Starting With an SSS-Rank Swordsmanship Talent

(Warning: This chapter contains racial discrimination, abuse, and bullying that may not be suitable for some readers.)

In the slums of Riverwake, there was an illegal underground fighting ring that was established by one of the local snakes. It was quite famous among the noble circle and some of them would even come to visit the facility to watch the battles.

On this particular day, a special guest was present so an event was hosted by the owner of the underground fighting ring to liven up the atmosphere.

“I heard that Baron Dagzo is here.”

“I see. No wonder they are sending that man to fight. The fighting ring only brings him out when honored guests are watching.”

“It seems like we will get to see a good show tonight.”

The spectators were looking forward to seeing the fight of the underground ring’s champion.

They discussed animatedly as they began placing their bets.

At this moment, a scantily dressed woman walked to the stage. Her appearance immediately attracted everyone’s attention.

As soon as she stepped on the stage, she smiled flirtatiously and opened her mouth. “Good evening, ladies and gentlemen!”

As her seductive voice echoed, some sleazy men whistled in excitement.

The woman was used to this scene so she didn’t react to their perverted behavior and continued with the announcement of the event.

“Tonight, our champion, Black Dog, will be fighting against five Fatal-grade monsters! If he wins, he will be a free man, but if he loses, he will become food for the monsters!” The woman’s words made the whole underground ring shake in excitement.

After her announcement, five monsters were taken to the cage-like ring. These monsters had the appearance of wild jackals. The only difference is that they had muscular bodies and two whip-like tails.

As the monsters were introduced, the crowd gasped in shock.

“Those are Two-tailed Red Jackals!” Someone exclaimed as he pointed at the monsters.

Sensing everyone’s gazes on him, the man cleared his throat and showed off his knowledge. “I heard that Two-tailed Red Jackals have the strength of a Knight Apprentice at birth. The color of their furs became darker as they grew older and looking at the five monsters on the cage, I’m certain that they are fully grown adults with strength equivalent to that of peak Knight!”

“That strong?! Wow!”

While the spectators were discussing animatedly, the champion was finally summoned to the stage.

It was a bald, dark-skinned man who looked to be in his late thirties. He didn’t have armor on him and he only had a pair of dirt-covered linen pants. His lean, slightly muscular body was full of scars some of which hadn’t fully healed. These scars made everyone realize the tough battles he had gone through.

This man was Black Dog, a slave warrior who had survived 99 battles in the underground ring. He had gotten this nickname from the owner himself because of his skin color and his identity as a slave.

Tonight was his 100th battle and freedom was within his reach.

Looking at the five fierce monsters, Black Dog tightened his grip on the steel sword in his hand.

Aru, I have killed numerous people all for my selfish desire for freedom. I know I can’t be forgiven, but for the 100th time, I will ask your forgiveness.

He silently prayed.

In the next moment, the five monsters were freed from their shackles.

They pounced at Black Dog, not even giving the female emcee a chance to announce the commencement of the special battle event.

Growl!

Roar!!

Graaahh!!!

Black Dog narrowed his eyes into slits. He immediately adjusted his posture as the jackals closed in on him.

In that instant, one of the jackals swung its claws at him.

Whoosh!

Black Dog lifted his sword to block the jackal’s claws.

Clang!

Subsequently, the four jackals launched an attack.

Black Dog fought fiercely disregarding the wounds that had slowly accumulated over his body.

As someone who was a slave at birth, he had no access to any training. His battle techniques and skills were learned from the hundreds of battles that he had experienced in his life. There was no fancy movement in his swordsmanship. All there was to it was the intent to kill.

After a minute of intense struggle, one of the Two-tailed Red Jackals collapsed, its neck bleeding excessively after being pierced by Black Dog’s sword.

The spectators cheered as soon as one of the monsters died.

As the bloody battle inside the caged ring continued, a group dressed in oversized robes entered the facility. Their appearance didn’t arouse suspicions since some of the guests were also dressed in similar attire.

After all, this place was where many people from different backgrounds were gathered. Some heinous criminals would even come here to hide their identities so it wasn’t surprising to see people covering their faces.

“Your Highness, the target is inside that room. According to the information we gathered, he is currently entertaining a noble guest.”

Yvanna frowned upon hearing this.

Sensing his sudden silence, the handsome elf immediately assured her. “You don’t have to worry, Your Highness. The target has many enemies so we can make it look like it was done by an opposing faction.”

“Mn.” Yvanna hummed coldly.

“End things cleanly and make sure not to hurt anyone uninvolved.” She uttered in a commanding tone.

“As you wish, Your Highness.” The handsome elf bowed.

Whoosh! Whoosh!

Eight of the robed figures disappeared, leaving only one with Yvanna.

“Your Highness, you should leave. This place is too filthy for you.” Uttered the elf with claw marks across his face.

“No. I want to see that person die with my own eyes. Don’t tell me what to do, Sir Neo.” Yvanna muttered emotionlessly.

The scarred elf named Neo immediately bowed. “I apologize for my rudeness, Your Highness.”

Yvanna waved her hand without saying anything. It was then that she noticed the situation inside the caged ring.

These filthy humans! How can they be so cruel to their own kind!?