Leisurely days always pass quickly, especially for the servants within Eagle Castle.The assassination from a month ago had long faded from their memories. The explanation provided by the steward, Jess, seemed quite reasonable. The assassin had been dealt with by Lord Cain, and the crisis had been averted on the same night.Despite the soldiers frequently training on the drill grounds, the servants paid little attention. They assumed that Lord Cain had some new arrangements in mind.On this particular afternoon, gentle sunlight bathed the entire land, tempting people to take a comfortable nap.A figure covered in blood, riding a fast horse, rushed towards the castle.Soon, he was intercepted by the city guards."Halt, please state your identity."The cavalryman, with arrows still lodged in his body, pulled the reins and stopped at the city gate."Cavalry unit, Emel. I have urgent matters to report to Lord Cain."Confirming his identity, the guards let him pass.As he traversed through the gaze of numerous servants, the cavalryman finally met Cain.With a difficult bow, he reported, "Lord Cain, our cavalry patrol around the Mako Village encountered an attack by goblins."Cain, puzzled, inquired, "Goblins? Tell me what happened." Then, noticing the arrows on the cavalryman, he instructed his steward, "Gis, go and fetch Lym."Cain's personal physician, Lym, arrived promptly with his assistant as the wounded Emel sat in a shaded corner, supported by Cain.Despite the severe injuries, Emel continued, "My lord, at noon today, our cavalry was patrolling the outskirts of Mako Village when suddenly, a group of goblins emerged from the surrounding forest. We clashed with them. Not only were their numbers higher, but the leading goblin was also an extraordinary being. Our small unit was no match. The captain sent me to report, fearing that our squad might already..."Hearing about the plight of the patrol, Cain sighed deeply, "Ah... Emel, did you get a clear look at the weapon used by the extraordinary goblin?""Yes, my lord. It was a wolf-toothed club."Cain nodded, "Very well, I understand the situation. Take care of your injuries and recover soon.""Thank you, Lord Cain."After comforting the cavalryman, Cain turned to the physician Lym, "Treat his injuries, and preferably, without leaving hidden ailments."Facing this challenging task, Lym swallowed hard, having already examined the wounds, particularly the severe arrow injury to the shoulder.Without prompt treatment, the risk of tetanus infection was high, and in such a case, there would be no way to save him."Yes, my lord, I will do my best to heal him," replied Lym, rushing to assist with his assistant and moving the wounded to the indoor medical facility.The sudden turn of events left Cain with a headache. The situation in Wonlei Castle had not been resolved, and now a group of goblins had appeared in the territory. More importantly, he had lost a cavalry patrol.Training a cavalryman was no easy task, with the high costs involved in horses and armor, not to mention the time consumed.Calculating the losses in his mind, Cain walked to the study. He first instructed Gis, the steward, to inform Katherine and Marcus to come to the study.Then, he pondered the situation outside the territory.Ridget Territory, the full name of Cain's domain, consisted of a castle and villages. According to Cain's impression, there should be no presence of any kind of beastman in the vicinity of Ridget Territory, not even sporadic extraordinary beasts.Now, a goblin tribe with an extraordinary leader suddenly appeared, raising suspicions. Could they have escaped from the southern Orc Empire?Knocking on the door interrupted Cain's thoughts. It seemed that Marcus and Katherine had arrived.Just as he gestured for them to enter, they greeted him with a bow and then turned their attention to Cain."Just received a report from a cavalryman. Goblins have appeared outside the territory," Cain began.Katherine, somewhat excited, asked, "My lord, I heard there is also an extraordinary being among them?"Cain nodded, "It seems you've heard. Yes, their leader is an extraordinary being, though I'm not sure of the rank. It should not exceed the first-tier."Marcus, the experienced one, suggested, "My lord, we can't afford to delay. They might plunder Mako Village at any time. We need to act quickly.""Yes, I agree." Cain opened the map on the desk.Pointing to the dense forest to the south, he said, "According to the report from Emel, the goblins clashed with the cavalry around here."Marcus, after examining the terrain, expressed his concern, "My lord, the forest here is very dense. It may not be suitable for immediate combat. We might need to enter on foot.""There's no other choice," Cain acknowledged.Cain then turned to Katherine and ordered, "Take all the scouts in the territory. We need to investigate their numbers and positions.""Yes, my lord."With the planning done, Cain stood up, "No time to waste, let's move. Gather outside Eagle Castle.""Yes, Lord Cain."Receiving the orders, the two hurried out of the study to summon the soldiers.Cain went to the Lord's bedroom to put on his armor.In no time, the entire territory was buzzing with activity. Soldiers, gathered under Katherine's command, rushed to the assembly point. Columns of cavalry rode swiftly through the castle, while the castle servants watched anxiously, hoping for a smooth operation.Soon, Cain, riding a white steed, arrived outside the castle. He wore meticulously crafted armor and wielded a family heirloom sword.At this moment, all the soldiers and cavalry in Ridget Territory had assembled. Marcus and Katherine walked out and joined Cain."My lord, 24 cavalrymen are ready.""My lord, 42 armed infantry, and 3 scouts are ready."Excluding the 6 casualties from the patrol and the castle guards, all the forces of Ridget Territory had gathered here.Cain nodded, then shouted, "Depart! Annihilate the goblins and avenge our fallen brothers!""Yes!!!"