Starving, Roland eagerly slathered butter on his black bread and wolfed it down with the side dishes.

It wasn’t until his plate was completely empty that he noticed something was off.

"Strange..."

Roland touched his flat stomach and thought to himself.

’Ever since I started practicing the Secret Silver Body Tempering Technique, my appetite has been growing, and I get hungry much faster... That’s right! I should be able to practice it again in a few days. It’s the perfect opportunity to find out the technique’s Level cap!’

At this thought, he took his plate and went back for two more helpings.

After eating enough food for three people, the long-lost feeling of fullness finally washed over him.

Letting out a satisfied burp, Roland immediately turned and headed back to the Blacksmith Shop.

’Those apprentices from this morning who didn’t finish their tasks are all great opportunities for me to grind experience!’

Soon, with George vouching for him, Roland took over the work of another apprentice.

Just as he finished the final step and was stretching his back, the sudden, rapid sound of hooves echoed from outside the Blacksmith Shop.

"NEIGH!"

Accompanied by the horse’s neigh, a tall figure, silhouetted against the setting sun, strode into the Blacksmith Shop.

The blinding sunlight prevented Roland from seeing the visitor’s face clearly.

"Excuse me for disturbing you all. I’m looking for..."

The tall figure’s gaze swept across the room before freezing on Roland.

"Hey! Roland!"

The visitor threw back his cloak, revealing a mane of dazzling golden hair.

"Remember me? Dalko!"

"Of course, Young Master Dalko..."

Roland was about to bow but was held steady by the other man’s powerful arm.

The strength behind the gesture shocked Roland.

’This guy’s strength... it seems to be much greater than mine...’

But Dalko seemed completely unaware, instead clapping him warmly on the shoulder.

"No need to be so formal when we meet in the future!"

"Yes, Young Master Dalko. May I ask why you’re..."

"Are you free tomorrow morning?"

Dalko cut him off, slinging an arm around Roland’s shoulders and asking with overflowing enthusiasm.

The sudden intimacy left Roland at a loss for what to do.

Seeing this, George immediately put down his hammer and hurried over.

He gave a slight bow, his expression respectful yet dignified.

"Young Master Dalko, Roland just started at the Blacksmith Shop today. He still has a lot of work to familiarize himself with..."

Hearing this, the smile on Dalko’s face didn’t falter, but his amber eyes narrowed slightly, like a predator zeroing in on its prey.

"Oh? Is that so?"

Dalko’s voice remained gentle, but Roland clearly saw a cold glint flash in his eyes.

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

A fine layer of sweat beaded on George’s forehead, but he still insisted.

"Young Master Dalko, Master Hawke gave instructions..."

"George..."

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

Although he wasn’t sure what Dalko’s purpose was, he had never been one to drag innocent people into his personal matters.

Besides, after thinking it over, Roland was sure he had no bad blood with Dalko.

From the original owner’s memories, Dalko didn’t seem to have any peculiar habits, so there likely wasn’t any danger.

And even if something unexpected did happen, with his current strength, he was fully capable of protecting himself.

With this in mind, Roland spoke up.

"Since Young Master Dalko needs my help, could you please ask Master Hawke for a day off for me?"

"O... Okay..."

George looked at Roland, his eyes full of worry, but he finally gave a small nod and slowly walked away.

"Excellent! Then it’s settled, Roland!"

Dalko laughed heartily and removed his arm from Roland’s shoulder.

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

Before the words even faded, the golden-haired young man had already spun around and departed in a flurry, his cloak whipping behind him. All that remained was the sound of his firm, resounding footsteps.

Watching his retreating figure, Roland frowned and rubbed his shoulder, which was sore from Dalko’s grip.

"TSK TSK TSK..."

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

Roland turned and saw John standing beside him, having appeared at some unknown moment. He was squinting in the direction Dalko had left.

"Well, I’ll be, kid."

The old veteran nudged Roland with his elbow and spoke in a meaningful tone.

"You actually know Young Master Dalko?"