Starting With an SSS-Rank Swordsmanship Talent

Meanwhile, inside the room specially made for the Saber-fanged Wolf cubs.

Alaric and Elena were playing with the little guys when a servant came to deliver a report.

“My lord, the trainees sent to the Evergreen Forest have returned.”

Hearing this, Alaric put down the wolf cubs and patted his pants as he rose to his feet. “I’m listening. Go on.”

The servant cleared his throat and said with a serious face. “Some trainees are injured and from what I’ve been told, it seems like they encountered a Fatal-grade monster.”

Alaric frowned. “Alright. I’ll be there to check on them. You may leave.”

The servant took the cue and left right away.

Alaric turned his head over to Elena and said. “I’ll leave them in your care, Elena. I’ll go check the trainees first.”

Knowing that the situation was urgent, Elena nodded. “Yes, my lord.”

On his way out of the main mansion, Alaric checked his profile.

Alaric Silversword [Knight] EXP: 500/500 (Cannot receive more EXP before advancement)

Potential: B

Traits: Horseback Riding (C), Swordsmanship (SSS), Close Combat (C), Archery (F), Hunting (E), Tracking (E), Sixth Sense (F), Monster Affinity (F)

Strength: 100

Stamina: 40+

Agility: 100

Vitality: 27+

Endurance: 42+

Mana: 48+

Battle Points: 4410

Stat Points: 77

(Requirements for the next advancement: 500 EXP, 100 in all attributes, and 5000 Battle Points)

I’m about to become an Elite Knight, but my potential is still ‘B’. I wonder what’s needed to be done to improve it.

Alaric thought as he closed the cyan screen.

Well, at least I now know what the Monster Affinity trait does.

After a series of tests in the past week, he discovered that most wild beasts and monsters would be unusually attracted to him. Normally, wild beasts would react aggressively to humans but because of his Monster Affinity trait, it was as if they treated him like their own.

Unfortunately, this only worked on wild beasts and some weaker monsters. He tried it on Fatal-grade monsters, but they were mostly hostile.

As soon as he stepped out of the mansion, he saw Arthur in the distance chatting with Owen.

The two warriors spotted him and immediately rushed to his side.

“My lord!”

Alaric waved his hand. “Tell me the situation.”

Arthur sent Owen a look as if telling him to give the report.

Owen understood this and cleared his throat before he told Alaric about the events that had transpired within the Evergreen Forest.

“I see. It’s good that everyone is alright. What do you guys think is a fitting reward for Renante’s team?” Alaric asked for their opinion.

Owen thought for a moment before giving his response. “My lord, I think giving them a custom-made weapon is a good reward for their performance. The ones they have are mass-produced weapons which couldn’t bring out their full potential.”

“A custom-made weapon?” Alaric didn’t expect this suggestion. He was thinking of giving them some mana-rich resources, but Owen’s words made him realize that their rewards had to be special.

He rubbed his chin thoughtfully.

House Silversword wasn’t known for their smithing, but they still had a group of skilled blacksmiths who could make fine weapons.

If he used the cyan screen’s standard of grading, the weapons they made should be at the Uncommon-grade.

“Alright. I’ll give you the funds for those custom-made weapons.” Alaric gave his approval.

Rewarding the exemplary trainees would definitely spur the others to do better.

After discussing with Owen and Arthur, he visited the injured trainees and offered them words of encouragement.

***

At the entrance of Vale, a group composed of twenty individuals arrived. All of them were armed, making the gate guards conscious around them.

“So this is Vale… They call this place a city?” One of them uttered in a mocking voice.

His companions snickered at his remarks.

“Shut up!” Reprimanded a middle-aged man with a horizontal scar that stretched from his left cheek towards his nose.

The group immediately quieted down upon hearing his words. This was because this middle-aged man was their leader, an Elite Knight who strictly adhered to his principles.

“Remember what we came here for. Although this land isn’t comparable to the central area, there still exists some powerful warriors here.” The middle-aged man sternly reminded.

Suddenly, he narrowed his eyes when he sensed a powerful aura approaching them.

Sensing the change in his expression, his subordinates immediately followed his gaze.

They saw a warrior with graying hair walking towards them with confident strides.

“Sir Anthony!” The gate guards respectfully greeted the man as soon as he walked past them.

It was Anthony.

When he received a report that there was a group of powerful warriors at the gates, he quickly came here.

One Elite Knight and the rest are Knights.

Anthony was stunned by this lineup. This group already had the power to rival a weak household on its own. Furthermore, the Elite Knight wasn’t an ordinary warrior either. He could sense that this person was far stronger than him!

“I am Anthony, the captain of Vale’s city guards. I’m pleased to meet you, gentlemen.” He introduced himself with a faint smile.

The middle-aged man with a horizontal scar stepped forward and extended his hand as he introduced himself. “It’s good to see you, Sir Anthony. I’m Roland, the leader of this party.”

Anthony shook hands with him while keeping the smile on his face. “May I know the reason for your visit, Sir Roland?”

“To tell you the truth, we are here to talk business with the Silverswords, but we don’t know where we can find them.” Roland calmly responded.

Anthony’s eyes flashed briefly upon hearing this.

There’s something fishy about these guys. I should alert Sir William.

With a cordial smile, Anthony replied. “I see. You can find Silverswords’ territory in the next town if you follow that direction. They also have a store here. I can send my men to take you there.”

“That would be great! Thank you for your help, Sir Anthony.” Roland cupped his fists.

“I’m glad to help.” Anthony chuckled.

I need to buy some time.

“Before we head there, why don’t you guys join me for a meal? I’m sure you are hungry from the journey.”