The Ox War

The three members of the first squad and Colin and Bill were not only different in status but also couldn't get along. After saluting, the two parties separated.

Colin and Bill rode their horses, wandering around the field.

The wheat fields in winter were desolate, and the soil had already frozen. The horses' hooves made crisp sounds as they stepped on it.

Bill, the all-knowing informant, took out an old sheepskin map from his embrace and examined it carefully.

"What is this?" Colin curiously guided the East Gelan War Horse beneath him closer to the other person, leaning in to look.

"This is a topographical map of the nearby Dolor Mountains. This is our camp. The site of the Ox War. The Knight Order's operation will unfold here."

"Remembering the battles of our ancestors is also one of the meanings of this Knight Order operation."

It was a very old black and white map, but there were a few red dots. Bill pointed to a red dot on the map and said.

"The site of the Ox War," Colin pinched his chin.

It was a world-shattering war that occurred during the reign of Emperor Ox II, against the Black Death Empire to the south. Both sides deployed a considerable number of Knight Orders and Mage Orders.

It was also a war of resistance by the Van Gogh Empire against the invasion of the Black Death Empire. Since then, the Black Death Empire's influence had been confined to the south of the Lundol Mountain Range.

Including the ancestors of the Russell family, the Duke Russell of that generation, many prominent nobles participated in that battle. There were also many commoner knights who gained noble surnames during that battle, thus rising into the ranks of nobility.

"Excited? This is news I got in advance. I've prepared many digging tools. Maybe we can dig up something." Bill proudly patted a leather bag behind his warhorse, then took out a delicate small hoe and brandished it.

"An archaeological digging hoe, made of sturdy and durable Taijin," Colin was truly surprised. This kid was really well-prepared.

Then he shook his head and said, "After the Ox War ended, the Empire's knights meticulously cleaned up the site. After a long period of time, a large number of adventurers, like locusts, scoured the ruins three feet deep. It's impossible for anything to be left."

"Maybe the goddess is watching us and guiding us to dig up something?" Bill rolled his eyes at Colin, who had no romance at all.

Colin shrugged indifferently, with only one thought in his mind: This kid is daydreaming.

"Wuwuwu." The two suddenly heard a horn sound, and both were moved. This was a horn made from the horns of a large water buffalo unique to Marquis Kent's Territory, the Kent Water Buffalo. Among the Knight Orders under Marquis Kent, it was commonly used as a military horn.

Colin and Bill quickly turned their horses, clenched their legs against the horses' bellies, and guided their warhorses towards the direction of the horn.

In an open space, the prospective knights were gathering. The commander Lyon Brown and the deputy commander Michael Harris stood on a simple platform built from boxes, with the flag of the "Fifth Knight Order" inserted on both sides.

Both wore leather light armor, with daggers at their waists and scarlet cloaks draped behind them, looking quite imposing.

As for Colin, Bill, and most of the other students, they were wearing academy uniforms.

But it was also normal. The nobles of Van Gogh usually displayed their status with expensive clothing or jewelry. Who told them to be the commander and deputy commander?

Colin shrugged and quickly rejoined the members of the first squad, riding his horse to stand in front of the platform, waiting for the speech.

Afterward, Lyon Brown delivered his speech, extolling the virtues and integrity of knights. Then, the formal orders were issued.

"Captain of the First Squad, Colin Russell." Lyon Brown looked at Colin calmly and said in a deep voice.

"Commander," Colin knew the main part was coming. He clenched his legs against the horse's belly, rode his horse out alone, and bowed slightly to the other person.

"The camp for this Knight Order operation is at the site of the Ox War. You and your First Squad are responsible for carrying out the advance reconnaissance mission. Depart immediately." Lyon Brown immediately announced the camp for this expedition and turned to nod at Deputy Commander Michael Harris.

Michael Harris stepped down from the simple platform, holding a sheepskin map in his hand. Colin dismounted, and Michael Harris took off his black leather gloves, opened the brand-new sheepskin map, and pointed to a route. "This is the route of this march, and the predetermined camp locations. You will depart ahead of the main force, reach today's camp, and carry out guard duties."

"Yes. Deputy Commander." Colin nodded as he looked at the map. Michael Harris then handed the brand-new map to Colin.

Colin put the sheepskin map into his embrace, mounted his horse, and turned to his team members, saying, "Move out."

"Dada da." With Colin's order, the outstanding students of Will Knight Academy, guided their warhorses, galloped south, their hooves treading on the frozen ground, making crisp sounds.

Lyon Brown watched the direction Colin and the others departed, and a hint of coldness finally appeared in his eyes. He was still brooding over that mediation.

"The Empire has its system, and the Marquis's Territory has its system. In Marquis Kent's Territory, besides the Marquis, we hereditary knights are the most prominent. Colin Russell, I want you to know that the surname Brown, in this territory, is naturally superior to Russell."

The Knight Order had a large contingent, and their speed would not be very fast. The planned first camp was eighty miles away. Colin and the members of his First Squad finally reached this camp after five hours of galloping.

Within the Marquis's territory, there was no barren land. This camp was located in a wheat field by the main road. But the academy must have paid some money to the local farmers beforehand. Because the farmers had done some simple tidying up of this land.

Five hours of galloping for prospective knights was nothing, and for excellent warhorses, it was also nothing. The key was the hint.

Upon arriving at the camp, Bill dismounted and took out two small wooden basins from behind his horse. One contained soybeans, and the other was filled with water. His warhorse immediately began to eat heartily.

"Colin. I finally understand. He actually wants to mess with you." Bill glared at Colin, annoyed. "How did you offend him?"

The other three team members remained silent, but each harbored some resentment. This resentment was naturally directed at Colin.

Colin also dismounted, preparing feed and water for his mount. He smiled and replied, "No. He offended me."

Bill rolled his eyes at Colin. Lyon Brown wouldn't provoke you for no reason, would he?

"Forget it. You've been restless lately, Brian, Chal, Kebir, Noah Company. I'm gradually getting numb." Bill sighed.

"But the Knight Order operation will last for two months. We're in for it during this time."