Starting With an SSS-Rank Swordsmanship Talent

Blood leaked out of the old man’s body, making his face turn pale. However, his eyes remained firm as he stared deeply at the Grand Duke.

Looking at the old official’s unwavering spirit, everyone couldn’t help but feel emotional. They recalled the sacrifices they made to make Gretaja into what it was now.

“My lord, I also think that we should surrender. We can minimize our losses by doing so. This is the only way to prevent more bloodshed.” Another official stated.

Lloyd’s expression darkened.

“You spineless bastards! How dare you suggest something so ridiculous?! We still have His Highness! We only need to hold on until he arrives!” One of the Grand Duke’s diehard supporters lashed out.

A rift was formed among the Grand Duke’s followers. They quarreled and exchanged derogatory remarks, making the whole place a total mess.

“Silence!” Lloyd snapped out, his voice shaking in fury.

Everyone shut their mouths when they sensed the Grand Duke’s overwhelming aura.

“Send our troops and tell them to stop the invaders at all costs even if it means their deaths!” He shouted with a flurry of his sleeve.

The old official who had opposed him earlier wanted to say something, but the Grand Duke suddenly unleashed all his aura upon him, making him unable to breathe!

Uhk!

The old official fell off his chair, struggling to breathe.

A few people wanted to help him, but they were afraid to face the Grand Duke’s wrath so they chose to look away.

“What are you waiting for?! Pass my instructions immediately!” The Grand Duke roared.

“Y-Yes, my lord!”

Everyone quickly left to deliver his message to the troops.

After everyone cleared the meeting room, the gloomy-faced Lloyd punched the wall.

Bang!

The thick concrete mixed with other durable materials broke apart, leaving a huge hole in the wall!

Lucas Silversword! If you want to kill, then I will drag you to hell with me!

***

Meanwhile, Lucas’ troops faced another resistance from Gratreja’s armed guards. They were the elites of the territory tasked to protect the land. Unlike the garrison guards who had protected the main gate, these warriors were battle-hardened.

“My lord, they seem to be the elite guards of Grateja. How should we deal with them?” Rendon asked in a low voice.

Lucas surveyed the enemy formation. They also had Transcendents on their side, but they were still lacking compared to his troops which had top experts like Rendon and Sherwin.

Lucas didn’t respond immediately. He was the commander so he had to make the final call.

They are citizens of Astania, must I really kill them?

He hesitated.

No. There is no need to kill more innocent people. Only the Grand Duke must pay for his crimes!

Thinking about this, he said. “There is no need for meaningless bloodshed. I will take care of this. Stay here and wait for my command!”

Rendon lowered his head and didn’t say anything.

After making his decision, Lucas slowly approached the enemies. His eyes were terrifyingly calm.

“Trespassers! Leave our territory at once!” Shouted the commander of Grateja’s armed guards, a warrior at the Transcendent realm!

However, his warning didn’t faze the expressionless Lucas.

He pulled the reins, signaling his horse to stop. He then shouted. “The Grand Duke, Lloyd Astania, broke the agreement we made with the barbarian tribes! For the sake of fulfilling his twisted desires, he kidnapped barbarians and other helpless victims and auctioned them to an illegal establishment he had created! For the sake of this evil man, do you truly wish to wield your weapons against me?!”

The soldiers of Grateja waved upon hearing his words. They had already heard of rumors about the events that happened in Copperglade. Initially, they all thought that it was ridiculous. No one wanted to believe it, but the sudden attack on Grateja was clearly aimed at the Grand Duke which made them recall those rumors.

Did the Grand Duke really kidnap the barbarians?

Did he really establish the Crimson Tower?

Is it worth it to serve such an unscrupulous man?

While they were hesitating, Lucas’ voice drifted into their ears.

“We are warriors of Astania and it is our duty to protect the people! Although we are divided into several territories, we share the same origin! We have a common goal to defend our empire! However, the man you serve caused us to be misunderstood by the barbarian tribes! Because of his greed, Astania might once again be engulfed in the flames of war!”

“Is that the kind of man that you wish to serve?!”

Lucas revealed his mighty aura after saying those words, but he didn’t use it to oppress the warriors. He just displayed his unrivaled strength to tell them that he could kill them if he wanted to.

He is forcing us to make a choice!

The commander of Grateja’s armed guards shivered when he sensed Lucas’ aura.

There is no mistake. He isa Mythical Knight!

“My lord, we will follow your command. Just give us the word.” A voice echoed in his ears.

It came from a young warrior he had carefully trained. He was a promising talent with great dreams.

Looking at the young warrior’s face, the commander of Greteja’s armed guards sighed.

Many promising youths will die if I choose to fight the enemies, but I have already sworn an oath to the Grand Duke.

He fell into a dilemma.

Tension filled the air as everyone waited for the commander’s decision.

After what seemed to be an eternity, the commander finally opened his mouth.

“Lord Lucas, I will exchange my life for the safety of my subordinates and the residents of the territory!”

Everyone was stunned by his decision.

Lucas glanced at the loyal man. “I accept your request, but will they obey a dead commander?”

The man beamed. He then shouted to his troops. “Warriors of Grateja, heed my call! You must surrender immediately!”

Hearing his words, the soldiers of Grateja responded emotionally. “Yes, Lord Commander!”

Lucas revealed a look of interest. “What is your name?”