[{"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-54":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},1847968,2453,"Chapter 54 - 45: Commission","knight-from-apprentice-to-the-almighty-chapter-54",54,"\u003Cp>Roland’s eyes narrowed slightly as he saw the glint of greed in the burly man’s gaze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before setting off for Songmu Town, he had already heard about the reputation of these Mercenaries and Adventurers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Driven by fame and fortune, unscrupulous, fierce, and violent...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But amid all the varied descriptions, one point was surprisingly consistent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were all bullies who preyed on the weak and feared the strong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Show the slightest hint of fear, and they would swarm you like jackals that had scented blood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Therefore, Roland had anticipated this situation and had already prepared a countermeasure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"New here, kid? Let me tell you...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The bald brute advanced, a menacing sneer twisting his scarred face into a terrifying mask.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as the man’s rough hand was about to land on his shoulder, Roland lowered his stance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His right fist struck out like a viper.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>THUD!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The heavy impact cut the bald man’s words short, lodging them in his throat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As his opponent doubled over in pain, Roland landed a precise whip kick to the side of his knee.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a sharp CRACK, the brute staggered and fell to his knees.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Staring at the vulnerable neck now exposed before him, Roland’s right hand instinctively slid toward the Dagger at his waist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just then, the sound of heavy footsteps approached.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Roland’s eyes flickered, and he pulled his hand back from his weapon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instead, he formed his fingers into a spearhead and, with lightning speed, struck for the man’s throat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Gack... Ptui...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before the onlookers could even react, the brute’s eyes bulged. He stumbled back several steps before collapsing heavily into the mud.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He landed right next to the tall man he had been beating moments before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Muddy water splattered everywhere, making the two wretched figures look even more pathetic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just then, a thunderous roar erupted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Stop this at once!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A squad of fully-armed Guards approached, marching in lockstep.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man in the lead had short brown hair and a formidable build. His polished Armor glinted coldly in the dim light.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His sharp gaze swept over the chaotic scene, and he opened his mouth to reprimand them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Cyan Scar Hayden! I warned you...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His words died in his throat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The short-haired man’s pupils contracted as he stared in disbelief at the bald brute collapsed on the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The once arrogant and domineering \"Cyan Scar\" was now curled up in agony.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He feebly clawed at his throat, his entire face swelling to a horrifying shade of purple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a few hoarse, choking coughs, the infamous Mercenary’s eyes rolled back, and he passed out in the mud.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The short-haired man’s brow twitched violently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cyan Scar Hayden.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was Songmu Town’s most notorious ruffian, a man who ran rampant using his brawn and vicious tactics.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His habit of preying on the weak, combined with his beast-like ferocity, made the Mercenary the most troublesome scoundrel in all of Songmu Town.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But now...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a CLANG of Armor, the short-haired man’s sharp gaze locked onto the only stranger left standing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he strode forward, his tall frame cast a Shadow that nearly engulfed Roland completely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I am Sheriff Whiteman.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He flicked the guard of his sword with his thumb, his voice colder than steel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"These two...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He nudged the unconscious bald man with the tip of his boot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Did you do this?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing the man state his title, Roland simply raised an eyebrow. He silently lifted a corner of his linen robe, revealing the Dagger Dalko had given him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The silver sheath of the Dagger glinted in the dim light.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whiteman’s expression froze instantly, and he respectfully lowered his gaze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sir...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’m here on private business.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Roland’s tone was impassive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My apologies. I have overstepped.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whiteman bowed immediately, his voice lowered to a whisper.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Leave this to me. I’ll handle it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment he finished speaking, he straightened up, turned, and barked at the Guards behind him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What are you standing around for?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His thick finger pointed at the two men in the mud.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Throw these two idiots in the dungeon and let them reflect on what they’ve done!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, sir!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At his command, the Guards scrambled to drag away the unconscious brute.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just then, another commotion arose in the distance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whiteman wearily rubbed the bridge of his nose and hesitated before speaking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My apologies, er... My lord, I don’t know how I should address you...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Roland.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Roland said as he tied his reins to a wooden post.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There’s no need for titles.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Of course, Mr. Roland.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Roland’s easygoing attitude, Whiteman visibly relaxed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I have some other business to attend to. If you need any assistance...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He pointed to the north side of the town.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A tall watchtower stood there.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You can find me there.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Thank you, Mr. Whiteman.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not at all, not at all...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whiteman waved his hands dismissively, gave a quick bow, and then rushed off with his Guards toward the commotion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The clanking of Armor gradually faded into the noisy hubbub of the crowd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile, whispers rippled through the surrounding Mercenaries.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Who is this kid? Even that mad dog Whiteman was bowing and scraping to him...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A Mercenary with a face full of scars lowered his voice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Who cares who he is!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His tall, thin companion took a swig of ale, his eyes glinting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Did you see how he fought? That bastard Hayden didn’t even have a chance to fight back!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Tsk, he looks so refined, but his methods are vicious...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Roland paid the discussions no mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He raised a hand to gently stroke Black Wind’s forehead, using his [Animal Companion] Trait to whisper a few words into the warhorse’s ear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Black Wind snorted and meekly nuzzled his palm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once he was sure his mount was settled, Roland straightened his robes and walked into the Adventurer’s Guild under the crowd’s probing gazes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instantly, a wave of clamor washed over him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The cloying smell of stale ale and sweat fermented in the air. Greasy torches cast flickering shadows across the hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rusted Armor and worn-out weapons were piled in a corner, while leftover food lay strewn across several moth-eaten wooden tables.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was less an Adventurer’s Guild and more a common tavern.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Behind the counter, a fleshy-faced bartender wiped a grimy wooden mug.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A few drunken Adventurers were snoring at a table, while more figures lurked in the shadows.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some sharpened daggers, others counted coins. All eyes fixed on Roland the moment he entered, only to dart away when he met their gaze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clearly, the sight of Roland defeating Hayden had left a deep impression on the Mercenaries and Adventurers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"New face?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The bartender lazily sized Roland up and gestured toward the wall plastered with quest notices.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Go see for yourself.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His rough finger left a wet streak on the grimy mug.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you find one you like, bring it here to register.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Roland gave a slight nod and walked toward the mottled oak wall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yellowed parchments, stained with dried ale, were tacked densely across its entire surface.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His long fingers brushed across the papers, and he noticed that the bottom-right corner of each notice was marked with red dots made from a cinnabar ink pad.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’They must be a Level indicator for the quest’s difficulty,’ he thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Furthermore, each quest notice detailed the time limit, required number of people, and the quest’s specific location.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Surprisingly, there were very few quests to slay Demons.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Roland had no choice but to read through them one by one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Escort a merchant caravan to Chenxi Territory. Time limit: twenty days. Reward: sixty Copper Coins. Difficulty: one...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Recover stolen property. Time limit: three days. Reward: thirty Copper Coins. Difficulty: one...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Seeking five complete deer hides. Time limit: five days. Reward: fifty Copper Coins. Difficulty: one...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After scanning for some time, Roland finally found the kind of quests he was looking for.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Cull the goblin camp. Time limit: fifteen days. Reward: based on number of goblins killed. Difficulty: three...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Clear the Dogman Lair. Time limit: fifteen days. Reward: based on number of Kobolds killed. Difficulty: three...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Investigate unusual Demon activity around Songmu Town. Time limit: thirty days. Reward: two silver and fifteen copper coins. Difficulty: five...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On this last, curl-edged notice, five bright red dots were particularly jarring, and the ink looked much fresher than the others.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’Unusual Demon activity to the southeast?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Roland filed that information away and then carefully read the first two quest notices.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After confirming there was no mention of fully scale-covered Kobolds or non-green-skinned goblins, he weighed his own capabilities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Confident that he could handle them and had plenty of time, he reached out and pulled the first two notices from the wall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Turning back to the counter, he placed the parchments on the bartop and slid them toward the yawning bartender.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The bartender squinted, studying Roland carefully, his brow furrowing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Two quests, and just you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>he asked gruffly, his fingers drumming a rhythm on the counter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Roland gave a calm nod.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Another one who doesn’t know his own limits...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The bartender muttered under his breath, but his hands moved deftly, copying the quest details.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the ink bled onto the paper, he spoke without looking up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Listen, kid, you’ll have to pay a fine if you exceed the time limit... assuming you come back alive, of course.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He pushed the transcribed copy and an ink pad toward Roland with a dull thud.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sign your name, leave a thumbprint, and the jobs are yours.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Thank you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After his brief reply, Roland took the quill and signed the parchment with an elegant script.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He folded one of the copies, tucked it into his robe, and turned toward the door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as he was about to push the door open, a figure cloaked in a wide, black robe entered, silhouetted against the light.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The newcomer was slender. Only a pair of brilliant blue eyes were visible, with a glimpse of pale skin beneath a face covering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As they brushed past each other, the thick stench of blood assaulted Roland’s senses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The smell was so potent it was almost tangible, forcing an involuntary frown from Roland.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It’s the Executioner! What’s that lunatic doing back now?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Damn it, what bad luck! Let’s get out of here!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The once-boisterous Guild hall fell silent in an instant. Adventurers scrambled for the exit, the sounds of toppling tables and chairs echoing in their wake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In a matter of moments, only Roland and the mysterious figure known as the Executioner remained in the vast hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’Executioner...’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Roland repeated the name in his mind but didn’t linger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He pushed open the door and walked over to Black Wind, who was munching on some feed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After untying the reins, he led his warhorse through the town before finally settling on a reasonably clean inn for the night.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At dawn the next day, before the morning mist had fully dissipated, Roland was already on horseback, riding toward the location mentioned in the quest notice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Black Wind’s hooves trod across the dew-covered mud, leaving a clear trail of prints in their wake.\u003C\u002Fp>",1834,"2026-06-09T07:01:39.614Z",1,"novelbin.me","16a3f28272cd51ffed619a4e2ca364abde09bbfe26e67ad91234f1313cea6ae2","knight-from-apprentice-to-the-almighty-chapter-55","knight-from-apprentice-to-the-almighty-chapter-53",216,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fknight-from-apprentice-to-the-almighty-cover.jpg"]