Starting With an SSS-Rank Swordsmanship Talent

Cold sweat trickled down Derumoa’s back. He had never been this scared since becoming emperor.

Could he be someone above Mythical Knight? This thought made him shiver.

As someone who was stuck at the peak of the 4-Ringed Beast Soul Grandmaster, he was aware of the big gulf to advance to the next realm.

He had been stuck at this stage for a long time. It was like an invisible chasm he could not overcome.

To think that House Silversword actually has an expert at that level… How terrifying!

His eyes inadvertently turned to the side where his son was standing.

Because of this bastard, we unintentionally provoked them! With a dark look, he commanded. “Rucan, summon all the high-ranking officials and warriors to the throne room!”

“Yes, Your Majesty!” Rucan acknowledged the command with a bow before he turned around and left.

As soon as he walked away, the emperor glared at his son and muttered. “Follow me.”

Derumoa almost failed to hold back the urge to strangle his son. His face was contorting with fury and it looked like he would erupt at any moment.

Seeing his father in such a state, Ferdinand didn’t dare complain. He nervously nodded and followed Derumoa inside the palace.

I just hope the throne room is still in place. Bellator’s casual attack destroyed a part of the palace. Even the protective engravings failed to activate against his spear. They were ruthlessly demolished.

Thinking about the huge expenses needed to repair the damage, Derumoa’s temples started hurting.

…

Five days later, in the capital of Veronica, Sorl.

Alaric had just completed the final guest list for his wedding.

Looking at the piece of parchment paper, he smiled faintly. “I’m finally done with this. I just need to hand this over to Mathilda and have her send out the invitations.”

Alaric beckoned to the maidservant standing by the door.

Seeing his signal, the young maidservant quickened toward him. “Your Highness, what can I do for you?”

Alaric looked at the maidservant and instructed.

“Bring Mathilda here.”

“I understand.” The maidservant left the room and went to find Mathilda.

While Alaric was waiting, he stood up and went to get the pot of coffee by the side table. He poured a cup for himself, and enjoyed the strong aroma, before taking a sip.

I can’t believe I’ll be marrying Her Majesty in a month. He thought, feeling slightly amused by the unexpected turn of events.

Truthfully, there was still no such thing as love between them. He could tell that the empress liked him, but he had yet to verify how deep her feelings were.

However, this was how marriages were arranged and there was no stopping at this point.

Knock. Knock. Knock.

“It’s me. Do you have a moment?” Bellator’s calm voice echoed from outside the room.

Hearing this, Alaric raised an eyebrow and suddenly recalled something important.

That’s right! He told me that he will share his experience during his advancement…

Thinking about this, he cleared his throat and said. “You may enter.”

Creak.

When the door opened, Bellator stepped in, wearing a calm expression. He was dressed in training clothes, still drenched in sweat.

To others, it would seem disrespectful to appear before the prince with such a haggard appearance, but Bellator was an exception.

“Lord Bellator, to what do I owe this pleasure?” Alaric smiled at him, while gesturing to him to sit.

Bellator took his seat and spoke. “I once told you that I would share with you my experiences during my advancement, but you were busy in the last few days so I postponed it until now.”

Alaric feigned surprise. “Oh! I remember now!”

Bellator nodded. “If you have time, we can talk about it now.”

Alaric thought for a moment and nodded. “Alright. Now is good.”

“Would you like some coffee?” He offered.

Bellator nodded, accepting the offer. “No sugar please.”

Alaric nodded with a smile. He got up and went to get the pot of coffee. He then poured Bellator a cup and handed it over.

“Here…”

Bellator took the cup and carefully placed it on the table, as he spoke. “To advance to the Beyonder realm, one must first transform their energy core into a mana heart…”

“Mana heart…?” Alaric was confused so he listened to  Bellator’s explanation.

“…Just like the energy core, a mana heart can also store mana. The only difference is that a mana heart can store more energy. All the mana that is stored in the mana heart is also purified which strengthens it even further…”

“… Listen closely. This is how you transform your energy into a mana heart…”

Alaric was fascinated by the process. It sounded tedious, but also very interesting.

So a Beyonder warrior can purify mana and store it in their mana heart. Moreover, this purified mana is a lot stronger.

Although he didn’t need to hear this lengthy explanation, the new knowledge made him curious. He wanted to understand it better so he could teach the process to the warriors of House Silversword.

His father might even gain some insights from it and help him advance his realm further.

As Bellator continued with the explanation, Alaric silently memorized everything.

Just then, they heard a series of knocks on the door.

Knock. Knock. Knock.

“Your Highness, Miss Mathilda is here.”

Hearing this, Alaric sent Bellator an apologetic look. The other party shook his head, didn’t seem to mind the sudden interruption.

“Tell her to come in.”

Creak.

Mathilda stepped inside the room dressed in formal clothes. She had become a proper lady after years of nurturing from Hershey. Although she still exuded a strong, alluring charm, Mathilda now learned to restrain herself.

“Your Highness.” She lowered her head, her black hair cascading smoothly down her shoulders.

Looking at the charming Veronican woman, Alaric nodded. “I have here the final guest list for the wedding.”

He handed her the piece of parchment and instructed. “Invite all these people to join the event.”

Accepting the parchment, Mathilda acknowledged the command with a bow. “Your servant obeys.”

“That’s all. You may leave.” Alaric didn’t let her stay for long and gestured to her to leave.

Mathilda retreated, casting one final glance at Alaric before stepping out of the room.

Meanwhile, Bellator had a thoughtful look on his face upon seeing her up close.

That woman sure has an interesting physique. Does he know about it?