Starting With an SSS-Rank Swordsmanship Talent

“You are quite sharp. That guy called you Fredrinn. You must be the famous Steel Bastion of House Silversword.” The middle-aged warrior chuckled.

Fredrinn’s face was covered with sweat.

“It’s just an empty title.” He responded in a grim tone.

“Let’s see if you are as sturdy as the rumors say.” The middle-aged man suddenly charged at him and casually swung his sword.

Seeing this, Fredrinn imbued mana into his arms and lifted his shield to block the man’s short sword.

Clang!

The impact made Fredrinn’s feet sink deeply to the ground, but he stood firmly, like an immovable wall.

“Oh? It seems like you have some strength. No wonder people call you the Steel Bastion.” The middle-aged warrior nonchalantly said.

“Who are you?” Fredrinn looked at the man with a grave look. Just blocking that one attack made his arms numbed and it looked like the guy didn’t even put much of his strength.

The middle-aged man put on a look of surprise. “Oh my! Look at my manners.”

He cleared his throat and dramatically introduced himself.

“I am Xavier Coldstone.”

Hearing this, Fredrinn’s eyes darkened.

I’m fucked! Why did it have to be this crazy guy?!

Xavier Coldstone was a member of House Coldstone, a barony in the Northeast. He was supposed to be the first heir of the household, but due to his weird personality and strange habits, the family head was worried that he would cause a lot of trouble so he removed Xavier from the heir candidates.

“Have you heard of me?” Xavier grinned at him. He had the face of a middle-aged man but the way he talked resembled that of a mischievous teenager.

Before responding, Fredrinn looked at the only survivor in the group and told him. “Go and save those employees. I will take care of things here.”

The Elite Knight hesitated, but knowing that he would only be a hindrance, he nodded. “Yes, sir!”

He then turned around and left in a hurry.

Xavier didn’t stop the man and just watched the scene with interest.

Fredrinn moved his gaze back to Xavier and finally responded. “I have heard a lot about you, Lord Xavier.”

“You are currently ranked 59th in the Astanian Dragon Leaderboard. You are one of the strongest experts in the empire, a warrior with unrivaled abilities.”

Xavier nodded, seemingly pleased by his words. “I like you. Why don’t you work for me? I can give you as much as the Silverwords are paying you. What do you think?”

Fredrinn felt goosebumps all over his body upon sensing the other party’s invasive gaze.

Xavier’s had unique preferences. He didn’t distinguish between men and women. As long as he liked the person, he would do anything to get them.

Fredrinn shook his head. “Unfortunately, I would have to decline your offer, my lord. I have already signed a contract with House Silversword. I also received more than just money from them and it is something that I must repay.”

Xavier revealed a look of disappointment. “Is that so? What a pity.”

He shook his head with a look of regret.

In the next instant, his expression abruptly changed. His eyes turned cold and his mouth curved into a smirk.

“You can go and die then.”

Xavier suddenly disappeared and reappeared above Fredrinn while swinging his sword with a manic look.

Whoosh!

So fast!

Fredrinn gritted his teeth as he lifted his shield above him. He took a deep breath and braced himself from the impact.

Clang!!

His legs almost collapsed from the overwhelming weight behind the attack.

The bones in his left arm almost snapped so he had to imbue more mana to increase his durability.

After he had blocked that attack, another one followed.

Clang!!!

Cracks appeared on the surface of his shield. If it weren’t for his mana, his shield would have already crumbled from the impact!

“Oh my! You are so sturdy! I like you more and more!” A depraved look appeared in Xavier’s eyes, making Fredrinn feel a chill in his heart.

With a grunt, he pushed his shield to send Xavier away. He then retreated to a safe distance to gather his breath.

This crazy lunatic wasn’t even serious, but he almost snapped my arm. I can’t defend forever. I must do something!

“Fredrinn, stop being close-minded and follow me. You just don’t know how amazing it feels to do it with a man!” Xavier winked at him.

“I’m sorry, but I will never do it with a man.” Fredrinn felt sick just thinking about it. He even thought of committing suicide to save himself from Xavier’s depravity.

“It looks like I have to use force! Anyway, I like it better that way…” Xavier licked his lips and rushed towards him.

Whoosh!

Clang! Clang! Clang!

Fredrinn did his best to block and deflect the other party’s attack, but he soon found himself slowly losing his stamina and mana.

Xavier’s attacks became stronger as the battle dragged on.

My shield is almost at its limit! Shit!

Fredrinn’s expression fell. In a moment of desperation, he sent a flurry of stabs and slashes.

Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!

“Woah!”

Xavier wiped the blood on his neck which came from a small cut. He licked the blood and sent Fredrinn a sultry look as he said. “So you like it rough, huh? What a coincidence!”

Fredrinn could no longer hold back his anger and lashed out. “Dammit! Just leave me alone you fucking bisexual son of a bitch!”

Hearing this, Xavier’s face contorted with fury. “What did you say?”

Fredrinn felt the sudden change in the atmosphere, but he couldn’t care less. “Just kill me! I have no interest in playing with your games!” He shouted.

Xavier snorted and imbued mana into his sword before he released an attack.

He launched a scorching blade of fire that burned everything in its path!

That sword… It’s actually a relic!

Fredrinn wasted no time.

He twisted his body and lifted his shield to the side in an attempt to deflect the fire blade.