Starting With an SSS-Rank Swordsmanship Talent

In the next few days, the mayor and the officials announced to the whole town about the relocation and the reason for their decision.

Some residents expressed their concerns about the decision to move, but most of them agreed after learning that another orc army would come to attack the town.

Even with a few people refusing to leave the town, the mayor and the officials pushed through with the relocation plan.

The personnel and the warriors sent by House Silversword had already arrived, ready to escort the residents to North Pine Town.

Because this was a large-scale relocation involving a whole town, Alaric had to ask permission from his father. Luckily for him, the baron agreed with his plans after being persuaded by Maria.

On the 8th of February, the residents left Alverton and began their journey toward their new home.

At this moment, Alaric was riding his horse, overlooking the entire situation with a stern face.

In the next moment, Warrick came to give his daily report.

“My lord, we prioritized the old, the injured, and the children according to your arrangements. The carriages dedicated for them have already left and they should arrive at the town by tomorrow or two days later depending on the weather.”

“Alright. What about our rations? Do we have enough for all the residents?” Alaric asked while keeping his gaze on the long caravan of people.

“Yes, my lord. We also have ten groups of hunters on standby who will hunt for wild beasts. In addition, we also have a team dedicated to…”

Warrick responded to his queries.

“Good job, Sir Warrick.” Alaric nodded in praise.

“I didn’t do everything, my lord. Everyone did their jobs perfectly to make things happen.” Warrick smiled while shaking his head.

Alaric chuckled at his words. “You’re right. Please convey my gratitude to everyone.”

“I will relay your words to them, my lord.”

“By the way, how are your wounds?” Alaric glanced at the visible bandages on his neck and arms.

Warrick had fought hard with the Orc Lord and he had even sustained some serious injuries.

“Thank you for your concern, my lord. Some wounds still hurt, but I feel much better now.” Warrick responded, feeling touched by his concern.

“That’s good. Don’t overwork yourself. You can rest if you feel like you need to.” Alaric reminded him.

“Yes, my lord.”

Later that evening, everyone stopped to set up their camp.

Alaric summoned Galanar to his tent and handed something to him.

“My lord, this is…” Galanar was stunned as he looked at the red crystal in his hand.

It was the beast soul crystal of the Orc Lord!

“I have thought things through and I have decided to reward you with that crystal. Galanar, I know that you will never betray me so I feel assured to give that to you.” Alaric smiled as he looked at the Elite Knight.

This man came out of nowhere after he had activated the Elite Knight Card. His background was still a mystery to him even until now.

He tried asking Galanar about his origins, but when they talked about these topics, Galanar’s voice would be strangely muted as if there was a greater being preventing him from learning the truth.

Alaric gave up on asking about his origins since then.

Although Galanar’s identity was unclear, he had already proven his undying loyalty.

Giving him the Orc Lord’s beast soul crystal was definitely the best choice.

For the first time, Galanar revealed an expression of joy.

“Thank you for the reward, my lord!” The giant of a man bowed deeply.

Alaric waved his hand.

“If you want to absorb the crystal’s energy, you should ask Henry or Arthur to protect you.” He suggested.

“I understand, my lord.”

“Alright. You may leave.”

Galanar saluted before he left the tent.

After he left, Alaric leaned on his seat and took out a miniature calendar from his shirt’s inner pocket.

The calendar showed the month of February and the 14th day was specifically circled with black ink.

There’s only a week left before your birthday. I wonder when I will get to see you again, Yvanna…

During their travels, the elf princess had once told him about her birthday.

Alaric had never forgotten about it and as the date neared, the memories with Yvanna surfaced in his mind repeatedly as if reminding him of her.

***

A few days ago, in a city called Riverwake, somewhere in the northeastern corner of the empire.

Ten figures dressed in oversized robes entered the city through a discreet entrance.

One of them removed his hood, revealing his pointed ears and handsome facial features.

“Your Highness, we asked around and we received intel that our targets are now hiding in the slums. Apparently, they are the overlord in that area.” The blonde-haired elf reported with a hint of disdain in his voice.

The person he was referring to removed her head and revealed her face. She wore an expressionless look on her enchantingly beautiful face.

It was Yvanna.

“So they are here… How many people do they have?” She asked in a cold voice.

The handsome elf thought for a moment before he responded. “I haven’t scouted their hideout, but according to the information we gathered, they have about fifty people that formed the core of their group. They also have over a hundred errand runners, but they are insignificant.”

Hearing this, Yvanna scrunched her eyebrows. She glanced at the rest of the group whose faces were still obscured by their hooded robes. “How confident are you to eliminate them without alerting the public?”

One of the robed figures removed his hood. It was a middle-aged elf with a claw mark across his face.

His face showed extreme hatred as he replied. “Your Highness, I can assure you that we will remove those filthy humans without disturbing the city. Do you want me to offer their heads to you?”

Yvanna shook her head. “There’s no need. I just want them dead, but before you kill them, find out if they had captured one of our people.”

“Yes, Your Highness!”