Starting With an SSS-Rank Swordsmanship Talent

Meanwhile, outside Turtle Fort, Franklin’s team was ready to search for traces of barbarians. They had stayed in the fort city for a few days to get some information, but the city guards weren’t able to provide sufficient details.

“Do barbarians really look scary?” Wolf asked, unable to hide his curiosity. He had only seen them in portraits and paintings, but he had never seen one in person.

They were described as beasts in human form and many other exaggerated descriptions, but he was sure about one thing. The average barbarian was physically stronger than ordinary warriors. This means that all of them were gifted in battle, even the women.

“My grandfather said that barbarians are tall and muscular. They are innately powerful and some are even born with unique abilities…” Rasmus who had received William’s teachings showed off his knowledge.

The rest of the team listened with great interest, including Franklin, the leader of the group.

He was born as a gladiator so his knowledge about history was practically zero. Even the kid, Wolf, was more knowledgeable than him.

“You guys stop chatting and focus on the investigation!” A cold voice drifted into their ears.

It was Aliya, the strict and stern-faced warrioress.

Everyone was afraid of her so they obediently resumed their investigation.

Time passed in the blink of an eye and afternoon quickly came, but the group was still unable to find any clues.

Just as they were about to give up their search, Franklin suddenly sensed an unusual aura nearby.

This aura…

He squinted his eyes and looked in a certain direction.

There are three of them and each of them is as powerful as an ordinary Knight. Is it them?

He frowned when he discovered the other party’s existence. He wasn’t certain if these people were the barbarians that they had been searching for so he didn’t make a rash decision.

However, he realized that the trio were approaching their location.

Did they discover us?

He furrowed his eyes as he signaled for the group to lay low and conceal their presence.

Franklin hid behind a tree while cautiously observing the trio’s movements.

They are getting closer…

Sweat trickled down his face as he slowly reached out to his weapon.

At this moment, the trio finally entered his line of sight.

It’s indeed them! Barbarians!

They had tall and muscular men dressed in leather armor. The weapons they carried were crudely made with ordinary appearance and no proper design.

These warriors had tanned skin and red eyes which were unique features that most barbarians carried.

Franklin sent a signal to the group, informing them of what he had discovered.

Everyone’s faces turned grim upon seeing his signal. They unconsciously moved their hands into the handle of their weapons, ready to take action at a moment’s notice.

Just when Franklin was about to give the signal to attack, the three barbarian warriors suddenly stopped to set up camp.

They hadn’t sensed us.

Franklin heaved a sigh of relief. He signaled the group to relax and not make a noise.

Let’s see what you guys are up to…

***

Back to Alaric.

After leaving the beast garden, he went to the training grounds to let off some steam. He had already completed today’s daily mission so he didn’t perform the usual weighted exercises and mana-infused sword training.

I should try practicing other sword styles. There might come a time when they will be useful.

Thinking about this, Alaric took a moment to gather his thoughts. He had already mastered the dual-wielding sword style and the orthodox sword style. There were still plenty of sword techniques that he hadn’t mastered, but with his SSS-rank Swordsmanship trait, it wouldn’t take him long to master them.

How about a speed-type sword technique?

His dual sword style was a versatile technique that was focused on both offense and defense, but it had one small weakness…

Speed…

Alaric unsheathed the Frigid Dragon Sword. It was a short sword with feather-like weight so using it alone would significantly increase his speed.

Whoosh! Whoosh!

He swung his sword while trying to create a suitable sword technique that was focused on speed.

Normally, it would take weeks or even months to create a sword technique, but to Alaric, it was just a matter of minutes.

Whoosh! Whoosh!

He was close to creating a sword technique when he sensed that someone was keenly observing him.

Alaric opened his eyes and turned his head.

It’s him.

Von, a mercenary from Hairo.

Henry’s team discovered him when they were searching for the Bedeviled Cornelia. When he heard of the man’s circumstances, he didn’t hesitate to provide monetary support for his family.

Now, Von had become a part of House Silversword’s army. Because of his status as an Elite Knight, Alaric appointed him as a deputy company commander under Henry.

This guy had a unique character. He was stubborn and fearless. He even heard from Henry that Von once mentioned that he would storm House Silversword if the rewards promised to him wouldn’t be delivered.

Von bowed to him when he realized that he had been discovered. “I apologize, my lord. I didn’t mean to interrupt your training.”

Alaric smiled faintly and beckoned to him. “It is alright. How is your daughter and wife doing?”

When he mentioned this, Von’s expression softened. “Thanks to the resources you provided, they are both doing well. My daughter has already recovered and my wife is set for delivery.”

“I see. I am glad to hear that.” Alaric chatted with the former mercenary.

[Do you want to use Appraisal on the selected target?]

[Yes] [No]

Alaric clicked [Yes] out of habit.

Von [Elite Knight] EXP: 599/1000

Potential: C

Traits: Flail Mastery (A) Horseback Riding (B), Archery (C), Hunting (B), Tracking (B), Farming (C), Fishing (C)

Strength: 180

Stamina: 171

Agility: 159

Vitality: 186

Endurance: 185

Mana: 163

His attributes are almost the same as Henry’s. Not bad for a mercenary.

“Do you want to have a spar with me?” Alaric asked with a faint smile.