I can evolve everything

After saying that, Roderick took out an iron plate from under the large wooden table and tossed it to Renn and Ella.

Renn caught the iron plate steadily.

It is extremely heavy and has a rough surface. The front of the iron plate is embossed with a roaring wolf's head, while the back is engraved with a number.

"This is the commander's credentials for the 22nd Patrol Squad."

Roderick sat back down in his chair and explained the purpose of the token to Renn:

"With it, you can mobilize a squad of troops, which is a total of twenty soldiers."

"Twenty people..." Renn weighed the token in his hand, feeling its weight.

In the northern fortress, soldiers are the most valuable resource. Twenty veterans are certainly enough to inspire confidence in two newly arrived apprentice knights.

"Don't think it's too few." Roderick seemed to see through Renn's thoughts. "In a place like Shattered Tooth Canyon, twenty people are enough to form a defensive circle that can move freely. Too many people will only make too much noise and attract the attention of some monsters in the wasteland."

"I understand." Renn put the iron plate into his pocket and placed it close to his body.

"Go."

Roderick waved his hand:

"As is customary, you will depart in three days. Go to the quartermaster and collect sufficient supplies; do not let the soldiers set off on an empty stomach."

"Yes."

Raine and Ella bowed again, then turned and left the oppressive room.

Karen didn't follow them out; she waved, signaling Ryan and Ella to go back first.

He seemed to have stayed to catch up with his old friend.

As she stepped out of the tower, the biting winds of the North swept over her once more. Ella shivered, pulled her cloak tighter, and let out a long breath.

"Phew... that commander's aura is really intimidating."

Ella patted her chest, still seemingly a little shaken: "Even if he intentionally restrained his aura, standing in front of him, I felt like a rabbit being watched by a lion. Is this the oppressive feeling of a high-level knight who has mastered breathing techniques?"

Renn glanced back at the black tower: "However, what's even more terrifying is his strength. I can't even imagine what a knight of his caliber would do if they actually started fighting."

He touched the iron plaque in his pocket.

"Let's go to the quartermaster. We need to replenish our supplies, especially a large amount of dry rations."

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

The next two days were exceptionally busy for Rennes.

He used the token Roderick had given him at the quartermaster's office to exchange for a batch of supplies: some crossbow bolts and enough rations to feed twenty-two men for a week.

Then he went to see the soldiers belonging to the 22nd Patrol and met them.

On the eve of departure, Ryan finally resolved all the big and small matters and prepared to leave immediately the next morning.

At this moment, Raine was maintaining his longsword in his stone house.

"Thump, thump."

There was a knock on the door.

Ryan got up and opened the door.

Valen stood outside the door, carrying two bottles of wine and a bag of still-steaming roast meat.

The wind and snow fell on his armor and quickly melted into water droplets.

"I knew you guys weren't asleep yet."

Valen didn't stand on ceremony; after entering the house, he shook off the snow and placed the things on the table.

"Come and see our new patrol captain. And just a heads-up."

"Knight Valen," Ryan said, closing the door. "Coming over so late, not just to deliver bar drinks?"

"certainly."

Warren uncorked the bottle and poured a glass for Ryan.

"This isn't just alcohol. In the Northern Fortress, it's called a warming soup. It's actually a strong liquor brewed with firethorn. Have a sip before you set off tomorrow, and it'll keep your hearts beating even when you're freezing out there."

Valen took a big gulp first, exhaled a breath of hot air, and his face became a little rosier.

He then pulled up a chair and sat down, his expression becoming somewhat serious.

"Listen, Renn. As a young knight of the Northern Knights, I naturally have similar patrol missions to yours. Let me share my experience with you."

Valen took a map out of his pocket and laid it flat on the table.

"Although the guild leader told you to look at the map, let me tell you, don't trust this stuff too much."

"Why?" Upon hearing this, Renn couldn't help but ask curiously.

"Because snow is alive." Valen's voice was low:

"In the North, a blizzard can alter the terrain. Safe routes marked on a map can be turned into dead ends overnight by snow accumulation. And cliffs that were once flat ground may appear as snowdrifts extending outwards, but one step on them could send you tumbling into an abyss."

He stretched out his rough fingers and drew a circle on the table.

"Remember the first rule: use your feet to find your way, not your eyes. Let the soldiers go first; they've done many patrols and know how to distinguish between what's real and what's not.

Renn nodded and took notes carefully.

"The second point," Valen held up two fingers, "is about those soldiers."

He looked into Raine's eyes. "I know which squad Roderick gave you those twenty men to be from. It's the Hammer Squad. They're tough guys who can carry out such arduous patrols for so long. They're obedient, but deep down they're quite proud. You're a newcomer. Even if you have the token, if they're really in danger, their first reaction will be to trust their own judgment on the spot, not to follow your orders."

"Then what should I do?" Ryan asked.

"Don't try to be a hero, and don't put on airs," Valen smiled. "Give them enough respect. As long as you treat them like brothers, these soldiers will naturally be willing to risk their lives for you."

"at last……"

Valen's expression turned somewhat serious.

"About that magic beacon tower."

"The commander said to light the beacon if we encounter danger."

"But that's pure nonsense. However, there's a very important issue," Valen retorted bluntly. "The beacon tower's activation device needs time to warm up, about five minutes. On the battlefield, five minutes is enough for you to die ten times over. Moreover, once the beacon is lit, the magical fluctuations will not only attract reinforcements but will also be like lighting a torch in the darkness, drawing in all the monsters within a ten-mile radius."

"Therefore, the beacon tower will not be lit unless absolutely necessary, such as when a truly dire situation arises."

After finishing his speech in one breath, Warren took another swig of wine.

"That's what I wanted to say. It's all just cheap experience, but it can save your life outside."

The room fell silent.

Looking at the sincere-looking knight in front of him, Renn silently memorized everything he said.

"Thank you." Ryan raised his glass. "These experiences are worth at least a thousand gold coins."

"Come on, stop getting so sentimental." Valen waved his hand, then stood up to say goodbye to Rein. "Get some rest. Meet at the North Gate first thing tomorrow morning. I'll be watching you set off from the city wall."

Having said all this, he didn't linger there. He put his cloak back on, pushed open the door, and stepped into the snowstorm.