Chapter 114

Chapter 114

Lorant felt relieved as he watched all the Crystal Ice Flame Dogs happily return to their small wooden houses after completing their contracts with their new owners. He silently made a mental note.

First, he needed to pay close attention when the Windbreaking Horses reached maturity, as it was unclear whether they would also form similar pet contracts. Therefore, he had to be vigilant. Second, starting from the next batch of Crystal Ice Flame Dogs, they must be sent out before reaching maturity, despite the potential socialization issues that might arise from being separated from their siblings.

However, those issues could be resolved by having their owners bring them back to the Animal Pet Shop at fixed intervals to play with their brothers and sisters for socialization.

Even if this meant reducing the frequency or extending the duration of socialization, Lorant was willing to extend the three-to-five-month socialization period at the shop to a full year after birth.

What mattered most was ensuring these little ones had ample time to interact with their owners before their maturity contracts were formed, allowing them to choose their owners wisely.

He also decided to establish a new rule: all Crystal Ice Flame Dogs must return to the Animal Pet Shop for their coming-of-age ceremony.

The signing of pet contracts must take place under his watchful eye, which was his firmest belief today.

After all, there would surely be cases where pets refused to enter into contracts. Without supervision, it was hard to imagine how owners who mistreated their pets might react in such situations.

If a Crystal Ice Flame Dog refused to contract with its owner, Lorant planned to reclaim the pet and blacklist the owner for further evaluation.

Moreover, he did not intend to publicize the existence of pet contracts widely.

While such contracts would undoubtedly reassure many people and expand the reach of pet ownership, it was currently unsuitable to announce publicly.

Firstly, this would prevent some individuals from deliberately deceiving innocent Crystal Ice Flame Dogs to secure contracts, pretending to be good for six months before revealing their true colors.

Secondly, Lorant wanted to conduct more private research on pet contracts. He intended to work directly with Jacqueline to study the contracts and determine if they could be replicated.

Furthermore, he wondered if it was possible to develop magic through pet contracts that could control other beasts or extract certain magical elements that might threaten the pets themselves.

These questions required thorough research, which would take time. During this period, Lorant did not want others trying to get a piece of the pie.

However, before the issue of Crystal Ice Flame Dog contracts could stir up a buzz within a small circle, Mauplan was shaken by an astonishing announcement.

The Knights of the Thorns achieved a tremendous success outside the Lopulo Mountains. The Spine Legion, closely watched by many, returned victorious just three days after crossing the Lopulo Mountains.

They accomplished impressive feats with minimal casualties.

A five-hundred-strong legion fought for three days against a beast tide, successfully slaying three Level Nine beasts, preventing a Level Three beast tide, and suffering only twenty-six injuries and seven deaths.

This news caused a stir throughout the Knight Regiment, leaving many high-ranking officials in disbelief.

Such achievements seemed too fantastical, akin to legendary tales told by adventurers, where a brave hero leads their knights through the Lopulo Mountains, effortlessly defeating powerful beasts and organizing defenses against potential beast tides.

Yet, in reality, only legendary professionals of Level Thirteen or higher could navigate the mountains freely, and even they would avoid unnecessary battles.

Outside the mountains or within a beast tide, any battle could trigger unforeseen chain reactions. Even powerful legendary professionals would have no choice but to flee when faced with multiple high-level beasts or a super beast tide.

When the Knights of the Thorns issued a Level Three warning, they naturally informed the Knight Regiment headquarters. If the situation worsened and a Level Three beast tide formed, other knight regiments would inevitably be involved.

The Knights of the Thorns were the primary responders, but other regiments would not hesitate to join in and profit from the "beast tide wealth."

Lorant had witnessed a glimpse of the immense resources and wealth a beast tide could bring during the Black Forest incident.

However, the knight regiments would also serve as a safety net for the Knights of the Thorns. If their defense line was breached, other regiments would intercept the beasts outside the Lopulo Mountains.

But the help would come at a cost, likely leaving the Knights of the Thorns drained of their last drop of blood.

Thus, the news of Jane leading the Spine Legion in a proactive attack was well-known. Many were eager to see how the first recorded pure cavalry regiment would perform.

Whether they hoped for exceptional success or failure was uncertain.

At least Paul and Jaina were hoping for a victorious outcome.

Paul coughed violently in the dark red carpeted reception hall of their base, his excitement clearly detrimental to his health.

Normally composed, Paul's face still betrayed his joy despite his coughing fit.

Under normal circumstances, Jaina would have called someone to bring him a warm cup of water mixed with healing potion.

However, Jaina was too preoccupied, clutching a battle report with trembling hands. "Jane succeeded, Paul! They succeeded! The Spine Legion, what a magnificent Spine Legion!"

She felt an overwhelming urge to shout her joy from the rooftops.

"Three Level Nine beasts! They were taken down so easily! Can you believe it, Paul!" She paced back and forth, almost dancing with excitement. "I regret it! I should have insisted on going with her, regardless of her objections!"

Paul smiled at his deputy's rare display of emotion, understanding her reaction.

"Jaina, calm down, you know Jane would never allow both of us to go to the Lopulo Mountains together. It wouldn't be in the best interest of the Knights of the Thorns."

Jaina waved her hand dismissively. "I don’t care. Next time! When the Spine Legion goes out again, I won’t compromise! Three Level Nine beasts, this..."

She couldn’t believe it, repeatedly checking the crumpled animal hide paper, feeling as though the brief, scrawled report was a masterpiece she couldn’t get enough of.

It's no wonder she was so excited. Normally, eliminating a Level Three warning in advance is incredibly difficult.

Three Level Nine beasts working together—forget a normally equipped legion with Third to Fifth Rank knights as its main force; even multiple high-ranking professionals would find it hard to handle.

After all, if it were just one Level Nine beast, Jaina could handle it well on her own. But three beasts outside the Lopulo Mountains? Even five professionals at her level might not do as well as this.

Yet! Such an astonishing achievement was accomplished by a properly equipped legion! That means four hundred Third to Fifth Rank knights, fewer than a hundred Sixth Rank knights, and a few Seventh Rank knights achieved this feat!

Even with Jane personally leading the charge, this is still a miracle!

Keep in mind that the ranks of professionals are a significant barrier. A First Rank knight defeating a Third Rank beast isn't something that can be achieved simply through numbers.

Under normal circumstances, ten First Rank knights facing a single Third Rank beast would still end up as the beast's meal without a miracle.

But now, the Spikes Legion has achieved such a result that defies common sense.

This is absolutely something no ordinary legion could accomplish!

The only difference between them and other legions is that they are fully equipped with Windbreaker horses!

Yes! Both Jaina and Paul understood immediately upon hearing the news what had brought about such an astounding result.

What made a legion that should theoretically only handle beasts below Level Six achieve such a feat with minimal casualties?

Windbreaker horses!

Only Windbreaker horses can explain it.

"Ahem, Windbreaker horses. Although I consider myself quite knowledgeable about animal pets, these amazing creatures always manage to surprise me," Paul shook his head in amazement.

He now handles all matters related to the Animal Pet Shop, taking them very seriously. Not only does he visit the shop every few days to learn and strengthen their relationship, but he also personally learns from Lorant how to care for the horses to better coexist with humans.

Those responsible for caring for the Knight Regiment's horses are all handpicked by Paul, and he personally imparts the necessary knowledge to them.

Moreover, in any field related to the Animal Pet Shop where the Knights of the Thorns can help, Paul never hesitates. Even without Lorant asking, he offers assistance first.

He doesn't put on any airs, and this perfect attitude naturally comes with rewards.

This is evident from the fact that the Knights of the Thorns have more Windbreaker horses than any other regiment.

While part of this is due to the Knights of the Thorns being the first to sponsor the Animal Pet Shop, Paul's efforts have prevented Lorant from reconsidering or signing new agreements later.

Thanks to his efforts, the Knights of the Thorns also have priority in choosing Windbreaker horses. Paul often visits the shop, and when the baby Windbreaker horses hatch, he can choose them first.

Although Lorant usually keeps the prettiest ones, he allows Paul to select those with ordinary colors but larger and stronger builds, given their usual interactions.

"Indeed! I only saw the boost Windbreaker horses give to knights' combat power, but who would have thought that when a large number of cavalry gather, they could produce such terrifying results!" Jaina couldn't help but show admiration as she recalled the report.

"Five hundred knights charging together actually causes their aura to coalesce during the charge, combining everyone's strength into one powerful force!" She murmured, "This is the true strength of knights. This is why ancient knights could surpass all other professions and become the strongest!"

She could almost see the little knight who reported back, trembling with excitement.

"The glory of ancient knights?" Paul looked into the void, seemingly reminiscing. "Perhaps this is what knights should truly be like."

"Before, we said that knights with mounts are true knights. But now it seems that knights aren't just individual fighters like berserkers. The reason knights fight in regiments is that only in groups can they truly be knights!"

"This is the essence of knighthood!"

"Overcoming the strong with the weak! Even without high-ranking professionals, a group of mid to low-ranking knights can still slaughter super beasts if our numbers are sufficient! Ahem!" Paul grew increasingly excited, waving his arms vigorously.

Then he started coughing violently, the familiar pain surging within him again.

That pain had become a part of Paul's life, but at this moment, he couldn't help thinking that if he and his regiment had Windbreaker horses back then, the outcome might have been different.

Would his brothers have suffered fewer casualties, and would the survivors not be living in such misery?

However, this emotion lingered only briefly before he dismissed it. Paul stood up and straightened his clothes.

"Jaina, I'm going to the Animal Pet Shop. Are you coming?"

...

There are never just one or two smart people in the world. While Paul and Jaina were heading to the Animal Pet Shop, other Knight Regiments' leaders were not idle.

They weren't fools. The Knights of the Thorns wouldn't dare exaggerate their achievements. They knew instantly what the most crucial factor behind such results was.

Windbreaker horses!

Could it be Jane?

If she had that ability, the Knights of the Thorns would have already advanced beyond the Lopulo Mountains.

Though they didn't know the internal information about the knights' charge, they still envied the true cavalry's formidable strength.

If the Spikes Legion could do it, so could they!

All they needed were five hundred Windbreaker horses!

So by the time Paul and Jaina arrived, the Animal Pet Shop was bustling with activity.

"Shopkeeper! You can't keep delaying the Windbreaker horses promised to us!" A tall and burly knight made a crying face, pleading to Lorant. "If you delay further, my leader won't forgive me. He's already suspecting that I did something to upset you!"

Lorant waved his hands, feeling uneasy seeing such a bear-like man making a pitiful face.

"Marcus, I don't want to delay either. You can see the situation here. I'm trying my best to prioritize your regiment, but I need to keep some Windbreaker horses for others too," Lorant stepped back to avoid the tears from the bear-like knight.

"Shopkeeper! But our regiment has only received two hundred batches of Windbreaker horses so far!" Marcus was on the verge of tears. He hadn't felt any prioritization at all!

Upon hearing the Spikes Legion's victory today, his leader immediately sent him to the Animal Pet Shop, ordering him not to return without Windbreaker horses.

"Marcus, you already have two hundred. Don't cry here." Before Marcus could put on a dramatic show, another knight pushed him aside from behind.

"Shopkeeper, we only have a hundred Windbreaker Horses so far! I really can't face our leader this time!"

Lorant twitched his lips: "We're doing this in order. There's a limited number of Windbreaker Horses, but everyone will get them eventually. Don't worry, don't worry!"

This answer did not satisfy the group of knights surrounding him. They all started to complain loudly.

"Shopkeeper, at least give me fifty Windbreaker Horses today so I can go back and report. You know our leader; he has a short temper. If I go back empty-handed today, he might really whip me!"

"Come on, isn't your leader known for being soft-hearted despite his harsh words? Nothing will happen! But it's different for me, shopkeeper. Our leader is notoriously strict. If I go back empty-handed, I won't be able to explain it."

"Shopkeeper, I'm not greedy. Thirty horses, just thirty, and I'll be satisfied!"

"Thirty? I only need twenty! Shopkeeper, give them to me first!"

"Ten!"

"Five! I only need five!"

Everyone turned their heads angrily at the person who was undercutting others without benefitting himself. How could someone bargain like that?

Lorant looked helplessly at the group of influential figures in the Knight Regiment, behaving like housewives fighting over white ginkgo nuts at the market.

"Folks, it's not that I'm deliberately withholding Windbreaker Horses. You've all seen the state of the backyard. If there were any extra horses, I would definitely give them to you. But look, these are just newborn foals! Even if you want to buy a few now, you need to make a reservation, and they're already scheduled for two weeks from now..."

Saying this, Lorant sighed helplessly. His Windbreaker Horses had ended up following the same path as the Crystal Iceflame Dogs.

The nickname "Blue Star Reservation Shop" seemed impossible to shake off in the short term.

"But..."

"Shopkeeper..."

"How about this suggestion?" Paul coughed twice, pushing through the tall and burly colleagues in front of him, struggling to reach the front.

"Since everyone is crowding here and the shopkeeper can't do anything, why don't you give us a clear number of Windbreaker Horses you can deliver next week? That way, these guys can go back and report."

When Lorant saw Paul, he breathed a sigh of relief.

This sickly knight with poor health was highly respected within the Knight Regiment. Sometimes, even knights from other regiments ignored Jaina's words but respected Paul.

This seemed related to Paul's past experiences, but that wasn't something Lorant needed to concern himself with. He knew that with Paul here, these knights wouldn't cause any trouble.

Sure enough, seeing Paul, everyone took a step back, no longer trying to get Windbreaker Horses by playing the poverty card.

However, upon seeing Jaina with Paul, the other knights didn't seem as friendly.

After all, The Knights of the Thorns had been the ones making headlines this time, receiving the most Windbreaker Horses.

To other Knight Regiments, The Knights of the Thorns had become a common enemy.

Even facing one of Mauplan's Five Roses, Jaina, none of them smiled.

Jaina didn't mind. After a few cold snorts, they moved aside.

"Lorant!" Once Lorant had dismissed the crowd, Jaina quickly stepped forward and gave him a big hug. "We have good news for you today!"

Lorant shifted slightly to prevent the baby in his pocket from getting squished into a Ghost Spider pancake. Curious, he asked, "Good news? What happened?"

Paul coughed again and explained the situation in the Lopulo Mountains to Lorant, concluding, "This is probably why all the Knight Regiments couldn't sit still today. Shopkeeper, after today, the strategic importance of Windbreaker Horses will be even greater than before."

"Congratulations, shopkeeper. From today onwards, there will be no more obstacles to the circulation of Windbreaker Horses in the Knight Regiments!"