Translator: CinderTL
The slightly yellowed parchment scroll glowed softly in the sunlight. Roland squinted, barely making out the faint characters "Breathing Technique" on its surface.
Is this the legendary Knight's Breathing Technique?
Recalling the extraordinary power displayed by Beckham and Gondar, Roland's breathing quickened involuntarily.
Mastering this breathing technique would allow him to enter the realm of Professionals, granting him strength beyond that of ordinary humans.
But...
His gaze shifted from the scroll to Graham's rugged face.
This secret art, capable of transforming an ordinary person's destiny, seemed to hold no special significance in Graham's eyes.
The scroll had been carelessly tossed onto the table, its edges gathering a thin layer of dust, and the parchment bore several distinct creases, clearly indicating it had never been properly cared for.
"Ha!"
Noticing Roland's intense gaze, Graham let out a derisive snort.
"You're just a country bumpkin who's never seen the world. This thing isn't as precious as you think. Wait a minute!"
Suddenly remembering something, Graham's scornful expression shifted to one of amusement.
"Didn't Finn say you're from the Golden Valley Kingdom? No wonder you're so impressed."
The burly man clicked his tongue, recalling the neighboring kingdom's peculiar situation.
"Anyway, it's just as I said before."
Graham pushed the parchment filled with the commission details forward.
"Once you accept this commission, you can take the Knight's Breathing Technique with you immediately."
Roland took a deep breath, calming the turmoil in his chest, and nodded solemnly.
"I understand, Lord Graham. However, may I first review the specific details of the commission?"
"Go ahead."
"Thank you."
Roland carefully picked up the parchment and began to examine it closely.
After a moment, his brow furrowed deeply.
The commission's objective seemed simple:
Slay the Wolf King who dwells in the Mistland.
However, upon closer inspection, Roland found the commission to be strangely vague.
Unlike other detailed assignments, this parchment contained almost no concrete information beyond the target's name.
Everything about the Wolf King was shrouded in mystery.
Identity: Unknown.
Strength: Unknown.
Size of subordinate forces: Unknown.
Strength of followers: Unknown.
Even the Wolf King's exact location was unclear, with only a rough area marked in the central region of the Mistland.
It was as if the mapmaker had only heard rumors and never truly ventured into that uncharted territory.
"What do you think?"
Graham, noticing Roland's grave expression, casually grabbed an iron flask from the counter.
With a pop, the cork was pulled, and the rich aroma of wine instantly filled the room.
Roland inhaled a mere whiff of the vapor and felt a slight dizziness.
Graham, however, remained unfazed, tilting his head back and taking a long swig.
His Adam's apple bobbed with each gulp. Wiping the wine stains from his beard, he said gruffly, "If you think this mission is too difficult, go back and pack your bags. Wait for the Knight Academy to officially open, then focus on your studies, understand?"
"Hmm," Roland nodded thoughtfully, his gaze never leaving the parchment in his hands.
Amidst the fragmented information, he had keenly spotted a crucial clue:
After the Wolf King established his lair in the Mistland, he not only blocked trade routes and plundered passing caravans but also declared his intention to establish his own kingdom there.
"Blocked trade routes... Establish a kingdom..."
Roland repeated these keywords to himself, his eyes suddenly lighting up.
Throughout his journey to the River Domain Nations, he had been diligently gathering intelligence about the country.
Even in the Black Shell Trading Company's ship cabin, he had often struck up conversations with fellow passengers, subtly probing for information.
As his earlier analysis and observations had suggested, the River Domain Nations were ostensibly governed jointly by merchants and nobles. Yet beneath the surface, these two factions were locked in constant, open conflict, each vying for dominance over the nation.
However, their ambitions diverged sharply.
The Merchant Faction prioritized the River Domain Nations' abundant natural resources and strategic geographical location, focusing on accumulating wealth through trade.
The Noble Faction, on the other hand, prioritized territorial integrity and maintaining their ruling authority.
Despite their internal strife, the two factions always united swiftly when facing external threats.
This delicate balance had allowed the River Domain Nations to survive and thrive between powerful neighboring states, even growing increasingly prosperous.
Now, this mysterious figure calling himself the "Wolf King" had simultaneously struck at the most sensitive nerves of both factions.
To the Merchant Faction, his brazen raids on trade caravans and disruption of trade routes were tantamount to undermining the River Domain Nations' economic lifeline.
While the Mistland was located in a remote region of lowlands or swamps, it still remained part of the River Domain Nations' territory.
His open declaration of establishing an independent regime was a flagrant violation of the Noble Faction's bottom line.
Logically, neither the Merchant Faction nor the Noble Faction could tolerate the Wolf King's continued rampage within the River Domain Nations' territory.
Roland's gaze returned to Graham, who was currently drinking deeply. Many questions arose in his mind.
Why would Graham entrust this mission to me?
Has the danger of the Mistland already exceeded the capabilities of the River Domain Nations' two major factions?
But even so, with this powerful warrior's strength, eliminating the Wolf King should be as easy as crushing an ant.
Though Roland hadn't witnessed Graham's full power firsthand, the sheer force of his casual strike earlier convinced him that this seemingly crude giant was no less formidable than any Transcendent Professional Knight he had ever encountered.
Unless... this mighty warrior simply refuses to take orders from either of the River Domain Nations' factions.
Recalling Graham's earlier treatment of Nielsen and Finn, Roland's understanding gradually crystallized.
Carefully choosing his words, he spoke slowly.
"Lord Graham, I don't wish to abandon this mission. However, I need some time to investigate the relevant information. Also..."
He gently closed the parchment scroll and placed it back on the table.
"Regarding the specific requirements for defeating the Wolf King..."
Before he could finish, Graham raised three thick fingers.
"Three months," his deep voice rumbled through the room.
"Within three months, by any means necessary, make that damned Wolf King disappear from the River Domain Nations. That will count as completing the mission."
Roland keenly sensed the deeper meaning behind these words, his eyebrows arching slightly.
"Any means necessary? Does that mean even if I don't personally slay him, it will still be considered a success?"
Noticing the flicker of irritation in Graham's eyes when he mentioned the Wolf King, Roland's suspicion solidified.
The Knight Academy Dean is clearly fed up with the constant meddling from merchants and nobles.
"I understand, Lord Graham," Roland said, bowing respectfully. "Once I've gathered the necessary intelligence, I will formally accept this commission."
Seeing Roland's unwavering resolve, Graham's brow furrowed slightly, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes.
"Hmph, you reckless young fool," he muttered, waving his hand dismissively to signal the end of the conversation.
After Roland left, Graham tilted his head back and drained the remaining wine from his flask, muttering to himself, "This kid was recommended by Colin. Since he's willing to take on this mess, that old fox Derek should finally understand my position."
Tch!
A look of frustration crossed Graham's rugged face as he thought about the escalating internal strife within the River Domain Nations. He clicked his tongue loudly, the sound eventually dissolving into a weary sigh.
(End of the Chapter)
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