She was asleep, and it was called sleep, or meditation, or contemplation. This is a method that has been passed down from generation to generation in order for their clan to assimilate with the vast torrent.

She travels in her sleep. The bodily sensation spreads endlessly along the roots that spread all over the earth, and its own form gradually spreads. Unlike the flow of blood, the veins of water flowing through the earth whispered to her. She became one with her people, her ancestors, and the earth, and she continued to stretch.

The consciousness that swings in infinite overlap is attracted to something. A foreign body, something that interferes with sleep, a feeling of incongruity that arises from a certain part of the torrent. She was intuitive, and convinced that this thing couldn't exist.

The next second she came to her senses. She had experienced the longest years in her clan, and it would take her a lot of time to complete her assimilation, and this time her sobriety was not expected, but she did not hesitate. She had to get rid of the foreign body that was getting in the way of sleep.

"What's wrong with you, Patriarch? It's not time to wake up yet. 」

She only moved her eyes, and her young compatriots appeared in her field of vision. She has a fair complexion, soft blonde hair, and a tall and thin figure overall, the most representative of which is the pair of ears that protrude like knife blades. This is a common trait of their family.

"Something's in the way, 'travel.'" 」

Her gaze met the other party, but her body didn't move, whispering. Her body doesn't move, and she doesn't need to. This body will one day be favored by the great ancestors, and it will mean nothing to her.

"Evil that is about to befall the forest must be eliminated. 」

「...... I understand. It will be played with "Rider". 」

The compatriot did not ask a rhetorical question, and immediately retreated.

She didn't fall asleep again. If the foreign body is not removed, sleep has no proper meaning, and therefore, there is no reason for her to sleep again.

She waited for the moment when her prophecy would come true. No matter how much time it takes, it's just a passing moment for her.

This was the beginning of the calamity that befell the "forest" and the "village".

That place left a trail of ravages like a battlefield.

Fragmented, barely recognizable human parts were discarded. The withered, indistinctly shaped palms reached out to the sky, and the eyes deep in the helmet had lost their light. The rusty armor had lost its former glory, and its reddish-brown hue almost blended in with the wilderness.

These, the wreckage was originally called the Phantom Knight. Some are old, but there are also a lot of new wreckage. The staggered piles of dead are a faithful reflection of the history, present, and future of this place.

This is the view from the No. 1 Development Workshop in the fortress city of Dufour, the base camp of the National Machine Operation Development and Research Workshop.

「...... Hmm, do you need to tidy up a bit?"

Workshop Master Gaiska sighed and looked at the wreckage that took up quite a bit of space in what was supposed to be a fairly spacious first development workshop - the result of repeated attempts. The development of a new mass production machine, coupled with overwhelming technological innovation, led to a series of failures and a large number of discarded parts. The accumulated wreckage is twice as large as usual, and it is really hard to watch. He secretly made up his mind that after the mass production of new machines began in various places, he would first sort out the pile of scrap iron.

Gascar worries about the aftermath as he leaves the dark part of the workshop. Walking out the door, the dazzling sunlight suddenly pierced his eyes, and as his eyes gradually got used to it, he also deepened his smile.

There was a whole line of giants in a knee-bent position, with the driver's seat in the chest armor open.

They are neither Gadatoya nor Gadatoya Daxiu. This is the brainchild of the hard work of the riding forgers of the National Machinery Research Institute, the latest cutting-edge mass production machine "Caditore".

This is based on the advanced model machine Gadatoya Daxiu, and has been adjusted in conjunction with the selection of equipment proposed by the Silver Phoenix Knights

Whole. The biggest change is the introduction of the Mana Storage Armor, which is finally put into practical use, using the "Volumetric Specialized Crystalline Muscle", which has dramatically increased the amount of mana storage. As a result, the chronic lack of demonic power that Tresthal had in his arms was also improved. The Carditore is not only the pioneer in the development of the new machine, but also the complete form.

The body is only coated with a layer of protective paint, retaining the original metallic texture, as low-key and simple as the Phantom Knight made in the Kingdom of Verard. On the other hand, the exterior that has been thoroughly studied for defensive effects and productivity exudes a neat aesthetic.

The Caditore has completed operational tests and is ready for immediate production on the production line. The domestic aristocracy was also notified to begin recruiting riding forgers and holding educational training. In the future, the Phantom Knights in Japan will gradually be replaced by these new models. The most important work of their national machine smiths has come to an end for the time being.

Geska turned his tired and stiff shoulders and neck, sighing at his old bones that had not been very obedient lately. He and the No. 1 Development Workshop below were engaged in research in high spirits, and for a long time they forced themselves to mess around. It was time for a vacation, and he made his way to the director's office as he mentally drew up a rest schedule.

King Ambrose and his family, the royal family of the Kingdom of Villerad, basically lived in the royal city of Sherlebell. From the end of the Audience Hall, through the intricate passages and several rooms, there is their private place.

The deepest part of the city is known as the "Inner City". Further to the center, there is a tallest tower in the center of the castle, which is taller and taller. This place was rebuilt from the fortress originally called "Sherebelle", and the tower was added later, which is why the first consideration when building was to be strong, but it has to be said that this place is a bit too simple as a royal residence.

Such a predecessor made this block have very few windows. Because of the lack of natural lighting, they had to light the expensive scaly beast oil lamps day and night. The exquisitely carved but not ornate furniture in the interior exudes a calm atmosphere with soft light.

"The minister sent an envoy to Keshapega to visit Martina, asking Emrith to return immediately. 」

There were two people in the room. One was King Ambrose, and the other was younger than Ambrose, with a thin body and a somewhat god-like appearance.

"Well, I haven't seen him in a long time. When did he leave from Kechapega?"

"It was about three years ago. 」

"Well, then, it was before I met 'that'. It didn't take long, but it felt like a long time ago. 」

Ambrose lowered his eyes to the wine glass in his hand and slowly shook the liquid in the glass.

"But Your Majesty, the retainers still think it's too early. 」

"Don't call me Your Majesty, Leo. There will be no outsiders in this place. 」

"I understand, 'Father'. 」

Ambrose's eldest son, the first in line to the throne, Riotamos Hals Fremevilla, exhaled and relaxed the corners of his eyes.

"Well, I think the time is right. The National Machinery Research Institute also sent a report on the new type of machine jointly built with the Silver Phoenix Knights, and Emrith returned, and the news probably spread all over the place. Anyone can foresee that a critical moment is coming to usher in a new era. 」

Riotamon was about to open his mouth to retort, but immediately shut up, because. Ambrose showed that he was trying to do something and enjoying it

Feeling. Experience had taught him that no one could stop his father when he showed such an expression, and there was some truth to what Ambrose said. Before carrying out drastic reforms, it is indeed necessary to make a decision.

"There's one job left. No, it should be said that it was an agreement. 」

"Silver Phoenix Knights...... 'that boy' right? It doesn't matter, right? Bring him to 'them', even if there is no problem with the 'Fa', those people will not be easy to serve. 」

Even though they are similar in appearance, the temperament of the two is very different. His son does not seem to have inherited Ambrose's most representative resolute character.

"Hehe, really, you're too worried. 」

"After all, the stakes are high, so it's better to say that you, Father, are too rash. 」

I don't know what it was interesting about, but Ambrose resisted the urge to laugh, and Riotamos sighed.

"Bigger shelves, Leo. I'm always so calculating, and I can get you to bear it in the future. 」

"Let's just say that my father, your ancestor, is a big branch!"

In the deepest part of the royal city, it seemed to be a parent-child conversation that could be talked about, and it was like a parent-child conversation that could not be talked about, and for a while, no one heard about it.

A few days later, a male figure appeared in the hallway of Scherebel City.

"It's better to be in your own country! The restrained life before yesterday was like a dream!"

That man was none other than Emrith Yère Fremevilla, the fourth in line to the throne of the Kingdom of Verard. He stretched widely, expressed a sense of liberation with his whole body, and strode forward happily.

Speaking of his clothes at this time, he used the "Black Scale Beast Armor", a high-end equipment made of difficult-to-process but sturdy monster leather, with a well-made cloak on his shoulders and a sword at his waist that insisted on giving priority to practicality. This armor is specially made for the burly man, although it is not expensive, but he is also a member of the royal family, and this material is still a bit unpopular. As for the appearance that will feel appropriate, it can only be said that it is due to the impression he gives people.

All in all, he seemed to be in a good mood.

A while ago, I was studying in another country and was forced to wear the restrictive clothes that were popular in the local area. Those high-end products with first-class workmanship did not suit his tiger's back, and they were also 108,000 miles away from his preferences. As a royal family, it is a shame that he prefers models that focus on practicality, such as "sturdy" or "easy to move". This special armor can be said to maximize his preference for lightness, ease of movement, but also extreme strength.

Dressed in familiar equipment and slowly guarding the royal city with a high spirit, he pushed open the door of the room with a bright smile on his face. There, the royal family, headed by King Ambrose, and the Duke of Discod and other princes and nobles gathered in the Audience Hall. He grinned and looked around at the crowd.

"Oh, Dad, Grandpa, long time no see, I'm back and wooing!"

Before he could finish speaking, Wang Wat thrown by Ambrose hit him directly in the head, causing him to almost faint in pain.

In front of Emris, who was screaming in pain, Ambrose held his head helplessly.

"This stupid grandson...... So far, the speech is not too big or small, what have you learned when you went to study abroad!?"

"I'm very sorry, Your Majesty, I've reminded him again and again......

Riotamos was also embarrassed. His beating son Youser has a calm personality, and his words and deeds are in line with the status of the royal family, but the second son is not like this. I don't know who it's like, it's not so much bold, it's more like a rough personality that can't be changed, and sending it to another country to study is also the last resort in desperation.

"According to Martina's personality, she is not neglected to educate...... Can't even she handle it?"

Ambrose muttered, remembering his daughter who was married to the kingdom of Keshapega. Martina is the younger sister of Riotamos, and is considered Emrith's aunt in terms of generation. She married the royal family of the Kingdom of Keshapega, and the two countries were thus related by marriage and friendly countries.

Emrith was sent to his aunt when he was fifteen years old, but it didn't work out as he could see.

"Well, I don't know who you look like. 」

"Like Your Majesty. 」

Ambrose, who didn't expect someone to interject, turned around and saw Cnut as usual with a blank face.

"Like Your Majesty. 」

Ambrose looked away, pretending not to hear anything.

After a few moments, Emrith got up as if nothing had happened.

"Emris, even if you don't have that attitude in Keshapega?"

"Ah-no, I can't say it anymore. I...... I also look at the time and occasion. I was overjoyed because I hadn't seen your faces for a long time......

Seeing that he stammered, everyone's suspicious eyes were focused on him, but he himself puffed out his chest without paying attention. Rarely, this time Ambrose raised the white flag first and surrendered.

「...... I'll ask you about it later. Okay, I've invited you to come today, not for anything else......

He cleared his throat and swept away the atmosphere that had been relaxed by the words and actions of the troubled child.

"Thirty-six years have passed since I succeeded to the throne of this country. It was almost time for me to abdicate, and the next king would be my son here, Riotamos. 」

The crowd held their breath. Ambrose's words were not sudden, and the people gathered here had a more or less premonition.

The throne of the Kingdom of Verard was hereditary, essentially inherited by the eldest son. The eldest son has the right to inherit the throne first, and his brothers and sisters are second and third in line, regardless of gender. If the incumbent king has grandchildren, the children of the eldest son are given priority and the right of inheritance is granted in order.

The most common reason for abdicating the throne was that the king wanted to be led by a strong leader because of the chaos of the early establishment of the country, and it was customary for the king to relinquish the throne before his advanced age declined. Ambrose is sixty years old this year, which is considered an old man in this world. Therefore, it can be said that the topic of succession to the throne is raised.

However, because everyone is so clear, he is still as heroic as he was back then, even if he can accept it in his heart, he still feels restless. It can be seen how widely loved he is.

Riotamos stepped forward, breaking the sentimental silence. He straightened his posture and gave a deep final salute to the man, who was both a father and a king. After the king inherited the crown, he could not bow his head even in the face of his father. On this occasion, he concludes with the highest respect.

"Greetings, Your Majesty...... No, father. 」

"Well, once you sit on the throne, don't take it lightly, and always encourage yourself. Well, the official ceremony has been postponed for the time being, and I hope you can support this country with my son, please. 」

Ambrose looked around at everyone, and the nobles present at the same time curtled their knees and bowed their heads in response.

Western 1280, summer.

The abdication of Ambrose, the "Lion King", together with the news of the ascension of the new king Riotamos, was conveyed to every corner of the country in the future. The people praised the great king's exploits and had high expectations for the next king. It didn't take long for the Phantom Knight configuration of the latest standard scenery to gradually spread in various places.

A new king and a new knight – the kingdom of Virard is preparing to enter its biggest transition since its founding. Everyone is looking forward to the further stability and development of the country.

After the new king succeeded to the throne, a month or so passed. By this time, the celebration of the new king's accession to the throne had largely come to an end, and the kingdom was returning to its usual stability.

A little east of the "Kingdom of Siverrad" from the city of Caisiara Gakuen, the fortress of Riovisi, an ordinary forest that does not have a special location in the geographical fortress, exists in such a place.

It is generally believed that this place has no value as a stronghold at all, but it can be regarded as an extremely important and special fortress in the country.

The reason is not the location, but the Knights of the Silver Phoenix, a regiment of horsemen stationed here.

The scary thing is that it is not an exaggeration to say that this fortress itself exists for the Knight Captain El, after all, it was because of the distance from Al's hometown that such a strange location was chosen.

Look inside the Fortress of Ovesi, where one after another of the latest production machine, the Catitore, has just been announced. At present, except for the direct manufacturer, the National Machinery Research Institute, no other order has so many Cadi Torre. The National Machinery Research Institute gave priority to Yinfeng, not only because the Silver Phoenix Knights participated in the development process, but also because it was an investment in El.

A young dwarven walks through the rows of the Carditore forest on the parking field. He looked around as if he were looking for something, and when he found the little boy buried in the pile of papers, he cried out:

"Oh, I found you, Silver Boy. Adillade's adjustment is almost over. And Gula Lind, tell me how many times you want to break that idiot?"

Al, who kept drawing the blueprints, reacted to the voice of the Captain, the Captain of the Riding Exercise Forge, and raised his head and said:

"No, even Senior Di doesn't know how to deal with the Magic Jet Thruster, I heard him fall hard just now...... But he seems to be getting used to it, can you please forgive him?"

"It's not all your weird idea. Please, the fool who flies with the magic jet thruster is enough for one person. 」

The Boss scratched his head and sighed, turning his back as Al followed his gaze. In front of me are two Phantom Knights of different colors and appearances from the production machine.

"I admit he worked hard. What's more, if the squadron leader's special plane falls to the ground like this, it won't sound good to spread out. 」

Squadron Leader's Special Aircraft - On one side is the first squadron leader from Edgar Brown. C Blanche's pure white knight Adillad Campber. This is based on the latest Caditore, but the exterior design is modeled after the "Elcamper". Although some tweaks have been made to match the riders, there are few changes to the content. This is due to the fact that Caditore's already powerful and docile handling characteristics have fully met Edgar's requirements.

On the other side, there is the special aircraft of the second squadron leader Dietrich Kuniz, the Scarlet Knight Gula Linde. The mechage was also based on the Caditore, and was almost unrecognizable at the request of the rider himself.

There is not even a movable additional armor or shield in the structure, so it is completely offensive and has a very fast frame with a magic jet thruster, even though it will limit its functions. Although there are some problems and difficult to manipulate, Dietrich seems to like this aspect.

Squadron commanders with opposite personalities also faithfully reflected on their squadrons, showing that the first squadron was good at defense and the second squadron was good at offensive. The core of the Silver Phoenix Knights is composed of two squadrons with such strong personalities.

"Oh, one more thing. "Third," the guys are wailing again."

"Didn't I give them to Kid and Artie?"

After the Silver Phoenix Knights moved to the Ovesi Fortress and became independent as an official Knights, the biggest change was the addition of the configuration of the "Third Squadron".

The nature of the 3rd Squadron was even more different from the other two squadrons. The reason lies in the Phantom Knights they use. The huge body that surpasses the average phantom knight, and the alien form that unites man and horse - they use the centaur knight "Zedolimpur", which the Silver Phoenix Knights are proud of.

Zedolimpur is based on the first model of the centaur knight, "Zedolco", and the control system was changed to a single pilot, and after various adjustments, the mass-produced model was still equipped with two magic conversion furnaces, but even under the sign of a mass-produced machine, it was still an ultra-high-cost machine equipped with two magic conversion furnaces, so production was scarce, and it was not as popular as Cadi Torre. The Silver Phoenix Knights themselves have already accounted for the majority of the country.

"Okay, just look. 」

The Boss pointed to the feet of Zedolimpur, which occupied a large area, and the riders of the 3rd Squadron were gathering there, as if arguing about something.

"So, I understand what you're saying about making good use of movable additional armor while moving, but can you be specific?"

"Well, doesn't the body tilt when you turn? Just then 'woo!' force, like this, and then pull back 'click!'!"

"Little Artie, I said yes - hundreds of times, this is the end - it's not an explanation at all!

"Woo woo, help me, El ——!!"

In addition to various reasons such as high price and abnormal appearance, the biggest problem is that the appearance is too different from the existing body, which makes it extremely difficult to operate. Not to mention the tandem Zedorgo, after improving to Zedol Limble, he has continued to work hard to simplify the control of the system, not only using a special magic director computer, but also adjusting the operation method to a design that resembles the feeling of riding a horse as much as possible. In addition, some functions are automatically linked from the previous operation method, and even though we have introduced quite advanced conceptual technology without leaving a trace, the result is still as you can see. The training time of the third squad is one of the best in the Silver Phoenix Knights, but the proficiency is still insufficient.

「...... Help her, mainly the third squadron leader. 」

The situation is exacerbated by the fact that the twins, who act as instructors, are very incapable of making friends, and the reason is that they do not rely on feelings to explain it mainly from a theoretical point of view, unlike Al.

"That's also the training of the two 'regiment commanders'—let's convey what I teach to others correctly. 」

"I'll tell you, it's not those two people who work so hard. 」

Haiwei, who was chosen as the leader of the third squadron, has been struggling with how to translate the twins' instructions lately. It would be nice if she could figure it out on her own, but even with a lot of driving experience, the Centaur Knight is not an opponent that can be tamed overnight.

"Uh-well, I'll figure it out when I'm done with my design now......

Seeing that Al was holding the drawings and didn't plan to leave, the boss could only let out a sigh.