Starting With an SSS-Rank Swordsmanship Talent

The night in Guseomdong was gloomy. The city was silent and the people’s homes were sealed tight. The streets were empty, and no one could be seen. It was as if the city had been abandoned.

This was what Alaric encountered when he took a walk in the streets of Guseomdong.

“Everyone is now afraid to go out of their homes.” Remarked Fredrinn who was behind him with a soft sigh.

“After what they had gone through, it is understandable. Most of them lost a member of their families too.” Added William with a shake of his head.

Alaric silently agreed with his subordinates’ comments.

“We should head back to the mansion. We can leave the patrol duty to the imperial guards.” He told his subordinates.

“Yes, Your Highness!”

On their way back to their assigned mansion, Nivis’ expression suddenly changed.

“Hold on. Something isn’t right.” She stopped walking, her eyes roaming around the quiet streets.

Hearing this, everyone was immediately on full alert. Their hands rested on the handles of their weapons, ready to engage at any moment.

Meanwhile, Alaric furrowed his eyebrows as he spread his mana in the area to search for potential dangers.

Just then, he discovered that his perception stopped at a certain distance as if it was blocked by something.

“Someone is on us! Grab your weapons!” He barked, his eyes locked in the dark corners of the street.

“They are here!” Nivis’ voice drifted into their ears.

They turned to her and saw her looking to the left along the street, her eyes knitted into a frown.

Everyone grabbed their weapons, their faces looking incredibly solemn.

At this moment, the sound of someone’s footsteps echoed, making them feel even more uneasy.

A person slowly emerged from the darkness. It was a bald old monk who was staring at them with a light smile.

“You must be Alaric Silversword. It’s a pleasure to meet, Your Highness.”

“I am Cheolseong. I apologize for my terrible grammar.”

“I haven’t spoken the common tongue in a long while.” The monk introduced himself with a chuckle.

Cheolseong? Alaric furrowed his eyebrows. The name was familiar.

William walked towards him and whispered into his ear. “Your Highness, I think he is the Abbot of the Buddhist temple in Rabu.”

Hearing this, Alaric finally recalled the monk’s identity.

Cheolseong’s name was well-known, but there was no record of his image so Alaric didn’t recognize him right away.

“Oh, so it’s the Abbot! The honor is mine, my lord!” Alaric greeted the old monk in the standard Buddhist salute.

“I’m no lord, Your Highness. You can just call me by my name.” Cheolseong smiled gently at him.

“That won’t do. Lord Cheolseong is a respectable senior so please allow me to call you this.” Alaric was still in full alert, but he didn’t show it on his face. He kept his eyes on the old monk while quietly gathering his mana.

If he were to make any hostile moves, Alaric would immediately respond.

“Alright then.”

“You don’t need to be alarmed, Your Highness. I came here with the intention of befriending you.” The old monk walked towards them while raising his hands to announce that he was harmless. However, no one bought his lame excuse.

If he came without hostile intentions, he wouldn’t have blocked the area with his mana.

Everyone knew this so they kept their eyes on the old monk.

“I suggest you stop right there, old man.” Nivis stepped forward and gestured at Cheolseong, her eyes looking cold.

The old monk stopped in his tracks and looked at the blue-haired woman.

“What an unusual aura… You’re not a human, are you?” Cheolseong smiled, his eyes narrowed into slits.

He could sense the beastly aura that she was hiding. Although she hid it well, he could still feel traces of it.

Nivis raised her hand and summoned a pair of water swords that were pointed at the old monk.

Cheolseong put on a baffled look and turned his head to Alaric. “Your Highness, it seems like your subordinate has misunderstood me.”

Alaric scoffed at him and responded with a snort. “Quit your poor acting, old man. Unfortunately for you, I have someone here who can see through your soul.”

While saying these words, he looked at Caecus.

“Caecus, tell me what you see.”

The old monk followed his gaze and looked at the blind warrior with a unique pair of eyes.

At this moment, Caecus spoke while staring intently at the old monk. “Gray… your soul is already corroded with darkness.”

“But your soul isn’t entirely dark just yet. You still have a chance to find your way back.”

“You shouldn’t fall into the abyss.” He added.

Cheolseong almost wavered, but he quickly snapped out of his hesitation.

“So your eyes can see through someone’s soul. You have a unique skill, young man.” He smiled faintly.

“Unfortunately, I can’t go back anymore.”

The old monk shook his head.

“I have already stepped foot into the darkness and it’s not easy to find my way back as you said.”

“You see, once you take this step, you will find yourself slowly trapped in this dark world.” His eyes suddenly sprang open, revealing a pair of turbid eyes.

Cheolseong made a hand gesture.

Suddenly, more figures appeared, circling them, blocking all their possible escape routes.

“Be careful. They are Transcendent Knights.” Nivis warned the group.

Everyone’s faces turned grave upon hearing her words. They quickly moved and surrounded Alaric, protecting him from all angles.

“Your Highness, please quietly follow us. We don’t intend to harm you, but if you don’t cooperate, we might be rough with you.” The old monk stated in a cold voice.

Alaric stared deeply at the old monk and let out a disappointed sigh. “To think that the revered abbot of the Buddhist Temple had joined the heretic cult. I’m very disappointed in you, Lord Cheonseong.”

Cheolseong’s face twitched upon hearing this.

“It appears that Your Highness does not intend to cooperate. Please don’t blame me for this…”