The dust had not yet settled, but the training ground had fallen into dead silence.

All sound vanished in an instant.

The students stood frozen in place, eyes locked on the center of the field.

The huge blood-red body had crashed to the ground and now lay motionless.

As for Roland, whom they had all assumed would be crushed, he merely shook out his right hand with calm indifference, like he had done nothing worth mentioning.

The air seemed to solidify.

Every face was filled with disbelief and shock.

"Gods above..."

Someone finally forced a dry voice from his throat.

"One punch... He only used one punch..."

Someone covered his own abdomen without thinking, almost feeling the blow himself.

"Freddy's sword... he knocked it flying!"

The student who had previously questioned Roland's strength had gone hoarse from shock, his gaze fixed on the sword embedded in the ground.

Silent astonishment spread through the crowd.

The previous contempt and mockery vanished, replaced by gazes mixed with awe and fear.

That figure, who had not seemed especially burly compared to Freddy, now appeared impossibly tall and dangerous in their eyes.

The Halfling Hobby even shrank back in fright, his small face turning pale. The way he looked at Roland was full of lingering fear.

He had actually wanted to choose this man as his opponent just now?

The only one in the field who could remain relatively calm was Reggie.

He lowered the arms folded before his chest. His sharp gaze swept over the unconscious Freddy, and after confirming that the Orc was not seriously injured, it finally fell on Roland.

The surprise in his eyes had already faded, replaced by scrutiny, curiosity, and...

A hard-to-describe heat, like he had discovered a treasure.

No words were needed.

The silent field, the students' frozen shock, and the instructor's quiet yet knife-sharp gaze all declared an undeniable fact.

Roland possessed terrifying strength capable of crushing the "monster" Freddy.

Clap, clap, clap!

Loud applause broke the oppressive silence.

Reggie strode forward, his sharp eyes carefully sizing up the young man before him.

When he discovered that Roland was not only free of sweat, but even his breathing remained steady and even, the heat in his eyes nearly overflowed.

"Good lad!"

His thick palm landed on Roland's shoulder.

This time, it was no longer a show of pressure. It was a light pat carrying obvious approval.

"Beautifully done! Looks like although Principal Graham is old, his eye hasn't declined at all! Stay here and wait for me."

He turned toward the students who still wore startled and doubtful expressions.

"Everyone else, today's class is over! You, you, and you..."

He pointed out several of the strongest-looking ones.

"Carry Freddy to the infirmary!"

"Yes!"

The students snapped back as though waking from a dream. They hurriedly answered, then left the training ground in groups of two or three, still carrying the remnants of their shock.

In only a short while, the vast field held only Roland and Reggie.

"Boy..."

As the students left, Reggie's imposing air disappeared.

He hooked an arm around Roland's shoulder, his curiosity completely undisguised.

"I heard Nielsen mention that you come from the Golden Valley Kingdom. With skills like that... did you serve in their Border Legion?"

Roland shook his head.

"Then... are you from a fallen noble family?"

Reggie guessed again.

"I heard that noble children in Golden Valley have to undergo harsh training from a young age..."

"Instructor Reggie..."

Roland twisted his shoulder, slipped free of Reggie's arm, and steadily returned the training iron sword to the weapon rack.

"Before coming to the River Kingdoms, I was only a commoner of the Golden Valley Kingdom."

"A commoner?"

Reggie was not entirely ignorant of the neighboring kingdom's situation. Hearing this, his eyes widened.

"Then who taught you that combat technique just now?"

"Mm... a mercenary uncle, and the guards of a noble estate..."

Although he knew this might not sound very convincing, once the panel was removed from the equation, this was the truth.

So when he described it, his expression remained calm and natural.

"Ha..."

Recalling Roland's clean, decisive, and utterly unfancy fighting style, Reggie chuckled helplessly, his eyes full of doubt.

That ruthless, precise technique, tempered through countless battles, was absolutely not something a few ordinary guards or mercenaries could teach.

But since Roland was unwilling to say more, he was too lazy to dig to the bottom of it.

"Fine, boy. Whatever you say..."

Reggie raised a thick eyebrow and decisively skipped the topic.

"What did you say you wanted to learn earlier? Ranged weapons and shield techniques?"

"Yes."

Roland's eyes brightened.

"Perfect!"

Reggie stretched his joints, producing a series of cracks.

"I don't have any other classes today. Let's not waste time. We'll start now!"

"But didn't you say earlier..."

Roland raised an eyebrow, his tone carrying a hint of teasing.

"That everything had to follow the course schedule?"

"Hey! You brat!"

Reggie made to slap his shoulder again and laughed in irritation.

"Don't get clever with me! I admit I meant to test your strength just now. I apologize, all right? You're young. Don't be so petty!"

Roland's teasing did not anger Reggie. Instead, it made the sturdy man's attitude feel even more familiar and close.

"You're different from those students!"

Reggie spoke decisively.

"For a seedling like you, wasting even one day is wasting talent!"

Before his voice had finished falling, he had already turned and walked toward the storehouse beside the training ground.

Before long, Reggie came back carrying a heavy round oak shield and an arm crossbow. Several smoothly polished short spears also swung from the belt at his waist.

Just as when he had taught swordsmanship earlier, Reggie's instruction in ranged weapons and shield techniques was equally clear, orderly, and easy to understand.

Combined with Roland's current physical qualities far surpassing ordinary people and the support of the [Focus] Trait, after only a single afternoon, several brand-new entries quietly appeared in the skill column of the occupation panel.

[You have learned Basic Crossbow Art. Current level: Lv.1]

[You have learned Basic Throwing. Current level: Lv.1]

[You have learned Basic Shield Technique. Current level: Lv.1]

"Tsk!"

Looking at Roland, who was still somewhat unpolished yet already able to use the shield to block properly, then glancing at the crossbow bolts and short spears stuck one after another in the target beside them, Reggie abruptly stopped attacking and clicked his tongue, feeling there was nothing more to teach.

"Uh... Instructor Reggie?"

Roland lowered the shield and shook out his sore arm.

"We're not continuing?"

"What else is there to practice, boy?"

The sturdy man rolled his eyes and tossed the training sword back onto the weapon rack.

"I've taught you everything I can teach. The rest depends on you practicing diligently and polishing it in real combat."

Teaching a genius was certainly exciting, but this absurdly fast learning speed also gave the instructor a faint sense of frustration.

"I understand."

Roland bowed solemnly.

"Thank you for your instruction."

"All right, all right..."

Roland's humility and respect instantly dispelled the little frustration in Reggie's heart.

He waved his hand, carefully gave a few more reminders about key points, then turned and strode away.

Watching Reggie leave, Roland let out a long breath. With a thought, the occupation panel unfolded before his eyes.

"I have already grasped the ranged weapon and shield techniques. Next is increasing their levels..."

Withdrawing his gaze from the panel, and seeing that it was still early, he stepped forward and pulled the crossbow bolts and short spears from the target one by one.

Just as he was about to throw himself into another round of practice, a faint sound of footsteps came from behind him.

"H-hello..."

Hearing the voice, Roland turned around.

A short, thin figure was timidly extending a hand toward him in greeting.

"If I remember correctly..."

Roland pulled the last short spear from the target while smiling.

"Your name is Hobby, right?"

The one who had come was none other than Hobby, the lone Halfling among the students.

"Th-that's right."

Hobby nodded and awkwardly scratched his somewhat messy brown hair, forcing a respectful smile.

"Hello, Mr. Roland."

"Hello, Hobby."

As Roland spoke, he naturally took a few steps back.

"Here to train?"

"Y-yes."

Hobby nervously took an iron sword from the weapon rack. His voice was slightly tight from dryness.

"I won't... disturb you, will I?"

"Of course not. This training ground doesn't belong to me alone."

Roland chuckled and chatted briefly with the shy Halfling. Then he withdrew to a suitable distance.

His gaze sharpened, and his arm suddenly exerted force. The short spear flew from his hand.

Thud!

After a muffled sound, the short spear nailed itself into the target with precision.

However, looking at the position that had clearly deviated from the bull's-eye, Roland furrowed his brow and reached for the next short spear.

For a while, only the muffled sounds of short spears striking the target remained in the training ground.

"The level of [Basic Throwing] is still too low. It may work as a feint in battle, but as a main attack method, its stability is truly insufficient. As for the crossbow..."

Thinking this, Roland picked up the arm crossbow beside him, drew the string, loaded a bolt, and aimed.

Whoosh!

A sharp sound split the air, and the crossbow bolt sank into the center of the target.

But seeing this result, Roland showed no joy on his face and merely calculated in silence.

"Simple to operate, and the lethality is enough, but the reload time is too long... In a real fight, an enemy won't give me a chance to reload calmly..."

As he was thinking, the burning hunger in his stomach grew stronger.

"Forget it... In any case, practicing these techniques is only preparation for changing into [Knight Apprentice]. As for whether they can be used in battle... I'll adapt to the situation when the time comes."

With that thought, he glanced at the darkening sky, returned the weapons to the rack, and sat at the edge of the training ground.

He took the prepared food from his belt pouch, carefully brought Joe out, and handed it a piece of bread.

Then he chewed the remaining food with water from his waterskin, his gaze naturally falling on another figure in the training ground.

"His swordsmanship is pretty good..."

Roland swallowed the food and stuffed another piece of smoked meat into his mouth.

"Looks like this little fellow carefully listened to all the techniques Instructor Reggie taught at noon. However..."

Looking at the other's sword-swinging posture, which had no strength at all, Roland shook his head.

"His physical ability is still too poor."

"No matter how excellent the technique is, without enough strength and speed to support it, in the end, it is only form without substance..."

Just as Roland was quietly evaluating him, Hobby, who seemed to have noticed his gaze while struggling to swing the sword, suddenly stopped.

The Halfling wiped the sweat from his forehead and gasped for breath.

Only after a moment did he awkwardly scratch his head, turn around, and ask with a little unease in his voice.

"Mr. Roland, is there... something wrong with my swordsmanship?"

"The transitions between movements are a little rough, and some parts aren't smooth enough..."

Since Roland had already achieved his goal in coming to the Knight Academy today, and his training had come to a stop for the moment, he did not mind spending some time giving advice, considering the other's respectful attitude.

As he spoke, he stood and walked to Hobby's side.

Combining it with his own practical combat experience, he began explaining the key points of swordsmanship.

Unlike Instructor Reggie's formulaic and comprehensive teaching style when facing students, Roland, who had experienced several life-and-death battles, discarded some flashy movements. The techniques he taught were more practical, concise, and efficient.

However, although these sword moves were more refined and practical, because Roland had modified them according to his own conditions, mastering them was much more difficult than the basic swordsmanship Reggie taught.

Yet to Roland's surprise, the Halfling learned at an astonishing speed.

The key points Roland had just explained were completely absorbed by Hobby in only a short while. The little fellow could even adjust them according to his own circumstances and evolve them into swordsmanship that better suited his body type.

"You learn quickly..."

Watching the Halfling swing the iron sword with proper form, Roland asked curiously, "Before coming to the Knight Academy, did you practice swordsmanship?"

"No, Mr. Roland..."

Hobby stopped, seemed to recall unpleasant memories, and shook his head gloomily.

"My big brother always said my body was too weak and that I wasn't suited for fighting..."

"He wasn't wrong about that..."

Noticing the light in the Halfling's eyes dim even further, Roland smiled faintly and patted Hobby's shoulder.

"However, since you could pass the assessment and enter the Knight Academy, that proves you must have something extraordinary about you. Besides, as long as you complete the coursework, obtain a Knight breathing method, and cultivate diligently, won't you be able to improve your weak constitution?"

"Exactly!"

These words made the Halfling, who had lowered his head, suddenly raise it. He nodded hard with bright eyes.

"I think the same as Mr. Roland! That is precisely why, despite my big brother's objections, I insisted on coming to the Knight Academy to study!"

The two chatted for a while longer.

What surprised Roland somewhat was that although only a few days had passed since the Knight Academy began its term, Hobby's grasp of knowledge was quite solid. In many areas, he even had his own unique insights.

During their conversation, seeing that Hobby could hardly go three sentences without mentioning his big brother, Roland grew curious.

"Hobby, what does your big brother... do?"

"He is a captain!"

The moment his big brother was mentioned, Hobby's eyes lit up.

"My big brother is very impressive! It only took him a little over ten years to advance from ordinary sailor to captain! As for strength..."

The Halfling looked up at the tall Roland and scratched his head in embarrassment.

"Uh... he might still be... just a tiny bit inferior to you, Mr. Roland..."

"Ha!"

Seeing the little fellow's honest appearance, Roland smiled.

"A captain..."

Thinking of the requirements for changing into [Pirate], Roland subconsciously reached out and rubbed his chin.

"Since I have finished learning the techniques required to change into [Knight Apprentice], perhaps it is also time to consider mastering the abilities required for [Pirate]..."

While Roland was thinking, Hobby looked at his contemplative expression and moved his lips, seemingly wanting to say something but not daring to.

After a moment, he finally mustered his courage and spoke with some hesitation.

"M-Mr. Roland, will you... will you come to the training ground tomorrow?"

"I probably will. Why?"

"I-I want... I want to..."

Looking at the friendly smile on Roland's face, Hobby took a deep breath and said, "I want to learn other combat techniques from you. I want to grow faster so I can help my big brother. And the Knight Academy's classes..."

At this point, the Halfling puffed out his chest somewhat proudly, but a moment later, he shrank back from shyness.

"Are really... a little too simple. Things I can clearly master after hearing them once, the instructors always explain over and over..."

"Heh..."

Roland chuckled and reached out to rub the Halfling's messy brown hair.

"I can, but... little fellow, what do you plan to give in exchange?"

His tone was gentle, but it carried a meaning that allowed no evasion.

"There is no such thing as a free lunch. You need to understand that."

"O-of course! I... uh... Mr. Roland, do you lack money?"

Seeing Roland shake his head, Hobby furrowed his brow and racked his brains in thought.

Seeing him like this, Roland chuckled and tentatively asked, "Do you understand knowledge related to navigation?"

"Of course I do!"

Hearing the question, Hobby nodded hard, his tone carrying pride.

"In order to help my big brother, I have studied all knowledge related to navigation very solidly! When I used to follow my big brother out to sea, even First Mate Albert praised me for being very talented in this area!"