"Very well then," the Duke declared. "Let us set off."
As preparations commenced, the knights began murmuring among themselves.
"Did I just see that right? The Duke looked genuinely pleased?"
"No doubt about it. I've never seen him smile like that before."
Meanwhile, Selene Kaelthorn, the Duke's daughter, cast a frosty glance at Ragnariel before following her father into the carriage, her demeanor cold and distant.
The Caeltheris family bid their farewells to those staying behind at the estate. As they exchanged emotional goodbyes, a few of Duke Kaelthorn's knights couldn't resist mocking them.
"Honestly, why all the dramatics? They're only going to train for a bit."
"Exactly. Typical behavior of commoners who've been raised to nobility."
"Disgraceful, like trash nobility thrown out with the scraps."
Hearing this, Ragnariel's face remained calm, but a storm brewed within him. He clenched his fists, his thoughts burning with fury.
"I'll smash each of your heads one by one... and serve your blood to your families when I'm done."
However, in reality, Ragnariel merely smiled and thought to himself, "Patience. I still need this Duke's support."
With that, the group began their journey to the Drakonashen Mountains. After three hours of travel, they arrived at their first destination. Sir Dheo immediately began issuing orders to the knights.
Ragnariel stood atop a nearby rocky hill, observing the scene alongside Duke Kaelthorn and his father, Valerius.
"Is it really fine for you, their teacher, not guiding them?" Duke Kaelthorn asked, his tone curious.
The Duke's knights, standing a short distance behind them, chuckled softly at the question.
Ragnariel replied calmly, "It's perfectly fine, Your Grace. What's the point of real-fight training if I interfere?"
Duke Kaelthorn smiled approvingly. "You're right. In that case, let's see how much the knights and your siblings have improved under your guidance."
"With pleasure, Your Grace," Ragnariel replied with a polite nod.
Suddenly, a pack of Black Hounds emerged from the shadows, charging toward the Caeltheris knights. The knights moved swiftly and efficiently, dispatching the dozens of beasts with impressive coordination and speed.
Duke Kaelthorn observed the battle with keen eyes, his thoughts swirling. "Hmm, their skills have indeed improved significantly compared to several years ago. Now, let's see the reactions of Valerius and that boy."
He turned to Valerius, who wore a proud smile as he watched his knights perform. Then his gaze shifted to Ragnariel.
Ragnariel's expression was incomprehensible, calm, and unreadable, but somehow tinged with dissatisfaction.
"Hmm... he's not showing any sign of pride. No, this isn't indifference, it's closer to discontent. I know that look. That's the same expression I've worn countless times before. Could it mean he's expecting... more?" Duke Kaelthorn mused silently, his curiosity piqued.
Duke Kaelthorn glanced back at the Caeltheris knights, who were celebrating their swift victory over the Black Hounds. However, the Duke's own knights continued to sneer at them.
"Hah! They're already celebrating just because they wiped out a pack of Black Hounds, the weakest monsters in these mountains?"
"You're right. This is the difference between real knights and pretenders."
Ragnariel remained unbothered by their remarks, his focus unwavering as he observed his knights.
Inwardly, he mused, "The Drakonashen Mountains are divided into three zones: the Outer-Mid area, the Mid-Inner area, and the Inner Core. In this Outer-Mid zone, there are five dominant monsters. The weakest is the Black Hound, followed by the Hell Hound, then the Two-Headed Black Hound, the Two-Headed Hell Hound, and finally, Cerberus, the ruler of this section of the mountains. Judging by the energy waves I'm sensing, the Two-Headed Black Hound should be appearing any moment now. Though I might be wrong, since I've yet to face these creatures directly."
Suddenly, a loud, bone-chilling howl echoed through the area. The Caeltheris knights instantly tensed, their celebratory mood replaced by focused vigilance. Moments later, a monstrous figure emerged from the shadows—a massive, two-headed hound with glowing red eyes.
Gasps rippled through the Duke's entourage. Even Duke Kaelthorn himself was visibly startled. Only the Caeltheris knights and Ragnariel appeared unfazed by the creature's appearance.
The Duke turned to Valerius, his concern evident. "Are they not going to retreat?"
Valerius, calm and composed, instead directed his question to Ragnariel. "What's your assessment of the situation, Ragnariel?"
Ragnariel's lips curled into a faint smile. "The real training has only just begun, Your Grace, Father."
Hearing this, Duke Kaelthorn's initial concern gave way to a wide, eager grin. He settled back to watch with growing anticipation as the 54 members of the Caeltheris force, including the young lords of the family prepared to face the looming threat of the Two-Headed Black Hound.
Valerius, who was clueless about the situation, looked confused. Sensing his father's unease, Ragnariel reached out telepathically.
"Father, don't be alarmed and act naturally. It's me, Ragna. I'm using telepathy. I apologize for not telling you about this earlier, but don't worry, they can handle it. I guarantee it. Let's shut those Duke's knights up with just these minor monsters, Father."
Hearing this, Valerius smiled confidently and turned his gaze to his knights, who had grown much stronger than before.
Sir Dheo stepped forward and calmly gave his orders to the knights.
"Do not falter! Stick to what we've practiced. Tankers, to the front, block every attack that comes our way. Damage dealers, strike through the openings created by the tankers. Stay sharp and don't let your guard down. Young Master Lucien, Young Master Kaelen, and Lady Serenya, attack as much as you like."
"Yes, Sir!" they replied in unison.
Sir Dheo's precise and composed instructions kept the group focused. Before long, the knights and the young nobles of House Caeltheris raised their voices in victory, having defeated the Two-Headed Black Hound.
Duke Kaelthorn, watching the scene unfold, smiled and remarked,
"Impressive. A few years ago, I recall they couldn't even handle a pack of Black Hounds. But now, they've taken down a Two-Headed Black Hound with ease. Congratulations, Valerius. Your knights have improved tremendously."
Turning to Tristan, the Duke added,
"And you as well. To turn weak knights into such exceptional warriors, well done, lad."
Ragnariel interjected with a calm but serious tone.
"The training isn't over yet, Your Grace. A more formidable enemy is already on its way."
Duke Kaelthorn raised an eyebrow and asked, "What do you mean by that?"
Suddenly, a long, deep howl echoed through the surroundings, The knights and young lords of House Caeltheris began to panic, wondering what kind of monster was approaching.
Then, a massive creature emerged, a crimson, two-headed beast in the shape of a dog.
Valerius shouted in shock, "A Two-Headed Hell Hound? How did it get here? They're supposed to reside deep in the mountains!"
Duke Kaelthorn turned to Ragnariel and asked, "Should we intervene now?"
Ragnariel shook his head calmly. "No need, Your Grace. They can still handle it."
The monster lunged forward, launching a ferocious attack against the knights. They struggled to defend themselves, and even Sir Dheo and the young nobles began to lose their composure.
Duke Kaelthorn frowned, clearly irritated by Ragnariel's nonchalance. "Boy, it seems you're overestimating yourself."
In response, Ragnariel released his energy into his throat and bellowed, his voice carrying across the battlefield.
"Hey! Have you all forgotten what I taught you?"
Everyone froze as Ragnariel's booming voice echoed throughout the area. Even the Two-Headed Hell Hound hesitated, feeling the weight of his intimidating presence.
"That voice… it's the young master," murmured one of the knights.
"It's Ragna," Serenya confirmed, her eyes widening.
Ragnariel continued, his tone commanding and resolute.
"Knights who can still move, assist those who cannot and fall back. As for you, my siblings and Sir Dheo, remember everything you've trained for! Trust in your strength. True power belongs to those who refuse to give up. Now, finish off that weakling. DON'T DISAPPOINT ME!"
Valerius turned to Ragnariel, his voice tinged with concern. "Son, are you sure this will be alright?"
Ragnariel responded calmly, "Relax, Father. I know the capabilities of those I've trained. If things go south, I'll step in immediately."
Valerius nodded, reassured. "Alright, then. I trust your judgment."
Duke Kaelthorn, observing their exchange, added, "I don't know why you place so much faith in this boy, but for now, I'll just watch."
Meanwhile, some of the knights from House Kaelthorn whispered among themselves.
"Hah, this is what happens when you think too highly of yourself."
"Exactly. Commoners should know their place."
Ragnariel clenched his fists, suppressing his anger. He forced himself to stay focused on the fight unfolding before him, his eyes on his siblings and Sir Dheo.
Lucien, Kaelen, Serenya, and Dheo took deep breaths, recalling the grueling training they had endured. Determination ignited in their eyes as they steeled themselves for the battle.
With renewed vigor, they launched a coordinated assault on the Two-Headed Hell Hound. For several minutes, they struck the monster relentlessly. Then, a sharp command echoed through the battlefield:
"Now, Young Master Lucien, Lady Serenya, don't waste the opening young master Kaelen has created!"
Lucien and Serenya moved swiftly. Serenya, whose Qi was greater than most people, managed to cut off one of the monster's heads. However, Lucien, whose Qi reserves were smaller, couldn't fully decapitate the second head.
The monster began regenerating rapidly, lashing out in retaliation. It unleashed a devastating attack on Lucien and Serenya, sending Kaelen flying as he struggled to hold down the creature's massive foreleg. The Hell Hound then turned its wrath on Sir Dheo, slamming him into a jagged rock formation.
Sensing its greatest threat, the beast advanced on Serenya, who sat on the ground, drained and vulnerable. She looked up at the monster towering over her, despair flickering in her heart.
"I'm sorry, Ragna," she thought to herself. "I couldn't live up to your expectations."