Starting With an SSS-Rank Swordsmanship Talent

“I have already completed the task, my lord. I paid a wandering merchant to forge me an identity.” Caecus took out a wooden title which had his name written on it. The name of a certain village was also carved on the title.

This was a simple identity plate commonly used by the commoners. This was usually handed out by officials, but some legitimate groups or organizations could also make one.

Alaric smiled as he inspected the wooden plate. The money he gave to Caecus was only sufficient to buy him clothes and food. There wasn’t enough to pay for an identity plate.

Alaric purposely did this as a form of test for him and Caecus didn’t disappoint him.

As for how he did, he didn’t bother to ask. What was important was that he had completed the task.

“Well done.” He praised.

Caecus remained expressionless after hearing his praise.

“By now, I’m sure you are already aware of my identity. You should change how you address me so the others won’t say anything about you.” Alaric reminded him.

“I obey, Your Highness.” Caecus complied without hesitation.

In the past few days that he was in the town, he had indeed inquired about Alaric’s identity. He had also familiarized himself with the town. He had even infiltrated the outer parts of the estate and mapped out the layout.

As for the inner parts of the estate, he didn’t venture too deeply since he sensed that it would endanger his life.

“Follow me.”

Alaric stood up and beckoned to him.

“I will introduce you to my family. I believe I don’t need to tell you what to say to them.”

“You can rest assured, Your Highness. I know what not to say.” Caecus calmly replied.

“Good.” Alaric was pleased by his response.

He then brought him out of the study and went to introduce him to his parents.

They were curious about Caecus, especially Lucas.

They asked Caecus some questions, mostly about his identity. Unsurprisingly, the man was able to respond without stuttering.

Even in front of Lucas, a Mythical Knight, Caecus managed to keep his cool.

After over an hour of questioning, Lucas finally dismissed them.

“Not bad. You sure know what you are doing.” Alaric chuckled as he tapped Caecus’s shoulder.

Cool as always, Caecus simply lowered his head, looking completely unbothered by his praise.

Alaric brought him to the training grounds and introduced him to the warriors. Unlike his parents, the warriors didn’t dare ask Caecus too many questions, especially after hearing that he was a Transcendent Knight.

To most of them, a Transcendent Knight was a respectable figure that they couldn’t afford to offend.

“Your Highness, can I request a spar against Sir Caecus?” A deep voice suddenly drifted into Alaric’s ears.

His voice wasn’t loud, but those nearby heard it clearly.

“Sir Butch wants to spar with the new guy. This will be interesting!”

“A spar between two Transcendent Knights? That’s rare…”

Everyone eagerly waited for Alaric’s response.

Seeing the anticipation in their eyes, how could Alaric reject the request? With a nod of his head, he agreed.

“Alright. I allow it.”

“Thank you, Your Highness.” Butch lowered his head.

Everyone erupted into cheers.

They quickly vacated and gave the two Transcendents enough space to show off their prowess.

“This is only a spar so no fatal attacks must be made. You cannot use mana or weapons either. Do you two agree with this?” Alaric laid down the rules.

“I have no objections, Your Highness,” Butch responded.

On the other hand, Caecus simply nodded in response.

“Alright. You two may begin.” Alaric left the stage for them.

Butch adjusted his stance while keeping his eyes on Caecus.

He hadn’t requested this spar out of personal preference. It was something that Alaric had tasked him with.

What’s special about this man?

Butch narrowed his eyes beneath his mask.

The two were in a standstill for a few seconds before Caecus’s figure suddenly vanished.

No one saw him move and they only realized what happened when he reappeared in front of Butch.

“So fast!”

“When did he-”

The warriors were startled by his speed, but before they could comprehend the situation, the fight had already begun.

Whoosh!

Caecus sent a kick that created a violent gust of wind.

Butch was also surprised by his speed, but he was quick to react to the attack.

He raised his arm to defend himself.

Bang!

The kick was so strong that the impact caused a loud noise.

However, Butch managed to block it without moving from his spot.

So strong!

Butch thought to himself, shocked by his opponent’s raw power. He was most confident in his strength, but against this blind man, he found himself a bit lacking.

In the next moment, the two exchanged dozens of moves, causing sharp whistling sounds with each of their strikes.

Most of the warriors could barely follow their movements, but the Elite Knights noticed that Butch was on the losing end.

“No way. He is actually stronger than Sir Butch with that slender frame of his?” Arthur exclaimed, his face filled with disbelief.

Aldrin nodded in agreement. “He is flexible and he attacks even in awkward angles. I don’t want to admit it, but he is stronger and more skilled than Sir Butch.”

“Is he really that good?” A warrior couldn’t believe his words.

“I don’t know if I should say this, but I think he is comparable to Sir Galanar. At least in terms of skill.” Rigor, another Elite Knight, spoke.

“No way!”

“How is that possible?”

Galanar was a symbol of strength and power. He had already proven himself on the battlefield.

To these warriors, his strength was only beneath that of a Mythical Knight.

“He isn’t wrong.” Alaric who was silent the entire time, expressed his agreement.

“Galanar is stronger, but Caecus is more skilled. If I had allowed them to use weapons, this battle would have already concluded.” He added.

This time, no one could deny it anymore for Alaric wasn’t someone to speak nonsense.