Starting With an SSS-Rank Swordsmanship Talent

Seven days after summoning Nivis, the Astanian troops finally arrived at Aklan Pass. The mountains had already recovered from the last war, but vestiges of that major battle still existed.

With a soft sigh, Alaric looked at the large craters now filled with greenery.

“Did a war take place here?” Remarked Nivis who was riding a horse next to him. With her acute perception, she noticed the traces of destruction that were covered by the grass and shrubs.

Hearing this, Alaric nodded, recalling the scenes during that battle. Many of their comrades died at that time, including the warriors of House Silversword.

“This place is called Aklan Pass. Many of our soldiers died to defend this place from the Harunian troops.”

Seeing his forlorn expression, Nivis didn’t ask more questions. She knew the devastating effects of war because she had experienced it too.

As they marched deeper into the mountain ranges, they saw the newly repaired fortress that had been destroyed during the last battle. It was now double in size and they could see soldiers roaming around the mountains, checking for potential threats.

At this moment, a team of warriors approached them. Dressed in their battle armor, they eyed Alaric’s troops with hawk-like gazes.

The man leading them was an Elite Knight, one who was on the verge of advancing to the next realm. He looked to be in his early forties, with brown skin and a weathered face.

They had already been informed that House Silversword’s troops would return, but there were still necessary protocols to follow.

He looked at the people leading the troops and found them incredibly familiar.

Hold on… that hair… He squinted his eyes and thought for a moment.

“It’s His Highness Alaric and Lord Lucas!” He exclaimed.

After confirming their identities, he no longer dawdled. He urged his horse to move faster and signaled to his men to do the same.

“Your Highness, My Lord! Welcome back to Astania!” He was filled with excitement as he greeted the father and son duo.

He was just a low-ranking officer. He rarely encountered bigshots like them so he was eager to show his hospitality.

Lucas smiled and nodded at the enthusiastic warrior, while Alaric greeted him back in response.

“It’s good to be back. How is the situation here?” He casually asked.

“It has been peaceful here, Your Highness. We have never been attacked ever since the last battle.”

“I see. That’s good to hear. Are you the one in charge now?”

The Elite Knight nodded humbly. “Yes, Your Highness.”

“I am quite lacking, but I will do my best to protect this place.” The guy patted his chest with a resolute grin.

Alaric smiled faintly. “Keep it up.”

With the troops tired from the journey, Alaric and Lucas decided to take shelter in the fortress for the remainder of the day. The commander of the fortress didn’t even hesitate and welcomed them with open arms.

The warriors of House Silversword were respected by everyone in the fortress. They were even treated as heroes. It was especially true for Alaric who was one of the key figures during the battle of Aklan Pass.

Later that evening, a drinking party was held in the fortress to welcome the return of House Silversword’s troops.

“So you are revered as a hero here.” Nivis sent Alaric a teasing look.

Alaric shook his head. “I don’t deserve to be revered as a hero. I only did my job as the prince of Astania. The ones who should be praised are the warriors who have unhesitatingly risked their lives to defend their country.”

In his past life, he was just a low-ranking military officer who commanded a hundred warriors. He fought bravely during the Civil War, but he was never praised for his service. It was always the commanders who received the praises, while the bottom-ranking soldiers remained obscure and unknown.

Nivis stared deeply at him. He was emanating a lonely aura that affected her mood. It was strange since he was just a young warrior who wasn’t even in his twenties.

How can he show such profound emotions at his age?

“You are one unreadable man.” She remarked.

Alaric merely chuckled in response.

Suddenly, they saw a group of drunk warriors approaching them. The strong smell of alcohol wafted over and hit Nivis’ nostrils, making her frown in disgust.

“I don’t like this smell. You can stay here and enjoy yourself. I’ll go get some fresh air.” She turned around and left in a hurry.

Alaric didn’t stop her. Nivis was very particular about certain things. If she didn’t like something, she would either complain or just leave.

“Your Highness, we heard from your troops that you are now a Mythical Knight!” One of the drunk warriors exclaimed with a look of admiration.

News of his breakthrough hadn’t spread to Astania just yet so many were still unaware that he was already a Mythical Knight.

Alaric didn’t deny it. He nodded to answer their curiosity. “That’s right.”

“Whoa! Congratulations on your breakthrough, Your Highness! Oh, no! It should be Lord Venerable!”

“Congratulations, Lord Venerable!”

Alaric thanked them one by one. He chatted with them for a while before he excused himself.

That night, the warriors of House Silversword had temporarily forgotten about the horrors and nightmares they experienced in Harune. The fortress was filled with their laughter as they found new friends with whom they could share their stories.

There was only one person who was unhappy that night and she kept herself away from the rest.

…

The next morning, the warriors of House Silverswore exchanged farewell with their new friends.

“You are welcome here any time! I hope you have a pleasant journey!” The commander of the fortress shouted as he watched them go down the mountain.

Alaric waved his hand without turning back.

I hope those men can be that happy forever. He lifted his head and looked at the blue sky, praying for the peace to continue.

He turned his gaze back on the road, his eyes looking serene.