Translator: CinderTL
Colin didn't say anything particularly important, only asking Roland if he needed anything else and offering him temporary lodging until the ship reached Far Ocean Port, with all expenses covered.
However, Roland declined the offer.
Though he had only been in this world for less than a year, he was no longer alone.
In that time, he had made many close friends who had often looked out for him: Sean, Peyton, John, Hawk, and Darco.
Since he had decided to leave the Golden Valley Kingdom, Roland felt it was only right to bid them farewell in person.
Besides his friends, he also wanted to take someone with him.
Looking back, the white walls of Far Ocean Port gradually disappeared from view.
Roland unconsciously touched the white skeletal remains on his left wrist, which resembled a bracer, and his thoughts raced.
"Mr. Bronson may have limited talent on The Wizard's Path, but he is incredibly knowledgeable and dedicated to his research, making significant contributions to magical theory."
"His stay in Blackwater Territory is simply to secure funding for his research. If he were to join me in the River Domain Nations, with Colin's vast wealth, he could break free from financial constraints and perhaps develop even more innovative spell patterns..."
Lost in thought, Roland suddenly heard a familiar voice.
"Hey, Roland!"
Darco rode up beside him, his eyes sparkling with curiosity.
"I've been wanting to say this for a while now..."
He scanned Roland's new attire from head to toe, unable to resist whistling.
"That outfit is absolutely magnificent!"
The young noble reached out and lightly tapped Roland's shoulder armor, producing a crisp, melodious clang.
"The craftsmanship... tsk tsk..." he marveled. "His Majesty Monen's reward is truly extraordinary."
Noticing the undisguised envy in Darco's eyes, Roland looked down at his gleaming new armor, a smile tugging at his lips.
In the sunlight, the blue and white steel plate armor shimmered with a cold, metallic luster.
Delicate wave patterns were etched into the breastplate, while the shoulder armor was artfully sculpted into the shape of soaring seagulls.
A deep blue cloak billowed gently in the wind, and even the scabbard of his sword was adorned with the same exquisite blue and white wave crest.
The entire set of armor exuded both authority and agility, producing a steady, rhythmic metallic clinking with each step.
Even someone completely unfamiliar with armor could instantly recognize its superior quality, far surpassing that of ordinary armor.
But Roland knew full well that the exceptional quality of this armor was largely due to his acceptance of Colin's offer.
If Monen's only concern was to simply placate him, the stingy merchant would never have offered such superior armor as a reward.
"But..." Darco turned his head, comparing the armor to something in the distance before speaking again. "I still think pure black armor looks more imposing. When I become a knight, I want to wear pure black armor just like Lord Gondar!"
Following Darco's gaze, Roland's eyes landed on Gondar, who was leading the guards ahead.
This renowned knight's presence here wasn't solely to escort the two of them. Instead, under Monen's orders, he was heading to Dawn Territory to eliminate the remaining forces of the Church of Truth and seize control of the territory.
Since they were traveling in the same direction, Roland had requested to accompany Gondar. After all, with such a powerful knight leading the way, any dangers along the journey would be insignificant.
And based on Roland's performance during the recent martial arts competition, Gondar hadn't refused.
Unlike Colin, perhaps because Roland's strength, though considerable, still hadn't reached the level that would warrant the commander's active overtures, or perhaps because of Gondar's naturally taciturn nature, he didn't bring up the matter of Roland serving on the border again, nor did he engage in any unnecessary small talk.
Thus, under Gondar's leadership, Roland and Darco passed through Dawn Territory without encountering any bandits or raiders.
And thanks to the iron-fisted methods of the Iron-Blooded Knight, the remnants of the Church of Truth within Dawn Territory were thoroughly purged.
The only unexpected news was the disappearance of Mason, Gavin's youngest son.
Clop, clop, clop
The slow, heavy rhythm of hooves echoed through the silent road.
Darco glanced back at the desolate village behind them, sighed softly, then turned to Roland, who had suddenly fallen into a daze. Concerned, he asked, "What's wrong, Roland? Are you tired? Blackwater Territory isn't far ahead. Just hold on a little longer. If you can't..."
"It's nothing, Darco."
Roland raised a hand to cut him off, tossed off a casual remark, and the group continued their journey.
But Roland's gaze remained fixed on the empty space before him.
In Roland's vision, a line of golden text shimmered faintly:
[Basic Horsemanship Skill Reached Maximum Level]
[Detection Complete: Eligible to advance to the High-Tier Class Knight's Squire]
[Requirements: Strength 8, Agility 8, 2/2 Short-Handled Weapon Related Skills at Maximum Level, 3/3 Short-Handled Weapon Related Skills at Maximum Level, 0/3 Long-Handled Weapon Related Skills at Maximum Level, 1/1 Ranged Weapon Related Skill at Maximum Level, 0/100 Enemies Slain While Mounted]
[Host does not meet the requirements for advancement]
"So reaching maximum level in Basic Horsemanship really does unlock a new class, and it's even a High-Tier Class! But..."
Roland stroked his smooth chin thoughtfully.
"Though it's called 'Knight's Squire,' it doesn't seem to have much to do with a Transcendent Professional Knight. Based on these requirements, it sounds more like a cavalryman?"
He cleared his thoughts and carefully examined the advancement requirements.
"Compared to 'Warrior,' the requirements for 'Knight's Squire' are far more complex. Fortunately, I already meet most of them from my previous class advancements. It's just..."
His gaze fell on the three Long-Handled Weapon Related Skills, and Roland frowned.
In ground combat, unless fighting in a formation, long-handled weapons are often less practical than short-handled weapons due to their length and limited maneuverability.
The guards at the manor, like John, only had a rudimentary grasp of spear techniques.
The true advantage of polearms often lies in cavalry charges.
However, horses were rare in the Golden Valley Kingdom.
The horses raised at the manor's stables were primarily used for conveying information, not for combat training.
At the moment, Roland had no suitable environment to learn the subtle techniques of polearm combat.
"Never mind," he thought after a moment's consideration, shaking his head gently. "I only have three months left before I leave for the River Domain Nations. If I can't find a good instructor by then, I'll just ask Colin to help me find one."
As Roland pondered this, Darco's excited shouts echoed from ahead. Perhaps because this was his first long journey away from home, the young noble was unusually cheerful as soon as they entered the Blackwater Territory.
"Roland, hurry up! There's a village just ahead. We'll spend the night there!"
"Coming!" Roland called back, then lightly spurred his horse to catch up.
Though they still didn't know whether Baron Forslin had regained consciousness, the Blackwater Territory's security was clearly far better than the turbulent Dawn Territory.
The journey passed peacefully. In just a few days, the familiar outline of the manor came into view.
(End of the Chapter)