108: Griffin Knights

Inside the Council Hall.

As Morton and Great Master Henry received their orders and hurriedly departed, filled with irrepressible excitement and urgency, the heavy Oak Doors closed once more, leaving only Linn and Knight Clay inside the Council Hall.

The impassioned atmosphere from the previous discussion settled, transforming into a more solid and focused environment. Linn walked back to the Head Seat of the Long Table, but instead of sitting, he tapped the table lightly with his fingers, his gaze fixed on Clay, who stood waiting solemnly.

“Clay, I kept you here specifically to discuss the Wind Wing Clan and the concrete arrangements for the Aerial Power we are about to acquire.” Linn got straight to the point.

Clay stood even straighter, expectation flashing in his eyes: “Please give your orders, my Lord.”

“Wind Wing informed me that, currently, besides itself, there are twelve Griffons in its clan that have reached Rank Four Demonic Beast status, which is equivalent to the Gold Rank strength of a human.” Linn said slowly, every word clear and forceful. “I plan to distribute them first to form our initial Aerial Maneuver and Strike Force.”

He looked at Clay, the loyal and dependable Commander of the Knight Regiment who had followed him since the territory's establishment: “You, and the 9 Knights who first followed me to the Storm Sea Region and endured all the pioneering wars (originally 13 people, 4 of whom were transferred to other posts). All 10 of you will be prioritized for equipping 10 of these 12 Griffons.”

Clay's breath suddenly hitched. Even with his composure, he couldn't help but show excitement. Griffon Knights! This was not just a powerful Mount, but also symbolized unparalleled honor and the Lord’s utmost trust. He was one of Linn's earliest followers and knew the bravery and loyalty of his dozen or so colleagues. This arrangement was undoubtedly the greatest affirmation for their 'Old Guard'.

“My Lord... I, we...” Clay's voice was tight. He heavily pounded his right hand on his left Breastplate. “We swear eternal loyalty! We will not fail your high expectations nor the might of the Griffon Mounts!”

Linn nodded slightly, signaling him to calm down: “These 10 Griffons will form the 'Star Sea Territory’s' first Standing Aerial Assault Squad, directly under your command. You need to quickly familiarize yourselves and integrate with your respective Griffon partners to form combat capability. Train in air-to-ground assault, coordinated combat, reconnaissance, and rapid support tactics. You are not just knights; you will be the seeds and Instructors of the future Aerial Knight Regiment.”

“Understood! Your subordinate will definitely form combat strength at the fastest speed!” Clay's eyes were burning, as if he could already see the scene of riding the Griffons across the Sky, clearing the enemies for his Lord.

“The one I rode just now was the Griffin King... Wind Wing. It has already reached Fifth Rank Demonic Beast status, and I will entrust it to you. From now on, you two will be partners.”

Clay's eyes shone. That was an Earth Rank Griffin King! This meant that when he fought alongside Wind Wing, he would be the strongest person in the Star Sea Territory besides the Lord; even Ocean Jack would not be his opponent!

He bowed deeply toward Linn. “My Lord, your subordinate will certainly not fail your expectations!”

Linn nodded, signaling him to rise.

“As for the remaining three Rank Four Griffons,” Linn continued his deployment, “I have other arrangements. Shattered Star City is currently under construction and is remote, making communication with the Main City inconvenient; although the road to Star Moon City is open, flying is faster. Quick communication and coordination with the Sea God Clan, our ally, is very important.”

He pointed to several spots on the Map on the wall: “Therefore, I plan to allocate one Griffon each to Shattered Star City, Star Moon City, and the Sea God Clan. They will primarily be used for rapid transmission of important messages, or the transport of emergency supplies or personnel.”

This consideration was comprehensive. In this way, a High-Speed Communication Channel, unrestricted by terrain, would be established between the territory's Core Strongholds and important allies, greatly improving both administrative efficiency and the reaction speed to sudden incidents.

“Your squad, in addition to training, must also be responsible for planning and perfecting the patrol and security of this Aerial Communication Route.” Linn added.

“Yes! I will ensure all communication channels are unimpeded!” Clay agreed without hesitation.

“Regarding the Wind Wing Clan,” Linn emphasized finally, “they are partners, crucial combat power, and the Foundation of our aerial strength. I have promised to provide them with a superior environment for habitation and reproduction. You must warn all Knights who receive a Griffon that they must respect their habits and treat them as partners, not mere tools. Once their numbers grow and the young Griffons mature, we will begin establishing a truly formalized 'Aerial Knight Regiment'. And you, Clay, will be the first commander of this future legion.”

The blueprint for the future unfolded before Clay's eyes. It was not just the honor of 9 Griffons, but the prototype of a mighty legion that would soar through the Sky and dominate the battlefield, and he would personally participate in its creation.

“I shall obey your will, my Lord!” Clay knelt on one knee, expressing his surging passion and supreme loyalty with the most solemn Knightly Etiquette. “I shall certainly train the sharpest Aerial Teeth for you, guarding every inch of the territory's Sky!”

“Rise.” Linn made a gesture to help him up. “Go prepare. First, communicate with Wind Wing to determine which 9 specific Griffons will be allocated to you, then come find me. And start cultivating suitable Knights from the Guard Army. Remember, Heart-Nature, loyalty, and courage take priority over pure martial strength. Tomorrow, I want to see a preliminary list and training plan.”

“Yes!” Clay stood up, saluted again, and then left the Council Hall with firm, slightly hurried steps. He needed to immediately digest this huge surprise and throw himself into the intense preparatory work.

Linn stood alone by the window, watching the darkening Sky and the scattered lights turning on in the city. The Crystal Mine and Mithril Mine brought technological leaps and weapon innovation, while the allegiance of the Griffon Clan filled the crucial gap of rapid mobility and Strategic Deployment.

On the ground, there were elite legions and future magic crystal cannons; in the Sky, there were Griffon Knights and future Floating Warship; and at sea, there were warships equipped with magic crystal cannons, along with the nascent Magic Corps. The Three-Dimensional Power Structure of the Star Sea Territory was gradually becoming clear and robust under his step-by-step planning and fortunate gifts.

He let out a soft breath, his eyes deep.

“The steps must be steady, but the speed must be fast. This world will not wait for us to develop slowly forever.”

The night wind passed through the window, bringing the scent of the distant ocean, and seemingly the faint sound of the tide before a great change.