Chapter 1144: Unprecedented Scale of Air Cavalry (Part 2)

“Of course,” Edmond shifted his tone, pragmatically saying, “we’ve also been acquiring horses from outside to replenish our stock. Within the Empire, there are always knights or minor nobles who can’t afford Bloodmane Horses. Through reliable channels, we’ve gradually purchased several fine stallions and mares with foals. The money for these horses primarily comes from exchanging herbs from the Spice Corridor and herbs from Hot Spring Town. These new horses are immediately cared for according to the Academy’s regulations, registered for their lineage, and included in the breeding program.”

“Now,” he concluded, looking toward the direction of Range Fault Peak, “the best pasture is given to the Bloodmane Horse herd, raised according to the Academy’s regulations, with Moonlight Alfalfa, and certified herdsmen tending day and night. That’s how we have this number of one hundred and nine. Sir, the expenses are substantial; transporting grass, hiring people, buying horses all cost money. But seeing the knights riding such warhorses into battle in the future, this money is well spent!”

Su Li fully agreed with Edmond’s statement.

Money should be spent on the edge of the blade!

So much fiscal funds in the Hesse Territory should be used to cultivate warhorses and enhance combat power, rather than letting them rot in the noble’s treasury!

And without a doubt, Bloodmane Horses are one of the most important components of the knights’ combat power.

Thanks to the vast and expansive pastures of the northern highlands of the Hesse Territory, it can cultivate a large number of superior warhorses.

No matter how many advanced mounts the territory has, warhorses will always be the primary mounts of the knights, no exception.

If all mounts were replaced with Bloodmane Horses, then the combat power of the Hesse Territory would evidently be greatly enhanced.

For instance, if these 100 warhorses were given to the Red Night Knight Order, they could completely re-equip, and their combat power might instantly surpass the Hesse Guard Knights.

And if all 200-plus knights of the Hesse Guard Knights were re-equipped with such warhorses, their combat power might soar, only slightly weaker than the Sun of Vengeance Half-Lion Griffin Knight Order, leading other knight orders considerably.

Su Li then asked, “And what about the other mounts? Any progress?”

Edmond was evidently prepared, immediately straightening his stance, his voice carrying a battlefield commander’s confidence, “Sir, this is precisely what I want to report on. Against the damnable bogs and dense forests of the Swamp Territory, even the most elite ground heavy cavalry struggles. Coaches from the Griffin Academy and Druids from the Dawn Church all believe that Air Cavalry is the blade to slice through the swamp fog! These past few months, we’ve been focusing heavily on several aspects.”

“Over in the Balan Autonomous Region, the Gray Swan population has completely stabilized and expanded significantly,” Edmond’s tone carried a hint of ease, “there are now 167 adult swans, with 46 half-grown chicks flapping in the training ground. These big birds, while more docile, can carry Half-Elf scouts and are incredibly stable when flying, particularly agile darting through the foggy, densely wooded swamp areas.”

“Since these Gray Swans aren’t considered strategic resources, and the Half-Elves are willing to sell anything for money, we’ve procured a substantial number from Marle Castle and various Half-Elf trade caravans, with the largest purchase being over 40 at once. Now, with our territory’s financial abundance, this mount is easiest to scale up.”

“Our best Half-Elf scouts are intensively training to learn visual reconnaissance in low-altitude, complex environments, along with low-altitude deployment of signal flares or small incendiary bombs. The goal is to make them our ‘eyes’ and ‘aggravators’ above the swamp, not to break frontal engagement, but to fully understand the swamp territory’s arrangements and militia maneuvers, occasionally sowing chaos.”

“Regarding War Eagles, progress is even faster.” Edmond’s voice contained a trace of pride in Jilun’s magic, “Druids and the Arrow of Light Knight Order have an inexplicable link with those War Eagles. We have 9 War Eagles that can consistently work with Druids in combat. These aren’t ordinary raptors; they can comprehend complex instructions, with claws and beaks imbued with Wind Blade or natural toxins, capable of diving to tear through Leather Armor and even Light Armor effortlessly.”

“Their greatest advantage is speed, stealth, and surprise. A Druid riding on an eagle’s back can silently glide above the treetops, spotting enemy commanders, casters, or monster tamers and launching a deadly strike. Alternatively, they can directly dive-bomb exposed light infantry and archers on the ground. For dealing with monsters hidden in the swamp muck, War Eagles can precisely locate from the air, directing our long-range firepower or guiding other air cavalry for strikes. They’re the assassins and hunters of the skies.”

Finally, the most important monster mount – Horse Vulture.

Mentioning this, Edmond’s expression turned serious, even with a hint of frustration. “The Horse Vultures delivered from the Gray Mountain Kingdom… Sir, these creatures are truly formidable, but also incredibly difficult to manage!” He took a breath, “We’ve only successfully received and initially tamed twenty-one of them. These creatures, with Griffin lineage, are fierce and aggressive, and the horse physique grants them sufficient carrying capacity. Equipped with specially made Fiery Sun Horse Armor, carrying heavy armor warriors on their backs, charging is like airborne siege hammers! They can dive beneath a rain of arrows, using claws to rip apart formations, and the warrior’s Long Lance or Warhammer can directly smash enemy heads.”

“However, the cost is high.” Edmond spread his hands, “Training them, we’ve lost four of our most experienced beast tamers, and severely injured seven. These beasts are untamed in nature, ignoring kin when enraged. Their appetite is staggering, devouring almost exclusively fresh meat, especially meat with traces of extraordinary aura, Moonlight Alfalfa has little effect on them. Maintaining these twenty-one Horse Vultures consumes as much as supporting a hundred Bloodmane Horses!”