[{"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-46":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},1847860,2453,"Chapter 46 - 39: Combat Skill [Flowing Slash]","knight-from-apprentice-to-the-almighty-chapter-46",46,"\u003Cp>The next morning, as the first ray of sunlight streamed through the window lattice, Roland slowly opened his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He let out a long breath and swung himself deftly out of the wooden bed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’This feeling...’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feeling his unusually clear mind and brimming Spirit, Roland couldn’t help but contrast it with the bone-deep exhaustion he’d felt after yesterday’s bloody battle in the forest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stretched his limbs thoughtfully, a faint smile gracing his lips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’Now that the Secret Silver Body Tempering Technique is at Full Level, it seems my mind has become clearer and my stamina recovers much faster. However...’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feeling the burning hunger in his stomach, Roland shook his head in resignation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’The hunger is also much more intense than before...’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that thought, Roland got dressed, quickly washed up, and pushed open the door to his room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A damp morning breeze blew in his face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once his eyes had adjusted to the somewhat harsh sunlight, Roland saw two tall, thin servants standing right outside his door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He keenly noticed that tiny dewdrops still clung to the tips of their hair, glistening in the morning sun, and their collars were also slightly damp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clearly, they had been standing outside his door for quite some time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mr. Roland, you’re awake.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One of the servants bowed respectfully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He spoke before Roland had a chance to open his mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Young Master Dalko wanted to come himself, but his injuries are too severe. He sent us to receive you instead.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The other servant stepped forward at the perfect moment, carrying a tray laden with an exquisite meal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I presume you haven’t had breakfast? Young Master Dalko specially instructed that you should take your time and meet him after your meal.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’Mr. Roland?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This sudden honorific brought a slight smile to Roland’s lips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stepped aside to clear the doorway and said in a calm tone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Very well. I’ll have breakfast first before going to see him.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon hearing this, one of the servants immediately carried the tray inside and neatly arranged the food on the wooden table.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Do you require me to wait on you while you dine?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Roland waved his hand, declining the offer, the servant bowed respectfully again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then please enjoy your meal, Mr. Roland.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that, he exited the room. He and his companion took up positions on either side of the doorway, standing silently with their heads bowed like a pair of statues.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The meal was much more lavish than he had imagined.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soft, white, freshly baked bread gave off an enticing aroma of wheat, and next to it was a dish of rich, golden butter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A large piece of roasted venison had a tantalizingly seared surface, its juices slowly weeping from the grain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two river fish, pan-fried to perfection, had crispy skin and were garnished with a few sprigs of bright green herbs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the centerpiece was a bowl of steaming, creamy vegetable soup.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tender seasonal vegetables peeked out from the creamy white broth, which gave off an aroma blending rich cream with the light sweetness of vegetables.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A breakfast of this standard would have been impressive even in his past life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The meals in the apprentice hall, meant merely to fill one’s stomach, were not even in the same league.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His knife and fork moved deftly, and in just a few moments, the plate was clean.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Roland savored every bite of the long-awaited delicacy, even using a piece of bread to wipe the bowl clean of the very last drop of soup.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He let out a contented sigh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Savoring the lingering flavor in his mouth, Roland let out a long breath, stood up, patted his full stomach, and nodded with satisfaction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He then walked out the door and said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let’s go. Take me to see Young Master Dalko.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Of course, Mr. Roland. Please follow me this way.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While walking along the winding gravel path of the manor, Roland suddenly caught sight of a familiar figure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Captain John!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing the call, the old soldier slowly turned, revealing a pair of bloodshot eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He let out a long yawn and shuffled closer, his steps heavy with fatigue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Up so early? You’re going to...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’m going to see Young Master Dalko. Are you...?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Noticing the unconcealable weariness on the other man’s face, Roland asked with concern.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Didn’t get much sleep last night?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Rest?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>John gave a bitter smile and rubbed his sore eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Lord Baron sent us to search that forest overnight. We just got back.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Find anything?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>John curled his lip and jutted his chin to the side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A few Guards could be seen struggling to carry a wooden crate over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crate was filled with broken weapons, shattered Armor fragments, and a blood-stained white cloak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sun emblem of the Fiery Sun Church was clearly embroidered on it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Besides a forest floor littered with goblin corpses, all we found was this pile of scrap.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>John’s lips twitched in a sneer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Who knows what the folks from the Fiery Sun Church were doing out there? Couldn’t have been preaching their faith to the goblins, now could they? Ha!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He waved his hand dismissively.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Anyway, I’ve still got things to do. I’m taking off.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Goodbye, Captain John.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Roland frowned as he watched John walk away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man’s undisguised contempt for the Fiery Sun Church was identical to Dalko’s.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’It seems the Fiery Sun Church isn’t very popular around here...’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mentally filing that observation away, Roland continued to follow the servant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a short while, a cluster of large buildings came into view.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the first time he had truly set foot in the heart of the noble estate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking up, he saw an exquisite fountain shimmering in the Dawn Light.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A marble statue of a water deity held a water jug, from which clear water flowed in an elegant arc.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Behind the fountain, a wide set of stairs led to the main residence, flanked by quaint stone lamp posts, their shades carved with intricate, ornate lines.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The servant led Roland up the steps, and the heavy oak doors opened inward silently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The floor of the foyer was covered with a dark red Persian rug, so soft that one’s footsteps were almost inaudible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Portraits of past family members hung on the walls.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Each was in a gilded frame, the subjects, whether standing or sitting, all bore the reserved expression unique to the nobility.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Past the foyer was a long corridor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sunlight streamed through stained glass windows, casting colorful patterns of light and shadow on the carpet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Various trophies were displayed on both sides of the corridor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A jewel-encrusted sword, exquisitely crafted Armor, and even the massive mounted head of a Magical Beast.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its glass eyes seemed to gleam with an eerie light.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Please wait a moment.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The servant stopped before a carved wooden door and knocked gently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Lord Baron, Mr. Roland is here.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A low voice answered from within the room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The servant pushed the door open and gestured for Roland to enter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside the parlor, sunlight poured through the floor-to-ceiling windows, illuminating the dark, solid wood furniture.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A huge family banner hung on the wall above the fireplace, flanked by several ancient-looking artifacts that gleamed with a mysterious luster in the sunlight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Baron Fosling sat upright behind a large mahogany desk, maintaining the calm smile characteristic of a nobleman.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Behind him, Dalko stood leaning on an oak cane, his face slightly pale.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hello, Mr. Roland.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Baron’s voice was gentle and magnetic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Lord Baron, you flatter me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Roland took a step forward and bowed slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Just call me Roland.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Roland raised his head, revealing his handsome face, Baron Fosling raised an eyebrow imperceptibly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unlike the gazes of ordinary commoners—a mixture of awe and timidness—the young man’s eyes were clear and calm. He was neither servile nor overbearing, but possessed a tranquil composure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The composed demeanor revealed in his gaze made it seem as if he were not standing before a high and mighty noble, but an equal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Such a rare attitude made even the worldly Baron inwardly surprised.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Dalko told me yesterday that you saved his life, but he was rather unclear about the specific details, so...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Baron Fosling picked up the porcelain cup beside him and took a light sip of black tea.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Would you mind recounting the events for me?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Of course, Lord Baron.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Roland gave a slight nod and began to recount what he had witnessed in the forest the day before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Including the full battle between the Fiery Sun Church and the goblins.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Roland felt there was no need to conceal the details.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For one thing, John must have already reported his findings in the forest to Baron Fosling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For another, given Dalko’s personality, their relationship, and Roland’s own status as a Blacksmith Apprentice, he and Baron Fosling were effectively on the same side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If hearing this made Baron Fosling heighten his vigilance and take early precautions, or even thoroughly investigate the matter from start to finish, it wouldn’t be a bad thing for Roland, given his limited information.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, Roland did omit one detail: that the Blood-colored goblin could use Flame Magic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He only said that the goblins were powerful, and the Warriors of the Fiery Sun Church were locked in a desperate struggle with them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Fiery Sun Church... goblins...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Baron Fosling’s long fingers tapped rhythmically on the oak desk, making a crisp tapping sound.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’re saying they were fighting over something... the remains of a giant creature?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"About that...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Roland frowned slightly, recalling the scene from yesterday, and after a short pause, answered cautiously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Lord Baron, I was too far away at the time. I could only barely make out that it seemed to be a skeleton.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I see.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Baron Fosling nodded slowly, his brow gradually furrowing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He lowered his head and fell into deep thought. The parlor immediately fell silent, with only the faint sound of their breathing echoing in the empty hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a long while, having come to no conclusion, Baron Fosling finally looked up, a gentle smile returning to his face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In any case, Roland... you saved Dalko’s life.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"As for other rewards, I’m sure Dalko won’t be stingy, and regarding the promise he made you...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he spoke, Baron Fosling opened a desk drawer and took out a slightly yellowed Sheepskin Scroll.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This is a copy of Flowing Slash, a Combat Skill that has been passed down in our family for hundreds of years.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I will give you one month to study it. After one month, I hope you can return it completely intact. Of course...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I do not wish for this copy to be read by anyone other than you. Is that acceptable?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After he finished speaking, Roland keenly noticed Dalko’s brow furrow almost imperceptibly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although he was a little puzzled, Roland still stepped forward and respectfully received the heavy Sheepskin Scroll with both hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although he had only heard a little about Combat Skills before, the rumors alone were enough for Roland to understand how precious such techniques were.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had saved Dalko in the forest mainly for his own self-preservation; obtaining a Combat Skill was a completely unexpected bonus.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With his current status, it would normally be impossible for him to come into contact with a legacy of this level.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Therefore, let alone a month, even just ten days to study it would be an immense gift.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I will follow your instructions, Lord Baron.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing that there was only pure joy in Roland’s eyes, with no hint of greed, Baron Fosling nodded in satisfaction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Alright, Roland... if you need anything else in the future, you can go directly to Dalko.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I understand, Lord Baron.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although he still wanted to ask Dalko about the Adventurer’s Guild, sensing the implied dismissal in the Baron’s words, Roland tactfully took a step back and bowed respectfully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then, please allow me to take my leave.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After receiving the Baron’s nod, Roland left the parlor under the servant’s guidance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But after he left, the sound of an argument could be heard from the parlor.\u003C\u002Fp>",2008,"2026-06-09T07:01:39.334Z",1,"novelbin.me","d20dad35fc9c8952b01bf0accedf95916bbf8c83cfa1bb506b1c9d94ac95bc32","knight-from-apprentice-to-the-almighty-chapter-47","knight-from-apprentice-to-the-almighty-chapter-45",216,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fknight-from-apprentice-to-the-almighty-cover.jpg"]