Robert suddenly opened his eyes, the fatigue of yesterday completely gone.
A surge of power coursed through his body, and his mind felt unusually sharp and clear.
The improvement from his contract with Moonlight was far greater than he had ever expected.
A soft grumble came from beside him. Turning his head, Robert saw Moonlight sprawled out next to him, its snow-white belly facing up, limbs stretched wide as it slept soundly.
The sunlight filtering through the tent cast a faint halo over its fur, making the little dragon look like an oversized, harmless cat.
Robert couldn't help but reach out and rub its head.
"Meow!"
Moonlight made a disgruntled noise, rolled over, and swatted his hand away with a paw before dozing off again.
Robert chuckled softly. "You really think you're just a big cat, don't you?"
Stretching his arms, he felt the energy pulsing within him and the clearer presence of magic elements around him.
The path of the Magic Knight, mentioned in yesterday's intelligence report, now seemed more appealing than ever.
In this world, before one could become a formal Knight, the key was to strengthen the body and nurture the Knight Seed.
When the seed matured, an apprentice could break through the body's limits and officially advance as a Knight.
After that, a Knight typically chose one of three main paths, depending on talent: Bloodline Knight, Magic Beast Knight, or Magic Knight.
Bloodline Knights strengthened their bloodlines and bodies, considered the most traditional and orthodox path.
Magic Beast Knights formed contracts with magical creatures, drawing upon their partners' strength when needed. They could even undergo partial beast transformations, gaining immense temporary power.
Magic Knights, on the other hand, refined magic to enhance themselves—commanding elemental forces both to empower their attacks and to defend against enemies.
As Robert pondered which path to take, the morning sky suddenly darkened.
Thick clouds rolled across the heavens, blotting out the sun.
"It's going to rain," he murmured.
"Meow!"
Moonlight jerked awake, ears twitching and golden eyes flashing as it looked warily at the sky. The air was charged with raw energy, and the dragon's body trembled—not with fear, but excitement.
"Don't be afraid," Robert said, smiling reassuringly. "It's just thunder."
But the little dragon's next move completely caught him off guard.
Moonlight leaped up, prancing inside the tent as though unable to contain itself.
"You... actually like thunderstorms?" Robert asked, stunned.
Moonlight stopped, tilted its head, and gave him a look that clearly meant, Isn't it obvious? Then it let out another excited "Meow!"
Robert stared, speechless.
He'd heard of dragons obsessed with gold or gems—but one that liked thunderstorms? That was new.
Still, perhaps it wasn't the storm itself that fascinated Moonlight, but the chaotic magical energy stirred up by the lightning.
Moments later, heavy raindrops began to fall. Thunder cracked across the sky, bright flashes illuminating the tent as if the heavens themselves were splitting apart.
Robert stayed inside, grateful for his preparation. The storm raged violently, wind howling, rain pounding the earth. Yet outside, Moonlight was having the time of its life—darting and leaping through the downpour, its scales gleaming silver under each flash of lightning.
"This little fellow…" Robert muttered, shaking his head with a helpless smile.
He decided to let Moonlight play to its heart's content.
Two hours passed before the thunder finally quieted and the rain ceased.
When Robert stepped out of the tent, the air was fresh and crisp, washed clean by the storm. The ground glistened, and the scent of wet earth filled his lungs.
The other Knights were emerging from their tents as well, packing up their things.
During the night, several tents had been struck by lightning and burned, and over a dozen nearby trees were left blackened and charred.
Fortunately, the camp was set up far enough from the forest, so aside from a few scorched tents and sooty faces, no one had been seriously hurt.
"My Lord, the rain's stopped," a Knight said, approaching. "When shall we depart?"
"Rest for a bit, eat something," Robert replied calmly. "We leave in half an hour."
"Yes, My Lord!"
The camp soon buzzed with activity—Knights eating, packing, and checking their horses. The morning sun broke through the clouds, scattering golden light over the drenched land. The air carried a faint burnt smell from the lightning-struck trees, mixing with the freshness of rain-soaked grass.
"Meow!"
A lazy cry drew Robert's attention.
Moonlight trotted over, shaking its wet fur, scattering water droplets everywhere—right onto a nearby Knight.
"Hey! Little one!" the Knight sputtered, wiping his face. "Try shaking that water away from people next time!"
Moonlight tilted its head, pretending not to understand. Then it shook itself again—this time twice as vigorously—before padding over to Robert and nudging his leg affectionately.
Robert looked down at the creature. After its wild romp in the rain, it looked more lively than ever. Its golden eyes gleamed like molten sunlight.
"Alright, alright," Robert said with a faint smile. "Let's go."
He swung himself onto his horse and surveyed the group.
"Form up. We move out."
"Yes, My Lord!" the Knights answered in unison. Their morale rose instantly. After days of travel through the desolate wilds, they were finally approaching civilization again.
The journey to Blackrock Town was far from smooth.
The storm had turned the dirt roads into thick mud, and the horses' hooves squelched with every step. Yet the air was cool and clean, the world refreshed after the storm's cleansing.
Robert rode at the head of the procession. Since becoming a Knight Apprentice, he had never felt such vitality. Power pulsed through his limbs—solid, undeniable. Every movement felt effortless, natural. Even his awareness of the magic elements around him had grown sharper, though he couldn't yet control them.
Still, that newfound affinity filled him with anticipation.
The path of a Magic Knight might be difficult, but it called to him.
It was a way to combine strength and intellect—to blend body and magic into one harmonious force.
Meanwhile, Moonlight bounded alongside the group, oblivious to the mud.
Sometimes it darted ahead to scout, tail flicking proudly. Other times it lagged behind, chasing startled rabbits or pawing at flowers by the roadside. The sight made the weary Knights laugh despite themselves.
Suddenly, one of the riders pointed ahead. "My Lord! Look—what's that?"
Robert narrowed his eyes and followed the man's gaze.
Far on the horizon, thin black smoke curled upward into the sky.
It was faint at first, but against the clear blue backdrop, it was impossible to miss.
His expression hardened. "That's coming from Blackrock Town."
Everyone fell silent.
Black smoke rising in daylight rarely meant anything good—usually fire, or worse.
Robert's mind raced.
Yesterday, his intelligence report had mentioned movements from the Magic Snake Claw—a notorious band of raiders known for their cruelty.
Now, with that dark smoke rising exactly from Blackrock's direction, there could be little doubt.
The town was under attack.
"Everyone!" Robert shouted, his voice sharp and commanding. "Increase speed!"
The Knights straightened instantly. "Yes, My Lord!"
They urged their horses forward, the rhythmic pounding of hooves echoing through the damp valley. Mud splashed, wind whipped through cloaks, and determination burned in every heart.
Robert gripped his reins tighter, his eyes fixed on the distant smoke.
The air was thick with tension, but beneath it ran a deep current of purpose.
Whatever awaited them at Blackrock Town, retreat was not an option.
The group pressed on, their pace relentless.
Robert's armor gleamed faintly in the sunlight as clouds drifted apart. Moonlight soared overhead, wings catching the wind, a silver streak against the blue sky.
The little dragon let out a sharp, defiant roar, echoing through the wilderness—a sound that made the Knights look up with renewed courage.
Robert's gaze didn't waver. "Hold fast," he called. "Blackrock Town needs us."
And with that, the company thundered forward through the mud and mist, racing toward the rising smoke on the horizon.