Chapter 402: Stabilizing Military Morale

The raid was not terrifying.

Kabil’s Second Knight Camp was already positioned on the side closer to the countship, and with war drawing near, patrols had grown even more rigorous.

Moreover, contingents from numerous noble houses were arriving one after another in Splendor City.

Lord Ronin stationed them on the mountainous terrain beside the main camp, dispatching a portion as scouts along the road leading to Black Serpent City.

With this dual safeguard in place, even if Orsen attempted a surprise assault, Splendor City would react instantly.

“Ronin,” said Rulans, “don’t linger any longer in Wushan Town. Splendor City needs your help.”

Brol furrowed his brow slightly—he found this arrangement troubling.

“Black Serpent Fortress has two Meteor Knights, yet from what I know, our strongest forces in Splendor City are only Gold Knights? Sending Ronin there under such circumstances seems far too risky.”

He had come to Wushan Territory to deliver a message from Bruno, ensuring Ronin would arrive punctually at Golden Feather City. For that purpose, he needed to guarantee the young lord’s safety.

Frankly, Ronin’s death would be worse than his missing the rendezvous—because then Princess Blanche’s reputation for being a widow-maker would be utterly confirmed, severely damaging the king’s prestige and the royal family’s standing.

After a pause, he spoke: “Here’s what I’ll do—I’ll accompany Ronin with my Gryphon Knights.”

Rulans gave a slight nod. Though he trusted Ronin’s abilities, for absolute assurance of his safety, Brol’s presence would indeed be wiser.

Still, Ronin saw no need.

“Lord Brol, it would be better if you remained on the front line.”

He urged, “We don’t know how many top-tier enemies they have. Besides Orsen and the Meteor Knight mentioned by the old dean, there might be others. It would be safer for you and Master Dorn to stay at the front.”

Though the front line already included Silver Moon Knight Rulans, along with three seventh-rank supernaturals—Melonica, Dorn, and Miloslav—the enemy’s strength remained unknown. If two more Meteor Knights appeared, their elite ranks would be outnumbered.

As for Splendor City, Ronin had already sent Carlos to fetch Rideral. With a Sunbright Knight present, plus himself as a Mage Lord and a Silver Moon Knight, the enemy wouldn’t stir much chaos.

Seeing Brol about to speak again, Ronin blinked mischievously and whispered, “Rest assured, my lord—we haven’t left Splendor City unprepared.”

Brol raised an eyebrow. That remark sounded intriguing—did Wushan Territory secretly harbor a Meteor Knight he didn’t know about?

His mind flickered through countless faces, but found no likely candidate.

Yet faced with Ronin’s insistence, he could only sigh and agree.

“Very well… but promise me you’ll proceed with utmost caution.”

“Don’t worry!”

Ronin left the hall and soared toward Splendor City on wings of wind.

Meanwhile, the knightly orders of Wushan Town and the Magitech Guild units soon received word of impending battle.

Wars between liege and vassal had occurred many times throughout history, but this was the first time such conflict touched them directly. In open confrontation, should Black Serpent City fall, the Hyde family’s title, lands, everything would vanish into nothingness.

Wushan Town and Splendor City weren’t far apart, though Ronin’s flight speed couldn’t match Carlos’.

Over half an hour later, he finally reached Splendor Keep, landing in the small courtyard McKinney had arranged for him.

He sensed it—Carlos was already on his way back, likely to return soon.

“Ronin!”

A delighted female voice came from inside—the sound of his sister McKinney, accompanied by little nephew Martin.

“Where’ve you been? Everyone’s been looking for you!”

Ronin frowned in surprise. “What’s wrong? Is something happening?”

McKinney looked tense. “Your men, Rig and Baron Taron, ventured deep into the countship. They discovered Black Serpent’s army marching toward us—thousands strong! They suspect Orsen intends to raid Splendor City.”

Nobles had brought their troops; Ronin had merely invited them to join, sending Reg of North Wushan with a small knightly unit to participate.

It was good training—battle experience surpassed endless drills at home.

“I just returned from Wushan Town—I already know. Where is everyone? I actually have matters to discuss with them.”

“In the fortress hall.”

McKinney urged quickly, “Hurry over! They’re debating whether to notify Wushan Town, asking Count Brol to send two powerful warriors via gryphon!”

At that, Ronin rushed toward the citadel.

“Uncle…”

Little Martin’s tender voice stopped him.

“What is it?”

Martin glanced at McKinney, then asked softly, “Mom says the enemy might break into Splendor City… will we be defeated?”

Ronin laughed gently. “Don’t believe your mom’s nonsense. As long as I’m here, the enemy won’t even reach the city gates!”

“Heehee, Uncle’s so strong!”

Ronin stepped forward, stroking the child’s cheek with a smile. “Don’t scare the boy.”

McKinney nodded sheepishly—she’d been anxious earlier.

Only then did Ronin stride swiftly into the fortress hall.

At his entrance, the heated discussion quieted momentarily.

Though Kabil and Sandro were commanders, both respected Ronin deeply—and men like Marvin, Vitorino, and others even more so.

“Ronin, you’re finally here! Quick—what do you think? Should we ask the Marquis to send a Meteor Knight?”

Marvin boisterously pushed Ronin onto the central seat. “Black Serpent’s forces are massive—Orsen definitely plans to seize Splendor City!”

“Yes, my lord!”

Reg added, “Taron and I observed for hours. We estimate no fewer than five thousand approaching!”

A single knightly order numbered nearly 1,200—four such units meant the enemy had committed fully.

To all present, Black Serpent City was clearly launching an all-out assault on Splendor City.

“There’s no need to panic,” Ronin said calmly. “What approaches now is merely a small detachment.”

“Not long ago, Brol’s gryphon scouts surveyed Orsen’s domain. Their main force is marching toward Wushan Town.”

“What?”

“No way—where did Orsen get so many troops?”

“Has he conscripted every soul from his entire county?”

Like a stone cast into still water, waves of shock rippled through the room.

Then Ronin revealed the truth of the Witch-Soul Clan. Though it sounded unbelievable, concealing it now would only bring greater bloodshed.

These noble lords—dear, loyal supporters of Wushan Keep—preserving their strength meant preserving the keep itself.

After his explanation, silence swallowed the hall.

They had thought it a simple battle—only to learn it involved foreign beings, the very race that had tormented Rulans for thirty years.

“Ronin… do you think we can defeat them?”

“Shouldn’t we… call for a Meteor Knight?”

Gone was the earlier fervor, the clamor of debate. Now, the hall sat hushed, heavy with dread.

Ro Ning smiled faintly. "What's wrong? Are Viscount Marvin and Viscount Vitorino afraid?"

Marvin widened his eyes. "I never said I was afraid. It's just that this 'Soul-Witch Clan' sounds rather ominous."

Vitorino, unwilling to show cowardice before the crowd, added, "I merely think that with a Meteor Knight present, even if something unexpected happens, we’ll be able to handle it."

Kabir and Sandro nodded in agreement.

"Yes, Ro Ning, all of us are either Silver or Gold-ranked. If they bring a Meteor Knight, the risk is simply too great."

Ro Ning rose with a smile. "So what? Do you really believe there isn't a Meteor Knight among us?"

Hmm?

They glanced at one another, bewildered. Was there truly a Meteor Knight here?

Their eyes slowly turned toward Ro Ning. Surely not this young man before them?

At that moment, a deep voice thundered across the sky, piercing through the air and striking every ear within the castle.

Then came a howling gale. A dark shadow flickered past the windows like a phantom.

"What—?"

Startled, Marvin and the others rushed outside—only to see a colossal magical beast land upon the open ground before the fortress. Its terrifying aura had already sent nearby guards collapsing to their knees.

"Is that… a dragon?"

Marvin’s eyes widened. Suddenly, he recalled the rumors from Wubei Territory—that Ro Ning possessed a dragon. He’d thought it an exaggerated jest.

"You actually have a dragon?"

The others wore identical expressions, identical questions trembling on their lips.

Ro Ning gave a slight nod. "Does that make you feel safer now?"

They swallowed hard.

Dragons, as enemies, inspired dread. But as allies? They brought peace to the soul.

"There's someone on the dragon's back!"

A cry rang out. From the beast’s back, Ridal leapt down, landing gracefully upon the fortress steps. He dropped to one knee. "My lord, Ridal reports for duty."

"Rise," Ro Ning said. "The enemy approaches. Our battle begins soon."

Ridal stood tall, voice ringing clear: "I am ready to fight—for you!"

Only then did they recall Ro Ning’s earlier mention of a Meteor Knight. Could it be this red-haired man before them?

If so, then they had both a dragon and a Meteor Knight. Even facing the dreaded Soul-Witch Clan, perhaps victory wasn’t so impossible after all?

"To war!"

Their fighting spirit blazed anew.

"Make the traitors pay!"

"Yes! Let these wretched dogs never return!" (End of Chapter)