"They're coming!"
Merlin said softly. His mental power radiated outward, allowing him to perceive the movement within the mountain forest earlier than anyone else. The moment his voice fell, sure enough, rustling sounds drifted from the woods.
Soon, hundreds of knights emerged from the forest. Though weariness was unmistakable on their finely equipped faces, upon seeing the numerous knights led by Old Wilson, they instantly grew vigilant, drawing their greatswords in unison as their aura abruptly turned sharp.
Only knights like these were true elites, having experienced countless bloody battles and capable of facing any sudden situation.
"Your Highness, beware of an ambush!"
Commander Mans, sturdy of build and intensely vigilant, immediately directed the weary troop of knights. They rapidly formed a charging array, eyeing Old Wilson and the heavy armored knights behind him with hostility.
These Firebird Legion knights were the cream of the crop, and they naturally recognized the formidable might of Old Wilson's heavy armored knights at a glance. Thus, they dared not underestimate them, and the two sides immediately entered a standoff.
"They aren't enemies!"
Princess Shirley walked out slowly from the crowd. She also wore armor, her long golden hair draped behind her neck; perhaps from a long lack of washing, it had grown somewhat dry and dull.
Although Princess Shirley's expression appeared quite exhausted, her voice rang resolute.
"Who are you people?"
Princess Shirley swept a faint glance over Old Wilson, Baron Barman, Merlin, and the others, then let her gaze linger on Old Wilson.
This was not because Princess Shirley possessed particularly discerning judgment, but simply because Old Wilson was entirely too distinct; it was impossible not to notice him.
Old Wilson stood nearly two meters tall, with a tiger's back and a bear's waist. The armor on his body was stained with