Starting With an SSS-Rank Swordsmanship Talent

Two weeks went by after the last battle in Aklan Pass.

News about Harune’s defeat had already spread across the empire.

Some names that were once unknown shot to fame and emerged as heroes.

The Astanian Dragon Leaderboard also experienced massive changes with a few replacements in the top ten.

However, although the empire was celebrating, the Western Region mourned.

To defend Aklan Pass, more than a hundred thousand soldiers were killed. This was the highest number of casualties the empire had suffered in the past decades.

Some even compared the tragedy to that brutal war fifty years ago.

At this moment, in one of the mountains in Aklan Pass, a memorial ceremony was held for those who had died in the war.

Other than the bereaved families, many notable figures were also present to join the ceremony.

The atmosphere was solemn and one could hear the incessant cries of the bereaved families.

Alaric was seated on the frontmost seat with Giovanni and a few other high-ranking officials and military officers.

Suddenly, a warrior dressed in mourning clothes approached Alaric and whispered into his ear.

“Your Highness, Lord Marco has awakened.”

Hearing this, Alaric was pleasantly surprised.

Marco was in critical condition when they had saved him and he had been unconscious since then.

“Really?” Alaric stared at the warrior.

“Yes, Your Highness. I have confirmed it with my own eyes.” The warrior responded.

“That’s great.”

Alaric smiled in relief.

“I will visit him once the ceremony is over.”

The warrior took this as his cue to leave.

Giovanni who was seated next to Alaric happened to hear parts of their conversation and couldn’t help but ask. “What happened to Lord Marco?”

“He is awake now,” Alaric replied with a smile.

Giovanni looked visibly relieved to hear this. “That’s good.”

The ceremony continued for another hour.

As soon as the memorial ceremony ended, Alaric hurried to leave. He wanted to check on Marco’s situation.

“Alaric, wait! Are you going to visit Lord Marco?” Giovanni’s voice drifted into his ears.

Turning his head, Alaric saw Giovanni’s group approaching him.

“That’s right.” He nodded.

“Then let’s go together. The Gryphon Knights Order is still here. We can ask them to send us there.”

Marco had been sent to a big clinic in Lanmar, the third-largest city in the Western Region. The clinic boasted a large number of medical practitioners. They also possessed advanced medical tools and equipment, making it a perfect place for Marco to recover.

“I can ride on Zephyr.” Alaric rejected his offer.

The Draconic Lion was bigger and faster than the Gryphons.

Giovanni chuckled. “That’s true. Just wait for us a bit. I will go and speak with Lord Christon.”

“Alright.” Alaric didn’t mind waiting for them so he went to a quiet corner with his group.

Overlooking the mountain pass, Alaric felt emotional.

“What are you thinking, Your Highness?” A calm voice echoed behind him.

It was Michelle Katherine, the head of Gimena Viscounty.

She also came here to attend the memorial ceremony.

Alaric sighed and responded.

“Sometimes I wish that there were no wars. Do you think that is possible?”

Taken aback by his words, it took Michelle a few seconds before she could reply. “That sounds impossible, Your Highness.”

“Humans are inherently greedy. The emperors want more land, the nobles want more power, the warriors wish for wealth, and the commoners wish for equality.”

“As long as people have these desires, we cannot stop wars.”

She shook her head indifferently.

Alaric’s expression became even heavier upon hearing her thoughts.

“Unless…” Michelle was about to say something, but she hesitated.

“Unless what?” Alaric was curious

Michelle stared deeply at him and opened her mouth. “Unless someone conquers everything under the heavens and establishes a single empire to rule the whole world!”

Alaric was stunned.

To establish an empire that would rule the entire world…

Alaric felt something within him was stirred, but a voice suddenly interrupted his thoughts.

“Alaric, Lord Christon has agreed. Let’s go!”

It was Giovanni. He had come together with several Gryphon Knights.

Alaric nodded to Giovanni.

He then summoned Zephyr with a whistling sound.

The moment it appeared, everyone felt nervous.

Whoosh!

Zephyr landed in front of Alaric and issued a low growling sound as if to greet him.

Alaric stroked the beast’s head and spoke with it before he jumped onto its back.

“Let’s head out.” He told Giovanni’s group.

Giovanni nodded and gestured at the Gryphon Knights.

While they were preparing to leave, Michelle kept her eyes on Alaric, calmly watching his every move.

Soon, under the watchful eyes of the crowd, the group soared into the sky and disappeared into the horizon.

During their flight towards Lanmar, Alaric was still thinking about Michelle’s words. It left an indelible impact that shook him to his core.

Is it really possible to create a peaceful world?

He was so occupied with his own thoughts that he didn’t realize the passage of time. He didn’t even hear Giovanni who was repeatedly calling out to him.

He was in this strange state until they landed on Lanmar a few hours later.

“Hey, Alaric!” Giovanni’s voice pulled him from his stupor.

Alaric shook off his thoughts and jumped off Zephyr’s back.

“What happened to you? You seem distracted.” Giovanni furrowed his eyebrows.

Alaric shook his head and smiled lightly. “It’s nothing.”

He didn’t elaborate.

Giovanni was curious, but he didn’t press the topic.

“The clinic is over there. Leave the monsters to the Gryphon Knights to handle.”

Alaric nodded and followed him to the building across the street.

A group of people dressed in white coats approached them nervously.

“Greetings, Your Highness!”

“Who is in charge here?” Asked Giovanni as he scanned the group.

An old man wearing a monocle stepped forward and introduced himself. “That would be me, Your Highness. I am Bernie, the Director of Lanmar Health Clinic.”

Giovanni nodded. “Director Bernie, bring us to Lord Marco’s room.”

Bernie lowered his head. “This lowly one understands. Please follow me, Your Highness.”