Leylo's eyes lit up. This was precisely the creature mentioned in the previous intelligence—the Rank 1 magical fowl, the Grey-Headed Goose. Its meat was succulent, a rare and exquisite delicacy.
"Ed."
"Here, My Lord!"
"Take two knights with the best archery skills and hunt a few of those geese."
"Yes, sir!"
Moonlight excitedly circled Leylo's horse twice, its throat emitting a low purr, clearly eager to join in.
"You want a taste too?"
Moonlight immediately pressed its head against Leylo's leg, rubbing with vigor.
Swish! Swish! Swish!
Several sharp arrows whistled through the air, accurately striking several geese at the edge of the flock.
Honk! Honk!
The struck geese let out shrill cries, flapping their wings desperately before collapsing to the ground. This sudden assault startled the entire flock; they honked in panic and took flight, landing a hundred meters away.
Moonlight joined the hunt with enthusiasm, chasing after the fattest goose in the bunch. Seeing the large bird spread its wings to take off, Moonlight hastily spat out a bolt of lightning, knocking it unconscious. Clamping the massive goose—which was nearly larger than itself—in its jaws, Moonlight trotted back with its head held high to present its prize.
"That's enough!" Leylo ordered them to stop upon seeing they had secured over a dozen plump geese. "Gather the prey; we're heading back!"
The knights moved quickly to collect the geese downed by arrows and those "captured" by Moonlight. Moonlight stood proudly with the largest goose in its mouth, dropped it before Leylo, and looked up with a "praise me" expression.
"Well done," Leylo patted its head.
The heavy geese were bundled and slung over the horses' backs. By evening, several bonfires were lit in the town square. The flavor of the Grey-Headed Goose earned praise from everyone. Two whole geese, roasted to a golden crisp, were set before Moonlight. It didn't hesitate, tearing into the greasy meat with satisfied purrs. One, then two... soon, only a few stray bones remained.
As the night grew silent and the bustle faded, Leylo returned to his room while Moonlight curled up at the foot of his bed, snoring softly. Leylo toyed with a brass ring in his hand—it was worn and dull even under the firelight, its inlaid gemstone long gone. This was the ring he had bought from the general store for three Silver Eagles.
He produced a mana stone and carefully inlaid it. Through his heightened mental perception, the mana stone's energy connected with the ring, and the derelict artifact began to undergo a subtle transformation.
The next morning brought another clear day.
[Daily Intelligence Refreshed]
[1: Attracted by abnormal elemental fluctuations within the abandoned mine, a Great Ground Sloth has chosen the mine as its new lair.]
[2: A swarm of Sand Rats is approaching Blackstone Town. Sand Rats are Rank 1 magical beasts; though weak in combat, they are social creatures that breed rapidly. Once they reach critical mass, they will cause devastating damage to crops and granaries.]
[3: Pegasi sightings have been reported at the edge of the Misty Forest on the west side of the Blackstone Mountains. Pegasi are Rank 2 beasts; strong and swift in flight, they make excellent knight mounts. They are drawn there by a large patch of Magic Alfalfa, their favorite fodder, which strengthens their bloodline and constitution.]
[4: An Iron-Armored Rhino is roaming the south bank of the Blackwater River. A Rank 3 beast, it is naturally temperamental. Currently, this rhino has just given birth to two calves and is in a frenzied, highly aggressive state.]
[5: Old Hook, the blacksmith in Blackstone Town, seems to possess an ancient Dwarven forging technique that he never shows to others.]
[6: Upstream from the valley where the Grey-Headed Geese reside, the rushing water has formed a small waterfall with a hidden cave behind it.]
[...]
[10: Your knightly cultivation is approaching completion; your Knight Seed is sufficiently robust. Perhaps today is the day you break through to become an official Knight.]
"Ed!" Ed appeared at the door almost instantly, looking sharp. "Find Old Buck."
Shortly after, the white-haired but spirited Old Buck followed Ed into the room. "My Lord, you summoned me?"
"Mayor Buck, take a seat," Leylo gestured. "During yesterday's patrol, traces of Sand Rats were found within the territory."
Old Buck's expression turned grave. "Sand Rats? That's an ill omen, My Lord. Those things breed like wildfire and are experts at ruining grain. The town suffered heavily from a rat plague once before."
Leylo replied, "Organize the townspeople immediately—especially experienced hunters and farmers. Set as many traps as possible around the town, particularly near granaries and homes. Use pit-traps, cages, or whatever works. Additionally, tighten security at the granaries."
"Understood, My Lord! I'll see to it. They are a nuisance, but with preparation, we can minimize the damage."
"Go on. Tell them there's a reward: ten Copper Sparrows for every Sand Rat caught."
After Buck left, Leylo returned to his room and sat cross-legged. He closed his eyes and sank his consciousness inward. Deep within, he could "see" the invisible Knight Seed pulsing with a gentle yet resilient light.
Breaking through to become an official Knight meant "igniting" this seed, allowing it to take root and fuse with flesh, spirit, and soul to form a continuous energy core. This required a massive surge of energy and steady willpower. He took a deep breath, channeling all his combat qi like a rushing river toward the seed.
Time passed in silence, save for his rhythmic breathing and Moonlight's occasional whimpers. Suddenly, Leylo felt a tremor, as if something had shattered. The Knight Seed erupted in brilliant light—no longer a soft white, but a piercing, powerful bright silver!
A pure, potent strength surged from the seed, flowing into his limbs. His bones clicked, muscle fibers toughened, and his blood surged with renewed vitality. His senses sharpened; he could even "hear" Moonlight's heartbeat.
Official Knight! He had finally broken through!
Just then, a strange phenomenon occurred. A cool, mysterious power flowed through his contract bond with Moonlight, merging into his new knightly core. This power bore Moonlight's unique aura—fluid and magical. It didn't conflict with his knightly strength; instead, it fused like a long-lost partner. His silver core began to radiate a faint, moonlight-violet halo.
Leylo opened his eyes and looked at Moonlight. The "cat" was tilting its head, its violet eyes sparkling as it purred, seemingly enjoying the fusion.
"Moonlight, it seems you have fully accepted me," Leylo rubbed its furry head. Moonlight squinted in comfort, wagging its tail.
Feeling the surging power, Leylo looked at the "cat." "Moonlight, show me your true form!"
Moonlight blinked with innocent, wide eyes, looking adorably clueless.
"A dragon! I know you are a Silver Dragon!" Leylo exposed it. "Let me see what you really look like!"
Moonlight just responded with "Meow-wu, meow-wu," wagging its big fluffy tail to prove it was just a cat. Leylo couldn't win against its feigned ignorance and, in the end, failed to see its true Silver Dragon form.