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Andrew shook his head. "I thought I was going to die. Half of our group perished in that swamp. A griffin clawed my neck, almost piercing through. We found a large hollow tree in the swamp and hid inside for an entire day. The tree's narrow entrance prevented the griffins from using their aerial advantage. Eventually, the griffins left, and a rescue team from my family saved me just in time."

Andrew's face darkened as he paused. "My younger brother wasn't so lucky. He was clawed in the neck like me, but he wasn't as fortunate. His head was torn off on the spot."

Freyr felt a shock in his heart and quickly said in a low voice, "I'm sorry, Sir Andrew. I didn't know…"

"It's alright," Andrew replied, forcing a smile. "It happened a long time ago. And as knights sworn to serve our family, we are always prepared to sacrifice our lives."

Everyone couldn't help but feel a deep respect for Andrew. Even Calista cast a few more glances at the knight. But she soon raised a question. "Sir Andrew, Sir Peter, I have a question."

"What is it? Please go ahead, Sir Calista," Peter responded with respect for the honorary female knight.

Calista spoke slowly, "From what I know, Magical Creatures usually inhabit forests but rarely live in the continent's central regions. Magical Creatures need to replenish their magic, so they reside in places on the continent's edge, like the northern White Wood Forest or the southern Sunset Swamp. These areas are filled with magical plants, the raw materials for Potioners' magical potions. Or they live near special mineral deposits. However, Half-Edge Mountain is just an ordinary forest with common pine and maple trees and no special minerals. Don't you all find it strange that a Magical Creature suddenly appeared here?"

Peter and Andrew stopped in their tracks, faces growing serious. Even Wizard Ryan frowned in thought.

"Calista, are you knowledgeable about Magical Creatures?" Freyr asked.

"I've had many adventures and have joined mercenary groups to hunt Magical Creatures in the White Wood Forest," Calista explained. "So, I might be the most experienced here in dealing with them."

"You've been into the northern White Wood Forest?" Peter asked, surprised. To him, this female knight probably got her honorary title from the noble young master due to her beauty. He hadn't expected her to have such experience.

Andrew also showed surprise.

Calista spoke softly, "Yes, I've been there a few times."

"I don't know much about the habits of Magical Creatures," Andrew said seriously. "If what Sir Calista says is true, then we need to think carefully. The appearance of a Magical Creature here is indeed suspicious."

Peter remained silent, his expression subtly dismissive. Clearly, he didn't believe Calista's words. As an experienced knight, Peter could gauge her skills and concluded they weren't remarkable. He thought she probably gained the noble young master's favor due to her pretty face and long legs.

Entering the northern White Wood Forest? And multiple times? What nonsense!

The search went on for an entire afternoon, but the team found nothing, not even a trace or droppings of a Magical Creature. The other two search teams reported no findings either.

Seeing the sunset, Sir Peter suggested they rest for a while and then return to the city while it was still light, planning to resume the search the next morning. This decision was made reluctantly because of Freyr's presence. Without the noble young master, Peter would have continued the search through the night. But with such a delicate individual in the team, Peter had to prioritize safety, as searching for a Magical Creature on the mountain at night would be significantly more dangerous.

During the break, Andrew set up a perimeter guard, while Peter sent two archers up into nearby trees to keep watch.

"Calista," Freyr called out as she was about to adjust the saddle on her horse.

"What is your command, master?" she responded.

"I believe you," Freyr said softly, causing Calista to start. She turned to look at him.

Freyr was toying with a wildflower, a relaxed smile on his face. "I know Sir Peter doesn't believe you. He thinks you're boasting."

Calista gave a bitter smile. Boasting? More likely he thinks I'm a lowly woman who earned her knighthood by trading her beauty and body.

Not just Peter, Calista thought, but probably most of the Russell family's soldiers see me that way too.

"I believe you," Freyr repeated softly. He stepped closer, noticing the bitter expression on Calista's face. He smiled, "I happen to know you're a descendant of the Moon tribe. And as it happens, I read in an ancient book that Moon tribe people possess a unique ability. If that book was accurate… then I believe entering the White Wood Forest wouldn't be difficult for you. Even encountering a horde of Magical Creatures wouldn't pose much danger to you."

Calista was even more shocked and blurted out, "You… you know about that?"

"Books," Freyr said with a smile. "Books are the source of human knowledge. Reading more always brings benefits."

He walked up to Calista, gently patted her shoulder, and said with a smile, "My lady knight, we must strive hard. Otherwise, we will be looked down upon. For instance, didn't you notice today? They all see me as a burden. And you, as my first honorary knight, must strive to make a mark."

Calista looked closely at the young master, and his words warmed her heart. Yes! They all think I'm just a woman who used her body to climb up. But the one who truly respects and trusts me is this young master!