After the first round of the knockout stage in the Knight's Altar tournament, the second round was scheduled for three days later. Out of eight thousand participants, only half remained to advance to the next elimination phase. During this break, the contenders were free to train and gather information on their upcoming opponents.
"Robb, are we heading to Patisia?" Vuuxi asked on a cold morning in Lumindale. A thick fog still clung low between the trees, shrouding the city in a dense white veil.
"Vuuxi, I'm still struggling to adapt to Smokeland's bone-chilling air. If I don't keep moving and training, I might freeze to death. I need a change of pace," Robb replied, rubbing his hands together for warmth.
Smokeland was the complete opposite of Rehobot, the desert land of the Grifindors where he had stayed—scorched under the blazing sun. The transition from searing heat to piercing cold had left his body in constant discomfort.
"Alright then. I'll ask for Mother's permission in Aeternum Vale. Brisena already gave me your victory prize—three Wit coins," said Vuuxi, referring to the most valuable currency in the Whiteheaven Empire.
"Then I'll come with you to see Mother," Robb answered resolutely.
They mounted their horses and left Lumindale for Aeternum Vale. Vuuxi rode his majestic steed, Snowfire, which made Robb a bit envious. But he kept it to himself, silently determined to finally buy his own horse instead of constantly borrowing from the knights or assassins under Veynor Lauxi's command.
When they arrived at Mother Zeeva's residence, they were greeted warmly.
"You're here already, my children?" Mother Zeeva greeted them with a gentle smile.
"Mother, how are you?" Robb asked, embracing her with heartfelt warmth.
Vuuxi simply nodded respectfully, maintaining his usual distance. Since childhood, he had always treated his foster mother formally, owing to his role as her personal guardian.
Mother Zeeva looked at him softly. "Come here, dear. Why are you still so distant with me?"
Vuuxi hesitated before finally stepping forward to return her embrace. Something stirred warmly inside him, though he didn't say it out loud.
"You may be knights now, and one day even kings or nobles, but to me, you'll always be my little ones that I'll forever worry about," Mother Zeeva said, stroking Vuuxi's hair.
Robb just grinned at the sight. Since they were young, he and Rogg had always been the first to hug their mother every time they returned home—and that tradition had stayed with them into adulthood.
"Mother, we're planning to go to Patisia. We're here to ask for your permission," Vuuxi finally said.
Mother Zeeva smiled. "Thank you for asking. But my children, you're adults now. If the situation demands it, you're free to decide where you need to go—especially you, Vuuxi."
"But Mother—" Vuuxi began, only to be gently interrupted.
"I know you respect me, my son. But I trust you too, just as I trust all my children," she said, caressing Vuuxi's head lovingly.
Vuuxi nodded. "Alright, Mother."
"Oh, by the way, Mother, I didn't see Brother Rogg. Where is he?" Robb asked.
"He left for Larfex with Brisena this morning."
"And what about Yara and Rex? My dear nephew?"
Mother Zeeva smiled. "Your brother Rogg has his own family now. I gave them a house in Lumindale so they could live independently. I ask Yara and Rex to visit every two days. I don't want them burdened by my life here in Aeternum Vale."
"What? You gave them a house? Why didn't I get to move in with them? Instead, I'm stuck living with that old man, Veynor Lauxi," Robb half-joked.
"You'll understand the meaning of a nuclear family one day, my son," Mother Zeeva said, smiling as she handed him a Kronos badge—the mark of a first-rank noble, granting freedom to travel across all regions of Whiteheaven, even into the royal palace.
"But Mother, we'd rather walk as common people," Vuuxi objected.
"You can keep it, just in case something happens," she replied wisely.
After receiving an additional three Wit coins from Mother Zeeva, the two set off for Patisia.
"Vuuxi, show me the best place to buy a horse," Robb said suddenly.
Vuuxi turned to him with a raised brow. "Huh? That's so sudden."
"I think it's time I had my own horse. I want the best."
"I know just the place—but it's far. It's in the eastern hills of Patisia."
"Then let's go there."
Robb dismounted and handed the reins of his horse to the first gatekeeper of Thalvion.
"Please return this horse to Lord Veynor Lauxi. Tell him it's gotten too old and should be released back to the wild," Robb said casually.
The guards looked stunned. They hadn't expected Robb to be connected to Veynor Lauxi—a highly revered elder among the knights.
"Y-Yes, sir," they replied, clearly confused.
Meanwhile, Vuuxi simply observed from a distance, quietly studying the guards' expressions.
As they passed through Thalvion's second gate, Robb was awestruck by its grandeur. Hundreds of Doliex knights stood guard, fully armored and prepared to strike down anyone deemed suspicious.
From a distance, a few of the knights chuckled, amused by the sight of two grown men riding a single horse. But the closer Robb and Vuuxi got, the laughter faded. Eyes widened as they recognized the horse—Snowfire, the white steed marked with crimson flame patterns, a horse known to belong to only one person: Vuuxi.
In an instant, the atmosphere shifted. Every knight bowed with deep respect as they passed.
"They just let us through like that?" Robb asked, eyebrows raised.
"They know who we are," Vuuxi replied curtly.
"You really are something, little brother," Robb said with a grin.
Vuuxi scoffed in annoyance, which only made Robb laugh harder.
They rode on until they arrived in Patisia by late afternoon.
From a hilltop, Vuuxi and Robb sat watching the vast savannah below, where thousands of wild horses galloped freely across the plains.
"Pick one," Vuuxi said calmly.
"Those are wild horses! I need a horse that's already trained, Vuuxi," Robb protested, clearly frustrated.
"A true horse bonds with its rider. It won't take long—if the horse chooses you in return," Vuuxi replied.
"I'm going for that golden one," Robb declared, pointing.
Vuuxi turned to him, serious. "You sure? That golden stallion is one of the most difficult to tame. If that's really your choice, go now—before the sun sets."
Robb blinked. "Chase it? From all the way up here?"
"Yes. If you want a steed that will be truly yours, you'll have to catch it—and earn its telepathy," Vuuxi explained.
Without hesitation, Robb descended into the wide-open grasslands. Though surrounded by thousands of muscular, powerful horses, his eyes were locked onto just one—the golden stallion he'd set his heart on.
The closer Robb got, the more restless the herd became. Hooves thundered and tails whipped the air. Then, when only ten meters separated him from the golden stallion, their eyes locked. Suddenly, the horse charged—bolting straight at him with fierce intent.
Robb twisted his body, leapt into the air, grabbed its flowing mane, and with one swift motion, landed squarely on its back. The stallion neighed violently, bucking and galloping wildly across the plain, rearing on its hind legs and stomping the earth with power.
Its relentless cries and storm-like energy spoke volumes—the stallion had found its rider.
The sleek, majestic creature moved like a tempest, and Robb, riding bareback with effortless control, looked as though he and the horse were one.
Vuuxi approached, visibly impressed by what he'd just witnessed.
"Beyond expectations. You always manage to pull off something impossible to ignore, Robb," Vuuxi said, admiration in his voice.
"Let's go. We need to head to Damerius' estate and get you a proper saddle," he added.
"I've already named him," Robb said with pride. "Goldstrom. The Golden Storm."