In stark contrast to the perpetually gloomy weather of the Black Water Territory, the River Domain benefited from its unique geography, basking in brilliant sunshine year-round.

The azure sea was like a flowing canvas, its surface shimmering under the blazing sun.

The only drawback was the overly enthusiastic sun, which always felt a bit scorching.

Countless fishing boats crisscrossed the sea’s surface. Fishermen in their small skiffs worked diligently amidst the rippling turquoise waves, painting a picture of prosperity.

"Did you hear? Lord Marston is holding a grand banquet at his residence today. I hear he’s hosting some big shot..."

As the fishermen hauled in their nets, they found themselves chatting about the rumors in town.

The net ropes slid through their rough palms, carrying the briny scent of the sea.

"So, who do you think... this big shot is? To make Lord Marston host him personally?"

"What’s the use in worrying about that?"

A nearby fisherman pursed his lips, his fingers nimbly plucking a struggling fish from the mesh of the net.

"Haven’t you heard? The Wolf King’s crew is getting more and more brazen. First, they were robbing merchant caravans, and now they even dare to hijack ships at sea..."

He slammed the fish into a bucket, and the resulting splash soaked his pant cuffs.

"I’d advise you to worry less about some nobleman’s banquet. Saving up to change professions is the smart thing to do. Otherwise, you might get caught by the Wolf King’s men one day and end up at the bottom of the sea feeding the fish, boat and all!"

"I was just..."

The rebuked fisherman was about to offer a sheepish defense when he was cut off by a soft sound.

THUD!

Everyone followed the sound and saw an old fishing boat moored by the harbor.

A young man in a wide-brimmed felt hat was bent over, tying a mooring rope.

Compared to the other fishermen’s bronze skin, his fair, almost translucent complexion seemed out of place.

"Hey! Roland!"

The fisherman who had spoken earlier called out in a loud voice, trying to diffuse the awkwardness.

"Good haul today!"

"Not bad, Uncle Sam."

Roland smiled and lifted his net. The heavy catch immediately drew gasps of admiration.

The surrounding fishermen exchanged glances.

Just a week ago, this young man had been a novice who couldn’t even tie a sailing knot properly, always pestering them with questions about tides and fishing seasons.

But in the blink of an eye, he was catching more fish than some of the old-timers.

"Some people are just born for this line of work..."

Someone in the crowd muttered, causing everyone to nod in agreement.

Roland responded to the fishermen’s praise with a smile, politely turned down a few fishmongers who had gathered around, and headed home with his heavy catch.

Pushing open the creaking door to his house, he went straight to the kitchen.

Soon, a wisp of blue smoke curled up from the stone chimney, carrying the aroma of frying fish into the afternoon sun.

Relying on the ocean’s bounty, the residents of the River Domain had long since perfected the art of cooking seafood.

Combined with local spices, a net full of lively fish was transformed into a table of aromatic and visually appealing delicacies in a matter of moments.

"Mr. Bronson, Galvis, dinner’s ready!"

Roland called out into the yard, flicking the water droplets from his hands.

"Coming!"

Responses came from two adjacent wooden cabins at the same time.

The first to appear was Galvis the Minstrel. He entered the kitchen, sniffing the air, but his brow furrowed when he caught the familiar scent of fish.

"Gods above, Roland..."

He stared at the table laden with pan-fried cod, creamy stewed salmon, and herb-roasted fish fillets, and gave a bitter smile.

"This is the seventh day in a row we’ve had an all-fish feast. Could we... maybe eat something else occasionally?"

Meanwhile, Bronson had already sat down and was helping himself.

He held an old, leather-bound book in his left hand while shoveling food into his mouth with his right at an astonishing speed.

If not for the rhythmic chewing sounds, Roland would have suspected he was just pouring the food directly down his throat.

After just a short while, the scholar stood up. His eyes remained glued to the pages of his book, but he didn’t forget to give Roland a slight bow.

"Thank you for the meal."

With that, he drifted back to his study.

The two of them were long used to such scenes.

Roland picked up a golden-brown fish fillet with his fork and glanced at Galvis, who still hadn’t moved his.

"Just bear with it for a few more days..."

He said, popping the food into his mouth.

With a thought, the transparent Professional Panel appeared before his eyes.

And there, in the Skill section, were three brand-new names.

[Level MAX Ship Handling]

[Level 2 Fishing (283/300)]

[Level 2 Culinary Skill (163/300)]

Considering he’d be staying in the River Domain for a long time, he had prioritized studying Sea Survival Skills to avoid any mishaps.

Just as he had expected, he soon awakened two basic skills: Fishing and Ship Handling.

As for Culinary Skill?

That was just a byproduct of his practice.

After all, the catch didn’t sell for much, so he might as well use it to increase his skill proficiency.

’Once my Fishing Skill reaches Full Level, it should unlock a related Profession like Fisherman...’

Roland stared at the system panel that only he could see, his fingertips tapping unconsciously on the table.

’I wonder what Traits that Profession will grant me...’

His train of thought was interrupted by Galvis’s continuous lamenting.

"A few more days?"

The Minstrel speared a piece of snow-white fish. The once-mouthwatering delicacy now tasted slightly bitter on his tongue.

"Which means... tonight’s menu is still..."

Galvis suddenly put down his silver fork. It clinked sharply against the ceramic plate, and his azure eyes lit up.

"Wait! Roland, do you remember asking me to gather information on the nobility?"

"Yes."

Roland slowly swallowed the fish in his mouth and raised his eyes.

"Tonight, Lord Marston, the leader of the noble faction in the River Domain, is holding a grand banquet at his residence!"

Galvis said, pushing his plate slightly away. His eyes sparkled with excitement, but he realized his rudeness a second later and quickly added,

"I mean... why don’t we go together? I’m sure you’ll be able to get the information you need..."

The Minstrel rubbed his nose awkwardly.

"Of course, I’m not complaining about your Culinary Skill, it’s just..."

"Alright."

Roland nodded calmly and shoveled the remaining fish on his plate into his mouth.

He chewed meticulously, and only after swallowing the last bite did he wipe his mouth with a linen napkin. 𝒻𝑟𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝑛𝘰𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝘤𝘰𝘮

"What time exactly?"

"It starts in the evening..."

Galvis hadn’t even finished his sentence when he saw Roland stand up and grab the fishing net and creel from the corner.

The poet blinked in confusion.

"What are you doing?"

"Fishing."

Roland waved his hand. He could still taste the fish, and he smacked his lips.

To be honest, he was getting a little tired of fish himself lately.

’I should hurry and practice the Fishing skill to Full Level...’

With that thought, he strode outside.

He deftly untied the mooring rope and expertly steered the small boat out to sea.

Roland cast his net and baited his line as usual, then sat cross-legged at the bow, letting the fishing line tremble lightly between his fingers.

The sea breeze, carrying its briny scent, brushed past the tips of his hair. The cries of distant gulls drifted closer, then farther away.

As the sun gradually sank below the horizon, Roland reeled in his last line and casually tossed a few shimmering silver fish into the boat’s hold.

Then he stood up and, with a flick of his wrist,

the fishing net flew through the air as if alive, carving a perfect arc before precisely closing around a roiling wave of silver.

The instant the school of fish began flopping on the deck, brilliant gold text unfurled one line at a time in his vision.

[Fishing Skill has reached Full Level]

[Analysis complete. You are eligible for the Basic Profession: Fisherman]

[Requirements: 1 Power, 1 Agility, 2/2 Sea Survival Skills]

[Assume Profession?]