Darko's Invitation

At the sight of John, Roland's heart sank slightly.

After pondering for a moment, he slowly asked,

"Could it be that you and your men were defeated by the kobolds, Captain John?"

The moment the words left his mouth, Roland felt that this guess was unlikely.

Based on his previous experience, ordinary kobolds posed no threat to the standing army.

If they had truly defeated the standing army, that meant there had to be more than one mutated Kobold among them.

But if that was really the case,

it wasn't that Roland looked down on John. He simply felt that if they encountered such a situation, this veteran before him would probably have a hard time escaping unscathed.

"Alas."

Hearing Roland's question, John let out another heavy sigh.

He poured the last mouthful of wine down his throat, his Adam's apple bobbing as he swallowed.

Only after casually wiping the wine stains from his beard did he continue.

"If we'd actually fought those bastards, that would've been fine. But the truth is..."

John slumped against the back of his chair, his rough fingers unconsciously rubbing the empty wine cup. He looked especially dejected.

"We didn't even catch sight of their shadows!"

"Those beasts must've used some method to sneak past our defenses without anyone noticing. They always chose the dead of night to attack the villages..."

At this point, John's voice suddenly choked.

His callused fist clenched involuntarily. His knuckles turned bluish-white from the force, and the bulging veins on the back of his hand were clearly visible.

The thatched huts soaked in blood, the mangled corpses, and the heart-wrenching cries of orphans still lingered in his mind.

"By the time we heard the news and rushed over, they'd already vanished without a trace. They were as cunning as rats in a burrow. Those damn beasts!"

Bang!

John's fist slammed heavily into the oak tabletop, making the wine cup jump.

Anger burned in his bloodshot eyes, yet it was mixed with a deep sense of helplessness.

"What's even more hateful is that while tracking them, we discovered that goblins were mixed in with that group of kobolds!"

"Goblins?"

Roland furrowed his brow, and a short, green-skinned humanoid immediately surfaced in his mind.

"That's right!"

John spoke through clenched teeth.

"You might not know this, but those green-skinned bastards have always been timid cowards. In the past, all they ever did was steal some cattle and sheep in groups. But now..."

His voice trembled with rage.

"They actually dared to take up weapons and slaughter humans alongside the kobolds!"

The veteran trembled with fury. He opened his mouth to continue cursing, only to find that no vicious words were enough to describe the outrage in his heart. In the end, all that came out was a sigh filled with frustration.

Roland quietly watched the furious John and wisely chose to remain silent.

Only after the veteran's breathing gradually calmed did he pick up the wine jug.

Amber liquid slowly poured into the cup.

"What happened afterward, Captain John?"

Roland asked softly as he pushed the wine cup toward him.

"Afterward? Ha."

John waved his hand, the corner of his mouth pulling into a bitter smile.

"Afterward, the commander had no choice but to ask the Baron for help. He brought in several warhorses, and we selected the most elite soldiers to form cavalry scouts. We patrolled day and night, which only barely curbed those beasts' attacks."

He raised the wine cup and drained it in one gulp. As his Adam's apple bobbed, he didn't notice the wine trickling down from the corner of his mouth.

"Those bastards stopped attacking for a while after realizing they couldn't gain anything from us. However..."

John suddenly lowered his voice, his knuckles unconsciously tapping against the tabletop.

"The scouts reported at the end that they were moving in the direction of Black Fir Forest."

At this, John suddenly snorted coldly, a trace of disdain flashing through his eyes.

"Hmph! Lord Beckham is stationed in Black Fir Forest. With those filthy beasts, they won't be able to stir up much trouble!"

Perhaps thinking of the knight's power, far beyond that of ordinary people, John relaxed somewhat. He leaned back in his chair and looked out the window.

"Whoa! It's already this late!"

The veteran smacked his lips and stood up from his chair.

"All right, kid. I still have to go on patrol later, so I won't keep chatting with you. I'll come find you tomorrow afternoon and teach you how to use a bow and arrow!"

"All right. Sorry for the trouble, Captain John."

"I told you, no need to be so polite!"

John patted Roland's shoulder with some displeasure, then staggered toward the outer door.

After seeing John off, Roland closed the door and returned to his seat at the table. His brows furrowed involuntarily.

"Black Fir Forest."

Roland repeated the familiar place name in a low voice, his fingertip unconsciously rubbing the rim of the wine cup.

For some reason, an inexplicable unease spread through his heart.

If this had happened in the past, Roland might not have thought much of such news.

But ever since hearing Bronson's speculation about the revival of Magical Essence, these unusual phenomena had forced him to think deeply.

First, the monsters in Black Fir Forest had rioted. Then, monster unrest had also appeared in the nearby Dawn Territory.

And now, all these monsters had gathered toward Black Fir Forest as if by prior agreement.

With all these signs piling up, a terrifying possibility rose in Roland's heart.

Could there be something deep within Black Fir Forest that was attracting the monsters?

However, the information he possessed was simply too limited. No matter how he analyzed it, he could never make sense of it.

"Forget it."

Roland rubbed his aching temples.

"Since a knight is stationed there, nothing major should happen. If things really get out of hand..."

"After I've adapted to my daily life as a Blacksmith Apprentice, I'll find some time to ask Mister Bronson for advice. Perhaps he'll know something."

Having made up his mind, Roland stood and cleared away the leftovers on the table before wearily collapsing onto the bed.

Unlike the hard communal bed he had slept on before, this bed was surprisingly soft and comfortable.

Fatigue surged over him like a tide. Almost the moment his head touched the pillow, Roland sank into dreams.

The next morning, Roland remembered George's instructions and arrived at the Blacksmith shop just as dawn was breaking.

"Excellent! Not one is missing!"

Hawk's booming voice echoed through the empty hall.

He folded his arms and swept his sharp gaze over the faces of every apprentice.

When his eyes passed over Roland, he gave an almost imperceptible nod.

"Now, I'll assign today's tasks."

After explaining the work, Hawk gave a few reminders about precautions and hurriedly left the Blacksmith shop.

The task was unexpectedly simple.

Perhaps because spring plowing was approaching, they weren't forging weapons or armor today, but various kinds of farm tools.

Since their structures were far simpler than those of weapons and equipment, Roland only glanced over the blueprints before skillfully working the bellows.

Clang, clang, clang!

Amid the crisp ringing of metal, the iron head of a hoe quickly took shape.

Roland deftly assembled it with the smoothly polished oak handle in one fluid motion.

Just then, a line of golden text suddenly appeared before him:

[You have forged a finished tool. Basic Forging Technique has gained 1 experience.]

"Farm tools count as finished tools too?"

Roland's eyes lit up, and a wave of pleasant surprise rose in his heart.

He had assumed that only decent weapons and armor would be recognized by the system, and had been quite troubled by that.

After all, forging even the simplest iron sword would take at least half a day with his current skills.

If he occasionally activated the [Focus] trait for assistance, as he had during yesterday's assessment, his efficiency would indeed rise substantially. However, the consumption was too great, making it impossible to sustain.

At this rate, raising Basic Forging Technique from level one to level two and completing the 100 basic tools required by the Profession Panel would take at least three to six months.

But things were different now.

Compared with sophisticated weapons and equipment, farm tools were not only simple to forge, but also saved time and effort.

At the thought of this, Roland's hand tightened around the hammer, trembling slightly as excitement flickered in his eyes.

He swiftly completed his task and neatly stacked the last hoe in the finished-goods area.

When he straightened, Roland's gaze unconsciously swept toward the other apprentices' work areas.

Most of them had only two or three farm tools beside them and were gathered in groups of three or five, chatting idly.

It wasn't that they were slacking off.

The workload Hawk had assigned was generous to begin with. Even the slowest apprentice had more than enough time to finish in a day, let alone someone like Roland, who could finish in half a day.

Looking at this scene, a sharp glint flashed through Roland's eyes.

He clearly remembered George saying that every step, from raw materials to finished products, had to be strictly recorded in the Blacksmith shop's ledgers.

Such standardized management meant he could no longer secretly take ore and forge tools as he pleased, as he had when he was first learning the craft.

But relying only on the workload assigned by Hawk, rapidly improving Basic Forging Technique would be like trying to fill the sea with a cup of water.

Roland wiped the sweat from his hands, and a plan gradually took shape in his mind.

"Mister George."

Roland walked over to George, who was chatting and laughing.

"Oh, it's you, Roland."

George turned around and gave him a friendly pat on the shoulder.

"How many times have I told you? Just call me George. Are you having some trouble?"

"No."

Roland smiled shyly and pointed toward his workbench.

"I've finished my task. I saw that you're still busy, so I thought I'd come help. Consider it repayment for looking after me yesterday."

George was stunned, then burst into hearty laughter.

"Ha! You're quite diligent, kid!"

He looked at Roland's energetic appearance, as if he were seeing himself when he had first entered the trade.

That brash young man who had been so passionate about forging that he wished he could spend all day in the Blacksmith shop.

"But there's no need."

George waved his hand.

"It's almost lunchtime. Since you've finished, why not go eat first?"

He lowered his voice and gave a sly wink.

"Don't worry. I won't tell Master Hawk that you left early."

"George, you've misunderstood."

Roland hurriedly explained.

"I genuinely want to help."

George exchanged a glance with the apprentice beside him, then helplessly shrugged.

"All right, you stubborn kid. But let me make this clear first..."

"I understand!"

Roland immediately picked up the thread, thumping his chest loudly.

"If Master Hawk asks, I'll say that my skills are inadequate, so I specifically asked you for guidance!"

"You clever little devil..."

George couldn't help laughing. He waved his hand to indicate that Roland could do as he pleased, then turned back to chat with his companions.

Having obtained permission, Roland was overjoyed and immediately fetched some ore.

When the lunchtime bell rang, Roland successfully completed George's task before the break.

Watching the experience value on the system panel continue to jump, he hummed a little tune as he walked toward the cafeteria.

Compared with the plain meals he had eaten while learning the trade, the food here was practically luxurious.

Although the staple was still black bread, the accompanying dishes were much more sumptuous.

The delicious fish soup shimmered with oil, the thick slices of cured meat gleamed amber, two boiled eggs rested quietly on the plate, and a small piece of golden butter sat beside them.

Famished, Roland eagerly spread the butter over the black bread and wolfed it down with the side dishes.

Only after the plate was completely empty did he notice something strange.

"Strange."

Roland rubbed his flat stomach and pondered.

"Ever since I started cultivating the Mithril Body Tempering Method, my appetite seems to have been growing, and I've been getting hungry faster too. Right! I should be able to cultivate the Mithril Body Tempering Method again in the next few days. This is the perfect chance to test its level limit!"

At this thought, he took his tray and went back for two more servings.

After eating a full three people's worth of food, the long-lost sensation of fullness finally rose within him.

After belching in satisfaction, Roland immediately turned and headed back to the Blacksmith shop.

The apprentices who hadn't finished their tasks that morning were all excellent opportunities for him to farm experience!

Soon, with George vouching for him, Roland took over another apprentice's work.

Just as he finished the final step and stretched his body with a long yawn, a rapid series of hoofbeats suddenly sounded outside the Blacksmith shop.

"Neigh!"

Along with the neighing of a fine horse, a tall figure strode into the Blacksmith shop against the setting sun.

The dazzling sunlight made it impossible for Roland to see the newcomer's face clearly.

"Sorry to trouble you all, but I'm looking for—"

The tall figure swept his gaze around the shop before finally fixing it on Roland.

"Hey! Roland!"

The newcomer threw open his cloak, revealing a head of dazzling golden hair.

"Do you remember me? Darko!"

"Of course I remember, Young Master Darko."

Roland was just about to bow when the other man's powerful arm firmly held him up.

That single gesture secretly shocked Roland.

This guy's strength... seems quite a bit greater than mine.

Darko, however, seemed completely unaware of it. Instead, he warmly patted Roland on the shoulder.

"You don't have to be so formal whenever we meet from now on!"

"Yes, Young Master Darko. May I ask what you—"

"Are you free tomorrow morning?"

Darko put an arm around Roland's shoulders without giving him a chance to refuse and asked enthusiastically.

This sudden familiarity left Roland somewhat at a loss.

Seeing this, George immediately set down the hammer in his hand and hurried over.

He bowed slightly, wearing a respectful yet neither servile nor overbearing smile.

"Young Master Darko, Roland only just came to the Blacksmith shop today, and he still has a lot of work to familiarize himself with..."

After hearing this, the smile on Darko's face did not change in the slightest, but his amber eyes narrowed slightly, making him look just like a beast that had locked onto its prey.

"Oh? Is that so?"

Darko's voice remained gentle, but Roland clearly saw a flash of coldness in his eyes.

"But I heard Roland has already completed today's task ahead of schedule."

A fine layer of sweat appeared on George's forehead, yet he still insisted.

"Young Master Darko, Master Hawk specifically instructed—"

"George."

Roland drew a deep breath, a gentle smile appearing on his face.

Although he did not know why Darko was looking for him, he had never been willing to involve unrelated people because of his own affairs.

Moreover, after carefully thinking it over, Roland was certain that he and Darko had no grudge between them.

Judging from the Original Body's memories, Darko did not seem to have any unusual proclivities either, so there probably would not be any danger.

Even if something unexpected really happened, with his current strength, he was fully capable of protecting himself.

Having thought this through, Roland continued.

"Since Young Master Darko needs my help, could you please ask Master Hawk for leave on my behalf?"

"Al... all right."

Concern filled George's eyes as he looked at Roland, but in the end, he still nodded lightly in agreement and turned to leave at a leisurely pace.

"Great! Then it's settled, Roland!"

Darko laughed heartily and released the arm resting on Roland's shoulder.

"I'll come pick you up tomorrow morning."

Before he had even finished speaking, the golden-haired young man had already turned and left in a flurry. His cloak billowed behind him, leaving behind only a string of forceful, ringing footsteps.

Watching him leave, Roland frowned tightly and rubbed his shoulder, which had been squeezed until it ached.

"Tsk, tsk, tsk..."

Just then, a familiar clicking of the tongue came from behind him.

Roland turned to look and saw that John had somehow appeared beside him. He was squinting toward the direction Darko had left.

"I really didn't expect this, kid."

The old soldier nudged Roland with his elbow and spoke meaningfully.

"You actually know Young Master Darko?"

Thanks to book friend 20230824230403143 for the two monthly votes!

Thanks to 等风雨欲来的 for the monthly vote!

Thanks to my two godfathers for your support. May your futures be bright and your dreams come true!

P.S. Today's chapter is a big one at 4.5K words. Please follow and bookmark! Xiao Lu humbly thanks all my godfathers!