[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-knight-from-apprentice-to-the-almighty":3,"chapter-knight-from-apprentice-to-the-almighty-knight-from-apprentice-to-the-almighty-chapter-10":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Knight: from Apprentice to the Almighty",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1847824,2453,"Chapter 10: Marco, Burning with Jealousy","knight-from-apprentice-to-the-almighty-chapter-10",10,"\u003Cp>\"Aren’t you going to the celebration?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Roland asked, wiping the sweat from his forehead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you’re not going... I’m not going either.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sean shook his head, casually picking up another Wooden Sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Huh? Don’t be like that. I’m not a kid, I don’t need you to babysit me...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No way!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sean cut him off decisively.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I promised I’d protect you! What if that bastard Marco comes looking for trouble while I’m gone?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Heh heh...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing his best friend’s conflicted expression, Roland couldn’t help but chuckle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What about your Emily, then? You’re not going to ask her to dance?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not anymore...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sean mumbled, swinging the Wooden Sword listlessly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No girl, no matter how pretty, is more important than a brother. Besides...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice trailed off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Even if I went, she probably wouldn’t choose me as her dance partner...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That answer made Roland burst out laughing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sean’s earnest yet wronged expression was just too amusing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Damn it! Stop laughing!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sean protested, his face flushing red.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sometimes I really wonder if you’re the same age as me... Instead of a celebration, you’d rather practice tedious Swordsmanship? It’s unbelievable...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Tedious?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Roland performed a flourish with his sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I actually find it quite interesting.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two of them talked as they practiced, and before they knew it, noon had arrived.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was only then that Peyton emerged from the house, yawning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmm?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peyton grunted, rubbing his drowsy eyes. His gaze refocused on Roland in the courtyard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’Is it just my imagination? How did this kid’s Swordsmanship get so much better overnight... Don’t tell me he’s actually some kind of genius with the sword?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Uncle Peyton!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sean waved enthusiastically, having completely forgotten how Peyton had swindled him the day before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon seeing Peyton, Roland also stopped what he was doing and bowed slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yo!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pushing his doubts aside, Peyton pulled a wineskin from his waist, slowly uncorked it, and said teasingly,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What’s this, Sean? Not out joining the festivities? That’s not like you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I... After the celebration, I’m planning to report to the recruitment post near the Black Pine Forest, so I need to hurry up and practice my Swordsmanship.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If I can get noticed by Knight Beckham, I might be able to become a Knight’s Attendant and fight side-by-side with an Extraordinary Ability User like a Knight!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he spoke, Sean’s face was filled with yearning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But seeing his best friend like this, Roland let out a soft sigh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’In my opinion, marching on the Black Pine Forest right now is anything but a wise move.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even with Knights who wielded Extraordinary Power leading the way, that forest shrouded in Darkness was far too dangerous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had tried to persuade Sean many times before, even giving him a detailed analysis of the various dangers in the Black Pine Forest, but each time Sean had brushed him off with a joke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Over time, Roland stopped insisting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knew his best friend all too well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beneath that simple and honest exterior was a heart more stubborn than anyone’s.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Becoming a Knight’s Attendant and fighting alongside a Knight was Sean’s childhood dream.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though they were as close as brothers, some decisions couldn’t be changed by a few words from someone else.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone had their own path to walk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking this, Roland could only offer a silent prayer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’I Hope that Iron Sword and Heart-Protecting Mirror will see him safely home...’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for Peyton and Sean’s father, Gary, their opinions differed from Roland’s.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In Peyton’s words, the weak Green Skin mutts in the Black Pine Forest had only managed to succeed by catching the surrounding villages off guard and relying on their superior numbers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now that a Knight was personally leading soldiers to crush them, those Green Skin mutts didn’t stand a chance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So it was good for Sean to go and get some experience, better than sitting around at home doing nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking at his nephew, who was almost obsessively devoted to Knights, Peyton snorted and found a shady spot to sit down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He tipped his head back and took a swig of wine before speaking slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Kid, you like Knights that much?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Of course!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sean put down his Wooden Sword and nodded vigorously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They possess great Power and noble virtues! They punish evil, eliminate wickedness, and maintain peace...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sean recounted the tales told by Minstrels, rattling on and on about the virtues of Knights.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ha! I can’t speak to their noble virtues, but as for great Power... there are plenty of people in this world stronger than Knights...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Roland, who had been focused on his sword practice, couldn’t help but pause and prick up his ears at these words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That’s impossible!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sean couldn’t stand hearing anyone blaspheme his idealized image of Knights, and his face instantly turned red.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why is it impossible? I once... ah, forget it... Why am I even talking about this stuff with a naive kid like you...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peyton seemed to recall some unpleasant memory, and his expression gradually darkened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He fell silent for a moment before finally letting out a bitter laugh, getting up, and walking away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing him like this, Roland couldn’t help but wonder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’Could it be... that besides Knights, there are other Extraordinary Professionals in this world?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But his question would go unanswered, as Peyton didn’t return, even after nightfall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps the daytime celebration had been too boisterous. Even the tavern, which was usually lively after dark, was now quiet, with only the owner, Lauren, dozing off at the counter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>CREAK—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sound of the wooden door being pushed open startled the drowsy Lauren.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He rubbed his sleepy eyes and looked up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A figure stood in the doorway, clad in a hooded cloak, their face wrapped in linen cloth, completely obscuring their features.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lauren was long used to such sights.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, this place wasn’t far from the Black Pine Forest, and Mercenaries often passed through.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These characters who lived on the edge of a blade were always a strange lot. Compared to customers covered in tattoos or wearing iron masks, this one with a covered face was relatively normal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Good evening, sir.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lauren yawned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What can I get for you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Noticing Lauren’s probing gaze, Marco subconsciously touched the linen on his face. After confirming that everything was in place, he spoke in a deliberately deep voice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’m looking for someone.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He raised his arm and pointed to the darkest corner of the tavern.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There, at a rickety wooden table, a tall, gaunt figure was sipping ale alone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dim candlelight flickered across the man’s hollow cheeks, casting him in a gloomy aura.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then suit yourself.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing the reply, Lauren responded lazily, then leaned back against the counter and went back to dozing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dull thud of leather boots echoed on the floorboards. Marco soon stopped in front of the wooden table in the corner and sized up the man before him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tattered Leather Armor, lifeless eyes—the man exuded an air of decay.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’This guy... is he really an experienced mercenary?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Marco’s brow furrowed, a trace of doubt rising in his heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But on second thought, most of the Mercenaries in the village had recently gone to the Black Pine Forest to hunt Demons. It was already a stroke of luck to find one willing to take a job.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He sighed, his knuckles tapping unconsciously on the tabletop.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crisp sound startled the man, whose head had been bowed. He slowly looked up, revealing a weary face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hello, sir. I hear you need some help? By the way, my name is Sam...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’m not interested in your name.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Marco cut him off with an impatient wave of his hand, then pulled a cloth pouch from his coat and slammed it on the table.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing the man’s cold attitude, Sam just shrugged indifferently and reached out to untie the pouch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside were two Silver Coins and a portrait with some writing on it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"When the job is done, I’ll pay you one more Silver Coin.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sam’s eyes lit up at the price. He then carefully examined the portrait and the text on it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Roland...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After muttering the name, Sam looked up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What do you want me to do?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I want him to never be able to pick up a hammer again for the rest of his life!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Marco suddenly leaned forward, the candlelight dancing in his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The memory of the approving look Master Hawke had given Roland sent a suffocating wave of jealousy through him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To become an apprentice under Hawke, he had pulled countless all-nighters practicing his Forging Skills, layering calluses upon calluses on his palms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he could just win the assessment two months from now and become Master Hawke’s official apprentice, his life would change completely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not only would he inherit his father’s Blacksmith Shop, but he would also get the chance to serve the nobility.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If his luck was good, he might even be able to get in with Knight Beckham.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He would not, absolutely could not, allow anyone to ruin this perfect plan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this thought, Marco squeezed out each word as if through clenched teeth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"His right hand... I want you to cripple it!\"\u003C\u002Fp>",1520,"2026-06-09T07:01:39.334Z",1,"novelbin.me","2696185b37b820e28db5d47e044fb5375c73df30f3615dae4878f3dd009896b4","knight-from-apprentice-to-the-almighty-chapter-11","knight-from-apprentice-to-the-almighty-chapter-9",216,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fknight-from-apprentice-to-the-almighty-cover.jpg"]