Chapter 360 - 347: Great Power

Chapter 360: Chapter 347: Great Power

Just as Roland was lost in a tangle of thoughts about the "Giant Dragon’s attention" and the Warlock Profession, a set of clear, familiar footsteps sounded from outside his tent.

"Mr. Roland, are you in there?"

Hearing the voice, Roland instantly collected himself, temporarily suppressing all his doubts.

"Is that you, Teresa? Please, come in."

The tent flap was lifted, and the figure of a silver-haired woman appeared at the entrance, her expression holding a rare hint of urgency.

"King Morne has arrived. He’s summoning you to the main tent."

"Morne?"

Roland was suddenly alarmed.

’The war in the Northern Domain ended so quickly?’

The King’s return was far faster than he had anticipated.

But he immediately realized this sudden development might also be an opportunity.

As his mind raced, he didn’t dare delay for a second.

Duke Anno and the Abyssal Demon within him were most likely hiding in Golden Ears City. Reaching the heavily guarded Royal Capital without King Morne’s authority and Power was nothing more than a fool’s dream.

As it stood, the allied army of Gloria and the Duke couldn’t even break through Rift Rock Pass, which lay before them. This had forced them into a stalemate here, to say nothing of launching an expedition to the Royal Capital.

"Understood."

Roland quickly stood up, straightened his clothes, and hid all his emotions behind a calm expression. He then followed Teresa, walking briskly toward the largest tent in the center of the military camp.

The elite Guards posted outside the tent had clearly been given their orders. After a silent salute, they lifted the heavy flap for them.

A wave of air, a mixture of warmth, leather, ink, and the faint scent of medicinal herbs, washed over them.

The space inside the tent was spacious, its furnishings simple and practical. A massive wooden table stood in the center, on which military maps and several scrolls were spread out.

Seated around the table were several people—the core decision-makers of the allied army.

Gloria’s expression was composed. The Duke was stroking his chin, his gaze fixed on the map as if deep in thought.

There was also a burly man standing slightly behind them.

Although it was their first time meeting, Roland deduced the man’s identity from the information he already had.

Enrique, the Duke of the Northern Domain.

But the most striking figure was undoubtedly the one in the seat of honor.

King Morne.

He wasn’t wearing ornate royal robes but was still dressed in practical military attire, a thick fur cloak casually draped over it.

His salt-and-pepper hair was somewhat disheveled, and his left arm was wrapped in thick bandages from which the faint stain of dried blood could be seen. His wound had clearly not yet healed.

Even so, just by sitting there, he naturally exuded the steady presence of a mountain and the sharp gaze unique to a seasoned veteran.

The sound of footsteps interrupted the discussion in the tent.

Several heads turned at once, their gazes landing in unison on the entering Roland and Teresa.

Seeing Roland, Gloria leaned forward slightly and began to speak.

"Father, this is the Roland I mentioned to you in my letters. He..."

However, before she could finish, King Morne, who was seated at the head of the table, let out a booming laugh.

The laugh was so full of vigor that it seemed to make the very air in the tent vibrate.

His piercing gaze shot across the table and landed directly on Roland. It was a look of unconcealed appraisal, and...

a trace of unexpected familiarity.

"HAHAHA!"

King Morne cut his daughter off, waving a large hand dismissively. His voice carried an unmistakable certainty.

"No need for introductions, Gloria. I know this lad."

At these words, a clear look of astonishment flashed across the faces of everyone in the tent.

Their gazes moved involuntarily back and forth between the young Roland and the powerful King, full of questions.

Laughing, King Morne stood up. His towering frame carried an oppressive presence as he walked over to Roland.

His sharp eyes scanned Roland from head to toe, as if appraising a newly acquired Legendary weapon, his gaze filled with unconcealed amusement and scrutiny.

"That Martial demonstration at Distant Harbor..."

Morne began, his voice booming with a hint of reminiscence.

"You were like a wolf pup that had just learned to bare its teeth. That fierce, unyielding spirit of yours left quite an impression on me."

He paused, a flicker of surprise in his eyes.

"I never thought we’d meet again here, after such a short time and under these circumstances. It’s truly... a clever twist of fate."

Roland suppressed the turmoil in his heart and bowed slightly, his demeanor humble yet appropriate.

"Your Majesty is too kind. I didn’t expect that after all this time, you would still remember an insignificant Attendant like me."

"Insignificant?"

As if he’d heard something amusing, Morne shook his head, his gaze growing more profound.

"Making a name for yourself on an occasion like that was proof enough of your talent. But I truly didn’t expect your growth to be so astonishing."

His tone turned more serious. His gaze swept over Gloria and the Duke before returning to Roland, and his words landed in the tent like a boulder.

"Leonard is a renowned expert. And Anno... hmph. Even though he’s gone down a twisted path, his power is undeniable. You’ve defeated them both..."

King Morne’s words paused here, as if he were re-evaluating the young man’s worth.

The amusement in his eyes gradually gave way to genuine admiration, the kind born of strategic insight.

"It seems your experiences in the River Domain have brought you some extraordinary opportunities."

"Not only have you learned an orthodox Knight’s Breathing Technique and successfully become a Knight, but you’ve also gained such power in so little time... Lad, you’re far more interesting than I imagined."