[{"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-41":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},1847855,2453,"Chapter 41 - 35: Animal Companion","knight-from-apprentice-to-the-almighty-chapter-41",41,"\u003Cp>[Profession Acquired. Current Profession: Hunter]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Attribute Bonus Acquired: Power +0.5, Agility +1]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Attribute Bonus from the Basic Profession of Hunter felt insignificant compared to the boost he’d received from becoming a Blacksmith.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So, he just gave a slight nod and moved his gaze downward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Trait Acquired: Animal Companion]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Animal Companion: When activated, allows communication with non-human creatures of a certain intelligence. Duration is dependent on Spiritual Attribute Value.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’Animal Companion? Another Trait I can actively turn on!’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Roland licked his lips in excitement after reading the description for Animal Companion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Given his experience with the [Concentration] Trait, he felt that active Traits were far more flexible than passive ones and could produce unexpected results at critical moments.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that in mind, he silently willed the Trait to activate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment that thought flashed through his mind, Roland suddenly felt a strange ringing in his eardrums.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was as if someone had gently struck a Silver Coin next to his ear, the resonance echoing long within his skull.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He instinctively covered his ears, only to realize the sound wasn’t coming from outside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Light from the dense forest filtered through layers of leaves, casting dappled shadows at the edge of the cave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A Red Squirrel was clutching an acorn, watching him warily, its little nose twitching nonstop.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But now, in Roland’s ears, those tiny sniffling sounds had transformed into fragmented whispers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Danger...two-legger...hide...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Roland’s eyes widened in shock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only then did he realize the entire forest was awakening in his ears.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After he subconsciously stepped out of the cave, the sounds in his ears grew even more chaotic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The chirping of sparrows in the treetops was no longer meaningless noise; it had turned into gossipy chatter, like that of old women.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Worms! There are fat worms over there!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From the rustling of a nearby bush came the panicked muttering of a wild rabbit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Footsteps too loud...too loud...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The most chilling part was when he accidentally snapped a dry twig. The entire forest fell silent for a brief moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Countless invisible gazes shot toward him from all directions, and the fragmented whispers instantly became a unified warning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Danger!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Run!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It’s the scent of a hunter!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Roland’s temples began to throb, and a cold, stinging sensation crawled up his spine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Right then, his brain felt like it had been force-fed dozens of noisy radio stations, with all sorts of thought fragments flooding in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A crow’s hoarse laughter came from the canopy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He’s going crazy, going crazy!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And a mole under the soil was letting out a muffled complaint.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Another earthquake...?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as his consciousness was about to be overwhelmed by the sounds, Roland forcefully deactivated the [Animal Companion] Trait.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The world fell silent in an instant, leaving only his own ragged breathing echoing through the forest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Red Squirrel had long since vanished without a trace, leaving only a half-eaten acorn rolling on the moss.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It seems...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Roland wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and shook his head gently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Making friends with animals isn’t so simple after all.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a soft sigh, he slowly returned to the cave and shifted his gaze downward again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When a series of golden characters flashed before his eyes, the corners of Roland’s mouth curled up slightly in a knowing smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’Just as I expected. Professional Resonance only occurs between Professions of the same tier.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’Basic Professions with Basic Professions, Upper-tier Professions with Upper-tier Professions. That’s the pattern for triggering resonance.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking of this, he couldn’t help but look forward to the Extra Benefits that would come from triggering resonance between Upper-tier Professions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’Too bad that besides Blacksmith, I haven’t unlocked any other Upper-tier Professions yet...’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shaking his head slightly, Roland turned his gaze back to the Professional Panel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Student Profession detected. Professional Resonance can be triggered.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Professional Resonance Activated]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Hunter + Student]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Extra Benefit Acquired: Ecologist]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Ecologist: Chance to obtain Eco-Notes when engaging an enemy in combat.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’Eco-Notes?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Roland’s brow furrowed as he fell into a brief moment of thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A moment later, he gently shook his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’Speculating now is pointless. I’ll find out what these Eco-Notes are once I’m in a real fight.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Setting the question aside for now, he continued to scan the information on his Professional Panel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Hunter + New Recruit]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Extra Benefit Acquired: Adaptability Training]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Adaptability Training: When fighting or exploring in wilderness environments such as forests or snowfields, gain an Agility Attribute Bonus over time. The bonus is dependent on your base Agility Value.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’Whoa! This one’s not bad at all!’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Roland unconsciously stroked his smooth chin, a glint of excitement in his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’According to this description, my speed will increase the longer I fight in the wilderness? This basically turns forests and snowfields into my home turf!’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An image of himself darting through the jungle like the wind appeared in his mind, and Roland couldn’t help but feel captivated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But soon, his rational side cooled him down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’But what exactly counts as \"wilderness\"? What are the values and frequency of the Agility bonus? Is there a stacking limit? I’ll need to verify all of this...’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he was pondering, another line of golden text leaped into view.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Hunter + Blacksmith Apprentice]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Extra Benefit Acquired: Battlefield Maintenance]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Battlefield Maintenance: Increases the durability of held weapons during combat.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’This benefit is also very practical...’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking of the [Standardized Production] he had acquired earlier, Roland’s eyes suddenly lit up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’[Standardized Production] can improve a weapon’s quality through repeated forging, and Battlefield Maintenance can extend its durability... If I combine the two, wouldn’t the weapons I use be...’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he was lost in thought, a faint cough suddenly reached his ears.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"COUGH, COUGH, COUGH...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Roland followed the sound and saw Dalko slowly opening his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The young noble master first looked around blankly, his gaze finally settling on Roland.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Roland? Oh... right...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dalko shook his groggy head. His voice was weak, and even his once-brilliant blond hair seemed to have dimmed a little.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How long was I asleep?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not long.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Roland checked his wounds again and, after confirming there was no serious bleeding, patted him gently on the shoulder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You can rest a while longer. Don’t worry, I’ll keep watch. If there’s any danger, I’ll wake you immediately.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Thank... thank you so much, Roland...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dalko gazed at Roland’s slightly weary face, a flash of guilt in his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a moment of silence, he suddenly spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Roland, is there anything you want? Coins, beautiful women... as long as I have it, I can give it to you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As if afraid of being misunderstood, he quickly added.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’m not saying this because I’m afraid you’ll abandon me. I just... want to repay your kindness.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Heh...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing the sincere look in his eyes, Roland let out a soft chuckle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t doubt Dalko’s sincerity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From his original body’s memories, this young noble, despite possessing the typical arrogance of a high-ranking aristocrat, had always been generous and a man of his word.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But beautiful women...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had no need for them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for money, while he wasn’t wealthy, he wasn’t destitute either.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Besides, given the life-and-death bond they now shared, if he needed some coins in the future, would Dalko really refuse as long as the amount wasn’t too large?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With this in mind, Roland tested him with a half-joking question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In that case, I want a Knight’s Breathing Technique. Do you have one?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Uh... about that...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dalko was suddenly at a loss for words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Remembering the grand promise he had just made, he twitched his nose and said awkwardly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sorry, Roland... a minor noble like me doesn’t have a legacy Breathing Technique...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is that so?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Roland raised an eyebrow slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But I remember you always saying you wanted to be a Knight. Did I remember wrong?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I did say that...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dalko struggled to adjust his sitting position, sucking in a sharp breath as his wounds twinged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But the way I would acquire a Breathing Technique is rather special...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’d use my noble privilege to enter the Knight Academy without an exam. Only after successfully graduating could I obtain a Knight’s Breathing Technique. It’s just...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He added with a bitter smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"According to the noble treaty, I’m forbidden from teaching it to anyone privately. I’m really sorry...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’Knight Academy?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’Noble treaty?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two more unfamiliar terms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Roland remain silent, Dalko pursed his lips nervously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, his eyes lit up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Wait! My family does have a legacy Combat Skill!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Combat Skills?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Roland’s attention was pulled back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That’s right!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dalko said excitedly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Teaching Combat Skills isn’t restricted by the noble treaty. I can have my father give you the secret scroll to study. It’s just...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this, his voice unconsciously dropped as he recalled his own years of fruitless practice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It’s just that this particular Combat Skill... is extremely difficult to learn. Very few people have ever truly mastered it...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seemingly realizing his promise sounded a bit like a joke, Dalko quickly added.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But, including that Combat Skill, just tell me whatever else you want...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Alright, alright, Dalko...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking at the excited young noble, Roland gently placed a hand on his shoulder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The most important thing for you right now is to recover. As for the reward, let’s talk about it after we get back to the manor safely, okay?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That... uh...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking about their current situation, Dalko deflated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’re right, Roland.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Noticing the young noble’s dejected expression, Roland raised an eyebrow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"However... I do actually have something I need your help with right now.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Help?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dalko’s eyes lit up. If it weren’t for his injuries, he would have thumped his chest in assurance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Just tell me what you need!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Do you have any food on you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Of course. Are you hungry?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dalko turned his head, gesturing with his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There’s some emergency food in the pouch at my waist. Take it and eat. As for me...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He licked his chapped lips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I... I’m not hungry yet...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hah...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Dalko trying to put on a brave face, Roland shook his head helplessly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He took the pouch and untied the string.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside were bread, smoked meat, and a large block of butter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’This guy’s emergency food is better than what I usually eat...’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Roland grumbled to himself as he divided the food into two portions. Ignoring Dalko’s protests, he shoved one portion into the young noble’s mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Afterward, his gaze shifted toward the cave entrance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not far away, a small squirrel was nibbling on a pinecone with great relish, looking utterly adorable.\u003C\u002Fp>",1743,"2026-06-09T07:01:39.334Z",1,"novelbin.me","34616f22817ba7e0f4b8e9e8f853a67f3d7978971591f4eb1b75b4cbc141a72a","knight-from-apprentice-to-the-almighty-chapter-42","knight-from-apprentice-to-the-almighty-chapter-40",216,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fknight-from-apprentice-to-the-almighty-cover.jpg"]