Darko's Invitation

Chapter 30: Darko's Invitation (4.5K! Please follow!)

Seeing John's state, Roland's heart sank slightly.

After a moment of thought, he slowly asked, "Could it be... Captain John, you were defeated by the Kobolds?"

As soon as the words left his mouth, Roland felt the guess was unlikely.

Based on his previous experiences, ordinary Kobolds posed no threat to the standing army.

If they could truly defeat the standing army, it would mean there was more than one mutated Kobold.

But if that were the case...

It wasn't that Roland underestimated John, but he felt that if such a situation had truly occurred, this old soldier before him would have had a hard time escaping unscathed.

"Sigh..."

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

He downed the last of his wine, his Adam's apple bobbing as he swallowed.

Casually wiping away some spilled wine from his beard, he continued, "It would have been better if we had actually fought those mongrels, but in reality..."

John slumped back in his chair, his rough fingers unconsciously stroking the empty wine glass, looking utterly dejected.

"We didn't even see a shadow of them!"

"Those beasts used some method to always sneak past our defenses without anyone noticing, attacking villages late at night..."

At this point, John's voice suddenly choked.

His calloused fist clenched involuntarily, his knuckles turning pale from the excessive force, the veins on the back of his hand clearly visible.

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

"By the time we heard the news and rushed over, they had already vanished without a trace, as cunning as rats in a burrow. Those damned beasts!"

"Bang!"

John's fist slammed heavily onto the oak tabletop, making the wine glasses jump.

The bloodshot eyes burned with a flame of anger, yet were mixed with a deep sense of powerlessness.

"What's even more infuriating is that while tracking them, we discovered that there were Goblins mixed in with that group of Kobolds!"

"Goblins?"

Roland frowned, an image of a small, green-skinned humanoid creature immediately appearing in his mind.

"That's right!"

John gritted his teeth and said.

"You might not know this, but those green-skinned mongrels have always been timid and cowardly. At most, they would steal livestock in groups before, but now..."

His voice trembled with anger.

"They actually dared to pick up weapons and slaughter humans alongside the Kobolds!"

The old soldier trembled with rage, opening his mouth to curse further, but found that no amount of vicious words could adequately describe his indignation. In the end, it could only turn into a sigh filled with frustration.

Roland quietly watched the enraged John, wisely choosing to remain silent.

Only after the old soldier's breathing gradually calmed did he pick up the wine pot.

Amber liquid slowly poured into the cup.

"And then what? Captain John?"

Roland asked softly, pushing the wine glass towards him.

"Then? Ha."

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

"Then the commander had to request reinforcements from Lord Baron, and they sent a few warhorses. We selected the most elite soldiers to form a cavalry scout, patrolling day and night, and that's how we barely managed to curb the beasts' attacks."

He raised his glass and drank it all in one go. As his Adam's apple bobbed, he didn't notice the wine dripping down the corner of his mouth.

"Seeing that they couldn't gain an advantage, those mongrels quieted down for a while, but..."

John suddenly lowered his voice, his knuckles unconsciously tapping on the table.

"The scouts finally reported that they were moving towards the Black Fir Forest."

At this point, John suddenly let out a cold snort, a hint of disdain flashing in his eyes.

"Hmph! The Black Fir Forest is guarded by Lord Beckham. With these filthy beasts, they definitely won't be able to cause any trouble!"

As if thinking of the Knight's strength, which was far beyond that of ordinary people, John's heart relaxed somewhat. He leaned back in his chair and looked out the window.

"Whoa! It's already this late!"

The old soldier smacked his lips and stood up from his chair.

"Alright, kid, I've got patrol duty soon, so I can't chat with you any longer. I'll come find you again tomorrow afternoon to teach you how to use a bow and arrow!"

"Okay, thank you for your trouble, Captain John."

"I told you, stop being so formal with me!"

John patted Roland's shoulder with some displeasure before swaying his way towards the outer gate.

After seeing John off, Roland closed the door, returned to his seat at the table, and couldn't help but furrow his brow.

"Black Fir Forest."

Roland softly repeated the familiar place name, his fingertips unconsciously caressing the rim of the wine glass.

For some reason, a vague sense of unease spread through his heart.

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

But ever since he heard Bronson's speculation about the resurgence of magic elements, these abnormal phenomena forced him to ponder deeply.

First, the monsters in the Black Fir Forest rioted, followed by monster disturbances in the neighboring Dawn Territory.

And now, these monsters were all converging on the Black Fir Forest.

With all these signs piling up, a terrifying guess arose in Roland's mind.

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

However, the information he possessed was too limited. No matter how he reasoned, he couldn't find a clear thread.

"Forget it."

Roland rubbed his throbbing temples.

"Since there's a Knight in charge, there probably won't be any major trouble. If worst comes to worst,"

"Once I get used to the daily life of 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 got up, cleared away the leftover food and scraps on the table, and then wearily collapsed onto the bed.

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

Fatigue washed over him like a tide. Almost the instant his head touched the pillow, Roland sank into a deep sleep.

The next morning, Roland, remembering George's instructions, arrived at the blacksmith shop as soon as it was dimly lit.

"Excellent! Not a single one missing!"

Hawk's booming voice echoed through the spacious hall.

He crossed his arms, his sharp gaze sweeping over each apprentice's face.

When his gaze passed over Roland, he gave a barely perceptible nod.

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

After assigning the work, Hawk gave a few more words of caution before hastily leaving the blacksmith shop.

The task content was surprisingly simple.

Perhaps due to the approaching spring plowing season, they were not forging weapons or armor today, but various kinds of farm tools.

As the structure was far simpler than weapons and equipment, Roland merely glanced at the blueprints before skillfully pulling the bellows.

"Clang, clang, clang!"

Accompanied by the crisp sound of metal striking, the iron head of a hoe quickly took shape.

Roland nimbly assembled it with the smoothly polished oak handle, his movements fluid and seamless.

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

[One finished tool has been forged, Basic Forging Technique has gained 1 point of experience]

"Farm tools count as finished tools?"

Roland's eyes lit up, a surge of pleasant surprise filling his heart.

He had originally thought that only decent weapons and armor could be recognized by the system, and he had been quite troubled by this.

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

If he were to occasionally activate the [Focus] trait for assistance like during yesterday's assessment, his efficiency would undoubtedly increase significantly, but the consumption was too great, making it unsustainable.

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

But it was different now.

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

Thinking of this, Roland's hand gripping the hammer trembled slightly, his eyes flashing with excitement.

He nimbly completed his task, neatly stacking the last hoe in the finished goods area.

As he straightened up, Roland's gaze involuntarily swept over the other apprentices' work areas.

He saw that most of them only had two or three farm tools beside them and were gathered in small groups, chatting.

This was not because they were lazy.

The workload assigned by Hawk was already generous; even the slowest apprentice could finish their tasks within a day, let alone Roland, who could complete his in half that time.

A glint flashed in Roland's eyes as he watched the scene.

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

This standardized management meant he could no longer secretly use ore to forge tools as he had when he was learning.

But relying solely on the workload assigned by Hawk, it would be like trying to quench a thirst with a drop of water to quickly improve his Basic Forging Technique.

Roland wiped the sweat from his hands, a plan gradually forming in his mind.

"Mister George."

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

"Oh, it's you, Roland."

George turned his head and patted his shoulder in a friendly manner.

"How many times have I told you, just call me George. Are you having any trouble?"

"No, it's not that."

Roland smiled shyly and pointed to his workbench.

"I've finished my tasks. Seeing that you're still busy, I thought I'd come help out as a way to repay you for looking after me yesterday."

George was taken aback for a moment, then burst into hearty laughter.

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

He looked at Roland's vibrant energy, as if seeing himself when he first started in the trade.

That eager young man, full of passion for forging, who wished he could spend all day in the blacksmith shop.

"But it's not necessary."

George waved his hand.

"It's almost lunchtime. Since you're done, why don't you go eat first."

He lowered his voice and winked slyly.

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

"George, you misunderstand."

Roland quickly explained.

"I genuinely want to help."

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

"Alright, you stubborn kid, but I'm telling you this upfront..."

"I understand!"

Roland immediately cut in, thumping his chest.

"If Master Hawk asks, I'll say my skills are lacking and I specifically asked you for guidance!"

"You clever one."

George couldn't help but chuckle. He waved Roland off, indicating he was free to do as he pleased, and turned back to chat with his companion.

Roland, having received permission, treated it like a treasure and eagerly fetched some ore.

As the lunch bell rang, Roland successfully completed George's tasks before the lunch break.

Watching the experience points on his status panel tick up, he hummed a little tune as he headed to the mess hall.

Compared to the simple meals during his apprenticeship, the food here was practically a luxury.

Although the staple was still black bread, the side dishes were much more plentiful.

The savory fish soup had a sheen of oil, the thick-cut cured meat slices had an amber luster, two boiled eggs lay quietly on the plate, and a small piece of golden butter was placed beside them.

A ravenous Roland eagerly spread the butter on the black bread and wolfed it down with the side dishes.

It wasn't until the plate was empty that he noticed something was amiss.

"Strange."

Roland rubbed his flat stomach, pondering.

"Ever since I started practicing the Mithril Body Tempering Method, my appetite seems to have grown, and I get hungry faster. That's right! I should be able to practice the Mithril Body Tempering Method again these few days. It's the perfect time to test its level cap!"

With that thought, he took his plate and went back for two more servings.

After consuming the equivalent of three people's food, a long-lost sense of fullness finally washed over him.

Letting out a satisfied burp, Roland immediately turned and headed back to the blacksmith shop.

Those apprentices who hadn't finished their tasks this morning were excellent opportunities for him to gain experience!

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

Just as he finished the last step and stretched his body with a yawn, the urgent sound of horse hooves suddenly came from outside the blacksmith shop.

"Neigh!"

Accompanying the neigh of the fine horse, a tall figure strode into the blacksmith shop against the setting sun.

The blinding sunlight made Roland unable to see the newcomer's face clearly.

"Sorry to disturb everyone, I'm looking for..."

The tall figure's gaze swept around the shop, finally settling on Roland.

"Hey! Roland!"

The newcomer threw back his hood, revealing a head of dazzling blonde hair.

"Do you still remember me? Darko!"

"Of course, Young Master Darko."

Just as Roland was about to bow, his arms were firmly held by the other's strong grip.

This grip made Roland secretly astonished.

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

But Darko seemed completely oblivious, instead affectionately patting his shoulder.

"No need to be so formal when we meet from now on!"

"Yes, Young Master Darko, may I ask you..."

"Are you free tomorrow morning?"

Darko slung an arm around Roland's shoulder without preamble, asking enthusiastically.

This sudden closeness left Roland a bit flustered.

Seeing this, George immediately put down the hammer in his hand and quickly walked over.

He bowed slightly, a respectful yet not servile smile on his face.

"Young Master Darko, Roland just arrived at the blacksmith shop today and still has a lot of work to get familiar with..."

Upon hearing this, Darko's smile didn't change in the slightest, but his amber eyes narrowed slightly, much like a beast of prey eyeing its target.

"Oh? Is that so?"

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

"But I heard that Roland has already exceeded his quota for today's tasks."

A fine sheen of sweat broke out on George's forehead, but he persisted.

"Young Master Darko, Master Hawk instructed..."

"George."

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

Although he wasn't sure what Darko wanted with him, he had always been unwilling to implicate innocent people for his own personal reasons.

Moreover, after careful consideration, Roland was certain he had no grievances with Darko.

From the original body's memories, Darko didn't seem to have any peculiar habits, so he likely wasn't dangerous.

Even if a sudden situation arose, with his current strength, he was perfectly capable of protecting himself.

With that thought, Roland continued.

"Since it's Young Master Darko who needs help, please trouble yourself to ask Master Hawk for a leave of absence for me."

"Alright..."

George looked at Roland with deep concern in his eyes, but finally nodded lightly in agreement and turned to leave slowly.

"Great! It's settled then, Roland!"

Darko laughed heartily, releasing the arm around Roland's shoulder.

"I'll pick you up tomorrow morning."

Before his words even finished, the blonde youth had already turned and left in a whirlwind, his cloak billowing behind him, leaving only a trail of firm footsteps.

Watching the retreating figure, Roland frowned and rubbed his sore shoulder.

"Tsk, tsk, tsk..."

Just then, a familiar clicking sound came from behind him.

Roland turned his head and saw John standing beside him at some unknown time, squinting as he watched the direction Darko had left.

"I never expected this, kid."

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

"You actually know Young Master Darko?"

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