The next morning, just at dawn, Wilson Castle was bustling. Over sixty light-armored knights had gathered at the gate, ready to depart.
"Be careful. Don't stop along the way; go straight to Father's territory," Mei Xue cautioned Merlin. She had learned the night before of Merlin's trip to the territory, but by then, the steward had everything arranged, making it too late to stop him.
Merlin nodded and climbed into the carriage. The journey would take nearly a full day, so Moss was assigned as the driver for familiarity's sake.
"Moss, let's go," Merlin ordered, and, escorted by the knights, they departed from Wilson Castle.
The carriage soon left Blackwater City, and for the first time, Merlin found himself beyond its walls. He lifted the curtain, taking in the sights outside.
The roads beyond the city were rough, unlike the smooth, stone-paved streets within. Out here, the paths were mere dirt tracks, scattered with stones, filled with ruts and bumps. Even Moss, skilled as he was, couldn't make the ride smooth.
Fortunately, Merlin's body had grown strong and resilient through the mysterious postures he'd practiced from the ancient carvings, so he managed to endure the jolts with ease.
Positioned in the center of the knights' formation, Merlin had a clear view of a nearby young knight riding alongside him, looking about sixteen or seventeen years old. Despite his youthful appearance, his hands bore thick calluses from long years of wielding a sword.
"What's your name?" Merlin asked the young knight.
The knight replied respectfully, "Master Merlin, I am Argus."
"Argus, how long have you been at Wilson Castle?"
"Three years, Master Merlin. Baron Wilson selected me, and after two years of rigorous training, I was finally promoted to knight," Argus replied, pride and gratitude evident on his face.
For a commoner, becoming a noble's knight was a high honor. Not only did the knight receive respect, but their family also gained certain tax exemptions or reductions. Thus, it was the dream of many commoners to be chosen as a knight.
At such a young age, Argus had already become a knight, a testament to both his hard work and natural talent.
"Are you fire-elemental by nature?" Merlin inquired, noticing the faint presence of fire elements gathering around Argus.
"Yes, Master Merlin. I have a fire-affinity constitution. If not for Baron Wilson, I would have starved long ago. The baron once said a knight must be loyal, just, brave, and selfless. I will serve him all my life. This is my first mission, Master Merlin, and even if we encounter bandits, I will ensure your safety."
Argus's tone was earnest, his sincerity unmistakable. Merlin could sense that his words were genuine.
Seeing Argus's honest face, Merlin nodded, letting the curtain fall as he retreated back into the carriage.
"Protect me?" Merlin thought, shaking his head. With his current physical condition, he was nearly at the peak of a first-level elemental swordsman and also a formidable spellcaster. Protection was the least of his worries.
This, however, underscored Baron Wilson's influence. His knights were deeply loyal, a fact that gave Merlin pause. The baron was sharp and resourceful, so Merlin resolved to remain cautious when they met, avoiding unnecessary conversation to prevent any slip-ups.
After glancing at the scenery outside for a short while, Merlin lost interest and lay back to meditate.
***
"Master Merlin, we've arrived."
Merlin emerged from his meditation, blinking in the dim evening light.
"Are we here?" He opened the curtain and saw dusk settling in. At the end of a rugged path stood a massive, ancient castle—his father's castle.
The castle had a distinct, aged appearance, with a pointed roof and blackened stone walls. One part of the wall showed signs of recent repairs.
Merlin disembarked and walked toward the castle, flanked by knights who remained vigilant even though they were now on their own grounds.
"Halt! Who goes there?" four guards called as they blocked the way.
One of the knights accompanying Merlin stepped forward. "This is Master Merlin. He has urgent business with the baron."
"Master Merlin?" The guards exchanged doubtful glances. They hadn't seen Merlin before but had heard of Baron Wilson's son named Merlin.
"Master Merlin, please wait. We'll fetch Captain Platt to confirm your identity."
The guards refused to let Merlin pass and sent someone to retrieve Captain Platt from within the castle.
Merlin frowned, not out of annoyance, but due to the heightened caution of the guards. Had something happened here to warrant such strict vigilance?
"I'll ask Platt about it once he arrives," Merlin thought, sensing that something might indeed be amiss in the castle.
After a short wait, Platt appeared, quickly berating the guards, "Stand down! This is Master Merlin. Look closely and remember—when Master Merlin arrives, do not obstruct him!"
After scolding the guards, Platt escorted Merlin into the castle.
As they walked, Merlin inquired, "Uncle Platt, has something happened in the territory? Why is security so tight?"
Platt hesitated, then answered in a low voice, "Recently, a large band of bandits was sighted near the territory. For safety, we've placed the entire territory on high alert."
Merlin was surprised. On his way here, he hadn't encountered a single bandit and had assumed the territory was unaffected. It seemed the situation was more serious than he had imagined.