Colin didn’t say anything important, merely asking Roland if he needed anything else. He added that Roland could stay there until the ship reached Distant Harbor, and that he would cover all expenses during that time.

However, Roland politely declined the offer.

Although it had been less than a year since he arrived in this world, he was no longer alone.

Over the past year, he had made many close friends, who had often looked out for him.

Sean, Peyton, John, Hawke, Dalko...

Since he had decided to leave the Golden Valley Kingdom, Roland felt it was only right to say goodbye to them in person.

In addition to these friends, there was one other person he wanted to take with him.

Looking back, the white city walls of Distant Harbor gradually disappeared from view.

Roland subconsciously brushed his right hand over the bracer-like piece of white bone on his left wrist, his thoughts churning.

’Though Mr. Bronson’s talent as a Wizard is limited, he is profoundly knowledgeable and passionate about research, and he has made some impressive contributions to magical theory.’

’He’s only staying in Black Water Territory for research funding. If I could get him to come with me to the River Domain, he could lean on Colin’s vast financial resources. Free from the constraints of funding, perhaps he could develop even more novel Spell Patterns...’

As he was lost in thought, a familiar voice suddenly reached his ears.

"Hey, Roland!"

Dalko urged his horse closer, his eyes twinkling with curiosity.

"I was meaning to say earlier..."

He looked Roland’s new attire up and down and couldn’t help but let out a whistle.

"That is one magnificent set of gear!"

The young nobleman reached out and lightly tapped Roland’s shoulder armor, which let out a crisp, pleasant ring.

"The craftsmanship, tsk tsk..."

he said in admiration.

"His Majesty Morne’s reward is truly something else..."

Noticing the unconcealable envy in Dalko’s eyes, Roland looked down to inspect his own new attire, a faint smile touching his lips.

In the sunlight, the blue-and-white steel Plate Armor gleamed with a cold, metallic luster.

The breastplate was engraved with delicate wave patterns, while the pauldrons were cleverly shaped to resemble soaring seagulls.

A deep blue cloak billowed in the wind, and even the scabbard of the sword at his waist was adorned with the same exquisite blue-and-white wave insignia.

The entire suit of Armor was both imposing and elegant, emitting a steady, rhythmic metallic clink as he moved.

Even to the untrained eye, it was clear that this equipment’s quality far surpassed that of ordinary Armor.

But Roland knew full well that the Armor’s exceptional quality was largely thanks to his acceptance of Colin’s recruitment.

If it were just a matter of placating Morne, Colin, with his stingy merchant’s nature, would never have presented such a superb suit of Armor as a reward.

"But..."

Dalko glanced toward the distance, made a quick comparison, and then spoke again.

"I still think all-black Armor looks more impressive. When I become a Knight, I want to wear a full suit of black Armor, just like Gandar!"

Following Dalko’s gaze, Roland’s eyes fell on Gandar, who was leading the Guards in the distance.

The renowned Knight wasn’t here specifically to escort the two of them, of course. He was acting on Morne’s orders to travel to Chenxi Territory, eliminate the remnants of the Truth Church, and take control of the domain.

Since they were heading in the same direction, Roland had requested to travel with Gandar.

After all, with such a powerful Knight present, any danger along the way was nothing to fear.

And thanks to Roland’s performance in the earlier martial demonstration, Gandar had not refused.

However, unlike Colin, Gandar never brought up the matter of serving on the border again, nor did he even engage in idle pleasantries along the way. Perhaps it was because Roland, though strong, had not yet reached a level that would compel the commander to actively seek his friendship, or perhaps it was simply due to Gandar’s naturally taciturn nature.

And so, under Gandar’s lead, Roland and Dalko passed through Chenxi Territory without incident, unharassed by any thieves or bandits.

And thanks to the Iron-blooded Knight’s swift and decisive methods, the remnants of the Truth Church within Chenxi Territory were thoroughly purged.

The only surprise was the news of Gavin’s youngest son, Mason, having gone missing.

CLOP, CLOP, CLOP...

The slow, heavy sound of horse hooves echoed on the silent road.

Dalko glanced back at the desolate village behind them and sighed softly. He then turned to Roland, who was suddenly staring into space, and asked with concern,

"What’s wrong, Roland? Tired? Black Water Territory is just up ahead. Hang in there a little longer. If you really can’t go on..."

"I’m fine, Dalko."

Roland raised a hand to cut him off. After a few lighthearted jokes, the group continued onward.

Roland, however, was staring into the empty space before him.

A line of golden text was shimmering faintly in his vision.

[Basic Riding Skill has reached Full Level]

[Analysis complete. Eligible for the Upper-tier Profession: Knight’s Attendant.]

[Requirements: 8 Power, 8 Agility, Full-Level Taming Horses-related skills (2/2), Full-Level Short-Handled Weapon Skills (3/3), Full-Level Long-Handled Weapon Skills (0/3), Full-Level Long-Range Weapon Skills (1/1), Riding and Slaying Enemies (0/100)]

[You do not meet the requirements for this Profession.]

’Maxing out Basic Riding Skill really does unlock a new Profession, and an Upper-tier one, no less! But...’

Roland stroked his smooth chin, lost in thought.

’Even though it’s called [Knight’s Attendant], it doesn’t seem to be related to the Extraordinary Professional Knight. Looking at the requirements, it’s more like... a cavalryman?’

He reined in his thoughts and carefully examined the requirements.

’Compared to [Warrior], the requirements for [Knight’s Attendant] are far more complex. Fortunately, I already fulfilled most of them when taking on other Professions, it’s just...’

Roland frowned as his gaze fell on the three requirements for Long-Handled Weapon Skills.

In ground combat, Long-Handled Weapons were often less practical than Short-Handled Weapons due to their length and unwieldiness, unless used in legion formations.

The Guards at the manor, like John, had for the most part only mastered the basic techniques for using a Long Spear.

The true advantage of Long-Handled Weapons, however, was in a cavalry charge.

But in the Golden Valley Kingdom, horses were a rarity to begin with.

The horses raised at the manor’s stables were mainly used for delivering messages, not for combat training.

Right now, he had no suitable environment to learn the advanced techniques for Long-Handled Weapons.

’Forget it...’

After a moment of thought, Roland shook his head slightly.

’Anyway, I only have three months left before I go to the River Domain. If it comes to it, I’ll just have Colin help me find an instructor proficient in Long-Handled Weapons.’

Just as Roland was deep in thought, Dalko’s excited voice called out from up ahead.

Perhaps because it was his first time traveling far from home, the young nobleman seemed especially giddy as soon as they entered the Black Water Territory.

"Roland, keep up! There’s a village just ahead. We can spend the night there!"

"Coming!"

Roland called back, then lightly spurred his horse to catch up.

Although it was unclear whether Baron Fosling had awoken from his coma, the situation in Black Water Territory was clearly much more stable than in the turbulent Chenxi Territory.

The journey was peaceful, and in just a few short days, the familiar silhouette of the manor came into view.