Starting With an SSS-Rank Swordsmanship Talent

This old man is close to advancing to the next realm, but he refuses the resources that Dad wants to give him. If it weren’t for those injuries…

He looked at the old man’s missing right arm and his blinded right eye. The scar that stretched from the right side of his forehead down to his chin was visible.

These scars were something he had sustained during the last battle he had participated in together with Lucas.

It was during the war against the barbarians.

The two exchanged greetings and some small talk.

Alaric was careful not to mention anything related to the barbarians for this might trigger the retired warrior’s past trauma.

“How are the Saber-fanged Wolves doing?” Alaric asked. This was his purpose for this visit.

Cassius smiled faintly as he replied. “You came at the right time, my lord. Follow me. It is better to show you the results.”

Before leaving, the old warrior whispered something to the leader of the beast pack.

The creature tilted his head as if trying to understand his words. Then, it emitted a soft sound while nodding its head.

Alaric noticed the exchange between the old man and the beast, but he didn’t say anything.

If he hadn’t seen the retired warrior’s traits, he would have believed he was just speaking nonsense to the creature. However, with his Beast Whisperer trait, Alaric was certain that there was some form of understanding between him and the beasts.

“Do you like animals and beasts, Sir Cassius?” Alaric probed the old man with a calm gaze.

Cassius didn’t stop walking and replied. “I have always been fascinated with these creatures since I was young, my lord. It feels like I can communicate with them and they seem to understand my message.”

Alaric was surprised. He thought the old man would hide this peculiar ability, but he was actually open to discussing it.

“That is a unique ability, Sir Cassius! I envy you. I also want to communicate with the beasts, but I just do not have the same gift.” Alaric sighed while shaking his head.

Cassius chuckled. “We all have different talents and gifts, my lord. In your case, you are a prodigy in swordsmanship.”

“You flatter me.”

The two chatted as they walked along the vast beast garden.

Soon, the retired warrior brought him to a special enclosure that was significantly colder than other parts of the beast garden. This enclosure was specially constructed for beasts that were used to colder weather conditions and environments.

From outside, Alaric could already see the Saber-fanged Wolves and the Frost Horses. Both beasts were separated into different sections in the enclosure to make sure that they wouldn’t kill each other.

The wolves…

When he saw the Saber-fanged Wolves, Alaric was stunned. Their changes were more noticeable than the Frost Horses. The small cubs that looked like tiny furballs had grown bigger. They were now as big as ordinary wolves and their fangs had become more prominent. Furthermore, the aura they exuded was already as powerful as that of a veteran Knight!

The wolves seemed to have sensed Alaric’s aura. They eagerly wagged their tails as they rushed towards him like little puppies.

Awooo!!

Alaric was happy to see them in high spirits and better shape.

“Did you guys miss me?” He laughed as he stroked the beautiful white fur of the wolves.

Cassius smiled as he watched the reunion between them. He could sense the joy and the excitement of the Saber-fanged Wolves.

These wolves really trust Lord Alaric. They treat him as a part of their pack. They don’t even treat me, their caretaker, like this.

After playing around with the wolves for a good ten minutes, he turned his head to Cassius and expressed his gratitude. “Thank you for taking care of them, Sir. Just let me know if you ever need anything. I can give you anything you want as long as it is within my means.”

The old man waved his hand. “I’m only doing my job, my lord. There is no need to reward me. Besides, I’m already satisfied with my life here in the beast garden.”

Alaric stared deeply at him and asked. “Are you sure? Do you not want to advance and become a Transcendent Knight?”

The old man’s smile suddenly turned cold. He then shook his head and let out a heavy sigh. “You should leave, my lord. I’m not feeling well today.”

Hearing this, Alaric revealed a look of regret. It was apparent that the old man was still affected by the traumatic experience he went through during the battle against the barbarians.

“I’m sorry, Sir Cassius.”

Alaric cupped his fists.

“Since you are not feeling well, I will take my leave and not disturb you further. You should get some rest.”

He didn’t wait for the old man’s response and left after taking one last look at the Saber-fanged Wolves and the Frost Horses.

He had already fulfilled his objectives so he left without hesitation.

Awoo!!

The wolves howled as they watched him leave.

Cassius could sense the sadness of the wolves. He crouched and patted their heads as he whispered. “Don’t worry, Lord Alaric will come back to visit you soon.”

After pacifying the restless wolves, the old man turned his head to the direction where Alaric was headed and muttered in a melancholic tone. “I apologize, my lord, but this old man can no longer wield a sword. There is no meaning in advancing anymore…”

As he said those words, the scenes of the last battle he had participated in flashed in his mind, making his face turn pale.

He groaned as he grabbed his head, his shoulders trembling.

Since he had survived that battle, he would always have nightmares of that day. It continued to haunt me to this day and it was something he had never overcome.

It’s my fault… If it wasn’t for me, my comrades…

The old man fell to his knees and sobbed quietly.