Starting With an SSS-Rank Swordsmanship Talent

The journey to North Pine Town took much longer than expected, as they had brought the corpses of the fallen warriors of House Silversword.

From the thousands of soldiers they brought to the Enchanted Woodlands, more than a hundred have been killed.

The trip that was supposed to take less than ten days was extended to more than two weeks.

When they arrived at the entrance of North Pine Town, a large crowd was waiting for them.

At this moment, Alaric was inside the carriage, chatting with Yvanna when he heard Lucas’s voice.

“Alaric…”

Hearing his father’s voice, Alaric stuck his head out of the carriage window and looked at Lucas who was riding a horse close to them.

“What is it, Dad?”

Lucas pulled the reins of his horse urging it to move closer to the carriage. He then leaned over and whispered. “Don’t mention anything about your injuries to your mothers. I have already warned the others so just leave the talking to me.”

So it’s about that…

Alaric nodded without much thought.

“I understand.”

He also didn’t want to make his mothers worried so he agreed to keep it a secret.

“Good.” After getting his response, Lucas kicked his horse’s belly and moved ahead of the entourage.

A moment later, the carriage also stopped at the entrance.

Alaric and Yvanna stepped out of the carriage to greet everyone who came to wait for them.

“Alaric, my son, I heard that you sustained some injuries during the battle.” Jade Kristine rushed to his side, her face filled with concern.

With a nervous smile, Alaric replied. “It’s nothing serious, my lady. Just some minor cuts and bruises.”

Jade Kristine seemed to be relieved to hear his response. “That’s good.”

“How are your wounds, son?” Asked Maria who was carrying his baby sister.

Turning his head, Alaric poked his sister’s face and answered. “I received plenty of help from the elves. With their medicine and the support of their skilled healers, I recovered in just a couple of days.”

“I see. It sounds reassuring to have them.” Maria smiled faintly.

“That’s true.” Alaric chuckled.

At this moment, Hershey walked towards him. A little girl followed her with quick, nimble steps.

“Alaric, I’m glad to see you safe.” Hershey dove into his embrace.

Alaric hugged her tightly and kissed her forehead. “I’m sorry for making you worry about me…”

“Uncle!” An excited voice interrupted their reunion.

Alaric beamed and looked at the little girl who was clinging tightly to his leg. “How have you been, Dudu?”

Alaric greeted his family and everyone else who had come to see them.

This was supposed to be a happy reunion, but there were also people who were mourning.

They were the family members of the warriors who had died in battle.

Alaric let out a long emotional sigh as he watched them.

“It’s not your fault.” Whispered Hershey as she grabbed his hand.

Sensing the warmth from her hands made Alaric smile. “I know…”

Soon, the group entered the town.

The first thing they did upon their return was to give the fallen warriors a proper burial.

They were all buried on top of Mount Tegere.

It was already nighttime when they got home from the burial ceremony.

“You two should get some rest. You haven’t rested since you arrived.” Hershey spoke to Alaric and Yvanna.

“I will get some fresh air. You two should head back first.” Alaric smiled at them.

Hershey stared deeply at him and sighed.

Is he still affected by the death of those warriors?

Thinking about this, she nodded her head. “Alright. I will bring Yvanna to our bedchamber. Don’t make us wait for too long.”

Alaric nodded. “Alright.”

Yvanna wanted to say something, but before she could say anything, Hershey suddenly pulled her inside the mansion.

After they left, Alaric went out of the estate on a horse and headed to the secluded parts of the town.

“This should be a good place.” He mumbled to himself.

He then opened the system screen.

[Do you want to use your Transcendent Knight Card?]

[Yes] [No]

Alaric looked around carefully.

After making sure that no one was nearby, he clicked [Yes].

A flash of white light blinded him for a moment.

When he opened his eyes, he saw a gloomy-faced man dressed in black clothes. He was a bit shorter than him.

He was on the slender side, but one could see the toned muscles in his arms.

He didn’t look old. From his facial features, he looked like someone in his mid-thirties.

However, his most notable feature was his eyes. They were all white.

Is he blind?

Alaric raised an eyebrow.

“Greetings, my lord.” The man lowered his head.

“What’s your name?” Alaric asked.

“I don’t have a name, my lord, but I was once called 003.” The man responded emotionlessly.

“003?”

Alaric frowned.

“That won’t do. I can’t have people calling you that. How about I give you a new name?”

The man showed no change in his expression and simply nodded.

“Hmm… this is too sudden. Let me think for a bit.” Alaric rubbed his chin and pondered deeply.

What could be a fitting name for this guy?

After a few minutes of silence, Alaric looked at him and said. “Caecus. That will be your new name.”

“Thank you for bestowing me a name, my lord.” Caecus did a fist-palm salute.

Alaric nodded.

He wanted to ask him some questions, but he suddenly heard a series of footsteps.

“We need to leave. Follow me.” Without waiting for Caecus’ response, Alaric rushed out of the dark alleyway.

He wanted to test if this new guy could match his speed.

To his surprise, Caecus was able to follow him.

Seeing this, Alaric increased his speed.

The man matched his pace without issue.

Interesting.

Alaric grinned.

The two stopped in front of a small inn. Alaric covered his head with a cloth to hide his face. He didn’t want to cause a commotion so he decided to hide his identity.

“For now, you should stay in this inn. I will come back to get you in a few days. Just lay low and don’t alert anyone.” Alaric instructed.

“I obey, my lord.”

Alaric tried asking him more about his identity, but just like what happened with Galanar and Butch, he only saw Caecus moving his mouth, but Alaric heard nothing.

After some time, Alaric gave up.

“Here is some money.” Alaric handed him a small stack of bills.

“Use that for your daily needs. You can also use the money to buy yourself a new set of clothes. If you can, you should find a way to get yourself an identification.”

This was another test for him. He wanted to know the extent of this guy’s abilities.

Will he be able to get himself an identification in a few days?

Alaric revealed a look of anticipation when he thought about this.

“I follow your commands.” Caecus remained calm and simply acknowledged his instructions.

“Alright. You may go. If I don’t come in a few days, I will send someone to pick you up.” Alaric waved his hand.

Caecus bowed with a fist-palm salute. “I will wait for your summons, my lord.”

After saying those words, he turned around and headed inside the inn.

Alaric watched him leave with a thoughtful look.

It seems like I got myself a mysterious fellow.

Caecus [Transcendent Knight] EXP: 3700/5000

Potential: SS

Traits: Assassination (SS), Dagger Mastery (SS), Poison Mastery (S), Sixth Sense (S), Swordsmanship (S), Hidden Weapons (S), Interrogation (S), Tracking (S), Counter Reconnaissance (A), Infiltration (A), …

Strength: 466

Stamina: 442

Agility: 489

Vitality: 477

Endurance: 450

Mana: 428

Most of his traits are something that only assassins would possess.

He must have been a highly trained assassin or death warrior.

Alaric didn’t linger for long and hurried back to the estate.

Meanwhile, a figure stood atop the roof of the inn, watching him disappear into the darkness.

How did I come back to life?

Caecus thought to himself.

As he tried to recall more about himself, he felt a sharp pain that spread across his body.

It was so painful that it made a trained assassin like him grimace.

There is no use in thinking about the past. I am no longer 003… I am Caecus…

Whoosh!

His figure suddenly vanished.

***

Alaric stayed in the mansion for the next few days. He still had some lingering issues with his mobility, but he decided to do his daily missions.

It’s been four days since I left Caecus on his own. It’s about time to bring him to the estate.

Alaric thought.

He had already hinted to his father that he had found an interesting person in the town.

Lucas also seemed curious when he mentioned this so he believed that there wouldn’t be any issues if he brought Caecus now.

After changing into a new set of clothes, Alaric summoned Aldrin and instructed him to bring Caecus to the estate.