Translator: CinderTL
Overwhelming fatigue made Roland's steps falter.
By the time he returned home, the night was already deep.
He hurriedly ate something, washed up briefly, and collapsed into bed, falling into a deep slumber.
Perhaps due to the effects of the Knight's Breathing Technique, Roland woke the next morning feeling not only refreshed but also invigorated, his spirit sharper than ever before.
He took a deep breath and ran the Knight's Breathing Technique through his system once more. Confirming that the flow of Battle Qi within him felt scorching rather than the icy chill Graham had described, he pushed open his bedroom door and entered the kitchen.
The stove fire quickly blazed to life, and before long, a simple yet hearty breakfast was prepared.
Knowing Bronson had been engrossed in his research lately, Roland set aside a portion to deliver to him later.
Then, he went to wake Galvis.
As for Theresa, the diligent young woman had already rushed to the Adventurer's Guild early that morning to gather intelligence.
Watching the bard devour his meal while repeatedly giving him a thumbs-up, Roland paused thoughtfully before speaking slowly.
"Galvis, how deep is your understanding of Transcendent Professional Knights?"
"Huh?"
Hearing this question, which Roland had practically worn out with repetition, Galvis struggled to swallow his mouthful of food and replied helplessly, "Roland, I've already told you everything I know about that. After all, I'm not a knight, so I can't answer more profound questions, let alone give you any advice on cultivating the breathing technique..."
"I understand," Roland said, chewing his food before continuing, "I just wanted to ask... do you know what most knights experience when cultivating the breathing technique, specifically their Qi Sensation—their perception of Battle Qi?"
"Hmm..." Galvis frowned, trying to recall. "During my travels across the continent, I did interact with a few knights and discussed this topic. According to them..."
The bard's fingers unconsciously plucked at the strings of his lute.
"The sensation of Battle Qi flowing through the body is like water—sometimes gentle, sometimes surging, but always carrying a unique... chilling quality."
"Is that so..." Hearing this predictable answer, Roland took a deep breath.
After a moment of silence, he subtly changed the subject.
"Galvis, after traveling the continent for so many years, you must have heard countless strange tales. I once read adventure novels about mortals being granted Dragon Blood. Has such a thing... ever happened in reality?"
"A giant dragon granting Dragon Blood to a mortal?"
Galvis, engrossed in a topic of personal interest, failed to notice Roland's awkward transition. He simply waved his hand dismissively, a mocking smile spreading across his face.
"Roland, don't forget that every story originates from reality. Legends like this, utterly devoid of logic and lacking any basis in reality, could only be concocted by third-rate bards!"
"What arrogant beings are the dragon race? Mortals are no more than ants in their eyes. Unless there were extraordinary circumstances, why would they ever bestow their blood upon a mortal? Moreover..."
Galvis scoffed disdainfully.
"Remember what I told you about sorcerers?"
"Their twisted appearances are the consequences of their bodies being unable to withstand the fusion with draconic bloodlines. So even if a mortal were truly granted Dragon Blood, barring some miraculous exception, there would only be one inevitable outcome..."
The bard raised a finger, his tone casual yet resolute.
"That's what happens when Dragon Blood corrupts over time, ultimately reducing them to mindless husks or outright monsters!"
His words hung in the air, followed by a brief silence.
"Ahem..."
Noticing the grave expression on Roland's face, the bard cleared his throat and asked, puzzled, "What's wrong, Roland?"
"Nothing," Roland replied, shaking his head slightly as he quickly composed himself.
"Then tell me, Galvis, are there no examples of successful bloodline fusions in this world?"
"Of course there are! Quite a few, in fact!"
This topic clearly struck a chord with Galvis, who began strumming his lute and recounting tales as if narrating a legendary saga.
"Take the Naga, for instance. They have a natural affinity for fishman bloodlines."
"And the elves—they share a similar affinity for the bloodlines of natural creatures. Ancient texts even record that some elves deliberately introduced animal bloodlines into themselves to enhance their strength, leading to the evolution of the Druid as a transcendent professional."
"And then there's the dragon race bloodline you mentioned..."
The music grew increasingly impassioned as Galvis became more engrossed, even standing up and placing one foot on a wooden chair.
"Legend has it that the Dwarven Kingdom of the Northern Lands, devout worshippers of the dragon race, received a divine gift from the dragons in ancient times. Many dwarves awakened the dragon bloodline within them."
"Their forging techniques advanced by leaps and bounds, allowing them to create self-operating machines powered by magic elements. Of course..."
The music softened, and the bard smacked his lips, clearly wanting more.
"These are merely tales from ancient texts. In the present world, I've never encountered any species capable of perfectly integrating a bloodline foreign to their own..."
Hearing these words, Roland fell into deep thought.
"The Dwarven Kingdom of the Northern Lands..."
Though the drop of blood bestowed by the giant dragon had yet to trigger any noticeable transformations, this didn't mean it could be ignored.
Galvis's clue, though centuries old, was currently the only information Roland had obtained about mortals being granted Dragon Blood.
"Perhaps... I should explore the Dwarven Kingdom in the Northern Lands..."
As he pondered this, Galvis had already sat back down, stuffing the remaining food from his plate into his mouth as he asked, "By the way, Roland, why are you suddenly asking about all this?"
"Just curious," Roland replied dismissively, then immediately asked, "How's the preparation for our journey going?"
"Everything's ready."
The bard slumped dejectedly onto the table, thinking about how he'd have to travel with Avril for an extended period.
"Roland, do I really have to go? I have no combat skills and can't help against demonic beasts..."
"There's no room for negotiation, unless..." Roland remained unmoved.
He didn't yet have a precise assessment of Galvis's true strength. But the bard's ability to disrupt the fishman attack with his harp music on the ship alone was enough to justify including him in the adventure party. This crowd control ability was nearly equivalent to the Juggler's Dazzling Charm trait, and might even surpass it.
Roland could clearly sense that the bard's abilities had a wider range and more varied effects.
With this in mind, Roland continued, "Unless you can convince Avril."
"Then forget it..."
Hearing Avril's name, Galvis instinctively shuddered.
Just then, a clear, bright voice called from outside the courtyard, "Roland! We're back!"
Before the words had even finished echoing, Avril's lithe figure appeared beside the wooden table.
Theresa followed close behind, her expression as impassive as ever. Only when she saw Roland did a faint, almost imperceptible flicker cross her calm eyes.
"Mr. Roland," Theresa said gracefully as she settled into the wooden chair beside him. After accepting her utensils, she began to eat the food on the table quickly and efficiently while speaking clearly.
"Miss Avril and I have gathered information and carefully selected suitable commissions. If everything is ready, we can depart tomorrow morning."
(End of the Chapter)
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