Starting With an SSS-Rank Swordsmanship Talent

The warriors of Iron Sand Fort fought with unbridled madness. Some who had almost used up their mana rushed upon the enemies and used their physical bodies to bring at least one with them before dying! There was even one who had lost his weapon and used his teeth to bite his enemies to death!

“This is madness! These guys are insane!”

Harune’s troops were shaken by the unrestrained assault of Iron Sand Fort’s soldiers. They knew no fear and looked like they had been possessed by evil ghosts!

“Stand your ground! Don’t be afraid! This is their final struggle so don’t be careless!” Shouted the commander of Harune’s troops, a messy-bearded old man who wore heavy steel armor.

This won’t do. I have to do something.

He noticed the panic in his soldiers’ eyes. He knew right away that he had to do something to stop the enemy’s momentum. Otherwise, they might be caught up in the storm!

I need to kill their leader to lower their morale!

He looked around, searching for Iron Sand Fort’s commander.

Once he killed their leader, he believed that the enemies would fall into disorder, making them easy targets for his troops.

Suddenly, he caught sight of a warrior on horseback wielding a sword. His armor and helmet were covered in blood. Even his mount’s armor was dyed red.

Just looking at him, the old man could tell that this was the enemy’s commander.

This guy has the strongest aura among them and he also uses a sword. He must be the Western Sword Marquis, Marco!

Upon recognizing his target’s identity, the old man’s eyes flashed with profound coldness. He squeezed his legs and urged his mount to rush forward.

His Disaster-grade horse galloped with overwhelming speed! As soon as he gained momentum, the old man controlled his horse to take a huge leap, pouncing towards Marco who was surrounded by tens of warriors.

Whoosh!

Hm?!

Marco abruptly turned his head when he sensed a formidable aura targeting him.

“Horkell!”

Horkell, the Heavy Hammer of Harune. He was known for his inherently stronger physical strength. The most noticeable thing about him was his weapon which was a two-handed warhammer that weighed over a ton!

“So you recognize me.” Horkell grinned at Marco as he swung his warhammer.

Whoosh!

Seeing his attack, Marco didn’t dare block his hammer. He turned his body and controlled his horse to evade.

Booom!!

Horkell’s warhammer crushed the ground, creating a massive crater!

The force behind his attack caused the ground to tremble. Some warriors even lost their balance due to the sudden tremor.

Marco skillfully controlled his mount to prevent it from toppling over.

Neigh!

His horse made a sound of protest, clearly exhausted from all the movements. It was puffing air heavily.

From the looks of it, surviving for ten minutes was already impossible.

Once his horse collapsed, Marco would have to face the besiegement of the enemies from all directions. In his current state, that was no different than death!

Knowing that the situation was grim, he decisively signaled a change in formation to give himself and his troops a little bit of room to recover.

“Do you think I would let you escape?” Horkell sneered upon realizing his intention. He kicked his horse’s belly, urging it to move faster. He then activated the engraved ability of his warhammer.

Lightning sparks gathered on his hammer, circling like little serpents.

With a swing, the sparks of lightning struck forth, bringing about a devastating power that could incinerate the human body!

In the face of this destructive blow, Marco could no longer afford to save his mana. He gathered what little he had recovered and unleashed a slash.

Whoosh!

BOOOMM!!

An earth-shattering explosion erupted as soon as their weapons collided! Soil and stone debris flew in all directions, making everyone subconsciously close their eyes!

After that exchange of attacks, Marco found himself at a disadvantage. Blocking that warhammer almost crushed his arms!

Looking down, he could see his arms trembling.

He is stronger than I am. Even at my peak, I’m afraid that I’m not his opponent.

He thought to himself.

This is probably where I fall. A pity…

He gave up on resisting when he saw Horkell lifting his hammer in preparation for another attack.

His mana was emptied out and he was already at his physical limits.

Just when the warhammer was about to crush his head, a figure suddenly appeared in front of him.

“Snap out of it, Marco! How can you give up so easily?! Have you forgotten the promise you made?!”

Hearing this voice, Marco was stunned.

In front of him was Derrek, forcefully resisting Horkell’s warhammer using a pair of swords.

“Oh? You called for backup?” Horkell snorted and released a kick that sent Derrek flying into the air.

“Derrek!” Marco called out in shock.

He wanted to help Derrek, but he felt a sudden chill. He instinctively dodged by rolling to the side.

Boom!

A large crater was formed on the spot where he stood just a few seconds ago.

“You have good reflexes, but for how long can you keep up?” Horkell’s mocking voice drifted into his ears.

At this moment, Derrek had already recovered from the kick.

If it weren’t for my armor, that kick would have damaged my internal organs.

There was sharp pain on his chest, but it was within his tolerable range.

He then took a quick glance at Marco who was breathing heavily while trying to stand firmly on his feet.

Marco is in bad shape. Even if we joined hands, this old fart can still overpower us both!

Sweat trickled down his face as he tried to come up with a battle strategy.

While he was in deep thought, he suddenly heard Marco’s stern voice ringing in his ears. “Derrek, go and take His Highness to retreat! You guys must leave this place at once! This is a direct order from your superior!”

Derrek widened his eyes, not expecting to hear this from him. However, he didn’t listen and just grinned at him. “I’m sorry, my lord. I only follow His Highness’ commands.”