Starting With an SSS-Rank Swordsmanship Talent

In Riverwake, the restless underground factions had gradually stabilized. This was because the three largest factions had merged to create a much larger group, the Blood River Alliance.

Today, on the 6th of April in the Year 209 of the Astanian Calendar, the alliance members gathered inside a private building to elect their leader.

Three people sat at the most prominent location, chatting as they waited for the election to begin.

“In just a few days, we managed to take full control of Riverwake’s underground forces. With Baron Dagzo gone, I don’t think there’s anyone who can stop our alliance’s expansion.” Remarked Old Man Woodcutter with a grin.

When he first joined the alliance, he still had some misgivings, but after some time, he gradually became invested in the group. The idea of controlling the entire city made him forget all the bad things that happened.

The middle-aged man sitting adjacent to him sneered at his words and offered his own opinion.

“It’s not as easy as you think. Although Baron Dagzo has died, his barony started functioning again after his son took the reins. Furthermore, there are still some merchant groups with strong military power.”

This person was the leader of the Night Owl Mercenary Group, Tim. He was a former slave who had rebelled against his owner and took control of his wealth after killing him.

And with his newfound wealth, he took in many slaves and commoners to create his mercenary group which later became known as the Night Owl Mercenary Group.

Tim was a ruthless man and he was also skilled with the sword. Because of this, he later got the moniker ‘One-Eyed Swordsman’.

Clap!

The sudden clap made the two turn their heads to Liam.

“We shouldn’t argue today, gentleman. Look.” Liam pointed at the large number of people gathered inside the building.

“Everyone has gathered here to elect the leader of our alliance. We must maintain our dignity in front of these people.” He had learned to speak in a commoner’s accent after months of contact with all sorts of individuals, but he still sometimes revealed the temperament of a noble.

Old Man Woodcutter and One-Eyed Swordsman had complicated feelings about this young man. They were afraid of his cunning mind and they also disliked his arrogance. However, there was something they admired about him, his ability to gather all sorts of people.

No one would have imagined that the three largest factions in Riverwake would merge, but this young man made it happen. He might have employed some unusual methods, but he managed to do it.

Until now, they still didn’t know his name so they called him ‘Sly Demon’, a moniker that recently became famous in Riverwake.

Hearing his words, Old Man Woodcutter shrugged and no longer said anything, while One-Eyed Swordsman snorted.

Seeing how cooperative they were, Liam smiled. He then sent the signal to start the election.

The election process was simple. Each member of the alliance would write the name of the person they wanted to vote for and place it inside the box. The total votes would then be tallied on the spot to prevent cheating.

The voting process only took less than twenty minutes, but the counting of the votes took much longer.

The alliance had over three hundred members including the small groups that they had absorbed.

About two hours later, the results were finally announced.

Sly Demon – 217 votes

One-Eyed Swordsman – 164 votes

Old Man Woodcutter – 158 votes

A few people also received votes, but their vote counts were too low to even be compared with the three top candidates.

One-Eyed Swordsman glanced at the results and slumped on his chair while crossing his arms.

How did he gather so many supporters in just a few days? Did he bribe them with money?

His faction was the largest in the alliance so he was quite confident in his success, but from the looks of it, someone had come prepared.

Meanwhile, Old Man Cutter was vexed. He couldn’t accept the fact that he came third in the voting results.

I can still accept Sly Demon being the winner, but this one-eyed bastard actually got more votes than me. These people must be blind!

Hmph!

Old Man Woodcutter snorted the more he thought about the results. He felt that it was ridiculous.

On the other hand, Liam seemed to have expected this to happen. He let out a smile as he stood up from his seat.

He then walked toward the center of the venue and clapped his hands to gather everyone’s attention.

“Everyone! Thank you to those who believed in me! I promise that I will use every means necessary to make our alliance stronger and more prosperous!”

“However…”

“I wouldn’t be able to do this alone. I hope that everyone gathered here will put more effort into making the alliance more successful!”

Liam didn’t make his speech longer since he knew that these boorish people wouldn’t like it. He kept everything short and ended it with a strong message.

After his speech, the alliance members clapped their hands. Although some still couldn’t accept the results, there was nothing they could do. The majority had already spoken so everyone had to follow the newly elected alliance leader.

“Congratulations on becoming the alliance leader!” Old Man Woodcutter beamed at him.

One-Eyed Swordsman didn’t say anything and just nodded at Liam.

That was how Liam Paxley became the leader of the Blood River Alliance.

***

Inside the baron’s study in the main mansion of House Silversword.

Tyrone took a light sip of tea before he asked.

“Lord Lucas, do you still remember Her Highness, Princess Jade Kristine?”

The atmosphere suddenly turned heavy as soon as he spoke this name.

Lucas had subconsciously released his aura, but he quickly retracted it after realizing what had happened.

He stared deeply at the marquis and responded. “I still remember her.”

His voice was calm, but the old marquis sensed the coldness in his tone.

“I see. That means Alaric must be her…”