[{"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-58":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},1847972,2453,"Chapter 58 - 49: Gods","knight-from-apprentice-to-the-almighty-chapter-58",58,"\u003Cp>BANG!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a dull thud, the upper body of the Winged Dogman slid slowly along the bloody gash, the cross-section of the wound as smooth as a mirror.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just like with the Bloodscale Dogman before, the gushing blood transformed into a raging Flame mid-air before it could even hit the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tongues of fire curled inward, devouring the creature. In the blink of an eye, the ferocious Demon was reduced to a pile of ash.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The white object it had been clutching in its left claw fell, rolling to a stop at Roland’s feet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A small, bright red Crystal glinted faintly, half-hidden in the ashes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Roland had no time to examine them now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although he had practiced repeatedly at the manor and no longer collapsed from exhaustion after using Flowing Slash like the first time, a powerful wave of weakness still washed over him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But as he watched the Executioner in the distance—the one who cut down human and Demon alike without distinction—Roland forced himself not to show any sign of fatigue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He discreetly plunged his Iron Sword into the ground for support, steadying his trembling hands on the hilt as he slowly exhaled a shaky breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Are you all right?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Me?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Executioner’s sapphire-blue pupils trembled slightly, a lingering shock still visible in their gaze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although his previous clash with the Winged Dogman had been brief, the monster’s impenetrable Scale Armor, its strength that far surpassed a human’s, and the terrifying speed and mobility granted by its single wing had made one thing deeply clear to him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was no opponent an ordinary human could ever hope to face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet the man before him had done it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Executioner’s gaze slowly shifted to Roland’s face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His handsome features still held a touch of youthfulness; he was clearly not very old.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And although that last strike had been incredibly sharp, it did not possess the Power of an Extraordinary Powerhouse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Cough, cough, cough...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He coughed lightly a few times, spitting out a mouthful of dark blood. He then slowly wiped the corner of his mouth with his sleeve and pushed himself up from the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What you just used... that was a Combat Skill, wasn’t it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the first time Roland had heard the Executioner speak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Compared to his mysterious appearance and ruthless methods, his voice was surprisingly clear, even possessing a softness unique to women.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’Wait a minute...’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’A woman?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking at the slender figure beneath the black robe, Roland spoke tentatively.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And how should I address you... miss?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Teresa Hernandez. Just call me Teresa...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Teresa lifted her mask, her long, silver hair fluttering in the wind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Within her calm, sapphire-blue eyes lay a hidden sharpness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had a high, straight nose that gave her face a dashing, heroic air, yet her lips were soft and delicate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The corners of her lips were pressed together, like a sharp, drawn sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elegant, deadly, and possessing an edge that was impossible to ignore.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Roland wasn’t mesmerized by her beauty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instead, as she slowly approached, he unconsciously tightened his grip on his sword hilt, his gaze falling, intentionally or not, on her pale neck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although he was somewhat exhausted, the woman named Teresa had clearly sustained more serious injuries in the previous fight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If she dared to draw her sword, Roland was confident he could kill her in a single blow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don’t be nervous...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing his reaction, Teresa stopped about three paces away from Roland.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her gaze was somewhat unfocused, her eyes fixed on something behind Roland, as if something was there.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a moment of silence, her clear, level voice slowly rang out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Roland... oh... both parents deceased. Your past is quite tragic. Other than that...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Teresa’s brow furrowed slightly, a flicker of confusion in her eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The rest of your information is shrouded in mist, impossible to see clearly... How strange...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Roland’s pupils contracted sharply. His brow furrowed deeply as he scrutinized Teresa’s face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was certain he had never met this mysterious woman before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’How could she know all this about me?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Roland’s expression grow more solemn, Teresa simply shook her head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Rest assured, you’re not like that scum. You’re someone trustworthy. I won’t attack you. As for why I know so much about you...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a slightly trembling arm, Teresa sheathed her Foil.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You can think of it as a great power bestowed upon me by the Gods.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’The Gods?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon hearing that word, Roland’s brow twitched uncontrollably.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the surface, however, he remained calm and composed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He surreptitiously recovered his stamina while speaking in a slow, steady tone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In that case, Miss Teresa...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Roland narrowed his eyes slightly and said with a smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"For fairness’s sake, shouldn’t you also introduce yourself?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My apologies...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Teresa nodded slightly. She lifted a corner of her torn black robe with her left hand, placed her right hand over her chest, and bowed in a standard formal greeting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Teresa Hernandez, formerly a member of the Truth Church.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’The Truth Church?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’It must be one of the many Churches that Bronson mentioned have been popping up like weeds in recent years.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he understood, Roland also keenly picked up on a key word.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Formerly?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Teresa straightened up, her already pale face looking even more wan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I have already left the Truth Church. Now, I am just a free-roaming Adventurer.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I just didn’t expect that the first stop on my journey...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As if thinking of the greedy desperados in Songmu Town, a trace of disgust flashed in Teresa’s eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...would be a place even more squalid than the Truth Church.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before he could ask any more questions, Teresa bowed again and said softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Thank you for your help just now. I will be sure to repay this favor in the future.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I have urgent business to attend to, so I’ll take my leave. We’ll meet again, Mr. Roland.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before Roland could respond, she turned and left.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her steps were still composed and elegant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although she stumbled slightly, her speed was astonishing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the blink of an eye, she vanished from Roland’s sight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hooo...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gazing in the direction where Teresa had disappeared, Roland let out a long breath, a lingering doubt still troubling his mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’Was what she said true? A great power bestowed by the Gods...’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shaking his head, he temporarily pushed these impenetrable questions to the back of his mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Roland bent down, placed the small red Crystal into his pouch, and then reached for the white object that had rolled to his feet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the moment his fingertips touched its surface, his pupils contracted violently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Relying on his [Heart of the Furnace] Trait, he could now clearly perceive a thrumming deep within the white object.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was the unique emotional ripple of a Flame.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Faint, yet vivid, like the last spark dancing in the embers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suppressing the astonishment welling up inside him, Roland held the white object up to his eyes to examine it closely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was stained with traces of dirt, clearly having been dug out of the ground not long ago.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its smooth, jade-like surface concealed a hard interior, and its hollow, cylindrical structure resembled an exquisitely carved bracer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A bone structure?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Connecting this to recent events, an astonishing theory surfaced in his mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Could this... be a fragment of the giant skeleton that caused the bloody battle between the Fiery Sun Church and the goblins?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this thought, Roland’s knuckles tightened unconsciously, and the object in his palm suddenly seemed to grow scorching hot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The image of the Demons frantically fighting over the skeleton during the battle he’d observed in the forest was still fresh in his mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not to mention the involvement of an unknown faction like the Fiery Sun Church.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking of this, he quickly stowed the bone fragment in the pouch at his waist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just then, an unnatural rustling sound came from the canopy above.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Roland looked toward the sound and saw a line of Demons emerging one by one from the forest’s Shadows.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After quickly scanning the battlefield and confirming there were no troublesome Alien Demons among them, he couldn’t help but breathe a sigh of relief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feeling that most of his stamina had already returned, the corners of his mouth couldn’t help but lift into a slight smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>SHING!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He yanked his Longsword from the ground, flinging up several clods of damp earth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sharp blade refracted a chilling light under the dappled sunlight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As his sword danced through the air, the shrill wails of Demons rose and fell, and the foul-smelling blood drew arcs through the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the process, a line of text seemed to flash across his Professional Panel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Roland didn’t examine it closely at first, merely glancing at the information about becoming a Warrior.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Requires: Power 9, Agility 6, Five Full Level Combat Skills 4\u002F5, 100\u002F100 hostile creatures killed]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing that he had met the requirement of hunting hostile Demons to change his Profession to Warrior, he flicked his wrist, shaking the sticky blood from his blade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The thought that the bone fragment in his pouch could attract difficult prey like the Winged Dogman at any moment spurred him on, and he dared not linger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He passed through the last patch of shrubbery, and the sunlight at the edge of the forest opened up before him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A sharp whistle echoed through the woods, and a familiar clopping sound grew closer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Black Wind arrived like a bolt of black lightning, its glossy mane fluttering in the wind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Good boy.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Roland gently ruffled the black horse’s mane and swung himself deftly onto its back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a soft click of his tongue, the man and his horse galloped toward Songmu Town, leaving only a trail of fading hoofbeats on the forest path.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Three days passed in the blink of an eye. The journey was peaceful, and he encountered no trouble along the way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the tall watchtower on the north side of Songmu Town came into view, Roland’s tense nerves finally relaxed a little.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He dismounted, passed through the Guard’s routine inspection without issue, and then headed straight for the Adventurer’s Guild.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He pushed open the rather heavy wooden doors. The guild hall was surprisingly quiet, not a single soul in the empty main hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was only when his eyes landed on the black-robed figure at the counter that Roland suddenly understood why.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He slowly approached the counter and found the bartender looking as lazy as ever. Even when faced with Teresa, who bore the title \"Executioner,\" his expression didn’t flicker in the slightest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A glance out of the corner of his eye revealed that the parchment in the bartender’s hand was none other than the commission to investigate the strange Demon movements.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’So she was the one who took this commission...’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Noticing the movement beside her, Teresa glanced over. Seeing it was Roland, she gave him a slight nod of acknowledgment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The reward is two silver and fifteen copper coins in total.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The bartender casually tossed a heavy coin pouch onto the counter with a dull thud.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You can count it if you want.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No need.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Teresa neatly tucked the coin pouch away and then said flatly to Roland.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Farewell.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before the words had even faded, she had already turned to leave. With a swirl of her black robe, her figure quickly disappeared out the door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Roland had no interest in investigating this inscrutable woman. In fact, her mention of the \"Gods\" had put him on guard, and he subconsciously kept his distance from her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Therefore, he simply responded to her farewell with a slight nod, then untied the pouch from his waist and placed it securely on the counter, along with the copy of the commission from his coat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Whoa! So it was you, the new guy... It’s a miracle you made it back alive...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The bartender squinted, recognizing Roland, his tone tinged with a bit of teasing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He expertly counted the spoils in the pouch and let out a sharp whistle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A full sixty goblin ears! Nice work! Didn’t think you had it in you, kid.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crisp clinking of coins came from under the counter as the bartender deftly counted out the reward and pushed a heavy coin pouch in front of Roland.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"According to the rules, one goblin ear is worth Eight Copper Coins. The total is four silver and eighty copper coins.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Roland hefted the coin pouch, an unconscious smile tugging at his lips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Including the loot he had plundered from the goblin camp, he had earned nearly Nine Silver Coins from this adventure of less than ten days.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was more than he had earned in half a year as a Blacksmith Apprentice!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’This line of work pays way too fast!’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’And besides that...’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feeling the weight of the bone fragment in the pouch on his left hip, Roland felt an even more urgent desire to return to the manor.\u003C\u002Fp>",2151,"2026-06-09T07:01:39.614Z",1,"novelbin.me","4583c5abf48b04e5c58dcf4727d40fcbec16f0acf13cadc5ef14fbf7197d8166","knight-from-apprentice-to-the-almighty-chapter-59","knight-from-apprentice-to-the-almighty-chapter-57",216,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fknight-from-apprentice-to-the-almighty-cover.jpg"]