Chapter 39: Forging

On a gloomy morning, the gates of Winston City slowly opened, and the heavy creak shattered the surrounding silence.

Lord Bloet, who had long been waiting at the gate, wore a splendid yet dignified robe, with a Golden Dragon Head Badge at the collar symbolizing his family's honor, standing out even more in the cold wind.

Behind him, a neatly arranged squad of well‑trained Knight Guard stood upright, each holding a spear whose tips glimmered with a cold sheen.

The first to arrive was Lord Hoke, coming from a little over a hundred kilometers southeast of Bloet Territory.

Lord Hoke was tall and burly, his face covered in a tangled beard and flushed red by the cold wind, exuding determination. He stepped down from his carriage, his heavy fur cloak billowing, strode toward Lord Bloet, extended a broad hand, and shouted in a booming voice, "Bloet, long time no see, this damned weather is really cold!"

Soon after, Lord Adrian, who was coming from the west, also arrived.

His convoy was exquisitely decorated, drawn by several sleek, glossy‑coated steeds.

Lord Adrian was slender and graceful, wearing a wide‑brimmed hat set with gems and a fine silk‑velvet robe, his every movement radiating aristocratic bearing. He smiled, gave a slight bow to Lord Bloet, and said, "It's been a long journey, pleasure to meet you."

After that, the newly risen lord closest to the Black Forest, Lord Valentin, hurried over.

Among his guard were many agile hunters, equipped with gear fashioned from rare beasts captured in the Black Forest.

Lord Valentin's skin was dark, his eyes sharp as an eagle's; he wore a beast‑skin coat embroidered with mysterious totems, a sharp dagger at his waist. He strode forward, embraced Lord Bloet, and laughed heartily, "Finally made it, the road here wasn't easy."

After a few words of small talk, the three lords stood together at the gate, awaiting the final lord.

The wind grew ever harsher, and their conversations rose and fell amid the howling gusts.

At last, the convoy of Lord Calvin from the Eastern Plain appeared on the horizon.

Surrounding his carriage were knights riding high‑headed steeds, exuding an impressive aura.

Lord Calvin's face was solemn, his eyes reflecting composure and wisdom; he wore sturdy Chainmail beneath a cloak embroidered with his family's crest. He quickened his pace, nodded to everyone, and said, "Sorry for being late."

Seeing that everyone had arrived, Lord Bloet gave a slight nod, his expression grave, and said, "Gentlemen, the situation is urgent; let us enter the city to discuss the matter."

Thus, escorted by the Knight Guard, the five lords walked toward the castle, their convoy trailing slowly behind.

Along the way, the townsfolk lining the streets cast curious and worried glances.

Robin and the militia attached to the city garrison stood neatly aside, their eyes fixed on the entering lords.

Watching the massive procession, Robin thought to himself, "All three lords are Great Knights, there's also a Great‑Knight‑rank guard, and over twenty accompanying knights; this lineup is truly luxurious."

That so many powerful figures could gather here shows just how great the threat posed by that Wizard Apprentice is.

Lily stood beside Robin, her face puzzled, and asked softly, "Robin, is that wizard really that powerful?"

In her memory, when they first encountered the wizard, he hadn't displayed any extraordinary strength, and Robin, who was then only a Knight Apprentice Early Stage, had almost ambushed him.

Robin's mouth twitched, and he said irritably, "Back then I caught him off guard because he had no puppets nearby. If we hadn't met up in time with Knight Captain Fizz, our squad's strength at that moment would have left us with little chance of success."

"That impressive?" Lily still found it hard to believe and asked again.

Eric silently nodded beside them.

Now he has reached the Knight Apprentice Late Stage, gaining a deeper understanding of the power gap.

He clearly recalls the Giant Python that appeared with the wizard; even with his current strength, a full‑on attack would likely fail to breach the python's iron‑hard defense.

"And it's been so long; Eric and I are both at the Knight Apprentice Late Stage now. Do you think they won't advance?" Robin looked at Lily, explaining patiently with a hint of helplessness, "He's a Wizard Apprentice, wielding mysterious and powerful Dark Spell; his rate of progress is beyond our easy estimation. The lords have gathered precisely to discuss how to deal with him, which shows he's become a serious menace."

"Ha ha, enough of that—what shall we eat tonight?" Eric's hearty laugh instantly broke the tense atmosphere; he clapped an arm around Robin's shoulder as if to fling all worries into the sky.

In his view, since those powerful lords are already planning how to handle the wizard, they, the foot soldiers, need not add to the worry; enjoying the moment is what matters.

"Hmm, let's have braised pork trotters tonight." Robin thought briefly, picturing the soft, flavorful, reddish‑glossy trotters and licking his lips.

The intense training and adventures lately have made him especially miss that familiar delicacy, as if a single meal could dispel all fatigue.

"Alright, I'll go fetch wine." Upon hearing that, Eric's eyes lit up, and he eagerly volunteered.

In his mind, good food paired with fine wine is one of life's greatest pleasures.

Especially after hard training and missions, a cup of wine can relax every muscle and bone.

【8】 Lily, not to be outdone, quickly raised her hand high and said crisply, "I'll go buy bread."

Lily also wasn't willing to show weakness, quickly raised her hand high, and said in a clear voice: "I'll go buy bread."

Tomson, seeing this, hurriedly raised his hand as well, opened his mouth, but couldn't get a word out for a while.

His face flushed red, looking rather embarrassed.

"I—" Tomson managed to force out a word, then got stuck again.

Robin looked at his expression, couldn't help but laugh, reached out and gently patted his shoulder, and said kindly, "Don't be lazy, help me out."

In this team, everyone's duties are clear; although Tomson can be clumsy at times, Robin knows he is honest and never shirks work.

Tomson heard this, immediately broke into a sincere smile, nodded heavily, like a soldier who'd just received an order.

Back at the camp, beside the fire pit that Robin had built himself, Tomson watched the flames.

Robin shed his somewhat tattered coat, revealing his sturdy arms.

He picked up a Big Iron Hammer and began hammering vigorously.

Now Robin, lacking the Knight-level Breathing Method, has hit a bottleneck in his cultivation.

Thus, he changed his approach: besides practicing the Breathing Method while sleeping each night, he devotes all other time to learning other skills.

Lately, he has become deeply fascinated with forging.

(End of Chapter)