Starting With an SSS-Rank Swordsmanship Talent

Upon entering the fortress, Marco immediately signaled the gate operator to lower the gate.

He then looked at the second prince who was recovering his mana by eating what seemed to be an elixir.

During the battle against the enemy infantry, Marco sensed the second prince’s presence.

At least he is not a coward.

He thought to himself before he pulled his eyes away.

The battle was far from over and his job wasn’t done. After taking one minute of rest, Marco headed back to the top of the walls to take command.

“Focus our artillery on their cavalry! Don’t let them get close to the gate!” He shouted while keeping his eyes on the approaching enemy cavalry.

He could sense a powerful aura from the person leading them, one that was at least comparable to his own! Such an expert could destroy their gate with ease if he were allowed to get close!

He was yet to fully recover his mana so engaging with him would be too dangerous. He could only hope that their artillery could somehow slow down their advance.

Boom! Boom!

Loud explosions rocked the fortress as another barrage of attacks was sent by the enemy’s beast soul warriors.

Without the mana shield protecting them, the walls received heavy damage and one side even collapsed which left everyone vulnerable to enemy forces.

Seeing this, Marco swiftly gave instructions to the troops to stabilize the situation.

They fought relentlessly, giving all their energy into defending the crumbling walls. With their efforts, they managed to survive the first day of the siege.

Looking at the retreating enemy forces, Marco leaned against the broken wall and let out an exhausted sigh.

“We survived…” He mumbled, his face covered in thick beads of sweat.

Although they had successfully survived the siege, no one cheered. Everyone looked out of breath and some even collapsed on the ground.

Seeing his troops’ condition, Marco’s eyes flashed with concern.

Can we survive tomorrow’s siege?

They had more than ten thousand warriors when the battle began, but now, only eight thousand remained. Of which, over one thousand had injuries of varying severity.

At this moment, Marco stood atop what remained of the walls, gazing at the distant camp with a cold gaze.

“My lord, you should get some rest.” An unfamiliar voice drifted into his ears.

Hearing this, Marco frowned and turned around.

Behind him was a middle-aged man with a pair of swords on his back. His arms were riddled with scars and there was even a gnarly scar on his forehead which looked like it had been cut by an axe.

Marco had seen this man follow the second prince around.

Frowning, he asked. “I am sorry, but I don’t recognize you, sir. Can you tell me your name?”

The middle-aged man chuckled. He took a swig from the wine gourd in his hand before he replied. “It’s not surprising that you don’t recognize me. You can call me Derrek. I’m once part of the Dragon Guards…”

When he mentioned this, Marco’s face visibly changed.

“But I now work for His Highness.” Derrek continued with a shake of his head.

“I think this is something that you shouldn’t casually tell anyone, sir,” Marco remarked with a stern voice.

Derrek guffawed when he heard his words. “My lord… Marco, we are going to die anyway so it doesn’t matter. Even if we somehow survive, I know you will keep it a secret for me.”

Marco was stunned by his response. With a complicated expression, he let out a heavy sigh. “You are right. Pass me the gourd.”

Hearing this, Derrek grinned and tossed the wine gourd to the marquis. “I got it from the capital. Quite a strong flavor I would say.”

Marco didn’t say anything and took large gulps of the wine.

“Feel better?” Derrek chuckled as he stood next to the marquis.

“Thanks.”

Marco nodded and passed the wine gourd back to him, but Derrek shook his head.

“You can keep it. This could be your last chance to drink such fine wine.”

“So you are dropping honorifics now?” Marco said before taking a swig from the wine gourd.

“Come on. You still care about that?” Derrek raised an eyebrow and stared at him with an exaggerated expression.

Seeing this, Marco didn’t bother to correct him and just silently drank the wine.

The two became silent after that and it was Marco who broke the silence a few minutes later.

“Why did you stay by His Highness’ side? With your strength, you could have chosen a better lord to follow.”

Derrek was taken aback. “You could be executed if someone from the palace heard your words.”

“Who cares about that? We are both going to die anyway.” Marco spoke in the same tone he used earlier.

Derrek shook his head and responded in a calm voice. “Not everyone gets to choose the life they want to live.”

Marco could sense the subtle change in his expression so he no longer continued with the subject.

“Marco, I once admired you. You were the reason I took up the sword so you better not die in front of my eyes.” Derrek stared deeply at him.

Marco snorted and replied. “I am the Western Sword Marquis! I will not die here.”

Derrek smiled faintly. He lifted his head and looked up at the night sky.

Aru, please protect us…

***

The soldiers of Iron Sand Fort weren’t able to rest well and they were awoken by the sudden trembling of the ground.

“Enemy cavalry incoming!”

Marco’s shout echoed across the fortress, forcing everyone to stand up and prepare for battle.

Tired and deprived of sleep, the warriors moved sluggishly.

Marco noticed this from above the wall, but there was nothing he could do. They were at war so there was no time to rest.

“Assemble the cavalrymen! We will engage with the enemies!” He issued a command, his eyes filled with strong determination to live.

“Let’s try to survive again today.” He whispered to himself before he jumped onto his horse.