Starting With an SSS-Rank Swordsmanship Talent

The next morning, in the guest mansion of House Gimena.

Alaric received a letter from Redden via messenger pigeon.

So there were remnants from Harune hiding within our midst all this time…

His expression darkened as he read the contents.

Redden mentioned that all their warriors were safe which made him feel better.

After reading the letter, he put it down and leaned on his seat.

There might be more remnants of Harune hiding in the mountains. I should inform the Western lords and tell them to expand the range of scouting.

Thinking about this, Alaric called a servant and instructed him to summon the viscountess.

***

A month went by in a flash.

The redevelopment of Dudu’s home village was already nearing its completion. With the resources from two princes and the various western lords, the once small village had turned into a town!

The refugees who had lost their homes were sent to the newly developed town and were temporarily provided with housing.

A town mayor and officials were also appointed to serve as leaders of the town.

At this moment, Alaric was observing the construction of the town’s walls together with Michelle and some western lords.

“Your Highness, the town is nearing its completion. Why don’t you give it a name?” One of the western lords suggested with an ingratiating smile.

Hearing this, Alaric shook his head. “That will not be appropriate. I must wait for Giovanni to return and discuss this with him. After all, a third of the materials and resources were bought with his money.”

“I was thoughtless. Forgive me, Your Highness.”

Alaric waved his hand indifferently. “Don’t mention this again. We have more important matters to worry about.”

Everyone nodded in agreement.

In the past month, they discovered more remnant forces from Harune. They were few in numbers, but they had caused them no small amount of headaches.

“What is my next appointment?” Alaric turned his head to Michelle who had temporarily taken the role as his assistant. The viscountess didn’t find this job demeaning for she believed that it was an honor to serve him.

“We are to inspect the weapons and equipment sent from the capital,” Michelle replied.

Alaric nodded. “Let’s go then.”

He was about to enter his carriage when he saw a warrior on horseback rushing towards them with an urgent expression.

“Your Highness, there is a report from Aklan Pass!”

Alaric frowned upon hearing this.

“What happened?” He asked.

Michelle and the western lords perked their ears with solemn faces.

The warrior got down from his horse, bowed to Alaric, and said. “Your Highness, Harune’s army has come!”

He then took out a letter from his inner pocket and handed it to Alaric. “This is a letter from Sir Redden.”

After verifying that the seal hadn’t been tampered with, Alaric unrolled it.

Written in the letter was a report about the situation in Aklan Pass.

According to Redden, Harune has sent an army consisting of more than five hundred thousand soldiers!

This…

His eyes darkened.

Aklan Pass only had fifty thousand soldiers and they came from various houses so they aren’t very united. They had no hopes of defending the mountain pass from Harune’s troops!

Realizing the urgency of the situation, Alaric issued a series of commands.

“Tell the western lords to put up their defenses!”

“Send word to the capital that the enemies are on their way to Aklan Pass!”

“Those of you who have nothing to do, gather your army and head to the mountain pass to reinforce our troops!”

“Yes, Your Highness!”

Alaric no longer wasted any time. He brought his fingers to his mouth and made a whistling sound.

In the next moment, a massive creature descended from the sky.

Roarrr!!

Everyone wasn’t surprised to see Zephyr. They had seen the beast on numerous occasions so they had already grown used to its presence. Still, its intimidating aura made them feel nervous.

Alaric jumped onto its back. Before leaving, he glanced at Michelle and said. “Don’t let anything happen to Dudu.”

The viscountess nodded solemnly. “Yes, Your Highness! I will send our best warriors to protect Miss Dudu!”

Hearing this, Alaric nodded. He then commanded Zephyr to fly.

Whoosh!

After he left, everyone hurried to their tasks.

***

In one of the mountains of Aklan Pass stood a defensive fortress surrounded by earthen walls.

The military officers of the camp were currently gathered in the largest tent which served as their meeting room.

“Sir Redden, what should we do?”

All the military officers turned their heads to Redden. He had arrived later than the rest of them, but Redden proved his strength through his fists.

In the entire camp, other than the appointed commander, Redden’s authority came next.

With his arms crossed, Redden’s face was terrifyingly grim. He didn’t expect the enemy’s numbers to be half a million. It had exceeded his estimations.

“Have you sent letters to your families?” He sent everyone a look.

The officers understood his words, making the atmosphere even more gloomy.

“How about we abandon the mountain pass and regroup with our allies stationed in the Farhan Grasslands? With our numbers, we will only be demolished by Harune!” An officer suggested with a grave look.

No one responded to his words, but it was apparent that some of them had similar thoughts.

“No! We can’t leave the mountain pass!” Redden shook his head, his voice cold.

“If we abandon this camp, Harune’s army will gain momentum and they will take hold of this favorable terrain!” He added.

“What do you think, Commander Galanar?”

Everyone looked at the silent giant seated at the foremost spot. It was because of this man that they were able to hold their wits.

Galanar, the Transcendent Knight who had replaced Lucas’ rank on the Astanian Dragon Leaderboard!

The leaderboard only recorded Transcendent Knights so Lucas’ name was removed after his breakthrough.

Sensing everyone’s gazes, Galanar opened his mouth. “We will defend the mountain pass!”

It was a firm announcement that didn’t allow further discussion.

Without waiting for a response, Galanar stood up and said. “Go to your stations! We must not allow the enemies to get past the mountain pass!”

“Yes, sir!”