Translator: CinderTL
"Mr. Roland..."
After half a month of interaction, the halfling, though still occasionally shy and reserved, had grown more comfortable expressing his thoughts openly.
"Thank you for your guidance today."
"You're welcome, Hoby. I think..."
Hearing his words, Roland stood up, brushing the dust off his trousers with a gentle smile.
"After all this time, we should consider ourselves friends, right? No need to be so formal..."
"Y-yes!"
Hoby's face immediately lit up with joy.
In their short time together, the intelligent halfling had formed a clear assessment of Roland's strength.
In his eyes, even many instructors at the Knight Academy couldn't match the gentle young man before him in sheer power.
Thus, gaining the recognition of such a formidable individual, even becoming his friend, filled Hoby's self-conscious heart with immense happiness.
"However, Hoby," Roland continued.
Like Hoby, Roland had come to know the little halfling better during their time together.
Humble, polite, and never impatient or complaining, Hoby persevered daily despite his naturally frail physique, diligently honing his combat skills under Roland's guidance. His rapid progress was truly astonishing.
Roland greatly admired Hoby's intelligence and perseverance.
"There's something I need to tell you."
"Please, Mr. Roland," Hoby replied, his expression immediately becoming serious.
"Don't be nervous..." Roland gently patted his shoulder. "I probably won't be coming to the training grounds to practice anymore."
Since he had already maxed out the three new skills he had mastered, there was no need for him to come here every afternoon. The time saved could be devoted to other areas that would improve his strength.
Although he and Hoby had become good friends, Roland couldn't afford to slow down his progress toward becoming stronger.
As for nautical knowledge, with Hoby's patient guidance and the help of his [Focus] trait, Roland had already mastered most of it. He hadn't yet awakened any related skills, but he suspected this was due to a lack of practical experience. He would simply need to find opportunities to practice later.
"Is... is that so?" Hoby asked, his head drooping and his face etched with disappointment.
Through their time together, Roland's kind demeanor had unknowingly fostered a dependence in the introverted Hoby. Coupled with his unusual physique, he wasn't particularly popular among the other students at the Knight Academy. That made him cherish the afternoons he spent with Roland at the training grounds even more.
Upon hearing the news, a wave of sadness and disappointment inevitably washed over the halfling.
"Hahahaha..."
Seeing the little fellow's crestfallen expression, Roland couldn't help but burst into laughter. He reached out and ruffled Hoby's messy brown hair.
"Like I said earlier, Hoby, we're friends now. If you ever have any problems, feel free to come to my place."
"As for where I live, you should know by now, right?"
Since Hoby's parents had passed away long ago and his older brother was often away at sea, Roland had frequently invited him over for meals.
"R-really? Can I really?"
The sadness vanished from Hoby's face in an instant.
Seeing Roland nod affirmatively, he threw his arms wide and cheered, his eyes lighting up.
But then, realizing his behavior was a bit too enthusiastic, he quickly straightened up.
"Thank you, Mr. Roland."
"I told you, no need to be so formal..."
Roland flicked Hoby's forehead lightly with his finger and glanced at the darkening twilight sky.
"Let's call it a day for training. Want to come back with me for dinner?"
"Not today, Mr. Roland."
Hoby scratched his head, seemingly worried that his refusal might be misunderstood. He quickly explained, "My older brother is coming home tomorrow, so I need to go back and tidy up the house..."
"Oh, right!"
He looked up again, his voice hesitant as he asked, "Mr. Roland, I... I have a favor to ask."
"My big brother is coming back tomorrow, so I need to go home and tidy up the house... Oh, right!"
At this point, Hoby looked up, his voice hesitant as he asked, "Mr. Roland, do you have time tomorrow afternoon?"
"I should, little one. What's up?"
"I... I'd like to treat you to a meal to thank you for taking care of me these past few days, and... and..."
Hoby tilted his head back, his eyes shining brightly. "My big brother wants to meet you too."
Roland raised an eyebrow at Hoby's words. He had long been curious about this "big brother" Hoby spoke of, and he did indeed have free time tomorrow afternoon. After a moment's thought, he nodded in agreement.
The two chatted briefly before parting ways.
Back home, Roland prepared a lavish dinner as usual. Seeing his Basic Cooking skill nearing its maximum level, a hint of anticipation stirred within him.
"Once Basic Cooking reaches its peak, the resulting job will undoubtedly be Chef. But I wonder what special abilities this job will grant, and what additional benefits it will provide when resonating with other basic classes..."
After dinner, Roland returned to his room and, as usual, immersed himself in ancient texts to improve his experience in Basic Magic Theory. He then practiced the Knight's Breathing Technique several more times before washing up and collapsing onto his soft bed.
"Once I can use the Knight's Breathing Technique fluently during daily training, I can consider hunting demonic beasts!"
"If everything goes smoothly, the only requirement left to become an Apprentice Knight will be 'organizing a team to defeat a powerful enemy.' But who should I choose as teammates?"
Over the past few days, Roland had already invited Galvis and Avril to join him in clearing out demonic beasts.
Avril, a provisional member of the Shadow Veil Organization, had few duties and readily agreed.
As for Galvis...
The bard had initially protested that combat would mar the beauty of poetry and that the stench of blood was unsuitable for an elegant poet.
But after Avril cleared her throat, he immediately changed his tune and readily accepted Roland's invitation.
Even so, they were still one member short of the minimum team size required to meet the Apprentice Knight qualification.
"Should I invite Hoby? But..."
As Roland thought of the halfling's small stature, a frown creased his brow.
He wasn't worried Hoby would refuse the invitation.
If he asked, the little halfling would likely agree enthusiastically.
The problem was...
Hoby's strength wasn't sufficient.
Even with his sharp mind and diligent training, his relatively frail halfling physique would likely struggle to withstand high-intensity combat until he mastered the Knight's Breathing Technique.
"Never mind..."
Roland shook his head, temporarily abandoning the idea.
"If all else fails, I'll talk to Nielsen. Maybe he can spare me some helpers with extraordinary abilities. After all, clearing out the demonic beasts in the surrounding area benefits all the River Domain Nations. He shouldn't refuse..."
His thoughts drifted, and the fatigue of the day washed over him.
Roland's consciousness slowly sank into darkness, eventually drifting into slumber.
The next morning, Roland followed his usual routine, heading to the Blacksmith's Guild to accept a commission and hone his Basic Forging Technique.
He returned home just before noon, right on schedule.
As he entered the courtyard, he saw Galvis animatedly recounting his adventures across the continent. His exaggerated gestures and vivid storytelling had captivated the halfling Hoby, who sat across from him, completely absorbed.
(End of the Chapter)
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