Knight: from Apprentice to the Almighty

’My Basic Forging Skill has finally reached Full Level.’

Staring at the "MAX" next to Basic Forging Skill on his Professional Panel, Roland heaved a long sigh of relief and picked up his hammer again.

Amidst the rhythmic clanging, he could feel the subtle difference.

Unlike other skills, reaching Full Level in Basic Forging Skill didn’t grant a single, massive breakthrough.

Instead, it felt more like a final distillation of all his experience, technique, and insight.

After plunging another red-hot, freshly forged piece into the quenching pool, Roland’s gaze fell back to his Professional Panel.

’Now, to qualify for the Enchanter Profession, all I need is a Full Level in Basic Magic Theory and to complete three hundred Spell Pattern Engravings.’

Unlike Basic Forging Skill, which was capped at Level Five, Roland had already raised Basic Magic Theory to Level Six thanks to his Concentration Trait. However, the "MAX" indicator still hadn’t appeared.

He deduced that the Full Level for Basic Magic Theory was probably around Level Seven.

As for Engraving Spell Patterns...

This task was far more complex than forging, demanding exponentially more time and effort.

But thanks to Roland’s diligent, day-after-day practice, his count was already approaching three hundred. Reaching his goal was just a matter of time.

’To think that qualifying for a Life System Profession like Enchanter takes even longer than becoming an Apprentice Knight, even though they’re both High Tier Professions.’

The thought crossed his mind, but Roland felt no trace of regret.

After all, compared to the life-or-death trials required to become an Apprentice Knight, the requirements for an Enchanter were far more benign.

The only price was time.

With that thought, he casually placed the newly forged items into a crate and rang the bell by the door.

A crisp knock on the door soon followed.

"Please come in," Roland called out.

With permission granted, the person outside slowly pushed open the door, revealing a short yet exceptionally stout figure.

It was the receptionist from the Blacksmith Guild’s front desk, the Dwarf Noel.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Roland."

"Good afternoon, Noel."

After the brief greeting, Noel bent down and began to take stock of the items in the crate.

He gently tapped a Shield with his knuckles, cocking his head to listen to the long, clear Echo. A look of near-obsession spread across his face.

"Tsk, tsk... incredible..."

Noel murmured in admiration, his gaze shifting to Roland.

"Mr. Roland, your Forging Skills... they seem to have improved again. Are you sure you don’t want to open your own Blacksmith Shop? Just look at this Iron Sword..."

The Dwarf pulled an Iron Sword from the crate and held it high.

In the afternoon sun, its sharp edge glinted with a deadly light.

"The craftsmanship is superb, the quality is outstanding—it would sell for dozens of Silver Coins, no problem!" 𝘧𝘳𝘦ℯ𝓌𝘦𝒷𝘯𝑜𝑣𝘦𝓁.𝒸𝘰𝓂

"Heh..."

Hearing this, Roland just shook his head gently.

His purpose in coming to the Blacksmith Guild was only to hone his Basic Forging Skill.

’As for money?’

With a generous Merchant like Colin backing him, he didn’t need to worry about money at all, at least not during his stay in the River Domain.

"I have no intention of being cooped up in a Blacksmith Shop all day, hammering away for a living," Roland said with a light laugh.

"That’s true..."

Noel put down the Iron Sword and nodded thoughtfully.

He had also heard the recent rumors about Roland in the Royal Capital.

That was why, in addition to admiration, his eyes now held a deep, genuine respect when he looked at Roland.

In terms of Forging Skills alone, Roland had already achieved mastery.

In Noel’s eyes, many veteran Blacksmiths with decades of experience couldn’t compare.

What was even more astounding was that the young man before him also possessed strength far beyond the ordinary.

’Mr. Roland not only possesses such exquisite Forging Skills, but he also has the combat strength of an extraordinary warrior...’

’Wiping out Demons, slaying Bear Goblins... tsk, tsk... is this the gap between a genius and an ordinary person?’

Roland ignored the complex look in Noel’s eyes, wiped his hands with a greasy rag, and asked casually.

"By the way, Noel, is Master Griffin in today?"

"I’m very sorry, Mr. Roland," Noel immediately gave a slight bow and replied respectfully, "Master Griffin is out on business today and is not in the guild. Is there anything you need me to pass on to him?"

"It’s nothing important."

Seeing the Dwarf’s overly cautious demeanor, Roland waved a dismissive hand.

’Since my Basic Forging Skill has reached Full Level, there’s no need for me to spend so much time at the Blacksmith Guild anymore.’ ’I can use the free time to practice my Sea Survival Skills and prepare to qualify for the Pirate Profession.’

"I have other things to take care of for a while, so I might not be coming to the guild often. Please help me express my apologies to Master Griffin."

"No problem, Mr. Roland."

After a few brief pleasantries, Roland left the Blacksmith Guild.

However, instead of going straight home to practice his Knight’s Breathing Technique as usual, he took a small boat and went directly to the Knight Academy.

His small fishing boat was adequate for practicing Sea Survival Skills and Awakening new Skills.

But to qualify for the Pirate Profession, besides mastering four Sea Survival Skills, there was another strict requirement.

Successfully plundering five large ships.

This was something his small fishing boat could never accomplish.

Fortunately, Hawke’s brother, the Half-Elf Trevor, had previously promised to lend him a ship for skill practice.

Since that was the case, Roland had no intention of being reserved about it.

This would allow him to practice his Sea Survival Skills while simultaneously learning to operate a proper vessel, laying the foundation for the "Plundering" mission to come.

Having made up his mind, Roland passed the inspection of the Guards at the gate and walked purposefully toward the training ground.

Usually at this time, Hobbit would be there honing his Combat Skills.

But perhaps because he arrived a little early today, there was no sign of the Half-Elf in the training ground.

In his place was an exceptionally conspicuous presence.

A burly figure with a ferocious face.

The man was swinging a Giant Axe, unleashing a relentless barrage of heavy strikes against a training post.

The thunderous, unceasing impacts alone were enough to showcase his terrifying Power and incredible speed.

’Is that... the Beastman?’

Catching sight of the iconic red skin, Roland took a moment to recall and confirmed the man’s identity.

It was the same Beastman he had faced in Mentor Reggie’s practical combat class.

’I remember his name... I think it was... Freddy?’

As if sensing Roland’s gaze, Freddy’s movements came to a sudden halt.

His eyes, showing an unnerving amount of white, snapped toward Roland at the edge of the training ground.

For a moment, the only sound in the silent training ground was the Red-skinned Orc’s heavy breathing, which sounded like a wheezing bellows.

A moment later, just as Roland was wondering why the other person was staring at him so intently, Freddy took a sudden step, then another, closing the distance as he advanced directly toward him with heavy footfalls.