Chapter 43: The Hunt begins [2]

Outside the heavy iron gates of Heaven’s Net Castle, the chill of the early morning air was cut by the sharp metallic clinking of steel, leather, and heavy iron boots.

All thirty of the Viscounty’s Superhuman knights stood fully geared in their polished battle armor, their crests gleaming beneath the rising sun.

A handful of the higher-ranking officers had already mounted their armored war stallions, their steeds snorting white plumes of steam into the cold air, while the rest remained stood in rigid, perfectly ordered ranks upon the cobblestones.

They were not heading into the red zone alone.

Assembled behind the knightly vanguard was a reinforced infantry detachment—a total of one hundred and fifty foot soldiers clad in heavy chainmail, carrying long pikes, shields, and supply packs.

These men were the hardened backbone of the Myrain garrison, brought along to establish perimeter lines, handle heavy transport, and process the spoils of the hunt.

CREAK...

The massive oak doors of Heaven’s Net Castle slowly swung open, drawing every eye toward the grand staircase.

Craig stepped out into the crisp morning air, a confident, cold smile resting on his face.

He had traded his ceremonial robes for a tailored, dark crimson battle suit forged from high-density monster leather and reinforced with light steel plating along his shoulders, chest, and forearms.

The rich crimson fabric matched the burning hue of his hair, which fluttered gently in the mountain breeze.

The moment his boots touched the stone steps, a synchronized wave of movement rippled through the courtyard.

"We greet our Lord Viscount!" the thirty knights bellowed, lowering their heads in unison.

Behind them, all one hundred and fifty soldiers dropped onto one knee, slamming their right fists against their chest plates with a thunderous clatter.

Craig casually descended the stone steps, his hand resting comfortably on the hilt of his sidearm.

Ser Hughway followed a half-step behind him, looking like an impenetrable wall of silver plate armor.

As Craig reached the courtyard, Ser Gunther pushed forward from the front line, stepping off his horse and bowing deeply before the young ruler.

"Lord Viscount, all preparations for the expedition are complete," Ser Gunther reported, his voice crisp and authoritative.

"As instructed, the hunt into the Jeju Forest will span three full days. We have secured the necessary logistics to build a fortified forward camp near the forest line, and we are bringing along a dozen live livestock—pigs and cattle—to serve as live bait for drawing out the higher-density Abomination packs."

Gunther gestured toward the rear of the military column, where several heavy wooden supply wagons and iron cages were parked.

"To ensure our supply line remains intact," Gunther continued, "Two Middle-stage Sword Apprentices and two dozen foot soldiers will remain behind at the base camp to guard the livestock and secure our exit route.

The remaining infantry will be divided into two main hunting groups.

The first group will be under the command of Ser Meryln, while the second will be led by Ser Hetos."

Ser Meryln and Ser Hetos—the two native Initial-stage Sword Sages of the Viscounty—nodded respectfully from their steeds upon hearing their names.

Craig offered a faint, approving nod, his golden eyes sweeping over the structured formation.

"A solid deployment, Ser Gunther. But what of your position? Where will you be hunting?"

Ser Gunther offered a small, confident smile. "I intended to ride alongside your Lordship as your personal vanguard, Lord Viscount."

Hearing this, Craig let out a soft chuckle and shook his head.

"Your concern is appreciated, Ser Gunther, but unnecessary," Craig said smoothly, a sharp glint dancing in his eyes.

"I already have Ser Hughway, my Guardian Knight and Supreme Commander, at my side. But even Hughway will not be riding in my shadow today... for I have Dark Sister."

The moment the dragon’s name left Craig’s lips, the temperature in the courtyard seemed to plummet.

ROAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAR!

A sky-rending, thunderous roar shattered the quiet morning, vibrating through the stone foundations of Heaven’s Net Castle and causing the horses to rear back in sheer terror!

The sky darkened instantly as a colossal, winged shadow swept over the castle courtyard, blocking out the golden morning sun.

The air shrieked as a massive draft of wind violently swept through the ranks, blowing dust and capes into the air.

Every knight and soldier instinctively looked up, their faces turning pale as paper.

Flying low above the battlements was Dark Sister—a terrifying 4th-Tier dragon, her purple and emerald scales glistening with an predatory luster.

Craig looked up into the clouds, his voice echoing in High Darkstarian across the silent courtyard:

"Valthor!"

(Descend!)

Obeying her master’s command instantly, Dark Sister tucked her massive wings inward and went into a steep, controlled dive toward the open courtyard.

BOOM!

Her massive, razor-sharp talons slammed into the heavy stone pavement, cracking the cobblestones and sending a powerful shockwave across the grounds.

She flared her enormous wings wide to catch the wind before folding them tightly against her back, her glowing violet eyes sweeping menacingly over the assembled military force.

"Gah! Fall back!"

"Protect the line!"

Screams of instinctual terror broke out among the foot soldiers. Dozens of men stumbled backward, tripping over their own shields and scrambling away in sheer panic.

Even the hardened Superhuman knights reflexively drew their weapons, stepping back several paces as sweat poured down their necks.

None of them could stand their ground before the suffocating, ancient pressure of a 4th-Tier dragon—a true Child of the Abyss.

Unfazed by the massive beast towering before him, Craig walked straight up to the dragon.

He gently placed his gloved hand on her snout, smoothing down the warm, iron-hard scales.

Dark Sister let out a low, vibrating huff of hot steam, lowering her shoulder to allow her rider to mount.

Craig swung his leg smoothly over her back, anchoring his boots into the heavy leather harness.

He looked down at the pale, trembling faces of his knights and soldiers from atop the dragon.

"Ser Gunther! Ser Meryln! Ser Hetos!" Craig’s voice rang out with absolute, undeniable authority over the roaring wind.

"Take your divisions and move out toward the western border! We meet at the edge of the Jeju Forest!"

"Y-Yes, Lord Viscount!" Gunther bellowed, forcing his voice to stay steady as he saluted.

With a cold, exhilarated smirk, Craig pulled the leather reins tight.

"Vael’sor, Dark Sister!"

(Soar into the sky, Dark Sister!)

With a single, powerful push of her massive legs, Dark Sister launched herself into the heavens, her massive wings creating a gale that blew through the courtyard as she carried the Seventh Successor straight toward the red zone...