The Wyvern Knights completed their team assignments inside Shadowflame Volcano.
There were twelve Wyvern Knights in total. Russell and Count Merlin would join the Dragon Blood Knights and guard the Dragon Blood Knights as they patrolled the border.
The remaining nine Wyvern Knights would head to the snowfields in teams of three to hunt. Since Dreller had only recently advanced, he would follow Kunbif's team of Wyvern Knights to learn, making it a group of four Wyvern Knights.
Although Baron Roman had not come, Russell made the choice on his behalf and joined a team.
The meeting ended.
The Wyvern Knights dispersed, but Count Merlin asked Russell to stay behind. Grandfather and grandson remained seated cross-legged within Shadowflame Volcano.
They watched the Shadowflame Dragon in the lava.
"Russell."
"Grandfather, please go ahead."
"You must find it strange that I insisted on being so aggressive and luring Snow Giant Da into action." Count Merlin looked at the Shadowflame Dragon as he spoke.
"A little," Russell replied. "But I can roughly understand the intention."
The March Gazette had already clearly announced the Elder Council's decision. First, the Demon Extermination Order would continue. Second, the Knight Orders would be called upon to advance into the snowfields, further pressuring Snow Giant Da and cutting off its support from the bottom up.
"Indeed. Snow Giant Da has been pressing forward step by step, hoping to trap our Grand Duchy in dire straits." Count Merlin sneered. "Then I shall do the opposite. Snow Giant Da has suffered heavy blows time and again, and I will never give it a chance to catch its breath!"
"A lot of people will die, Grandfather," Russell said.
"Knights are like crops in the fields, batch after batch." Count Merlin's voice was cold. "If this can delay Snow Giant Da's recovery,