...

...

At the manor training ground.

The scorching sunlight poured down, and the heat waves twisted in the air, making the distant scenery blurry.

The guard's forehead was covered with sweat that continuously slid down his cheeks.

However, Durant and Carlos's faces remained unusually dry, even though they had just finished a duel.

"It's been a long time since I enjoyed myself so much."

Durant handed the sword to the guard, took the towel Vivian offered, and wiped his face,

"You're stronger than I imagined, Carlos."

"Thank you for your praise, Lord Duke."

Carlos nodded, "You surprised me even more. Even without transforming, your strength is not weaker than mine."

"Your flame aura is very aggressive, and your strength far exceeds that of ordinary people," Carlos praised.

"Alright, let's talk about the shortcomings." 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝙬𝙚𝓫𝒏𝓸𝓿𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝙤𝓶

Durant said, "I only want to know where I fall short compared to a Legendary Knight."

As for flattering subordinates, Durant has others for that.

"Alright."

Carlos nodded thoughtfully and said, "From today's duel between you and me, I think the flame aura in your body is too little and hasn't reached its limit."

From Apprentice Knight to Legendary Knight, a knight constantly strengthens his body.

Making the muscles stronger and the bones tougher.

And when a knight's body is tempered to its limit, it undergoes a transformation, and during Breathing Technique Cultivation, the aura undergoes a qualitative change, generating corresponding attributes.

For example, Carlos possesses the Wind Aura.

And these aura with attributes further temper a knight's body, making it even more resilient, allowing the body to contain more aura.

"The flame aura you're referring to is my talent and is not produced through Breathing Technique Cultivation."

Durant was forthright and said, "Now, during Breathing Technique Cultivation, I cannot directly produce flame aura."

"No wonder, during combat, I didn't feel the surge of flame aura from you..."

Carlos recalled the earlier duel, where Durant only used flame aura when using his abilities, not in every attack.

"Then your physique hasn't reached the ultimate level. I suggest you enhance your physique," said Carlos.

Durant became interested, "How to enhance it?"

"I'm not quite certain."

Carlos thought and said, "Perhaps you could try those secret methods for top knights used by the Royal Family?"

"I think you could also communicate with your wizards; perhaps they have ways."

"Hmm, I've noted it down."

Durant frowned and nodded.

Carlos's words made Durant understand that his body didn't undergo a transformation from quantitative to qualitative change.

Which led to an imperfect fusion of flame aura, Breathing Technique, and body.

Seeing Durant's expression, Carlos thought his answer hadn't satisfied Durant.

So he spoke again, "But your flame aura reacts very quickly. It doesn't show the process of gathering aura at all."

Durant smiled but said nothing more.

Currently, in Durant's mental sea, all six star rings were orange-red, like burning rings of flame.

The so-called flame aura could be released instantly, no slower than Linda's actions.

And when casting the Flaming Arrow spell, Durant could use flame aura to enhance it, turning one arrow into three arrows, or even more.

This is completely different from a Legendary Knight.

Durant felt he was more like a wizard apprentice capable of close combat.

With the spell models in the star ring runes, stuffing some flame-type spells, casting flame armor on himself before a fight, and charging at the enemy with a flaming strike.

When facing many enemies alone, using a battle aura to repel enemies, and casting Flaming Arrow when the enemy flees.

However, Durant's insufficient flame aura was the crucial issue now.

"Also, I think you should learn more knight combat skills."

Carlos added, "Form your own fighting style and enrich your combat experience."

"Knight combat skills... Does the Royal Family have them?" Durant asked.

"Yes, the Royal library contains them."

Carlos nodded, "The Royal Family has always valued knight training."

"It seems I should make time to visit Riyue City."

Durant had not been to this empire's capital, nor had he seen the Emperor's palace.

Of course, what attracted Durant the most was the imperial treasury.

Otherwise, Durant wouldn't bother with such long journeys.

"Alright, Carlos, let's call it a day for now."

Durant regained his senses and said to Carlos, "You've exhausted quite a bit of energy, rest well."

"I'm not tired, Lord Duke."

Carlos smiled and said, "If you don't need me for the time being, I can help instruct the other knights."

"That works too."

Durant agreed without hesitation.

Just as he was about to send the guard to find Durant and the others, Gala hurried over.

"Saint Master."

Gala greeted respectfully and reported, "Eighty miles east of Giant Stone City, near the forest of Valley Town, there's a mutated giant bear."

"The giant bear can control lightning, and the Cordia Knight stationed there has been severely injured and requires our support."

"Where's Linda?"

Durant asked.

The newly occupied lands, influenced by words, changed on a daily basis.

Especially the creatures in the wild, they continuously mutated, becoming magical beasts.

Many magical beasts had tough, thick skin, which ordinary hunters couldn't handle. They had to send Durant's Hunting Legion or knight squads to tame or eliminate them.

Linda and the little snow rabbit Fernie formed a hunting magic squad with Frost Winter knights, specifically responsible for these tasks.

"Lady Linda went to deal with the giant leeches near Giant River."