Starting With an SSS-Rank Swordsmanship Talent

Half of the Astanian army in Midgard gathered outside the city the next day.

It was a hot morning and the heat seeped through everyone’s armor, but no one complained. They all just stood stoically as they respectfully looked at the man at the very front.

“Today, we will be marching to Halona. I am sure your direct superiors had already informed you about the specifics, but I will repeat them. Once we reach Halona, we will be sent to attack another city, so you’d better prepare yourselves mentally.” Lucas spoke authoritatively, his eyes looking sharp like those of an eagle.

“Get on your horses! We are heading off!”

Upon hearing this, the warriors hopped onto their horses.

Lucas did the same.

“Have a safe trip, my lord.” Alaric’s voice drifted into his ears.

Lucas turned his head and smiled faintly. “Don’t worry about me. No one in this nation is a threat to me. I’m more worried about you.”

Alaric chuckled at his words. “Your son isn’t as weak as you think. Who knows? Maybe in a year, I might catch up to you.”

Lucas raised an eyebrow and scoffed as he responded in a joking tone. “If that happens, I would have a decent sparring partner.”

“Don’t be careless while I’m gone. There might be enemies lurking somewhere.” He reminded his son.

Alaric nodded. “I will tell the men to keep an eye out.”

“Well then, I’m off.” Lucas waved his hand. He then gently squeezed his legs to urge his horse to move.

You might think that what I said earlier was merely a joke. That day might come sooner, Dad.

Alaric calmly watched his father leave.

At this moment, he saw an annoying figure making faces at him. It was Giovanni.

The guy disguised himself as one of the low-ranking warriors just so he could tag along with the troops.

Alaric didn’t know why, but he raised his middle finger like it was the right thing to do.

Weird. Where did I learn this hand gesture?

After some time, the Astanian troops led by Lucas were already quite some distance from the city.

“Let’s go back to the mansion.” Spoke Alaric as he turned around.

“Yes, Your Highness.” Galanar and Caecus responded in unison.

The trio headed back to the city accompanied by a hundred warriors.

On their way back to the mansion, Alaric looked at Galanar and asked. “How is Scilla doing these days?”

He left Scilla to familiarize herself with the environment so she was mostly busy interacting with the warriors.

At first, everyone didn’t think seriously of her, but a few days ago, a Transcendent Knight from another household tried to pursue her.

Alaric didn’t know the exact details, but he heard that it turned into a fight that ended in Scilla’s overwhelming victory.

She didn’t even use her integrated monster traits. She won with only her A-rank Swordsmanship.

Since then, no one dared to joke around with her. They all respectfully kept their distance. Even those confident Transcendent Knights were afraid of her.

“Dame Scilla has been helping around the clinic lately. I think she is there to look after Miss Yvanna.” Galanar responded.

“I see.” Alaric nodded.

She must be worried that Yvanna would be targeted by a local.

The residents of the city had been on edge since Remondin was defeated. There were times when brawls between the residents and warriors occurred.

I have already placed a capable security team on Yvanna, but having Scilla on her side would be more reassuring.

He rubbed his chin thoughtfully.

Suddenly, a thought crossed his mind.

Now that Dad is away, I can finally test out the improvements in my swordsmanship.

Ever since upgrading his swordsmanship to L-rank, he hadn’t gotten the chance to test it out.

Half an hour later, they arrived at the mansion.

“Galanar, Caecus, you two follow me to the training ground,” Alaric instructed as soon as they arrived.

The two acknowledged his command without saying a word.

Although curious, the warriors who had returned with them didn’t dare follow. They dispersed and headed to their respective posts. The rightful source is Nov3lFɪre.ɴet

…

The mansion’s training ground wasn’t as big as the one in House Silversword, but the place was clean and well-maintained. The equipment was old, but they were still usable so Alaric didn’t bother to replace it.

Alaric jumped off his horse and sent a deep look at the two people behind him. “Galanar, you will be sparring with me. Caecus, prepare yourself since you will be sparring with me next once I’m done with Galanar.”

The two didn’t give much of a reaction. Alaric had also sparred with them before so they thought that he just wanted to stretch his muscles.

However, when the sparring began, the two were surprised, especially Galanar who was currently facing him.

He looked at Alaric who was standing not far from him.

The latter held a pair of swords, eyeing him indifferently.

Something is different about His Highness’s aura.

He could feel it.

He could feel that Alaric was much stronger than before and it wasn’t just a small improvement.

Whoosh!

Suddenly, Alaric’s figure turned into a blur, disappearing like a ghost.

Fast! He’s a lot faster now!

Galanar’s eyes shook with astonishment.

He kept his eyes on Alaric, but he could barely follow the latter’s movements. Alaric’s speed was already on par if not faster than Caecus.

Galanar found it unbelievable.

In the next moment, he saw a sword coming right at his face.

What is this unusual coldness seeping through my body? Is it the ice element? But how is this possible?

Controlling an element consumed a great deal of mana, but Alaric wasn’t even releasing his mana.

He was only wielding his sword in the unique method of his sword technique.

How did His Highness’s swordsmanship improve to this level in just a short amount of time?

Clang!

The fierce collision of their swords caused a loud ’clang’.

This strength…

Galanar’s eyes went wide in shock when he felt the strength in his attack.