A Change in Attitude

On the boundless sea horizon, a small fleet of three three-masted merchant ships was cutting through the waves.

Roland stood quietly on the deck of the foremost ship, feeling the refreshing sea breeze gently blow, carrying the unique salty scent of the ocean, which was incredibly invigorating.

Five days had passed since he left Highland City. The journey hadn't been entirely smooth; they had encountered several small pirate ships. However, upon seeing the Black Knight Pirates' flag flying from the merchant ships, the pirates turned and fled, much to Roland's relief.

He didn't fear war, but he did fear the loss of his meager fortune.

Fortunately, the reputation of the Black Knight Pirates was still quite intimidating within the Sea of Ten Thousand Islands, allowing him to reach White Whale Island safely.

White Whale Island was located at the junction of the Mystic Tide Sea Region and the Azure Sea Region in the Sea of Ten Thousand Islands. It served as a supply island for the Black Knight Pirates and housed a small outpost of theirs.

Although reaching White Whale Island required a detour and cost an extra three days, Roland had no complaints.

This was because he needed the escort of the Black Knight Pirates before heading to his chosen island.

It was an ancient, unspoken tradition within the Sea of Ten Thousand Islands for a major local power to lead newcomers, thereby announcing their protection over those they guided to surrounding factions.

However, in Roland's understanding, this tradition was merely a means for the major powers to publicly declare their sovereignty, signifying that any Pioneer Knight venturing to the Sea of Ten Thousand Islands to establish territory must show them respect.

But Roland was currently the beneficiary, and his perspective differed, so he wholeheartedly approved of this tradition.

"Apothecary Roland, that's White Whale Island up ahead."

Roland, who had been contemplating the situation in the Sea of Ten Thousand Islands while enjoying the sea breeze, was interrupted by Captain Feli's voice from behind him.

Hearing this, Roland immediately focused his gaze forward.

In the distance, on the sea horizon, an island of no great size had appeared at some point.

Due to the distance, Roland couldn't discern the specifics of the island, but as far as he could see, more than a dozen warships were anchored on the sea.

As the three merchant ships under Roland's command appeared, they immediately drew the attention of the warships. Three vessels quickly separated and moved to surround Roland's fleet.

"Meet them," Roland said, waving his hand gently.

"Understood, Apothecary Roland." Captain Feli showed no concern. As a captain under Leslie, he was more familiar with the Black Knight Pirates than Roland.

As the two sides approached, the Black Knight Pirates, upon seeing their own flag flying on the merchant ships, also slowed their warships and held their fire.

Just as the two groups were about to make contact, a figure suddenly leaped from a warship with a sharp prow. In the blink of an eye, he soared into the air, tracing a graceful arc before crashing down towards the merchant ship Roland was on.

CRASH.

With a loud thud, the figure landed heavily on the merchant ship's deck. Wooden debris flew everywhere, and his feet sank deep into the deck.

This scene immediately drew the attention of everyone on Roland's side. O'Neal, along with several subordinates, drew their swords without a word and pointed them at the newcomer.

However, Feli and Artur remained unfazed, clearly having anticipated this situation.

But in Roland's eyes, this caused his brow to furrow, his expression darkening. Yet, he said nothing, quietly observing this uninvited guest.

The newcomer was tall and powerfully built, appearing only slightly smaller than O'Neal. However, the aura he exuded was far superior to O'Neal's, clearly indicating he was a formidable warrior.

Most striking was the long scar on his dark face, running diagonally from his eye to his jaw, like a twisted centipede, sending a shiver down one's spine.

"You are Roland?" The scarred man, ignoring O'Neal who stood defensively, walked directly towards Roland in the center of the group.

"Stop," O'Neal immediately blocked Roland's path.

"Hmph, overestimating yourself." A terrifying killing intent flashed in the scarred man's eyes. Fiery red Battle Qi surged around him. With a movement, he appeared before O'Neal in the next instant and threw a heavy punch. It bypassed O'Neal's defense completely and landed squarely on his broad chest.

BOOM.

Another loud sound. O'Neal, weighing over three hundred pounds, was sent flying backward with no power to resist, crashing into the railing at the edge of the deck.

The knocked-back O'Neal immediately coughed up a mouthful of blood and was unable to get back up.

Seeing their captain sent flying, several members of the Loyal Lion Mercenary Group could no longer hold back. They drew their swords and charged at the scarred man. Even though they knew their strength posed no threat to him, they couldn't stand by and watch their captain be struck down.

"Wait, wait, it's a misunderstanding, we're all on the same side, don't be rash."

At this moment, Feli, seeing the impending conflict, quickly stepped forward and blocked the few members of the Loyal Lion Mercenary Group.

"Return, you are no match for him."

With Feli's intervention, O'Neal also spoke, calling back the men Feli was holding.

Under O'Neal's command, the mercenaries of the Loyal Lion Mercenary Group ceased their actions and reluctantly retreated to O'Neal's side, blocking the scarred man's path for further attack.

Meanwhile, this sudden scene on deck caused Roland to recall everything he had experienced three months ago with the Solomon Family. At the same time, this incident completely shattered the arrogance that had developed from his recent string of good fortune.

After meeting Leslie, Roland's life had suddenly elevated to a level far beyond his status. The courtesy he received as the second heir of the Oroko Family, the luxurious life in the Noble Villa, and the Elf slave worth five thousand gold coins – all these had constantly influenced his judgment of himself.

But this single blow from the scarred man had utterly shattered all his illusions, making Roland clearly realize now that he was merely an insignificant Pioneer Knight. Whether in Leslie's eyes or the Black Knight Pirates', he was just a pawn.

The damnable sense of powerlessness returned, making Roland's expression extremely grim, dark as water.

"Damn bastard, remember, next time you meet an Earth Knight, you should show them your utmost respect," the scarred man sneered, looking at the mercenaries blocking him and cursing viciously.

After speaking, he turned back to Roland.

"You are Roland?"

The scarred man's voice had become extremely impolite and filled with killing intent.

Roland did not answer immediately. He simply stared grimly at the scarred man before him, his mind racing through several possibilities. However, after analyzing the consequences, his expression gradually calmed.

"It is I."

"Stop dawdling, you're like a woman. The young lady is waiting for you, follow me." The scar-faced man cursed impatiently, then bent his knees and suddenly erupted with immense power, leaping back onto his warship.

"Captain Feli, follow them," Roland said, his expression completely calm, showing no trace of anger from the scar-faced man's provocation. However, his voice carried a deep chill.

"Yes, Apothecary Roland," Feli replied respectfully, sensing the shift in Roland's demeanor.

If he had to choose again, even knowing it would displease Roland, he still wouldn't confront the scar-faced man directly. He knew too well what the Black Knight Pirates represented in the Sea of Ten Thousand Islands.

After giving his orders, Roland went to O'Neal's side.

"Is your injury serious?"

"It's alright. My Battle Qi was scattered for a moment, so I'm temporarily out of commission," O'Neal said with some shame, seemingly embarrassed that he hadn't protected Roland.

"Hmm, that's good."

Roland didn't say anything more. He had seen O'Neal's performance and would reward his bravery at an opportune moment in the future.

Under Feli's command, the three merchant ships slowly sailed into White Whale Island, following the scar-faced man's warship.

They finally stopped beside a warship that was twenty zhang long. Using a basket lift, Roland was led by the scar-faced man into a simple yet grand captain's cabin, where he met Elizabeth again.

Elizabeth had clearly shed her previous extravagant attire. Her golden hair was lightly tied back, revealing her delicate face. Her form-fitting brown leather jacket and pants accentuated her graceful figure and were practical for combat.

However, Elizabeth's attitude towards Roland had changed significantly this time.

"Roland, you're also an apothecary?" Elizabeth asked with interest. This was the first time she had truly focused her attention on him.

"Yes," Roland nodded in acknowledgment.

The scar-faced man's arrogant behavior earlier had given him a negative impression of the Black Knight Pirates. Although he admired Elizabeth's beauty, his attitude remained very cold.

Elizabeth seemed to sense Roland's attitude, which caused a slight furrow to appear between her brows. She suddenly seemed to recall something, and her deep blue eyes immediately shifted to the scar-faced man beside Roland.

Sensing Elizabeth's scrutinizing gaze, the scar-faced man's expression faltered. He seemed to realize that his previous actions had caused trouble for his young lady, making him sheepishly touch his head, his arrogance completely gone.

Seeing his expression, Elizabeth understood the situation and glared at him unhappily.

"Roland, my subordinates are pirates, so their actions can be a bit arrogant. If any of them offended you, I apologize on their behalf," Elizabeth said frankly.