Please be my partner.

After the Golden Retriever returned to the Fairy Tale Kingdom, Mellen looked at the entrance and said to Spike, "Dog, we still have to take the test of the Twilight Knights seriously, so I won't take action unless it's absolutely necessary."

Spike glanced at the boy with disdain.

But it's also true that the path tests are basically prepared for Branded Knights above the second level. With Spike's current strength even exceeding the level of the kingdom's pillars, theoretically there is no possibility of failure.

Mellen smiled slightly, and the man and the dog entered the path.

The Knights of Dusk said they were deep in the Sunset Mountains, but in fact, if you follow the trail, it is only about forty or fifty kilometers away.

The so-called path is not a clear route. It can only be said that it is a road composed of several rugged mountain roads.

If you leave these mountain roads halfway, not only will the danger become uncontrollable, but it will also be easy to get lost in the Sunset Mountains.

Soon, Mellen and his team encountered the first obstacle, which was a huge crack that was thirty meters wide, and the end of the crack could not be seen on either side.

The area below the crack was extremely deep and there was a thin layer of mist, making it impossible to see the specific situation inside. However, the occasional roars of beasts indicated that it was not a good place.

There are roughly three ways to get through the rift...

One is to move forward along any side of the crack.

Mellen had noticed that the thirty meters in front of them was the widest part of the crack, and it was gradually narrowing on both sides. If they walked to the sides, they didn't need to go to the end of the crack, they just had to find a width that was wide enough to jump over.

This method seems simple, but it requires a detour of more than ten kilometers. If there are other troubles in the process, it is not worth it.

The second is to go down to the bottom of the rift and then climb up from the other side.

This method is not difficult, because there are many bumps and depressions on the cracked rock wall that can be used as leverage points. Even if you have not done special climbing training, it is easy to do this with your extraordinary physique.

Unfortunately, the situation beneath the crack is unclear, and the danger of this method is unknown.

The third is to use supernatural powers.

Don't forget that the Branded Knight of the Earth School needs to master the ability of [Control of Earth Element].

The first-level [Control of Earth Element] is naturally not good enough, but after combining it into the second-level advanced ability [Heavy Mountains], it can continue to be strengthened and improved.

I think the third method should be the standard answer to the test set by the Dusk Knights.

Mellen didn't say anything, just looked at Spike quietly.

Spike didn't hesitate. He gathered the power of the earth on one of his front paws and slapped the ground.

The power of the earth spread out like waves, and a stone bridge gradually extended from the edge of the crack in front of them, connecting to the other side of the crack.

Spike calmly prepared to step across the bridge, but at this moment, a "crack" sound was heard, and cracks appeared in the center of the stone bridge. These cracks spread rapidly, and soon the entire stone bridge collapsed from the center outwards.

Not only was Spike stunned, but Mellen was also stunned for a moment, but he soon understood the reason and couldn't help laughing out loud.

The dog naturally didn't understand things like physics, mechanics, and arch bridge structures, but that didn't matter, because that wasn't what the Dusk Knights were testing.

In Mellen's opinion, this not only tests the participants' strength in [control of earth element], but also tests their ability to control the power of the earth.

Even a flat bridge with no mechanical structure can still be walked on easily after being woven and reinforced many times.

Spike was no stupid dog, so he figured this out quickly. He once again used the power of the earth to condense a stone bridge, and then reinforced it one after another.

After a moment, Spike looked at the heavy stone bridge that exuded a strong power of the earth, showing a look of satisfaction, and then stepped on it without hesitation to cross the crack.

Mellen naturally followed behind with a smile.

Not long after they left, the mist below the crack rose quietly and wrapped around the stone bridge. In just a moment, the power of the earth on the stone bridge was completely melted away, turning into rubble and falling into the crack.

Along the way, they encountered more difficulties, such as a cave entrance full of forks, where they needed to feel the pulse of the earth to find the right path; a stone lock connecting two high cliffs, where they needed to stabilize their body to avoid being blown down by the strong wind; and a rock giant blocking the road, where they needed to find its weakness and defeat it, making it unable to move for a short period of time.

These tests were naturally simple and easy for Spike, as if walking on flat ground.

At a certain moment on the way, Melen looked towards the top of a distant mountain as if he had sensed something, and then looked away.

On the top of a high mountain, two knights wearing khaki full body armor, surrounded by the rich power of the earth, almost blending into the environment, stood here.

One of them said, "Lance, is there something wrong with my eyes? The one taking the entrance test right now is... a dog?! And judging by its mastery of the power of the earth, it's a rare genius... a dog!"

The knight named Lance said, "Ged, perhaps it's not just your eyes that are having problems. What I saw is probably similar to what you saw."

Gad shook his head and said seriously, "Now is not the time to joke around. What do you think we should do?"

"Hmm..." Lance pondered for a moment and said, "Logically, our Twilight Knights only recruit humans. We have no precedent for recruiting aliens."

Gad nodded, then shook his head and said, "That's true, but this dog... Knight, it's the beastmaster's beast. A beastmaster with a contract, it should be considered one of us humans."

"And this combination reminds me of a novel I read before. A fledgling hunter contracted an animal companion, only to later discover that his animal companion was a wounded and amnesiac female legendary druid."

"Hehe! The early part of this story is a bit dull, the middle part is quite exciting, and the late part is very exciting."

Lance coughed lightly and said, "When you get back, lend me the book. I'm also interested in this kind of story."

Then he said seriously: "So, you think we should give them a chance?"

Gad said, "Of course!"

Lance pondered for a moment, then said with some embarrassment, "But you should also understand that our Earth School is not in a good position within the Knights. If it were a genius boy, we would naturally welcome him, but if it were a genius dog, I'm afraid..."

Lance sighed and said, "I don't mind letting a qualified dog join the Earth School, but if rumors spread like 'The Earth School has really declined, and a group of people are worse than a dog,' what do you think the other people in the school would think?"

Gad was silent.

Indeed, the addition of a genius dog would not make the Earth School feel that this was the dawn of the school. On the contrary, under the influence of public opinion, it might become a kind of irony. At that time, other people in the Earth School would probably naturally reject the former.

After a moment, Gad sighed and said, "It shouldn't be difficult for this knight dog to pass the initiation test. Let the leader make the decision when the time comes."

Then he smiled bitterly and said, "This might be a good thing. At least those guys from the Lava School won't come to steal...steal the dog."

Lance snorted and said, "That's not necessarily true. Those guys from the Lava School are capable of anything to suppress our Earth School."

Gad shook his head and said no more.

As the two of them stared at each other in silence, Lance suddenly exclaimed, staring intently at the test path, frowning and saying, "Gade, do you feel..."

After hearing Lance's hint, Gad realized something was wrong. His eyes widened instantly and he exclaimed, "No way?! Could it be..."

Ged immediately prepared to let Spike stop the entrance examination.

Lance stopped him, pondered for a moment, and said, "Don't worry, these are just some fish that slipped through the net. They shouldn't be a problem for the man and dog below. If we stop the test now, the dog knight may not have another chance to take the test."

Gad curled his lips, but did not refute. After all, there were quite a few conservatives in the Knights of Dusk. It would be fine if the Dog Knight completed the entry test and made it a fait accompli. But if the test was stopped now and those old guys were alarmed, there would be a high probability that those old guys would not give the Dog Knight another chance to take the test, and there was even a high possibility that the Dog Knight would be crippled from his career as a Branded Knight.

Gad said: "In this case, we must keep a close eye on it and make sure nothing unexpected happens."

Lance nodded, that's what he meant.

Mellen withdrew his gaze. He naturally noticed two people on the high mountain not far away who were watching them. Judging from the aura of the earth emanating from them, he guessed that these two people should be the supervisors used by the Dusk Knights to observe the assessors.

At this point, Spike had completed most of his path assessment and was not far from the headquarters of the Knights of Dusk.

Just when the man and the dog were preparing to make persistent efforts and break through the path test in one go.

They stopped at the same time and looked at the ground not far ahead. It suddenly became scorching hot. In just a few breaths, the gravel ground turned into a small pool of flowing lava, and a group of monsters rushed out of the lava pool.

These monsters were generally between 1.1 and 1.3 meters tall, with horns on their heads, protruding fangs in their mouths, dark red skin, and tattered animal skins. They held crude weapons in their hands, exuding a scorching heat and a faint smell of sulfur. They looked like the legendary...

"Little devil?!"

The little demons were still running around after rushing out of the lava pool, but when they saw Mellen and Spike, they immediately rushed over with cruel and bloodthirsty looks on their faces.

Spike's eyes were cold, and with a roar, he rushed into the group of first- and second-level demons and started killing them.

The little devil who had just rushed over excitedly saw his companion die so easily and immediately started to run away in fear.

But, it’s useless!

After a dozen breaths, Spike killed all the little demons.

Mellen frowned, feeling something was amiss. From what he could see so far, all the difficulties in the path test were designed to verify the testee's control over the power of the earth from various angles. In this case, the sudden appearance of this group of little demons seemed unreasonable.

More importantly, the spiritual energy he harvested from these little demons was too little, barely one percent of what it normally was.

The mechanism by which the wolf pendant generates spiritual energy is by absorbing the spirits and souls of deceased extraordinary lives.

At the moment of death, the souls and essences of these little demons seemed to be swept away by some invisible force. The speed was so fast that even the wolf-shaped pendant could only grab a little bit of it.

Combining his knowledge from past and present lives, Melen said to himself in confusion:

"Demon from the Abyss?!"

Leave request and summary of additional changes

I don't understand, we are holding a concert here, why do I, an environmental clerk who works in an office, have to stand guard for a whole day during my holiday? !!!

I worked from 3pm to 11pm yesterday and returned exhausted. I still have a lot of work to do today and I really can't code anymore. I'm sorry.

Due to a job change in June, my original writing plan became a mess, so I’m going to recalculate it now.

Only 10 of the originally planned 4 updates have been added, and 6 more are still owed. I owe 5 updates for the June monthly tickets, plus today's 1 update, for a total of 12 updates.

Alas, the debt is getting bigger and bigger. I have to pay it back as soon as possible.

Chapter 194: Space-Time Rift and Dawn Dog is also a kid!

Mellen turned his gaze to the depths of the Sunset Mountains, a smile slowly curled up at the corner of his mouth, and he felt that this trip was becoming more and more interesting.

Meren and Spike continued on their way across the lava pool that had begun to cool.

There were no more unexpected problems on the journey afterwards. After passing through a sandy and gravel fog, the view suddenly opened up and a gentle hillside appeared in front of us. On top of it was a continuous group of buildings. People wearing various styles of armor could be vaguely seen walking among them.

Melen turned his gaze and looked at the two people wearing khaki armor not far away. He sensed their aura slightly and confirmed that these were the two people who had observed them on the mountain before and were suspected to be supervisors.

Gad said in a low voice, "Congratulations, you have passed the entry test of the Twilight Knights. This means that you have officially become a candidate member of the Twilight Knights."

Melen asked doubtfully, "Just a reserve member?"

He really didn't understand. You know, those who can pass the path test are not necessarily ordinary people who have just entered the second level. Extraordinary professionals of this level are at least backbone roles in other forces. How can they be just reserve members here?

Lance said, "This is the rule of the Twilight Knights. To become a formal member, there are other requirements. You will find out in a moment."

Melen nodded thoughtfully and didn't ask any more questions.

The two men waved to Mellen, motioning them to follow, then turned and walked towards the building complex. Mellen and Spike naturally followed behind them.

Ged glanced at Spike and asked curiously, "Which kingdom are you from? Who is your mentor?"

Melen said, "Kingdom of Crowe. I once studied at the Kingdom's Mystical Academy and had the honor of meeting Master Heb."

Gad suddenly realized, "Heb, it turned out to be him."

Lance nodded and said, "No wonder. If it were those old... ahem... seniors, the old-fashioned guys who were taught by them wouldn't be able to teach races other than humans."

After the topic was opened, several people began to chat casually.

Just as they were approaching the building complex, three knights in dark red armor trotted toward them. Before they even got close, they heard the leader laugh loudly, "Hey, a new member of the Earth School? Congratulations!"

Ged and Lance's faces turned grim.

Lance said in a cold tone: "Ares, don't go too far!"

Ares approached, his smile still etched on his face as he said, "Lance, what are you talking about? I've been following the rules of the Order of Dusk. Newcomers deserve a chance to choose a new order. You're going to stop me?!"

Lance stared at Ares, but did not refute.

Ares curled his lips in disdain, ignoring the angry Lance and Gad. He looked at Mellen and said with a smile, "You are the newcomer to the Earth School, right? The Earth School has declined considerably now. There are only a few strong men who have even reached the third level, let alone those who have completed the root imprint. You might want to consider our Lava School. In terms of strength, our Lava School is more than ten times that of the Earth School today."

Melen showed a puzzled look and asked, "The marks engraved before were all from the Earth School. Can I still switch to this?"

Hearing Mellen's question, Ged and Lance's expressions became even gloomier.

Ares smiled and said, "Of course, the difference between the Lava School and the Earth School is not that big, so switching is quite simple, and..."

His tone became extremely proud, and he said, "The Lava School is superior to the Earth School, and it's enough to crush it in every aspect! Newcomer, how should I choose? I don't need to tell you more, right?"

"The Lava School is superior to the Earth School?!"

Melen's expression became confused, and he asked curiously, "Shouldn't lava be a branch of the earth? This is the most basic supernatural knowledge. Why is the lava school superior to the earth school? Is there another division among the branded knights?"

Ares didn't explain much, but waved his hand and said, "All you need to know is that Lava Knights of the same level crush Earth Knights in every way."

It was not until then that Ares had time to look at Melen carefully. Gradually, his expression became suspicious, because he did not detect any trace of the power of the earth on Melen. This scared him, and he thought he had met a genius who could perfectly control all his power and completely restrain his breath.

Ares said excitedly, "Little brother, you don't look that old. I wonder how old you were when you started training. How long did it take you to become a second-level branded knight?"

Melen smiled slightly and said, "Who said I was a branded knight?"

Ares was stunned. He glanced at Lance and Gad, who had transformed from raging rage into forced smiles. A bad premonition flashed through his mind, and his eyes unconsciously glanced at the dog he had been ignoring...?

It was then that Ares realized in shock that the dog was actually emitting a strong power of the earth.