Starting With an SSS-Rank Swordsmanship Talent

Upon stepping inside the tent, Marlon thought that only ’Warrick’ would be there, but other than him, there was another person who had almost the same facial features except for his golden hair.

“It’s good to see you again, General Marlon.” Alaric smiled while gesturing at the guy to take his seat.

“Thank you.”

Marlon’s eyes alternated between the two people in front of him.

Are they brothers?

“Alaric, is this the guy you were talking about?” Giovanni crossed his arms with a disinterested expression.

Alaric? Did I hear it correctly? I thought his name was Warrick. Did he give me a fake name?

Marlon furrowed his eyebrows in confusion.

Alaric nodded with a chuckle.

“That’s right. This is Marlon, the commander of Midgard’s defense forces.”

“General, this is my cousin, Giovanni.”

Hearing the introduction, Marlon saluted. “It’s an honor to meet you, my lords.”

Giovanni didn’t say anything and just nodded in response.

Alaric sent him a glare before smiling apologetically at Marlon. “Please don’t mind him, General. Anyway, let’s get to the point.”

He took a pause, his eyes gradually turning serious.

“I assume you have already completed your task.”

“I would have failed if it weren’t for the people you sent, my lord,” Marlon responded truthfully.

Although it was embarrassing, he couldn’t deny the impact of those three individuals during the battle. The very moment they appeared, the tempo of the battle changed. They were so skilled and powerful.

“Don’t sell yourself short.” Alaric shook his head.

Marlon isn’t weak. He is a skilled warrior and a capable commander. His opponent, Peterson Shakewell, was just too cunning and influential.

“General, how about working for me instead? If you agree, you can take everyone in your family with you.” Alaric’s words stunned Giovanni and Marlon.

“Why do you want to recruit an enemy general?” Giovanni whispered, his eyes filled with disbelief.

Alaric shook his head and chuckled. “Why not?”

Giovanni couldn’t believe his ears. “You’re insane.”

Alaric didn’t bother to explain.

He couldn’t understand Giovanni’s concern. Recruiting an enemy general was indeed a risky move. There was a high chance that the other party would just pretend to work for him and then betray him later on.

However, Alaric trusted his instincts.

Marlon who was silent, suddenly replied.

“I appreciate the offer, but I must decline.”

Alaric felt a bit regretful to hear his refusal, but he didn’t force the matter. “I see. If you change your mind, don’t hesitate to inform me.”

Marlon nodded.

Meanwhile, Giovanni snickered in amusement.

This guy actually refused Alaric’s offer. I wonder how he would have answered if he knew our identities.

A series of small talks followed. Alaric and Giovanni asked Marlon about the current situation of Midgard.

The latter responded without missing any detail.

Marlon didn’t want to give them a reason to attack Midgard so he answered truthfully. He informed them about the surviving aristocrats. He also told them about the allies of Peterson Shakewell who were currently imprisoned.

An hour later, their conversation ended.

“That’s all we wanted to hear. When you return, inform your people the open the gates for our troops.” Alaric instructed.

Marlon knew that this was his cue to leave. He stood up and bowed deeply.

“I follow your commands.”

Just as he was about to leave, Alaric called out to him.

“Hold on…”

Marlon nervously turned around and looked at him. “Is there anything else, my lord?”

With a faint smile, Alaric said. “Warrick isn’t my real name. I am Alaric.”

Hearing this, Marlon repeated the name in his mind.

Alaric… I will remember you…

There was a mixture of emotions in his heart.

Anger. Rage. Awe. Respect.

“I will take my leave now, Lord Alaric.” Marlon quickly hid his emotions, afraid that it might alert the other party.

Chucking, Alaric waved his hand.

After Marlon left, a figure appeared next to Alaric.

It was Caecus who was still dressed in the armor of Midgard’s city defense force.

“Your Highness, I felt killing intent from him. Do you want me to silence him?” Caecus spoke emotionlessly.

Hearing this, Alaric shook his head. “Leave him be. For now, just keep an eye on him.”

“I obey your commands.” Caecus nodded before taking a step back.

Giovanni who was seated next to Alaric glanced at Caecus with a hint of fear.

Since when was he here? I didn’t even sense his presence.

First, there’s Galanar, and now, there’s this guy. Just how many monstrous warriors are working for this damn bastard?

Giovanni was a bit jealous.

He also had a group of talented people on his side, but they couldn’t compare to Alaric’s retainers.

While he was immersed in his thoughts, Alaric’s voice drifted over.

“Midgard has already been conquered, but there might still be remnants loyal to Harune’s imperial family in the city. You should tell everyone to be careful.”

Giovanni nodded at his words. “I know.”

***

In Halona, there was an internal conflict between two separate factions.

One faction was led by Leroy’s House Durova, and the other faction was a union between multiple aristocratic houses.

“Venerable, why would you tell us to surrender to those vermin? We can still fight. Besides, we still have you on our side.”

“He is right, Venerable. Halona’s defenses are impregnable. Those bastards wouldn’t be able to besiege the city. We just need to wait for reinforcements from the capital.”

Leroy almost had the urge to kill these people. He could feel that they didn’t take him seriously. Although he was a Venerable and held a high aristocratic position, he was born a commoner.

They were subtle with it, but he could sense the prejudice behind their words.

“Why do you want us to surrender, Lord Venerable?” An aged voice suddenly echoed.

Turning his head, Leroy’s face darkened.

Limuel… I really want to tear this bastard apart!

Leroy didn’t like this cunning old man. He even thought of killing him.

However, Limuel had a huge influence on Halona, and killing him would only spoil his plans.

With a deep look, Leroy spoke. “The Astanian troops…”