Starting With an SSS-Rank Swordsmanship Talent

Chapter 23: Final Match

Arthur wore a simple leather armor and a pair of leather wrist guards. His face was covered in slash wounds and he also had a gnarly scar on the left side of his face that exposed his teeth.

With one look on his face, anyone could tell how he had lived his life.

Because of his scar, Arthur spoke with a weird voice, but no one dared to make fun of him.

They had seen how he had defeated his opponents in the earlier match. He overwhelmed them with sheer power alone!

Arthurʼs main weapon was a giant mace, but it was too dangerous to use in this competition so he used a two-handed broadsword instead. Even though he didnʼt use his main weapon, he still managed to defeat his opponents without difficulty.

As soon as their battle began, Dylann took the initiative to attack.

He brandished his longsword, causing a sharp ʼwhooshingʼ sound in the air.

My sword has a longer reach. I need to use this to my advantage and not let him land a heavy blow on me.

Dylann was aware of his opponentʼs power.

He wanted to end the fight as quickly as possible.

However…

Arthur wasnʼt your average warrior. He had faced numerous enemies on the battlefield and he had already mastered the ability to react in any situation.

He expertly blocked Dylannʼs longsword with precise maneuvers.

Clang! Clang! Clang!

The latterʼs longsword couldnʼt even touch Arthurʼs armor.

Arthur was like a mountain, steady and firm.

No matter how hard Dylann pushed his sword, he couldnʼt force Arthur to take a step back.

In the end, Arthur capitalized on Dylannʼs decreasing momentum to make a counterattack.

After less than ten moves, Dylann was forced to concede.

”Who would have thought that a mercenary would actually progress this far? I canʼt believe he defeated Lord Dylann in such a manner. It didnʼt even look like he struggled in that fight.”

”Lord Dylann is still young. He has plenty of time to train.”

”So the final battle is between Lord Alaric and Sir Arthur. Who do you guys think will win?”

Arthur was given some time to rest before the final match against Alaric.

In the meantime, the guests started betting on their favorite participants, making the banquet hall boisterous and entertaining.

At this moment, Alaric was drinking a glass of water he got from Elena.

”Good luck, my lord! Please do your best on your next battle!” The little girl cheered for him.

Alaric smiled upon hearing her words. ”I will.”

A few moments later, the two remaining participants were finally called up.

Alaric stared at Arthur.

Arthur Valkan… This man died during the orc invasion in my past life. He was hired by Vale to support the cityʼs soldiers in fighting the orcs. He fought bravely against those monsters without retreating. Unfortunately, he encountered an Elite Orc Warrior and was killed in that battle.

The orc invasion was an event that would happen a few years from now. When this happened in his past life, Lucas was already dead and it was Alaric who lent support to Vale in stopping the orcs.

At that time, Alaric had only become a Knight so his contribution in that battle was minimal. In the end, Vale managed to repel the orc army with the support of the neighboring cities and towns.

It was one of the major battles that he had participated in before the Civil War.

”I have heard a lot about you, Sir Arthur. You managed to become that strong despite the difficulties you had faced in your life. I admire you.” Alaric spoke with a sincere tone.

Arthur was taken aback by his words. Most people feared him because of his looks, while there even others who looked down on him because of his lowly origins. It was the first time he heard someone express admiration for him.

”Donʼt expect me to go easy on you because of those words.” He muttered while staring deeply at the young Knight.

When he first heard about Alaricʼs advancement, he was filled with envy and curiosity. He was envious of Alaricʼs family who had always supported their sonʼs growth. He was also curious about Alaric who was believed to have a talent that was on par with the emperorʼs.

Now that he had seen him, he realized that Alaric was more approachable than he had imagined. He was respectful and friendly, unlike most noble heirs he had known.

Alaric chuckled at his words.

”I will be honored to fight you at your best.” He muttered.

After exchanging some words, the two went into battle position.

Soon, the two moved at the same time and clashed.

Clang! Clang!

The loud collision of their weapons echoed within the banquet hall.

When they clashed, Arthur finally realized why a Knight with decades of experience like Anthony was defeated at the hands of Alaric.

No wonder he won against Sir Anthony. What a fearsome swordsmanship!

Now that he had experienced it for himself, he found out the horror of Alaricʼs swordsmanship. It was beautiful, precise, and strong.

He thought that he would be able to overwhelm Alaric with his brute force, but the guy always managed to deflect or block his broadsword without showing any signs of difficulty.

How is he so strong at this age?!

Meanwhile, Alaric was enjoying their battle.

There is no technique behind his sword, just pure brute force. His fighting style is just like his personality, simple and fierce.

I want this guy!

Alaric had a strong desire to have Arthur in the household.

It wasnʼt just because of his skills, but also because of his honest personality. He might be old, but age wonʼt stop someoneʼs potential, especially someone like Arthur who has a firm and determined heart.

”If I defeat you here, please work for me!” Alaric didnʼt hesitate to voice out his intentions.

Arthur raised his eyebrows upon hearing his words.

”Then you better give it your all, my lord!”