"I shall immediately go to the Beast Demon Tribe," Bloodclaw responded without hesitation.

He had unwavering faith in Katherine’s words.

Every sentence spoken by the priests of the Goddess of Strategy held multiple layers of meaning. Even a minor skirmish would be prepared with two or three backup plans, let alone a large-scale war involving multiple cities across the region.

With the former first Chosen of Lady Strategy personally managing the operation, there were surely numerous calculations involved, only advantageous to himself with no downsides.

"Given the danger of this journey, the General has asked me to award you a protective piece of equipment for your safety; familiarize yourself with it," Katherine handed a Skeleton Scepter to the Hobgoblin Warlord.

"Thank you for the General’s generosity," Bloodclaw accepted respectfully; the magic aura emitted by the Skeleton Scepter was palpable even to him, a warrior.

Yet upon receiving it, Bloodclaw did not sense any special ability, awkwardly asking, "Madam, I don’t know how to use it."

"Drip your blood on it and then chant the General’s name, and it will activate naturally," Katherine explained. "The tool it operates is the General’s latest powerful war creation; it must have anti-theft capabilities to prevent enemy use against us."

"Understood." The more mysterious it seemed, the more Bloodclaw anticipated.

Something that warranted such solemnity from Gaven and Katherine was certainly not a mere mortal object.

The Hobgoblin Warlord unhesitatingly drew his short dagger and sliced deeply into his palm, blood flowing instantly; Bloodclaw, seemingly unfazed, gripped the Skeleton Scepter and began chanting devoutly, "My lord, your most faithful follower Bloodclaw calls upon you, heed my prayer..."

During this process, the Hobgoblin Warlord involuntarily recalled various past encounters with Gaven.

From mutual battles and joint efforts against enemies to ultimately pledging allegiance.

Two divine beams shot from the Road Idol in Blood Gorge City, one landing on Bloodclaw and the other soaring into the void.

Suddenly, a loud voice echoed beside Bloodclaw’s ear, "I have heard your call and sensed your loyalty; I will grant you my most powerful war tool—continue fighting for me, our contract is sealed."

This voice was remarkably familiar to Bloodclaw; it was Gaven Nort’s.

The voice ceased, and Bloodclaw reopened his eyes; the Skeleton Scepter in his hand had turned crimson, whether stained by his blood or infused with magic power. 𝒻𝑟𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝑛𝘰𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝘤𝘰𝘮

He could distinctly feel that the Skeleton Scepter was no longer a lifeless object but brimming with powerful magic, linking his soul to a magical artifact, and a detailed explanation appeared in his consciousness sea.

Skeleton Scepter

Soul Binding (Special Ability) — Your soul binds through this Skeleton Scepter as a medium to a Shadow Flyer; you can psychically control that Flyer for various operations; beyond you, others holding the Skeleton Scepter are ineffective, and you can store the Flyer within the scepter.

View Switching (Special Ability) — You can switch your view to the perspective of the Shadow Flyer; the two must be within a kilometer.

Shadow Transmission (Special Ability) — You can teleport directly to the Shadow Flyer through the Skeleton Scepter, with the same kilometer distance requirement.

Besides the Skeleton Scepter, detailed attributes of the Shadow Flyer were also provided.

"This... this... this is so formidable... It’s not only a bodyguard but a strategic tool, combining reconnaissance, aerial combat, bombing, and transportation into one... just this single Shadow Flyer can rival a Transcendent Elites squad..."

Even as well-traveled as Bloodclaw was, he trembled with excitement.

Not only was his safety greatly assured with this gear, but it was also a commanding artifact on the battlefield.

He had just tested the view switching ability, feeling his soul ascend directly above, overseeing a large portion of Blood Gorge City; the surrounding situation was clear, but the soldiers below were none the wiser, unaware of the lethal ghost weapon hovering above—two Skeleton Bombs dropped would turn the place into a bloody sea of corpses.

"Do not disappoint the General’s expectations," Katherine empathized with Bloodclaw’s reaction.

For she too had been deeply shaken not long ago, naturally possessing her own Shadow Flyer.

In fact, the core figures of Gaven Territory had all received this grand gift.

The Skeleton Scepter was undoubtedly the handiwork of Legendary Arcanist Philancy, to facilitate use and control by ordinary people.

This method of linking magical items to a Shadow Flyer wasn’t difficult, resembling soul contracts; commonly employed for summoning outer entities or powerful creatures, but it advanced further, extending capabilities onto it.

"My loyalty to the General will never waver," Bloodclaw felt he had made an incredibly wise decision.

Gaven wasn’t merely preparing for Divine Enthronement—he had already begun.

With the Shadow Flyer, he felt capable of confronting even a Legendary squad; no one on the Giant Plains could oppose him now.

He did not simply believe that General Gaven had only granted him this unique weapon, indicating the opponent had amassed a substantial quantity of such equipment.