In the back hills of Frost Wolf Castle, Cynthia was immersed in practicing her breathing technique.
David had initially been concerned about whether Cynthia's bloodline would allow her to cultivate specific techniques. After all, breathing techniques typically require a corresponding bloodline, and Cynthia did not possess the Silver Fox or Nine-Tailed Fox lineage.
To his surprise, however, once Cynthia entered her beastified state, she could easily practice both the Silver Fox and Nine-Tailed Fox breathing techniques.
Naturally, Cynthia chose the more advanced Nine-Tailed Fox Breathing Technique.
Even more astonishing was her cultivation efficiency in her beastified form, surpassing David's expectations. In mere days, she had mastered the basics of the technique.
Ordinarily, a knight's bloodline power would converge in their heart.
Yet in Cynthia's beastified state, her bloodline energy flowed freely throughout her body, an advantage normal knights could only dream of.
As she activated the breathing technique, Cynthia's fox bloodline surged, transforming into streams of pure energy coursing through her entire being.
Eventually, the energy pooled in her bushy, tawny tail, visibly strengthening her physical abilities.
Though her beastified form already endowed her with the physical prowess of a full-fledged knight, mastering the breathing technique further enhanced her control over her strength.
Exhaling deeply, Cynthia felt a wave of hunger overtake her.
"Cynthia, the roast is ready," Fire Dance and Water Lotus called out, smiling as they presented a hearty spread.
The two sisters, now entrusted with managing meals, had become adept at preparing feasts for the castle's knights.
"Thank you, Fire Dance, Water Lotus," Cynthia chirped, happily digging into the meal. Her delighted expression made it clear how much she enjoyed the food.
Soon after, Lia and Amy arrived hand-in-hand, followed by David and Rena, who had just returned from the municipal hall.
"Cynthia, how's the wolf training coming along?" David asked with a grin.
Cynthia flashed a confident smile. "No problem! I'm the best beast trainer around!"
David nodded approvingly. Everything was on track for tomorrow.
---
The next day, all 200 members of the Frost Wolf Knights assembled at the castle.
Having learned they would compete for a spot in the wolf cavalry, the knights were visibly both excited and nervous, holding their breath in anticipation.
A wolf's howl pierced the air, and all eyes turned toward the source.
David rode in atop Snow Wolf, accompanied by the Gray Wolf Knight on his majestic gray wolf.
The Gray Wolf Knight had long since tamed the gray wolf king with David's help, further solidifying his role as the Ridge's lead enforcer and future commander of the wolf cavalry.
Behind them followed over a hundred towering gray wolves, each as tall as a man.
"They're here," Peter, captain of the Frost Wolf Knights, murmured with exhilaration.
A formal knight and nephew of the Gray Wolf Knight, Peter carried the bloodline of the gray wolf. To ride one into battle had always been his dream, now within reach.
The other knights were equally eager, envisioning the day they could charge alongside the legendary wolf cavalry of old.
"Greetings, Lord Duke!" the knights chorused, bowing as David approached.
David raised his hand, signaling them to rise, before addressing the group. "The gray wolves you desire are before you. Whether you can earn their loyalty, however, depends on your own abilities."
Although David could command the wolves through his Frost Wolf Contract, he wanted them to choose their riders willingly.
The knights nodded resolutely and turned their gazes toward the gray wolves.
Peter wasted no time, setting his sights on the largest wolf. Activating his gray wolf bloodline, he leaped onto the creature's back in a bold attempt to mount it.
The wolf snarled and bucked, resisting fiercely.
Despite having been trained and spoken to by Cynthia, the wolves still required their riders to prove their strength and worth.
Peter, as a formal knight with the gray wolf bloodline, was more than up to the challenge. Activating his bloodline power, he exerted his dominance, forcing the wolf to submit.
The wolf let out a low howl before lowering its head in acknowledgment, accepting Peter as its master.
David smiled in satisfaction. While many of the Frost Wolf Knights' most elite members had perished alongside his father, those who remained had received rigorous training. With sufficient resources, they would surely restore the Ridge's former glory.
One by one, knights succeeded in earning their wolves' trust. Thanks to Cynthia's prior efforts, the process was relatively smooth.
By the end of the day, the entire pack of gray wolves had been paired with riders, marking the official formation of a new wolf cavalry under the leadership of the Gray Wolf Knight.
The next step was to formalize contracts between the knights and their wolves.
While the wolves now served as mounts, their ultimate allegiance remained with David as the Frost Wolf Lord.
Watching the scene, the Gray Wolf Knight's spirits soared. With newfound wealth and the addition of this formidable cavalry, Frost Wolf Ridge was steadily regaining its footing in the Northlands.
Yet he knew they still lacked the strength to withstand a full-scale assault from the Ice Bear family.
"Uncle Ole, I'll leave the training of the wolf cavalry to you," David instructed. "Also, ensure the training of the remaining knights and militia continues without pause. I'll work on securing more wolves for the cavalry."
With winter behind them, David planned to venture into the mountains with Cynthia to tame more gray wolves.
Given his current level of spiritual power, he was confident he could contract another gray wolf king, bringing with it a new pack of wolves.
Turning to Rena, he added, "Prepare a procurement plan. We'll need additional weapons to arm the cavalry."
Both the Gray Wolf Knight and Rena acknowledged their tasks.
"Oh, and don't stop searching for witches," David reminded the knight. The unique powers of witches were crucial to his plans for developing the Ridge.
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