Starting With an SSS-Rank Swordsmanship Talent

Marco who had already accepted his fate was stunned. He thought he would meet his end under Horkell’s warhammer, but things had taken an unexpected turn!

“Who is that man?” He mumbled as he watched the man clad in black and gold armor with a face filled with disbelief.

He thought that he was dreaming and the things that happened were just an illusion conjured by his mind. However, the searing heat from the flames and the smell of burnt flesh told him everything was real.

Looking around, the thousands of warriors from Harune had been turned to ashes. There were still a few of them alive, but it wouldn’t be long before they would meet their demise.

Meanwhile, Zephyr had already captured Horkell. It even made a soft sound as if it was trying to please Alaric.

“You did great, Zephyr.”

Alaric wasn’t stingy with his praise and complimented the beast.

“Bring me down first.” He commanded the beast.

Zephyr issued a sound before it descended to the ground with a ’whoosh’.

The warriors of Iron Sand Fort who had survived the battle ran away in fear. Although the catastrophe-grade monster had killed their enemies, they were afraid that it would attack them next.

Seeing this, Alaric wasn’t too bothered. He could also understand their concerns. After all, Zephyr’s aura was just too intimidating. Even the people in House Silversword who were familiar with it were afraid of the creature.

As soon as they got down, Alaric jumped off Zephyr’s back and went to help the injured warriors.

Looking at the large number of corpses from their side, Alaric was saddened.

I came a bit too late. If I had come a little earlier, I could have saved some of them.

While helping the soldiers, he inspected them through his Appraisal out of habit. This was how he discovered Marco, the Western Sword Marquis.

In his past life, Marco was an unsurpassable figure who had an illustrious reputation that was even above Lucas’s. He was one of the few nobles who didn’t choose to side with the two princes. Even until Alaric’s death, Marco had chosen to remain neutral and continued to defend the western borders from external threats.

Alaric admired his commitment to defending the empire.

“P-Please, there is someone buried under the rubble.” Marco who was receiving first aid from him pointed at the collapsed wall.

Hearing this, Alaric immediately followed his gaze.

After advancing to the Transcendent realm, his senses had been significantly boosted. He could hear a faint sound of breathing from underneath the rubble.

“Alright. Stay here and don’t move around.” Alaric reminded him before he rushed to the rubble.

He lifted the big debris and soon discovered a figure buried underneath. The man was in bad condition and some of the sharp rocks had penetrated his body making him bleed profusely.

Seeing that he was in bad condition, Alaric quickly pulled him from the wreckage. He then administered first aid while sending a stream of his mana to stop the bleeding.

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

Alaric clicked [No].

This was no time to check the man’s attributes for his condition was the worst among all the people he had helped.

With Alaric’s effort, the man’s condition soon stabilized. His bleeding had stopped and his breathing returned to normal.

Now that he was in better shape, Alaric used his Appraisal on the man.

Derrek [Transcendent Knight] EXP: 4666/5000

Potential: S

Traits: Horseback Riding (S), Swordsmanship (S), Close Combat (S), Archery (B), Hunting (B), Tracking (B), Assassination (B), Poison Immunity (C), Wine Making (C)

Strength: 389

Stamina: 345

Agility: 457

Vitality: 338

Endurance: 366

Mana: 299

Alaric was impressed after seeing the man’s high attributes and high-rated traits. Based on this alone, he was already comparable to Galanar. The only difference between them was that Galanar still had a lot of room for growth.

Derrek slowly opened his eyes and saw a young warrior in gaudy armor inspecting his wounds.

“You are…” He knew that this young warrior had provided him with first aid when he saw himself covered in bandages.

Alaric smiled faintly at Derrek and replied. “I am Alaric Silversword, son of Lucas Silversword. I came here with my troops to support the western borders. Well, they are not here yet, but they will be here within five days.”

The mission hinted to him that the situation on the western borders was urgent so he urged Zephyr to rush here ahead of the troops.

Derrek was stunned upon hearing this.

Lucas and House Silversword had gained fame recently after they had eliminated the grand duke. Alaric who was revealed to possess the imperial bloodline also became famous.

Derrek tried to stand up, but moving only aggravated his wounds, making him hiss in pain.

“I apologize for letting you see such an embarrassing situation, Your Highness. I want to offer my respect to you, but my…”

Alaric stopped him from explaining with a wave of his hand. He then smiled and responded. “There is no need to be sorry. You must recuperate first. You can offer me your gratitude once you have healed.”

Hearing this, Derrek no longer felt burdened.

“I am glad to see you alive, Derrek.” A voice drifted into their ears.

Alaric turned his head and frowned when he saw Marco approaching them with much difficulty. The man was covered in wounds and they started to bleed once more.

“Didn’t I tell you not to move around?” Alaric muttered in a reprimanding tone.

Marco was embarrassed, but he explained himself. “I’m sorry, Your Highness. I was worried about my friend so I…”

Alaric sighed and shook his head. He then beckoned to Marco and indicated for him to sit next to Derrek.

“You two stay here. I still have to question that person.” While saying this, he looked at the old warrior was grasped by Zephyr’s claws.

The two Transcendents followed his gaze, but they didn’t dare stare at the massive beast for too long for fear of angering it.