68: Attendant

As the surrounding mycelium receded strangely, Fiona's Demonic Vines began to rise at a dizzying speed.

These Demonic Vines, like living beings, glowed with a green luminescence on their surface, tracing a dazzling path of light through the dark fissure.

The whistling wind roared in our ears like a wild beast, and we were enveloped by the Demonic Vines, passing through dense thickets of mycelium.

And the Dragon King always flew near me.

The prolonged rapid ascent caused me an indescribable dizziness; the scenery before my eyes began to blur and repeat: rock walls, mycelium jungles… all of it seemed endless, making it impossible for me to accurately judge how deep this fissure truly was.

My legs began to feel numb, as if they no longer belonged to me, and I clutched the Demonic Vines tightly, fearing that I might accidentally fall back into this unknown abyss.

Finally, after a long climb, the Demonic Vines gradually slowed down and eventually came to a steady stop at the edge of the cave above.

The moment Fiona jumped off the Demonic Vines, she ran towards the rocky platform, swiftly collecting the remaining Phase Spider eggs before returning to us.

At this point, Randall and I tremblingly climbed out of the vine basket.

After we emerged, the three vine strands transformed into specks of green light before our eyes, and Fiona led us towards the cave entrance.

At the cave entrance, Fiona once again cast her Demonic Vine spell, and a long Demonic Vine extended from the cave entrance all the way down the hillside.

Randall gripped the vine and swiftly descended the mountain behind Fiona and me.

The moon had already begun to set in the west, its silver glow gradually fading, and the heavy snow also gradually ceased at this time, leaving behind only a pristine white blanket covering the earth.

At the bottom of the hillside, to ensure our tracks wouldn't be noticed by Wild Dogs, Fiona cast an invisibility spell once more.

Under her magic, Randall's figure gradually blurred until he completely vanished into the air. Fiona herself softly chanted a spell, and her figure likewise disappeared, leaving behind only a faint magical fluctuation.

I, on the other hand, relied on my own stealth skill, carefully concealing my aura.

The Dragon King's white jade-like body was already difficult to spot in the snowy sky.

The three of us and the Dragon King thus quietly made our way towards the temporary camp.

Just as dawn broke, the first ray of light pierced through the clouds, casting its glow over the temporary camp.

As we quietly approached, we saw Lilian anxiously pacing at the edge of the camp, clearly about to set out to find us.

Her eyes were filled with worry, but when we appeared in her sight, that worry instantly turned into joyful surprise.

George had already recovered; his face was flushed with health, and his eyes sparkled with vitality. He and John, upon seeing Randall and me, immediately rushed forward excitedly, giving us a tight embrace.

Their strength almost left me breathless, but that genuine concern filled my heart with a warm current, just like… family.

After the embrace, George and John stood properly, a little embarrassed, and turned to Fiona and Lilian, formally thanking them.

Their voices were filled with gratitude and respect; the antidote Fiona had prepared not only healed George's injuries, but she and Lilian also used magic to protect all of us during several crises.

Fiona and Lilian smiled as they accepted their thanks; their eyes were filled with tenderness and joy.

Black Little Leopard and the Wild Dogs also excitedly ran back and forth around us.

And so, we reunited at the temporary camp, with joy and warmth permeating everyone's hearts.

At this moment, the system's notification sound rang out again, giving me two new quests.

“System Quest: Holy Knight Reserve Corps

John and George both have the potential to become Holy Knights; you can start by guiding them to become Holy Knight Squires.

Oath of the Crown Holy Knight Requirements —

Law: To be sworn.

Loyalty: John Loyalty 95 (Meets), George Loyalty 99 (Meets)

John and George both meet the Creed of Loyalty.

Courage: John and George both meet the minimum standard for the Creed of Courage (Meets).

Responsibility: John and George are both close to meeting the minimum standard for the Creed of Responsibility (To be improved).

Holy Knight Attribute Requirements:

John: Strength 12 (Holy Knight minimum requirement 13), Agility 11, Constitution 13, Intelligence 10, Wisdom 10, Charisma 10 (Holy Knight minimum requirement 13)

George: Strength 10 (Holy Knight minimum requirement 13), Agility 12, Constitution 12, Intelligence 14, Wisdom 11, Charisma 11 (Holy Knight minimum requirement 13)

Guide John and George to become Randall Barkman's Holy Knight Squires.

Quest Rewards:

John and George's Loyalty increased to 100;

Lord Prestige +10%.

Quest Completion Time Limit: Unlimited”

…

“System Quest: Black Panther Fortress Holy Knight Order

Guide Randall Barkman to accept Holy Knight Squires. When the host has at least 3 Holy Knights, the Black Panther Fortress Holy Knight Order can be established.

Quest Rewards:

One copy of “Holy Knight Sacred Dwelling Architectural Compendium”;

Lord Prestige +10%;

Unlock Black Panther Fortress Reputation System.

Quest Completion Time Limit: Unlimited”

…

I carefully processed the various pieces of information from the quests, then looked up again.

Finally, my gaze fell on Randall, and I spoke, “John, George, Lilian, I have more good news to tell you: Randall has regained his Holy Knight status.”

As soon as my words fell, everyone expressed their congratulations, some nodding in approval, others applauding.

Randall's face showed a humble yet firm smile, and he bowed slightly, expressing his gratitude to everyone.

I continued, my tone firm and solemn, “Randall, your actions not only demonstrate personal bravery and justice but also set an example for all of us.

For our Black Panther Fortress to have its own Holy Knights, there must be a prerequisite: we must already have our own laws.

In the previous moment of crisis, with Fiona as a witness, I have already issued the three most basic laws of Black Panther Fortress to Randall.

John, George, as citizens of Black Panther Fortress, you should also be aware of these laws in a timely manner.

Randall, please issue them to them again on my behalf.”

Saying this, I turned to Fiona and Lilian, asking them both to witness for us again.

They both nodded in agreement, their eyes revealing their respect and support for me.

Randall walked in front of John and George; his gaze became serious and firm, as if he were performing a sacred ritual.

He gestured for the two to stand respectfully, just as they did during his training sessions.

John and George immediately straightened their backs, their eyes fixed on Randall.

Randall took a deep breath, then solemnly recited our legal provisions.