Chapter 9: The Dignity of Phantom Beasts

Within the empire's military, a meticulously structured system is in place, ensuring seamless coordination akin to a well-oiled machine, which is crucial for securing victory in warfare.

The basic unit in the empire's military organization is a group of five soldiers, known as a "Wu," led by a Wu leader. Five Wu units form a "Qu," led by a Qu leader; five Qu units make up a "Bu," led by a guerrilla leader. These guerrilla leaders and below are considered grassroots commanders in the empire.

Five Bu units form a squad, headed by a squad leader. Two or three squads constitute a mid-sized unit, with those in the empire's heartland typically composed of two squads, whereas those near the capital and border regions consist of three squads, led by a mid-sized unit leader. Note: These units typically range between 1,000 and 1,500 soldiers.

Squads and mid-sized units are the fundamental combat units for the empire's smaller military operations. Consequently, squad leaders and mid-sized unit leaders are classified as mid-level commanders.

Two or three mid-sized units form a large unit, led by a large unit leader, which serves as the primary combat formation in major battles. Note: These units range from 2,000 to 4,500 soldiers.

Thirty-five large units comprise a military district, with a general or governor appointed based on regional needs, supported by one to three senior assistant generals. Generals are fully responsible for the defense of their territories.

Generals, assistant generals, and large unit leaders are regarded as high-level commanders in the empire.

Above the generals is the Marshal, who in peacetime oversees a personal guard of around 5,000 soldiers but does not directly command troops or specific border defenses. In wartime, the Marshal leads several military districts in joint operations.

During peacetime, the Minister of Military Affairs acts as the supreme commander of the military.

In wartime, the Emperor assumes the role of supreme commander, with the Minister of Military Affairs serving as the chief assistant general, overseeing the entire army.

The Empire's Comprehensive Military Organization

Chapter 9: The Dignity of Phantom Beasts

Inside a magical box lay 31 nearly identical divine wooden sticks. Nolin used his magical power to gently stir the sticks, causing them to dance in invisible currents. Slowly, they lined up, floating inside the magical box, all with their purple tips pointing upwards.

Nolin briefly explained the rules: Each person approaches the box, places their hand above it, and envisions the phantom beast they have chosen. They imagine the stick of their chosen beast flying into their hand. Each person has a maximum of one minute. If it seems too difficult to attract the first beast, it indicates the knight's strength and temperament may not align with that beast. They can then try a second, and then a third. A maximum of three attempts is allowed. If unsuccessful, they should step aside and wait for the next round. If successful, they should also wait until all sticks are distributed, then proceed to communicate with their phantom beasts in the phantom realm.

In accordance with tradition, the first to draw phantom beast sticks are the three aspirants from the Holy Court of the Allied Nations.

Sharo glanced at her two companions, a boy and a girl, who, like her, had participated in various diplomatic missions and returned successfully. With a gentle smile, she gestured for her companions to go first. Guman, also a sacred priest, graciously invited Priestess Mames to take the lead. Mames hesitated briefly before stepping up to the magical box. She extended her hand, closed her eyes, and began to silently recite something. Ten seconds passed, then twenty, then thirty. It was clear she was struggling; the first phantom beast was reluctant to come forth, and it was uncertain if she had moved on to the second. As forty and fifty seconds elapsed, sweat beaded on her pale forehead, and as the final seconds approached, her frail body seemed unable to endure the immense mental and magical pressure, swaying precariously on stage.

Nolin signaled for a middle-aged mage to assist her down. Just as Guman considered offering support, Nolin halted him with a look, indicating it was his turn.

Guman stepped onto the stage, whispered a brief incantation, and a divine wooden stick glowed silver and shot into the air. It was a snow wolf phantom beast; the illusion of a silver snow wolf on the western wall shimmered with the glow of being chosen. The Holy Court, with its vast territory in the frozen continent, often had knights selecting silver snow wolves in these trials, reflecting their national defense mindset.

When it was Sharo's turn, she walked up the stage, contemplating her choice. The best two phantom beasts were undoubtedly the bird, possibly a phoenix, and the unicorn. Which should she choose? More importantly, could her abilities match such a magnificent beast? What if it didn't accept her? As she extended her hand, she pondered her options. Daqingshan rode a dragon, so perhaps she should try for the phoenix. If that failed, she'd settle for another.

Her delicate hand hovered above the magical box as she silently chanted, "Phoenix, Phoenix, Phoenix," her heart anxious. What if it wasn't a phoenix after all?

Ten seconds passed, then thirty, then forty, and Sharo's hand began to tremble. Why wouldn't it come? Her mind flashed to Daqingshan's kind face and gentle smile, and the adorable little Greenie. Just as a mage prepared to assist her off the stage, a red light shot from the magical box. A divine wooden stick transformed into a small firebird, soaring into the air. The hall filled with a crisp bird call, and everyone felt a sacred magical force swirling around them. The firebird landed in Sharo's hand, reverting back to a divine wooden stick, and the red glow in the hall vanished.

Was it truly a divine phoenix? It was said that only genuinely sentient phantom beasts of a certain rank would cause such phenomena when acknowledging their master. Historical records tell of a giant feline creature discovered in the northern mountains of the empire 400 years ago. Ferocious and fast, it frequently attacked nearby villagers. Several phantom beast knights and grand mages were dispatched to eliminate it. After slaying the great cat, they found a sightless kitten in its den. Coincidentally, it was the year of the phantom beast trials. A grand mage accompanying the team created an illusion realm for the kitten and brought it back to the imperial capital. At that year's trials, the kitten was underestimated. However, a lowly thief-turned-mercenary, unable to compete with others, chose the kitten. The moment the divine wooden stick was selected, a fountain of rainbow light erupted from the magical box. The stick transformed into a cat-like creature with wings, leaping into the mercenary's arms. The kitten was later identified by an overseas traveler as a lynx, a fearsome creature from the sacred mountains overseas, known for its prowess in hunting tigers and lions. With the lynx's incredible power, the phantom beast knight quickly surpassed his peers.

The girls participating in the trials showed disappointment, realizing that the phoenix-like firebird was not meant for them.

Tears welled in Mames's eyes; she, too, had chosen the red phoenix.

Next were four boys recommended by the Mercenary Guild. As mercenaries primarily active within the empire's borders, their choices were clear: they all opted for phantom beasts native to the empire. Two earth dragons, an ebony stallion, and the dark cloud horse quickly flew into their hands.

It was evident that when the dark cloud horse emerged from the box, two knights from the military showed signs of regret.

Following them were knights from the military. Among the various groups, they were generally older, with the youngest around 23 years old. Weathered by time, they were the most robust and disciplined men. Each ascended the stage with a standard military stride, extending their hand to the magical box in silent incantation. It became apparent that those who had achieved the rank of mid-sized unit leader by 25, whether aided by family or not, demonstrated exceptional talent. Two earth dragons and two silver snow wolves emerged successfully, followed by a jade rabbit pursuing lightning. When the last person ascended the stage, many frowned. Wasn't this Edward, the eldest son of the Marquess of Delaware? This was his second attempt at the phantom beast trials. He slowly approached, visibly tense. What would he choose? As the initial 30 seconds passed without movement, a divine wooden stick representing an ebony stallion finally shot out at the last moment. Wiping sweat from his brow, he descended the stage.

Next were the young students from the knight school. Though also knights, these noble-born youths differed greatly from the military knights. They swiftly ascended the stage and began their selections. The first two youths clearly targeted the imposing black earth dragon, anxiously chanting, "Black dragon, black dragon, come out, come out!" However, the earth dragon was unyielding, refusing to emerge, and they left the stage unsuccessful. Subsequent youths seemed to learn from this, avoiding the black earth dragon and focusing on other earth dragons and snow wolves. One boy even chose a crocodile.

Chiaotien, the tallest, stood last in line. Now it was his turn. He strode to the stage, and unlike the others, circled behind the magical box, extended his hand, bit his lower lip, squinted slightly, and took a deep breath. He called out slowly towards the phantom beast realm on the western wall, "My companion, my phantom beast, black dragon king, come forth."

Suddenly, the black dragon realm echoed with a dragon's roar. A stream of black energy shot from the magical box towards Chiaotien. He deftly caught it mid-air, and the black energy vanished. Chiaotien showed no sign of elation, simply snorted and descended the stage.

The assembled family heads either nodded in approval or shook their heads in disapproval. The Chia family had indeed produced talent across generations. Rumor had it that while the youngest grandson was reserved and unsociable, he was widely regarded as the strongest at the knight school.

Many noticed the Redstone Emperor's lips curl into a satisfied smile.

Next were the four students from the magic school. By then, few phantom beasts remained. Lin Yushang went first, having already decided on the unicorn. Since Nolin mentioned it could only be owned by elves or pure-hearted girls, she believed she qualified, never having harmed anyone. If that failed, she'd choose a blood-sweating horse.

Though difficult in thought, it seemed remarkably easy in practice. Before she even reached the magical box or extended her hand, a white light drifted from the box, landing in her outstretched hand. Wow, could she be this lucky? Nearly everyone in the trial hall thought so. This phantom beast trial was rare, now yielding three high-tier sentient phantom beasts.

The remaining mages quickly selected their phantom beasts.

In the second round, knights who hadn't chosen a beast in the first round quickly selected from the remaining ones.

After a brief rest, Nolin signaled everyone to approach their chosen phantom beasts. Several mages activated each phantom realm from left to right. Candidates placed their hands on the realm's sole breathing aperture, allowing their energy to flow in. If the phantom beast didn't strongly resist, it was considered successful.

Having passed the first round, the success rate was high. Except for a few phantom beasts with reactions, most readily accepted their new masters. The much anticipated black dragon, phoenix, and unicorn were particularly pleasing, gently nudging the knights as if sealing a contract.

The five knights not initially acknowledged by their phantom beasts chose new wooden sticks from the magical box and passed the second time with ease.

Redstone Emperor was extremely pleased with the trial's proceedings. He rose, his golden cloak cascading behind him, his crown high, and his rich baritone echoing in the hall: "This is an exhilarating moment, a time of national focus. Future phantom beast knights, as your king, I sincerely congratulate you. From this moment, you are the pillars of our nation. Tomorrow, you embark on the formidable challenge of the Holy Snow Mountain test. It's a greater pressure, but not your greatest challenge. Your greatest challenge is to join me in making our empire stronger."

No one expected the Redstone Emperor to end with such simple yet stirring words. Everyone present spontaneously applauded. Except for the three knights from the Holy Court, all other phantom beast knights knelt, paying deep homage to their king.

On the way back to the duke's mansion, even the usually reserved Duke smiled, telling Chiaotien, "You did well today. That dragon is the best I've seen in my military career, a true dragon among dragons. It seems you'll have the strength to take on the dragon knight challenge."

Mr. Chia Hanfeng excitedly patted Chiaotien's cheek, saying, "Ha, good job, kid. Once the dragon is rideable, take it to Amy. Let him see, but not ride. Heh, I used to try teaching him spear skills, to be a knight, but he insisted on being a swordsman. Let's see now."

At dusk, the Chia mansion unexpectedly received numerous invitations, each intriguingly addressed:

Uncle Chia Datong

Cousin Chia Hanfeng

Nephew Chiaotien

Nephew Amy

Descendant: Daqingshan

Mr. Afeng

Mr. Locke

Mr. Horns

Mr. Lei Ge

Holy Giant Dragon Little Green

All signed by one person: Redstone. The invitation's content was simple: inviting everyone to a family banquet at the royal palace's side hall.

Little Green clutched the invitation, sniffing it repeatedly, eyes reflecting a lizard's curiosity. Mr. Chia Hanfeng's initial reaction was: "A feast of calamity, a meal of heartbreak, surely won't taste good." Naturally, this remark earned him a playful slap from the Duke, causing everyone else to chuckle heartily.

As it turned out, Mr. Chia Hanfeng's suspicions were unfounded. Redstone Emperor proved to be an exceptionally gracious host. In the palace gardens, he arranged two banquet tables, personally welcoming Afeng, Locke, Amy, and others, expressing publicly: Many years ago, he had hoped to bring the two exceptional large unit leaders, known as the empire's frontier grindstones, back to the capital as assistant generals. However, due to the Wish Tower incident, both leaders vanished simultaneously, a great regret. Unexpectedly, years later, his cousin and the son of the Glacier Infantry's leader stood before him, with Amy also related to him—a cause for great joy. Additionally, his cousin's apprentice becoming a Holy Dragon Knight was due to his cousin's teaching and the assistance of national advisor Lei Ge, A-rank mercenary Afeng, and Locke. Hence, he invited everyone to express his gratitude.

Amy and Daqingshan both felt that, like Emperor Esu III, Redstone exuded a regal aura beyond ordinary imitation.

Of course, no one knew that in the main palace hall, a shadowy figure whispered to the guards before slipping into what had served as the trial hall during the day.