The next morning, after last night's "chicken soup" baptism, there was a noticeable change in the knights' mood.
They were no longer just mechanically carrying out tasks; their movements were quicker, and there was a hint of fighting spirit in their eyes.
Some began actively checking equipment, some discussed the situation in the North, and some even started thinking about how to defend the camp.
Although Vaerik's promises seemed so distant.
But compared to numbly waiting for death, having a goal to chase was much better.
Of course, Vaerik knew that a passionate speech alone couldn't completely change their mindset.
Without tangible benefits, morale would quickly dissipate again.
He needed to immediately provide real interests to let these knights see genuine hope.
...
Above the ice river, the cold wind was biting.
The knights looked at the thick ice layer beneath their feet, exchanging puzzled glances.
"Can we really catch fish here?" someone muttered.
"The lord said so, let's give it a try." Lambert was the first to swing his hammer, smashing it down hard on the ice.
Many knights secretly laughed.
Did he really think they could just find any river, break open a crack, and catch fish?
This lord was still too naive.
But no one dared to disobey Vaerik's orders, so the knights followed his instructions, swinging their weapons and starting to break the ice.
Thud! Thud! Thud!
Before long, a long crack appeared, and dark, cold river water surged out.
A large net was slowly lowered into the water, and everyone held their breath, staring at the crack.
Suddenly, the net rope tightened!
"Pull!"
The next second, silver light flashed, and a Northern Crystal Cod was pulled out of the water, struggling vigorously on the ice!
"My God, there really are fish!"
"Quick, catch them! Don't let them escape!"
The knights all joined in, excitedly wielding their fishing nets.
Time after time, they lowered and raised, catching silver-white Northern Crystal Cod after cod, their scales reflecting dazzling light in the morning sun.
They counted—twelve in total!
At this moment, a knowledgeable knight excitedly shouted: "These are Northern Crystal Cod! A rare delicacy found only in extremely cold regions! Their bones can purify bloodlines and enhance strength!"
Hearing this, the knights' breathing immediately became rapid.
They understood very well what blood purification meant—it represented not only an immediate increase in strength but also an increase in future potential for knights.
Such treasures were so rare that even nobles might only eat them a few times in their lifetime.
If they could have just a taste...
And while they were immersed in fantasy, they heard Vaerik casually saying: "Half of these fish will be distributed to you, to make fish soup later."
That short sentence exploded like thunder among the knights.
This was something they wouldn't dare dream of!
When had these knights, exiled to the North, ever received such a blessing?!
The knights erupted!
"My Lord, are you serious?!" A knight raised his head abruptly, his voice trembling with excitement.
"This... these are Northern Crystal Cod! Those nobles in the South might not eat them more than a few times in their entire lives!"
"Long live Lord Vaerik!!"
...
Excitement, shock, and disbelief—all emotions intertwined and finally transformed into cheers of praise.
Soon, a large pot was set over the campfire, and the boiling fish soup bubbled, emitting a rich, savory aroma.
After being stewed, the fish soup appeared faintly silver-white, as if light dots were flowing in the soup, like a gift from heaven.
When the soup was thickened, it was ladled into bowls and handed to the knights.
"Can we really drink it?" A knight held the wooden bowl, his hands trembling, not from fear but from disbelief.
"Stop the nonsense, drink quickly!" Vaerik raised his own bowl and drank without hesitation.
As the soup slid down his throat, energy rapidly spread from his stomach to his limbs, an invisible warm current washing away impurities in his blood.
Seeing this, the other knights eagerly raised their wooden bowls and gulped down the fish soup.
The moment the hot liquid entered their throats, their movements froze for an instant, as if something was awakening within them.
The next moment, they all sat cross-legged, closed their eyes, quickly activating their breathing techniques, greedily absorbing this indescribable energy, fearing to waste even the slightest bit.
Some trembled slightly, feeling the sensation of their bloodlines being cleansed, a lightness they had never experienced before spreading throughout their bodies.
Others gritted their teeth, enduring the burning heat churning inside, as if their bones and blood were undergoing some kind of restructuring.
The camp was silent, with only the steady sound of breathing rising and falling, converging into a kind of formless resonance.
Suddenly, an exclamation broke the silence.
"My... my body..." A young knight apprentice widened his eyes, with a strange light appearing in the depths of his pupils.
Boom!
A faint silver light emanated from him, causing all knights to freeze before their pupils suddenly contracted.
"The aura of a formal knight! He... he's advanced!"
Before the words fell, another knight apprentice trembled violently, with a faint light also emanating from his body, also breaking through to the next level!
Dead silence, followed by an eruption of clamor!
"Incredible! This is truly incredible!"
"Just one bowl of fish soup, and they can break through directly?!"
The knights' gazes toward Vaerik completely changed.
Just a few hours ago, they were still doubting whether this useless lord, exiled to the North, had any qualifications to lead them.
Were his promises reliable? Was the dawn he spoke of merely an illusion?
But now, all doubts had already transformed into boundless reverence.
They witnessed with their own eyes two knight apprentices breaking through and advancing to become formal knights in a short time.
Such a thing would require long cultivation and massive resource accumulation in Southern noble territories, but here, it was just a bowl of fish soup.
Even the knights who didn't directly advance had significantly increased their strength.
This was unbelievable, making one wonder if it was an illusion.
And all this came simply from Vaerik's casual pointing, obtaining such precious treasures.
They certainly didn't know about the intelligence system's existence, only feeling that Vaerik was divinely blessed!
And what amazed them most was that Lord Vaerik generously shared these Northern Crystal Cod with them!
These items, which even nobles couldn't enjoy, Vaerik so easily shared with them!
At this moment, all knights were profoundly grateful to Vaerik, and no one questioned his promises from last night anymore.
All doubts had been cast aside; now they shared a common goal—to unite behind Vaerik and welcome their bright future!
"Long live Lord Vaerik! Long live Lord Vaerik!" The knights shouted in unison, their excited voices echoing across the ice and snow of the Northern lands.
Lord Vaerik's kindness is beyond repayment!