"Mr. Roland..."

After spending half a month together, the Half-Elf still showed his reserved and shy nature at times, but for the most part, he could now speak his mind openly.

"Thank you for your guidance today."

"You’re welcome, Hobbit. I think..."

Hearing this, Roland stood up from the ground, gently brushed the dust from his trousers, and smiled.

"After all this time, I think we can consider ourselves friends, right? So you don’t have to be so formal..."

"Y... Yes!"

A joyful smile immediately blossomed on Hobbit’s face.

During their short time together, the intelligent Half-Elf had already formed a clear judgment of Roland’s strength.

In his opinion, even many of the instructors at the Knight Academy probably couldn’t compare to the gentle young man before him in terms of raw power.

To be acknowledged by such a powerful individual, and even become his friend, made the insecure Hobbit feel incredibly happy.

"However, Hobbit..."

Roland continued.

Just like Hobbit, he too had gotten to know the little guy better over this period.

Humble, polite, and never impatient or complaining.

Even with his naturally weak constitution, he was able to persevere every day, sharpening his Combat Skills with complete focus under Roland’s guidance. His progress was surprisingly fast.

Roland greatly admired this combination of intelligence and perseverance.

"There’s something I need to tell you."

"Mr. Roland, please go ahead."

Upon hearing this, Hobbit’s expression immediately turned serious.

"Don’t be nervous..."

Roland gently patted his shoulder.

"I probably won’t be coming to the training grounds to practice anymore."

’Since the three new skills I’ve mastered have all reached Full Level, there’s no need for me to come here to train every afternoon.’

’The time I save can be fully invested in other things that can increase my strength.’

’Although I get along well with Hobbit, I can’t slow down my own pace of getting stronger just for that.’

As for knowledge related to seafaring, Roland had already mastered most of it with Hobbit’s careful guidance and the help of his Concentration Trait.

’I haven’t awakened any related Skills yet, but that’s probably due to a lack of practical experience. I’ll just find a chance to try it out later.’

"I... Is that so?"

Hobbit’s head dropped at once, his face filled with dejection.

During their time together, Roland’s kind attitude had made the introverted Hobbit unconsciously grow dependent on him.

Coupled with his unusual physique, he wasn’t very popular among the other students at the Knight Academy.

Therefore, he especially cherished the time he spent with Roland at the training grounds each afternoon.

Hearing this news, the Half-Elf couldn’t help but feel a surge of sadness and loss.

"Hahahahaha..." 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝓮𝒘𝙚𝙗𝒏𝙤𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝒐𝙢

Seeing the little guy’s dejected look, Roland couldn’t help but laugh out loud, reaching out to ruffle his messy brown hair.

"Like I said just now, Hobbit, we’re friends now. If you ever have any problems, you can come find me at my house anytime."

"As for where I live, you should know, right?"

Because Hobbit’s parents had passed away early and his older brother was at sea year-round, Roland had invited him over to his house quite a few times during this period.

"R... Really? I can?"

The sadness on Hobbit’s face was instantly swept away.

Seeing Roland’s affirmative nod, he threw his arms open with a cheer, his eyes lighting up.

But he immediately realized he was losing his composure and hastily stood up straight again.

"Thank you, Mr. Roland."

"I already told you, don’t be so polite..."

Roland flicked Hobbit’s forehead lightly with his finger and glanced up at the darkening twilight sky.

"Let’s call it a day for today’s training, then. Want to come back with me for dinner?"

"Not today, thank you, Mr. Roland."

Hobbit scratched his head, and as if afraid his refusal would be misunderstood by Roland, he quickly explained.

"My older brother is coming back tomorrow, so I have to go back and clean the house... Oh, right!"

At this, he looked up again and asked a little cautiously.

"Mr. Roland, are you free tomorrow afternoon?"

"I should be, little guy. What’s up?"

"I... I’d like to treat you to a meal to thank you for taking care of me all this time. And also..."

Hobbit tilted his face up, his eyes shining as he spoke.

"My older brother wants to meet you too."

Hearing Hobbit’s words, Roland raised an eyebrow slightly.

He had long been curious about this "older brother" Hobbit spoke of, and besides, he really was free tomorrow afternoon.

So, after a moment’s thought, he nodded and accepted the invitation.

The two chatted for a few more minutes before parting ways.

Back home, Roland prepared a sumptuous dinner as usual.

Watching his [Basic Culinary Skill] approach Full Level, he couldn’t help but feel a flicker of anticipation.

’Once [Basic Culinary Skill] reaches Full Level, the Profession it unlocks will definitely be [Chef]. I just don’t know what Traits this Profession will bring, or what Extra Benefits it will have after achieving Professional Resonance with other Basic Professions...’

After dinner, he returned to his room. As was his routine, Roland studied ancient texts to increase his [Basic Magic Theory] experience, then practiced the Knight’s Breathing Technique a few more times before finally washing up and lying down on his soft bed.

’Once I can proficiently use the Knight’s Breathing Technique in my daily training, I can start thinking about hunting Demons!’

’If all goes well, the only requirement left to become an [Apprentice Knight] will be to ’form a squad and defeat a powerful enemy.’ But as for teammates...’

During this time, Roland had already explicitly invited Galvis and Avril to hunt Demons with him.

As a prospective member of the Shadow Veil Organization, Avril didn’t have many duties and readily agreed.

As for Galvis...

The Minstrel had initially grumbled that combat was unaesthetic and the smell of blood was unsuitable for an elegant poet such as himself.

But after a single soft cough from Avril, he immediately changed his tune and cheerfully accepted Roland’s invitation.

Even so, they were still one person short of the minimum squad size required to become an [Apprentice Knight].

’Should I invite Hobbit? But...’

At this thought, the Half-Elf’s short stature came to Roland’s mind, and he couldn’t help but frown.

He wasn’t worried that Hobbit would refuse the invitation.

If he asked, the little guy would most likely agree with pleasure.

The problem was...

Hobbit’s strength really wasn’t enough.

Even though he was clever and trained diligently, until he successfully mastered the Knight’s Breathing Technique, the Half-Elf’s relatively frail body would probably struggle to withstand high-intensity combat.

’Forget it...’

Roland shook his head, putting the thought aside for now.

’If worst comes to worst, I’ll just go talk to Nelson and see if he can assign me a few helpers with extraordinary strength. After all, clearing out the nearby Demons is a good thing for the River Domain no matter how you look at it. He probably won’t refuse...’

His thoughts gradually drifted as the day’s fatigue washed over him.

Roland’s consciousness slowly sank into Darkness, and he finally drifted off to sleep.

The next morning, Roland went to the Blacksmith Guild as usual to accept commissions and hone his [Basic Forging Skill].

He then managed to return home just before noon.

As soon as he stepped into the courtyard, he saw Galvis animatedly recounting tales from his travels across the continent.

His exaggerated tone and vivid performance had the Half-Elf Hobbit, who was sitting across from him, completely spellbound.