The path of cultivation is not easy; each advancement in rank represents a qualitative leap. A high-level Knight Squire was three whole ranks above Caesar. No wonder Knight Will always carried a faint air of condescension toward Caesar and others. This was the suppression of strength. Caesar knew that even a mid-level Knight Squire could face a charge of ten cavalrymen alone. A high-level Knight Squire? That was someone who could hold off half a squadron of cavalry single-handedly. The thought made Caesar shudder.
"There is one other way to speed up cultivation…" Uncle York suddenly glanced around cautiously before speaking to Caesar in a low voice. "In larger forests, there are magical beasts. Eagle Fighting Energy is wind-attribute Fighting Energy. If you can capture a wind-type magical beast, its blood and flesh are incredibly beneficial for cultivation."
"Huh?" Caesar snapped to attention.
Uncle York continued, "Some time ago, a few of us squadron captains found a wind-type enchanted rabbit in a valley. After splitting its remains, the effects were comparable to potions. My Fighting Energy seed grew noticeably larger after that."
"But don't think it's easy," York warned. "That rabbit was about the size of a hyena and could shoot wind blades. It wasn't an easy hunt."
Still, this was a path to becoming stronger. Caesar began planning to explore a forest someday, but only with Uncle York and the others. He was sure they'd be just as eager to join.
York began explaining more. Magical beasts were animals that had gained a rudimentary understanding of magic. Their strength was roughly equivalent to entry-level Knight Squires. Low-level beasts matched low-level Knight Squires, but once a magical beast crossed into the beast rank, it wasn't so easily dealt with. They developed intelligence and were no longer mere wild animals.
Mid-level Knight Squires corresponded to mid-level magical beasts, and high-level Knights corresponded to high-level magical beasts. "Once, our camp encountered a mid-level magical beast. It was Knight Will who drove it away. Ordinary soldiers like you didn't hear about it," York said.
"Why didn't you kill it? Magical beasts are worth so much, and their bodies are full of treasures," Caesar asked in confusion.
"It's not that simple," York laughed. "Mid-level magical beasts are physically massive and incredibly strong by nature. That one was a bear-type beast with earth attributes. Our wind-type Eagle Fighting Energy could barely scratch it."
"So remember, Caesar—don't rush blindly at magical beasts when you encounter them. Whether you can beat them or not is another story entirely."
"I understand," Caesar nodded.
As they spoke, they arrived at the central green tent in the military camp. This was where the baron and squadron captains dined. The area was spacious, with at least three patrol squads stationed nearby. Caesar had once dreamed of being allowed into this tent. Now, having achieved this status, he couldn't help but feel emotional.
"Why are you standing there? Get in!" York gave Caesar a push and stepped inside.
Inside the tent, Caesar found nine people seated, including the four squadron captains and Knight Will. As it was Caesar's first time here, the other captains greeted him kindly, and Caesar exchanged smiles and conversations with them. Jelson, who had arrived earlier, also received praise, but Caesar noticed he himself seemed slightly more popular.
When Baron Kyle, Young Master Soren, and the baron's butler arrived, lunch officially began. The butler clapped his hands, and several maids and servants entered. The maids, graceful and silent, poured each guest a glass of wine, while the servants served dishes with military precision.
"This is wine from the occupied Peters Territory. It's light and aromatic—one glass per meal," York whispered to Caesar. Since Caesar was seated at the far end of the table, York moved closer to keep him company.
"The war is about to begin. Only during peaceful periods can we enjoy such fine food. Make the most of it," York added, falling silent afterward.
Despite it being his first high-class meal, Caesar remained composed, neither overly excited nor overly nervous. During the meal, Baron Kyle briefly inquired about Caesar's living conditions, and Caesar expressed his loyalty and gratitude.
"I hear your parents are still alive, and you have a sister?" Baron Kyle asked.
As a squadron vice-captain commanding nearly a hundred men, Caesar was considered part of the upper ranks. Baron Kyle had long known Caesar's background.
"Yes, my lord," Caesar answered honestly.
"I'll ensure your family is well taken care of in my territory. Work hard, young man. You have a bright future ahead," the baron said.
Their conversation didn't go deep, but for Caesar, it was a memorable first exchange with the baron. His heart swelled with determination.
Toward the end of lunch, the baron officially announced the appointments of Jelson and Caesar. Although everyone already knew, hearing it directly from Baron Kyle solidified their positions.
The siege of Phalanx City would be Caesar's first mission as a vice-captain.
Two days later, at dusk, in a tent located in the northwest corner of the camp, Jelson, Caesar, and the other squad leaders of the Fourth Squadron gathered.
"We're all going to fight side by side from now on. Let's introduce ourselves," Jelson said. As the squadron captain, he carried himself with both authority and approachability—a balance he had perfected over the years.
"I'm Gulas, captain of the First Squad," said a burly man with a thick beard.
"Rafis, Second Squad Captain," said a sharp-eyed youth with a hooked nose.
"Bend, Third Squad Captain."
"Morritt, Fourth Squad Captain."
...
The orders had been finalized. The former Third and Fourth Squadrons had been merged, and many of the elite soldiers from the previous squadron had been transferred out. The baron had anticipated this and ordered other squadrons to send seasoned veterans to rebuild the Fourth Squadron.
Jelson and Caesar were both newcomers to this squadron, and they understood the importance of integrating fresh faces to solidify their authority.
The squad leaders they selected came from various backgrounds—some were transferred from other squadrons, others were promoted based on their strength, and a few had secured their positions through personal connections. Caesar had received twenty silver bucs in gifts over the past two days—more money than he'd ever held at once.
However, favoritism couldn't dominate the appointments, or chaos would ensue. Caesar and Jelson each allocated one squad captain position for such candidates. Caesar's appointee had ties to a powerful merchant family within Baron Kyle's territory.
Caesar's old squad had also followed him. Among them, only Tom and Jon were qualified for leadership roles. Tom was appointed captain of the Seventh Squad.
With ten squads in total, Jelson and Caesar each managed five. Jelson had also learned about Caesar's connection to Young Master Soren, so he shared power with Caesar willingly and made decisions collaboratively.
"Our squadron will participate in the third wave of the siege on Phalanx City," Jelson explained calmly. "While our wave will face less resistance than the first two, our responsibility is critical. We must secure the city gates, or the cavalry won't be able to enter. Failure isn't an option."
The Fourth Squadron's first mission would be a crucial one, and both Jelson and Caesar were determined to make it a success.