Chapter 642 - 540: Parting

Chapter 642: Chapter 540: Parting

Roland’s calm and powerful presence, Holland’s coarse yet reliable voice, Ellis’s rigorous and occasionally sharp-tongued discussions...

These had all become a familiar, even indispensable, part of her daily life.

Though she had known from the very beginning that they wouldn’t stay for long, when their departure was announced so calmly, a powerful emotion—a mixture of reluctance and loss—still seized her heart without warning.

She lowered her head, her fingers unconsciously twisting the hem of her oversized robes as her heart wrestled with hesitation.

Finally, as if mustering immense courage, she abruptly raised her head. Her violet eyes looked directly at Roland, and her voice, though trembling slightly, was exceptionally clear.

"Mr. Rudolph... C-can I go with you? To go on an adventure?"

At almost the same instant, Allen, who was standing beside her, immediately took a step forward, his own azure eyes shining with the same eager and resolute light.

"Mr. Rudolph, me too! I want to go with you all too!"

The gazes of the two young people were fixed on Roland, filled with expectation.

However, Roland only looked at them quietly for a moment before gently shaking his head.

He had already made up his mind about whether they could travel together.

Thus, he offered no further explanation.

’Some paths are meant to be walked alone or with specific companions. Forcing others to travel together might not be a blessing for anyone involved.’

"Holland, Ellis."

With that thought, he turned to his two companions, his voice steady.

"Go pack your things. We’ll be leaving shortly."

Holland glanced at the crestfallen faces of Vanessa and Allen, then at Roland. In the end, he just shrugged and replied in his gruff voice.

"Alright then."

With that, he turned and walked toward the back room where they were staying.

Ellis, for his part, gave the two young people a slight nod, a silent farewell, and followed after him.

Only then did Roland’s gaze return to the two young people before him.

He took a step forward and reached out, gently patting Vanessa on her slender shoulder and Allen on his sturdy one.

"You two..."

His voice was not loud, but it was calm and powerful, reaching their ears with perfect clarity.

"You have your own paths to walk. The road ahead may be long, it may be filled with unexpected thorns and fog, and you may even face dangers and choices far beyond what you can imagine right now."

His gaze was profound, as if it could pierce through time and see certain hazy possibilities.

"No matter where you go or what situations you face, I hope you will always... stay true to yourselves."

"Remember why you started on this journey, and remember the things that make you who you are."

He looked at Vanessa. Her violet eyes were shimmering with unshed tears, but she stubbornly held them back.

Roland’s voice softened, carrying a sincerity that was almost an admonition.

"Vanessa, you seek Power and knowledge, and you long to understand the world’s mysteries. There is nothing wrong with that. But please remember, Power itself is neither good nor evil; what matters is the heart that wields it."

"Do not be so dazzled by the brilliance of Power that you lose yourself on the path to seeking it and forget the most basic compassion and conscience of humanity. Even if you hold great authority in the future, I hope you will always remember to maintain that sliver of mercy that moves you to lend a hand to the innocent who have fallen into suffering."

"That ’mercy’ may, at the most unexpected moment, become the anchor for your soul."

Then, he turned to Allen. Though the blond young man’s azure eyes showed reluctance to part, they held even more resolve.

A slight smile touched the corners of Roland’s mouth.

"As for you, Allen... you often say, ’A promise made is a promise kept.’ That’s good. Very good. In an age where vows scatter as easily as fallen leaves, holding to one’s promises is itself a rare kind of Power—a quality of character that will allow you to walk through this world without losing your way."

"Hold onto it. Hone it. Let it be not just a slogan, but the creed that runs through your entire life and the edge of your sword."

At this, Roland took two books from the pouch at his waist.

The books were not particularly thick, and their covers were made of durable, dark leather.

They were brand new, with neat edges, and one could faintly smell the subtle scent of fresh ink mixed with treated leather.

"Based on my observations of your abilities, traits, and shortcomings, I have organized and recorded some of the knowledge, key techniques, and ways of thinking that I believe will be most helpful to you."

He handed one book to Vanessa and the other to Allen.

"They are not some profound and mysterious secret tomes, but if you study them carefully, practice diligently, and think about how to apply them to your own situations, they should be helpful for your future growth."

Vanessa subconsciously took the book. Her fingertips brushed against the still-warm cover, feeling the solid texture of the pages beneath.

Allen also accepted his reverently with both hands, his azure eyes fixed on the cover.

There were no fancy titles on them, only simple, silver-gilt lettering that read, respectively: *A Guide to Advancing Spiritual Power and an Outline of the Basic Protective Technique* and *Essentials of Basic Swordsmanship and Initial Understanding of Practical Adaptation*.

"Mr. Rudolph..."

Vanessa looked up, her voice choked with emotion.

"We..."

Allen also looked as if he wanted to say something but couldn’t find the words.

Roland held up a hand, stopping whatever they were about to say.

"Farewells require few words. Take care, Vanessa, Allen."

He gave them one last look.

Without further delay, he turned and walked toward Holland and Ellis, who were already waiting at the door with their packs on their backs.

The heavy oak door was pulled open once more, and the clamorous wind of Gray Rock City rushed in.

Roland’s figure, along with Holland’s and Ellis’s, soon blended into the interplay of light and shadow in the alley outside, vanishing from sight.