Translator: CinderTL
Tap, tap, tap.
Roland's fingers unconsciously drummed a soft, rhythmic beat against the tabletop.
Hoby's description had stirred a fragment of memory deep within him.
It was a notice he'd seen at an Adventurer's Guild while passing through after the Demon Capital Gilles incident, when he was testing the Secret Imprisonment Dice.
Stone Furnace Fortress Deep Mine Shaft Report: Abnormal cold light and unintelligible whispers detected. Contacted individuals exhibit abnormal mental states. Requesting experienced adventurers to assist with investigation.
"I didn't realize this phenomenon had worsened..."
"But you needn't worry, Mr. Roland," Hoby said, noticing the concern in Roland's eyes. "Although the Dwarf Royal Family has sealed off many mine passages, the infected dwarves show no other abnormalities beyond the changes I described earlier. In fact..."
The halfling frowned slightly, recalling recent rumors he'd overheard at the hostel.
"Compared to normal dwarves who cause trouble when drunk, those afflicted with Stone-Tongue Syndrome actually seem more withdrawn and apathetic, causing far fewer problems."
"That's good."
Roland breathed a sigh of relief.
Although his current strength still fell short of top-tier transcendents like Monen, he believed that at full power, he could at least match Graham in his prime. Ordinary transcendent professionals would pose no challenge to him.
However, his physical prowess couldn't compensate for his mental exhaustion.
Having endured the "Demon Capital Gilles" incident in the River Domain Nations and the "Abyssal Invasion" in the Golden Valley Kingdom, he was already utterly weary.
He desperately wanted to avoid any further complications during his journey through the Stone Kingdom.
Moreover...
Roland's gaze drifted to his bandaged arm, hidden beneath his sleeve.
The cost of unleashing his full-power Dragon Breath had far exceeded his expectations.
Though his right arm suffered no physical damage and retained full mobility, any exertion triggered a debilitating weakness, as if the muscles had atrophied.
This condition was slowly recovering under the influence of his dragon bloodline, but he conservatively estimated it would take at least several months.
Shaking off these troubling thoughts, Roland changed the subject.
"Thank you for your hard work these past few days, Hoby."
He untied the satchel on the table, revealing its contents:
A brand-new longsword and a battle axe.
He had personally forged these weapons during his journey to Fog Marsh Pass, using ores purchased along the way.
Though the materials couldn't match mithril, his refined craftsmanship had produced exceptional results.
"Mr. Roland, what are these...?"
Hoby stared at the exquisitely crafted longsword, its cold light shimmering under the moonlight, his eyes widening in astonishment.
"They're for you and..." Roland glanced at Freddy, still snoring in the corner, and shook his head helplessly. "...and Freddy."
"This is too valuable!" Hoby protested, waving his hands frantically.
Though he knew nothing of smithing, even a glance at the longsword's appearance revealed its extraordinary worth. The chilling light that danced across its blade under the moonlight made him swallow nervously.
This was a priceless treasure, the kind that money couldn't buy.
Even his elder brother Trevor, a prosperous ship captain, had never given him such an extravagant gift.
"Take it, Hoby. You've helped me so much. Isn't it only right that I give you this longsword?"
Roland handed the longsword to the halfling, his eyes warm with a gentle smile.
"Or... do you not consider me a friend?"
"H-how could you say that! I understand now..."
Hoby clutched the longsword tightly to his chest, nodding vigorously. His fingers traced the blade with reverence, his face radiant with joy.
"And there's this too."
Seeing the halfling's delight, Roland smiled faintly and pulled a stack of papers from his coat.
"These are combat techniques I've tailored specifically for you. They should help you improve your skills."
Thanks to the A Knight Never Dies Empty-Handed trait, Roland had mastered the use of all kinds of weapons. Designing a suitable combat style for Hoby was a simple task.
Having already been softened up by the earlier gift, Hoby didn't refuse this time. He accepted the papers with both hands, his expression respectful, and quickly became absorbed in reading them.
Just then, a rustling sound came from the corner of the room.
Freddy rubbed his sleepy eyes and sat up, his red skin glowing faintly in the firelight. He blinked groggily at Roland, then grinned warmly.
"Good morning, Mr. Roland."
"It's evening now, Freddy," Roland corrected with a wry smile, handing him a cup of warm water.
"E-evening?" The orc took the cup, blinking in confusion, clearly not fully awake yet.
Roland shook his head in amusement at the sight.
Once Freddy seemed more alert, Roland sincerely thanked him and Hoby, then asked about their future plans.
"Dean Graham is currently at Fog Marsh Pass," Roland suggested. "I can ask him to send guards to escort you back to the River Domain Nations."
Hoby shook his head, his expression grave. "Mr. Roland, you may not realize how chaotic the River Domain Nations have become."
"Mr. Derek, the leader of the Merchant Faction, has become obsessed, deploying heavy troops to garrison the Capital Center while neglecting all other matters. Mr. Marston, the noble leader, is furious, and the two factions are locked in open conflict, plunging the entire nation into turmoil."
He sighed. "Combined with the depleted treasury from the recent war with the Golden Valley Kingdom and the disbandment of the Knight Academy, I plan to find my Big Brother Trevor and sail the seas with him."
Freddy chimed in, his voice rumbling, "I-I'm not going back either. I want to see the Orc Kingdom again."
Hearing about the chaos engulfing the River Domain Nations, Roland couldn't help but sigh. He finally understood why Graham had appeared at this border fortress—likely to avoid being drawn into the power struggles back home.
"In that case..." Hoby's eyes lit up. "Since Mr. Roland is heading to Roaring Seaport, why don't we travel together? Once we get there, I can board my Big Brother's ship, and then..." He turned to Freddy. "Big Brother can drop you off at the Orc Kingdom's port along the way."
Freddy nodded earnestly, agreeing to the arrangement.
After exchanging a few more words, Roland informed Bronson of his plans. The scholar merely glanced up from his books, waved dismissively, indicating Roland should decide for himself, and immediately immersed himself back in his research.
Unfazed by this predictable reaction, Roland shrugged, rose from his seat, and booked another room at the hostel.
As he lay back on the soft bed, a thought flickered through his mind, and a semi-transparent panel materialized before his eyes.
Detected foreign high-purity energy source...
Identified as: Nine Hells Flames (Origin Fragment)
Detected host possessing trait: Furnace Heart
Attempting fusion...
Fusion progress: 99%
"It's finally about to be completed..."
As he murmured the words, the text on the panel abruptly changed.
Trait acquired: Ember of Original Sin
(End of the Chapter)
---------------------------
📖 You are reading [234] Chapters behind.
🔥 Read up to Chapter [608] now, only on 𝕔𝕚𝕟𝕕𝕖𝕣𝕥𝕝.𝕔𝕠𝕞.
📚 Read upto [13,000+] Chapters on Site with [10,400+] Free Chapters!
🚫 Also get FREE lifetime ad-free and join the giveaway by joining our Discord!
---------------------------