be especially strict.
Aerial Cavalry.
What an honorable title. Back outside, she had heard tales of the Pegasus Knights of Green City, every knight in that unit held noble titles.
If her son could join this newly formed aerial cavalry, perhaps he could even earn Lord Kachar's favor.
Unfortunately, the competition was beyond intense, it was indescribable.
After Aunt Gina left, full of disappointment, Oli finally let out a breath.
Even after becoming one of the saintlight vampires, Oli had remained deeply connected to his former neighbors from Eric Town.
Whenever the townsfolk asked him for help, he'd do whatever he could.
But in this case, he was powerless, His Majesty himself was managing the recruitment process.
And even if he could help, he would still refuse. Anything that wasn't in the best interest of Dawn City or His Majesty Kachar, he would resolutely oppose it.
"Lord Oli! Lord Kachar is summoning you!"
At that moment, a young patrol officer burst into the house, barely able to contain his excitement as he shouted the news.
Oli's eyes lit up with unconcealed joy.
"Really?"
"Of course! Chairman Harrison told me personally!" the young man exclaimed, thrilled. "Lord Oli, do you think Lord Kachar summoning you has to do with the aerial cavalry?
Maybe you'll be put in charge of one of the newly formed aerial squads!
Lord Oli, you're one of the heroes who rose from the Hero Selection Tournament, you're bound to receive this rare opportunity!"
Oli's eyes gleamed with intensity. He was full of hope.
Lord Kachar… have I earned your approval?
As Li De's fanatical devotee, Oli had been given special attention ever since becoming a bloodline descendant. Over the past year, not only had he undergone intense magical training every day, he had also participated in several major battles, performing exceptionally on the battlefield.
In the battle of Dwarven Valley, he had slain 112 beastmen single-handedly, ranking first among all fourth-generation bloodline descendants, 30 more kills than second place, and was awarded the Silver Glory Medal.
Li De had divided Dawn City's honor medals into four ranks: Black Iron, Silver, Gold, and the Dawn Medal.
The Silver Medal was awarded to those who displayed valor in a battle, slew many enemies, and achieved significant merits.
Clearly, Oli, as a fourth-generation bloodline descendant who had singlehandedly slain over a hundred beastmen, was worthy of such recognition.
Currently, Oli had already become a leading figure among the fourth-generation bloodline descendants, commanding a hundred-man squad within the Blade of Kings.
When Li De saw his fanatical follower, his expression was full of satisfaction.
He had personally witnessed Oli's growth. Throughout this process, he hadn't intervened much directly, only provided substantial resources for his development.
As for whether the other party would amount to something, he never tried to forcefully guide the outcome.
But this fanatic's progression had indeed given him quite a pleasant surprise, Oli was a talent worth heavily cultivating.
The original second and third-generation vampires, due to their close familiarity with him, were almost incapable of developing faith in him.
As for Oli, who still believed in him even after becoming a vampire, that was a rare exception.
While the older generations were fiercely loyal to him, they had seen all sides of him, past and present, and thus lacked the mystery outsiders perceived. That absence of mystery made faith nearly impossible.
The new fourth-generation bloodline descendants, however, were all his believers. These vampires had little direct contact with him, they were later-stage residents who had been Embraced.
In their eyes, Li De remained shrouded in mystery and authority, which led to their faith in him.
A deity is called a deity not just because of their power, but because of their untouchable distance and inscrutable mystery. Once that aura is lost, faith becomes much harder to sustain.
"Your Majesty, your most loyal believer offers you his most humble greeting."
Oli bowed deeply to Li De, his expression fervent and his eyes filled with devotion, this was a man worshipping his god.
It was this great being who had transformed Eric Town, giving them a dreamlike life.
It was this great being who had redeemed him, helping him find the meaning of living.
It was this great being who had allowed him to see hope and radiant glory.
Li De gave a slight nod. "Oli, I've been watching your performance during this time.
You've proven your capabilities to me with sweat and effort."
He paused briefly, then continued while watching Oli grow visibly more excited from receiving his approval.
"I am about to form Dawn City's Aerial Cavalry.
And you… will be the first commander of this cavalry."
Li De's gaze was deep, carrying the gentleness of a father figure. This was his only fanatical believer. Since the man had shown such potential, Li De would not hesitate to invest more in him.
"As you command, my Lord. I will defend your glory with my life and soul.
All, for the Dawn!"
Oli's eyes were resolute, his voice unshakably firm.
For the Dawn.
For hope, for the Dawn Order, and for Dawn City itself.
"Very good. I name the aerial cavalry the Wings of Dawn.
The first group will consist of 1,000 soldiers. There are 3,000 Whispering Bats in total. For now, I will assign you 500. After the Months of Deep Winter, I will bring that number up to 2,000. By next summer, you will have all 3,000.
The Wings of Dawn will become our most vital military force. Oli, I have high expectations for you. Work hard, the future will be full of hope and light."
Oli bowed deeply once again.
"Your Majesty, I will devote everything I have to fulfilling your command."
From this moment on, under Li De's orders, the air force of Dawn City was officially established.
The banner of the Wings of Dawn began to flutter behind the Whispering Bats, marking the official debut of aerial power in Dawn City.
In the future, this currently small and fragile force would become the nightmare of all enemies.
They would be the scythe of the Reaper, the heralds of destruction, the bloodthirsty fangs, and the undisputed rulers of the sky.