[{"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-7":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},1847821,2453,"Chapter 7: Peyton the Mercenary","knight-from-apprentice-to-the-almighty-chapter-7",7,"\u003Cp>\"That’s enough!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The arguing stopped abruptly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A somewhat lanky figure forcefully pushed the door open and hurried away with his head down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sam!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before Roland could react, another man, this one with a burly frame, appeared before him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing the man, Sean waved his hand excitedly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Pey—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the burly man only glanced at Roland and Sean before chasing after the first man, disappearing at the end of the street.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Uh...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sean lowered his raised right hand and rubbed his nose in embarrassment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That man from a moment ago... that’s my uncle, Peyton.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Anyway... let’s go inside first.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After saying this, Sean pulled Roland into the house.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The furnishings inside were a bit plain, but everything was very clean and tidy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sean, where’s your father?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He should be at the shop selling meat around this time...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sean closed the door and tossed the bundle he was holding onto the wooden table with a dull thud.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stared at the bundle on the table and spoke slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What exactly is this thing?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Roland looked around, and after confirming there was no one else in the room, he stretched and gestured with a slight lift of his chin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Open it and see for yourself.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So secretive...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sean grumbled in dissatisfaction and reached out to unwrap the bundle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the cloth wrapping fell away to reveal three Iron Swords, his previously confused expression instantly froze, then morphed into shock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Celestial Father above!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He cried out in astonishment, grabbing a hilt and holding the sword high, his widened eyes filled with disbelief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stood there dumbfounded for a long time before slowly turning his stunned gaze to Roland.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"P...Pal, is... is this an Iron Sword?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice trembled slightly with shock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I don’t think there’s anything wrong with your eyesight.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Roland chuckled and shrugged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No, I mean...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sean swung it around excitedly a few times. After the cold touch of the metal convinced him it was all real, he carefully cradled the Iron Sword to his chest and asked in a trembling voice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Where did you get this?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I forged it myself, of course.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sean didn’t doubt Roland’s words, but seeing his friend’s calm expression, he couldn’t help but feel a pang of frustration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’We’re both learning from Hawke, but I haven’t even mastered the most basic forging techniques, and Roland can already craft weapons on his own!’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’The gap is just...’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Tsk, the difference between people is sometimes greater than the difference between a person and a dog.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>he muttered under his breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But then another thought struck him: this genius before him was his best friend!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That thought instantly swept away the gloom in Sean’s chest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He hugged the Iron Sword tightly, an uncontrollable, goofy grin spreading across his face. He stroked the blade for a long while before reluctantly wrapping it back up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Are you planning to sell it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sean asked hesitantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My dad says that if you haven’t joined the Blacksmith Guild, it’s illegal to sell tools and equipment privately...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But I can help you ask around in the tavern. Maybe there’s another way.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing these words, Roland couldn’t help but feel a surge of warmth in his heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When he had just transmigrated here, he was often bullied by the other apprentices because he was so thin and weak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every time it happened, Sean would be the one to stand up for him. As they spent more time together, Sean always took great care of him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without Sean, he might not have had the energy to focus wholeheartedly on practicing his craft, let alone successfully advance to a Blacksmith Apprentice and stand out among the many young trainees.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Based on these points alone, Roland felt that giving him an Iron Sword was nowhere near enough to repay his friendship.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why are you putting it away? Isn’t your birthday in a few months?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A slight smile touched Roland’s lips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This is a gift I prepared especially for you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A... a gift? For me?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sean’s pupils suddenly contracted. The usually carefree young man was now at a complete loss.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He carefully stroked the body of the sword, his voice starting to stutter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This... this is too valuable... I’ve never bought a weapon, but an Iron Sword like this must be worth a fortune...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Alright, alright...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Roland stepped forward without taking no for an answer and pushed the Iron Sword into his arms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Didn’t you say it yourself? We’re the best of friends.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The best of friends...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sean repeated in a mumble, then suddenly nodded emphatically, his eyes shining.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That’s right! We are the best of friends!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He laughed and gave Roland a bear hug, squeezing so hard that Roland’s bones creaked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Easy... easy...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Roland struggled to break free from the enthusiastic embrace and warned him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No matter who asks, even if it’s your father or uncle, don’t reveal that I forged these weapons, understand?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, sir!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sean mimicked a Manor Guard’s salute, then began to play with the Iron Sword in his hands, unable to put it down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a while, he finally noticed something else in the bundle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Pal? What’s this thing?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That thing...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Roland stared at the piece of iron with two cloth straps hanging from it that Sean was holding up, and the corner of his eye twitched involuntarily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After taking a deep breath, he forced himself to remain calm and walked over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Look...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he spoke, he tied the crudely made Heart-Protecting Mirror to Sean’s left chest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This way, it can at least block a fatal blow aimed at the heart.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh, I see!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sean flicked the iron plate on his chest with a finger, intrigued. It made a crisp DING sound. He then slapped Roland hard on the shoulder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Pal! You’re a forging genius!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A genius?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Roland gave a bitter smile and shook his head helplessly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Alright, Sean... just put this... uh... protective gear away for now.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as the two of them finished putting things away, the sound of heavy footsteps echoed from outside the door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Turning to look, they saw Peyton push the door open and enter, his face dark.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thanks to the bright sunlight from outside, Roland finally got a clear look at his appearance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Below a high, aquiline nose, sharp eyes glinted from deep-set sockets. His chiseled, angular face was as stern as if carved from a blade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Paired with his burly frame, he exuded a faint but palpable sense of pressure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Uncle Peyton, I’m back!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sean shouted excitedly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This is the Roland I told you about!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peyton grunted \"Mm\" without lifting his head and casually grabbed a small wooden keg from under the counter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the oak stopper was pulled out, the aroma of wine with a fruity, acidic tang immediately filled the room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He tilted his head back and took several large gulps, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he swallowed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The liquor trickled down from the corner of his mouth, forming droplets that clung to his thick beard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After casually wiping his chin with his sleeve, Peyton’s mouth twisted into a smirk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What’s this, Sean? Did the noble master kick you out for being a lousy apprentice?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not at all. Tomorrow is the festival for the Father of Heaven, so Mr. Hawke gave us the day off.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sean seemed to be long accustomed to Peyton’s sarcasm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking of the Iron Sword he had just received, he said eagerly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Uncle Peyton, please teach us some Swordsmanship!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You two?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peyton raised an eyebrow, the keg pausing in mid-air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yeah...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sean nodded quickly, first pointing to his own sturdy chest, then patting Roland’s slender shoulders.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You know, as soon as the festival is over, Lord Beckham is going to recruit soldiers to crusade against the Demons in Black Pine Forest. I want to enlist... but all I have is brute strength...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He scratched his head, embarrassed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"As for Roland...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feeling Peyton’s scrutinizing gaze, Roland offered a timely, humble smile and said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Uncle Peyton, I’m also very interested in Swordsmanship.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmph, hmph...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peyton chuckled twice and set down the keg.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What a coincidence. I’m not skilled with other weapons, but I do know a thing or two about Sword Skills. It’s not impossible to teach you, but...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He narrowed his eyes, revealing a sly, fox-like smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What will you use to pay the tuition?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Tuition?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sean’s eyes went wide.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Uncle, I’m your own nephew!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don’t give me that!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peyton tilted his head back for another swig of wine and let out a satisfied, loud belch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Do you know how much those retired veterans at the training grounds charge to teach their skills?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He held up one rough finger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ten Silver Coins a month!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this, Peyton deliberately lowered his voice in a show of feigned affection.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But, seeing as we’re family... I’ll only charge you five Silver Coins. How about it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>",1469,"2026-06-09T07:01:39.334Z",1,"novelbin.me","502acc5186a53cc1961841234bbf6fa303cc1c913bda547602cd625e42f56e14","knight-from-apprentice-to-the-almighty-chapter-8","knight-from-apprentice-to-the-almighty-chapter-6",216,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fknight-from-apprentice-to-the-almighty-cover.jpg"]