Starting With an SSS-Rank Swordsmanship Talent

Chapter 627: Beyond the Enchanted Woodlands

Alaric inspected his profile to see his progress.

Alaric Silversword [Mythical Knight] EXP: 5255/10000

Potential: SSS —> L

Integrated Monster Traits: None

Traits: Swordsmanship (L), Poison Immunity (SSS), Ruthless Slaughterer (SS), Shield Mastery (SS), Supreme Regeneration (SS), Horseback Riding (A), Close Combat (A), Sixth Sense (A), Appraisal (B), Hunting (C), Tracking (C), Monster Affinity (C), Mana Gathering (C), Archery (D)

Strength: 1100

Stamina: 1100

Agility: 1100

Vitality: 1100

Endurance: 1100

Mana: 1100

Battle Points: 2550 —> 32550

Stat Points: 153 —> 753

Alaric was pleased to see the improvements in his attributes.

I should use my stat points now.

Considering his situation, he believed that maxing out his vitality should be his top priority.

Alaric unhesitatingly used up 400 stat points to max out his vitality.

Vitality: 1100 —> 1500

Now, he was left with 353 stat points.

He pondered for a moment before he distributed them evenly to his other attributes.

Strength: 1100 —> 1189

Stamina: 1100 —> 1188

Agility: 1100 —> 1188

Endurance: 1100 —> 1188

He didnʼt bother to add anything to his mana since he could just increase it using his Mana Gathering trait. Although the process was slow, it didnʼt require him to use his stat points.

After dealing with the rewards, Alaric closed the system screen.

He was still in the world of darkness, seemingly swimming in the endless void. He couldnʼt even feel his body.

Alaric theorized that he was in his subconscious world and that his real body was currently in a coma.

He reached this conclusion since he knew that he had overexerted himself in the battle with the cult leader.

My energy core must have cracked once more and put me into a coma.

With my maxed-out vitality and my SS-Rank Regeneration trait, I should regain consciousness in a few more days.

He thought to himself.

For now, I should ponder on which trait I use my Selected Trait Upgrade Card on.

…

While Alaric was in a coma, the Veronican Empire was recovering its strength from the war against the heretic cult.

That war took the lives of many powerful warriors. Many citizens were also implicated.

The scar from that battle was slowly healing, but there were still traces of the damage in every corner of the empire.

At this moment, the empress, Yskaela Veronica, was surveying a reconstruction project in Guseomdong.

This city was one of the many places that were attacked by the followers of the heretic cult. It took considerable damage and it had yet to recover from that incident.

”Your Majesty, we have already rebuilt the main roads. All that is left is the reconstruction of Suyan Bridge.” One of the architects in charge of the project reported.

Hearing this, Yskaela nodded. ”You have done well. Continue your work at this pace.”

”Once the reconstruction of the bridge is completed, relocate the residents back to their new homes.” She instructed.

”This lowly servant understands.” The architect bowed deeply in acknowledgment of her command.

”You are dismissed.” The empress waved her hand.

The architect didnʼt linger and quickly left to continue his tasks.

Meanwhile, the empress watched the busy workers, her eyes flashing with complex emotions.

Suddenly, she sensed a familiar aura approaching her.

She turned her head and saw the commander of the Crimson Phoenix Knights Order, Bai Seol-hwa.

Two years had gone by and she had already fully recovered from her injuries. However, the empress knew that she was still grieving the death of her deputy, Kangjeon Geum-hwa.

Bai Seol-hwa saluted and respectfully handed the empress a letter. ”Your Majesty, the Grand Commander has sent a letter.”

Yskaela took the letter and removed the seal.

She read the contents silently and let out a smile. ”Itʼs good to know that the rebuilding project is going well.”

After reading the grand commanderʼs message, the empress turned her head to Bai Seol-hwa and asked. ”What about the envoys sent by the Astanian Empire? What did they ask for this time?”

A few days ago, the Astanian Empire sent another envoy to discuss new collaborations.

Over the past two years, the two empires had worked together on several projects. One of which was the reconstruction of the damaged buildings and roads in Veronica. Most of the raw materials used in this project were sourced from the Astanian Empire.

Bai Seol-hwa furrowed her eyebrows and responded. ”They want us to help them clear the Enchanted Woodlands and build a safe trade route to the territory of the elves.”

Yskaela raised an eyebrow. ”What are the conditions?”

To her, this wasnʼt a bad thing. If they could establish a connection with the elves, they would have access to the rare materials that only those arrogant elves possessed.

Bai Seol-hwa looked to her left and right. ”This isnʼt the right place to talk. We should discuss somewhere more private.”

The empress nodded and followed her to a nearby quiet restaurant. The place didnʼt have many customers and they also had private rooms on the second floor.

Bai Seol-hwa booked the entire second floor and brought the empress to the biggest room.

Once they were seated, the empress opened her mouth. ”Now tell me…”

Bai Seol-hwa nodded and recounted everything that was discussed during the meeting with the Astanian envoy.

”According to the Astanian envoy, this will be a joint venture between Astania, Veronica, and Harune.”

When the empress heard that Harune was also involved, she frowned.

She was well aware that Harune had already surrendered to Astania.

”… The three empires would have to send at least one hundred thousand warriors to the Enchanted Woodlands. They also required us to send one Venerable.”

Sending one hundred thousand warriors wasnʼt an issue, but Yskaela was hesitant about sending one of her Venerables to the distant Enchanted Woodlands.

The place was home to many powerful creatures. If they brought a large army, they might provoke an incredibly violent beast at the Catastrophe-grade.

”What do we stand to gain from this other than getting access to the elven products?” The empress sought Bai Seol-hwaʼs opinion.

Bai Seol-hwa was silent for a moment before she replied. ”I heard some rumors from the higher-ranking warriors of Astania. They said that the Astanian Emperor is planning to go beyond the Enchanted Woodlands in search of an opportunity.”

Hearing this, the empress was stunned.

Beyond the Enchanted Woodlands was said to be a vast expanse of land home to many great species and undying dynasties.

It was a place filled with nonstop battles for supremacy.

Many people called it the Desolate Region, but those with knowledge knew that it was the Cangnan Continent.

”Is he seeking death? Why would he go to those harsh lands?” The empress sneered.

The Astanian Emperor might be strong, but in the Cangnan Continent, he was just a small figure.

Bai Seol-hwa wasnʼt familiar with the Cangnan continent. She only knew that it existed, but she had no knowledge of it.

”Your Majesty, are the people there really strong?” She couldnʼt help but ask.

Yskaelaʼs face suddenly turned serious. ”Seol-hwa, there are numerous empires larger than our Veronican Empire in the Cangnan continent. As for the number of Venerables in that place… There are as many as the stars in the sky. There are even undying beings beyond the realm of Venerables!”

Bai Seol-hwa was normally composed, but she was shocked to hear this information.

”If we really open a path leading to the Cangnan continent, wouldnʼt our empires be exposed to the inhabitants of that place?” She expressed her concern.

She thought that the Cangnan continent was a land of opportunity. It turned out that it was equally dangerous.

Yskaela adjusted her sitting posture and looked at the scenery beyond the window. ”If you reach the peak of the Mythical realm, you will come to understand that going to that place is the only way to advance.”

Just like the Astanian Emperor, she had also reached the point where her power was no longer improving.

Bai Seol-hwa seemed to have understood her implications. ”Then does Your Majesty intend to go to the Cangnan continent?”

Yskaela took a deep breath and shook her head. ”That will have to wait until our empire has fully recovered. I will also have to name an heir to the throne to prevent the fragmentation of Veronica.”

Bai Seol-hwa was shocked. ”Then… does Your Majesty intend to marry soon?”

Yskaela smiled faintly. ”This was bound to happen. I already have a husband candidate in mind. We just need to wait for his confirmation.”

Bai Seolwa ”…”

…

Somewhere in Sorl, inside a big mansion designated for the members of House Silversword.

In the masterʼs bedroom, Alaric was still in a comatose state.

There were three people taking care of him, massaging his body to make sure that his muscles wouldnʼt atrophy from the long time of inactivity.

”Alaric, please wake up… Your sister has already grown up. She said that she wanted to speak with you soon…” Hershey sobbed as she caressed her husbandʼs face.

Yvanna and Elena who were there with her could only watch in silence.