[{"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-176":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},1847890,2453,"Chapter 176 - 164: Generous Trevor (Part 2)","knight-from-apprentice-to-the-almighty-chapter-176",176,"\u003Cp>\"It’s absolutely true, Mr. Roland!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hobbit stood on his tiptoes, trying to get a better look, his face beaming with a proud smile as he nodded vigorously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That’s the Sea Sparrow! My older brother’s first ship when he started sailing! What do you think? Impressive, right?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Roland’s gaze once again followed the Half-Elf’s line of sight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He looked past the nearby collection of truly small fishing boats and coastal barges, his gaze settling on a deeper, dedicated berth at the edge of the harbor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A ship was moored there.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A behemoth, utterly different from the \"little boat\" Trevor had nonchalantly described at the banquet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its size was astounding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even compared to the large merchant ships moored nearby, just back from long voyages, it held its own.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In fact, in terms of mast height and deck width, it seemed to have a slight edge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its dark oak hull was weather-beaten, heavily salt-stained at the waterline, and bore several conspicuous patches from repairs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, meticulous maintenance had kept it in excellent overall condition.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The tung oil-treated wood gleamed, and the deck was tight and flat—worn, but not rotten.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the heavy gunwales, brass rivets glinted steadily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Three sturdy mainmasts pierced the sky, the rigging secured with impeccable precision.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Sea Sparrow?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Staring at the behemoth before him, which stood in stark contrast to its name, the corner of Roland’s mouth twitched involuntarily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had assumed the \"little boat\" Trevor mentioned would be slightly larger than a fishing boat, at most. He never imagined it would be a vessel of this magnitude.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A ship of this size was more than enough for deep-ocean voyages, let alone for him to practice his sailing skills.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your older brother is truly generous...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Roland remarked softly, then turned to Hobbit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But, Hobbit, I only taught you some basic Combat Skills. The Sea Sparrow is far too valuable a gift in return.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There’s no need to decline, Mr. Roland!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Half-Elf slowly shook his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My older brother taught me that friendship can’t be measured by material possessions. Besides, as you can see, he has a better ship now. This one is just sitting idle, so you really shouldn’t feel burdened.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seemingly worried that Roland still wouldn’t accept, Hobbit earnestly added a few more words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unlike the Red-skinned Orc, Freddy, whom Roland had met before, the Half-Elf was remarkably eloquent. It was as if he had already prepared a draft, and the persuasive words just poured out of him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Roland wasn’t one to stand on ceremony.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After being persuaded a few more times, he accepted the kind offer gracefully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Alright, alright, Hobbit. I get it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He gently waved his hand, stopping the Half-Elf’s rambling, ruffled the little guy’s head, and chuckled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No wonder Galvis is so fond of you. It looks like you have a better future telling adventure stories with him in taverns than you do as a Warrior.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing Roland’s teasing words, Hobbit, far from being displeased, looked delighted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Does that mean, Mr. Roland, that you...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Next time you write a letter, remember to thank your older brother for me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No problem!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hobbit eagerly patted his chest. \"Then let’s go aboard and take a look, Mr. Roland!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Roland nodded slightly and followed Hobbit toward the Sea Sparrow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Stepping onto the deck, Roland looked around.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as it had appeared from a distance, the hull, though damaged in several places, had been neatly patched up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was very well-maintained overall, showing no signs of decay.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Roland lightly tested the solid deck with his foot, but the joy that had just begun to swell in his heart started to fade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though he had never commanded a large ship, Roland was well aware that to sail a ship smoothly, you needed more than just the key positions like captain, first mate, helmsman, and lookout. You also needed a large crew to handle the sails and rigging.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, sailing relied not just on the wind, but on manpower as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A large ship like the Sea Sparrow would need a crew of one to two hundred, at a conservative estimate, just to provide enough manpower to sail properly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Roland wasn’t worried about the daily expenses of supporting so many crew members.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, he had just received a new card from Colin, loaded with enough Gold Coins for him to spend lavishly on honing his sailing skills.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The real problem was finding a crew.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unlike travel by land, seafaring meant directly confronting the awesome power of nature.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the most experienced sailors could find a watery grave with a single misstep.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although Roland’s strength now ranked him among the best in the Extraordinary Realm, he was still powerless against the furious might of the vast ocean.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Therefore, the crew had to possess considerable sailing experience.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the coastal Royal Capitals of the River Domain, experienced sailors weren’t hard to find. However, most were already employed by the major merchant guilds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he started recruiting now, it would likely take weeks of preparation before Roland could actually begin practicing his sailing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And he really didn’t want to waste time on that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The thought had barely crossed Roland’s mind before he blurted it out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To his surprise, the Half-Elf seemed to have anticipated this very problem.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hobbit lifted his head proudly and spoke with conviction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Rest assured, Mr. Roland! My older brother and I have already considered that.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Many of my older brother’s former crewmen are no longer fit for long voyages due to injury or old age. But in recognition of their service, my brother sets aside a portion of his profits each month to support them. He has them do ship maintenance and repair work.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Since you just want to practice sailing for now, they are more than capable of handling it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"As long as you agree, I can call them to work on the ship tomorrow. All expenses during this period will naturally be covered by my older brother.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Roland looked slightly stunned upon hearing this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He hadn’t expected Hobbit and Trevor to be so thorough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By their arrangement, he could practically start practicing the moment he stepped on board, with no need to worry about any of the miscellaneous details.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking back on Hobbit’s story about how Trevor supported his old crewmen who could no longer go on long voyages, Roland’s understanding of the stout Half-Elf deepened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His ability and his character were both impeccable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No wonder he’d become a captain at such a young age.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even without the connection through Hobbit, this was someone definitely worth befriending.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this thought, Roland slowly shook his head and gently patted Hobbit’s shoulder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hobbit, I’m already incredibly grateful for this kindness, letting me borrow the Sea Sparrow to practice my sailing. Let me at least cover the crew’s expenses.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Hobbit looked like he was about to argue, Roland cut him off with a wave of his hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That’s settled! Do you take me for some kind of stingy miser?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He winked at the Half-Elf, a smile playing on his lips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Of course not!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hobbit quickly shook his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Roland’s resolute expression, he could only give a slight nod.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two discussed a few more details and finalized the arrangements for his sailing practice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After their talk, Roland intended to give Hobbit the card from Colin, the one loaded with Gold Coins.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the Half-Elf refused to take it. He insisted on first calculating all the expenses, presenting Roland with an itemized list for review, and only then accepting payment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing the little fellow’s stubbornness, Roland had no choice but to drop it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He gently ruffled Hobbit’s head, and the two of them walked home, discussing the details as they went.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as they reached the front door and pushed open the courtyard gate, a familiar voice drifted over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Roland! What took you so long? I’m starving!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Avril?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Roland looked toward the voice and saw the slender figure slumped over the stone table not far away. He couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’re still in the Royal Capital? You haven’t come by for meals the last few days. I thought you’d already left with the others from the Shadow Veil Organization to hunt down the Wolf King.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Huh?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Elf Maiden sat up straight at his words, a confused look on her face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Roland, how do you know about that? I don’t remember telling you about it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Do you even have to ask...?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Roland shot the slightly clueless Avril an exasperated look.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Royal Capital Guards have been mobilized so often recently. It’s not like I’m blind.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ha... ha-ha-ha...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Elf Maiden realized what a dumb question she’d asked. She scratched her cheek in embarrassment and quickly changed the subject.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’re right, Roland.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She stood up from her chair and stretched lazily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’m heading to the Land of Mist tomorrow, so I came by specially to have a farewell dinner with you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>",1488,"2026-06-09T07:01:39.615Z",1,"novelbin.me","6fd1e82b41ce4872e48cb5cc137346c8cb75c62eb0f428225e592defe9559528","knight-from-apprentice-to-the-almighty-chapter-177","knight-from-apprentice-to-the-almighty-chapter-175",216,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fknight-from-apprentice-to-the-almighty-cover.jpg"]