Starting With an SSS-Rank Swordsmanship Talent

In the next two hours, Alaric prepared for his trip to the western borders.

Concerned for his well-being, Hershey and Elena helped him arrange his luggage. His two mothers also handed him all sorts of snacks so that he wouldn’t be hungry on the trip.

After making his preparations, Alaric stepped out of the mansion with his family.

“You must be careful out there, son. You are no longer just the heir of House Silversword. You also carry the bloodline of the imperial family.” Lucas reminded him with a stern look.

Listening to his words, Alaric smiled faintly. “I know, Dad. I can take care of my own. Five Transcendents will follow me on this trip. Not to mention that I will also bring that guy…”

Hearing his last sentence, Lucas thought about the massive beast that only knew how to laze around behind the mansion.

With a Catastrophe-Grade monster at his side, I don’t need to worry about him…

He smiled wryly while shaking his head.

Upon leaving the mansion, Alaric saw that the troops were already waiting for him beside their mounts.

Seeing this, Alaric turned his head to his family and bid them farewell for the last time.

“Be careful, Alaric.” Hershey stared deeply at her husband, her eyes brimming with tears.

“I will.”

He took her in his arms and kissed her forehead.

“You should stay within the town while I am away. Never leave without informing my father.” He whispered.

“Mn.” Hershey hummed in response while burying her head in his chest.

“Do not forget to send us letters while you are there. If you miss even a day, I will send my troops to the west to look for you.” Jade warned Alaric which made the latter chuckle in amusement.

“Yes, Mom. I will write you letters every day.” Smiling lightly, he replied with a nod of his head.

He then moved his gaze to Maria. Her belly had grown considerably larger and she was getting closer to her due date.

If it weren’t for the mission, Alaric would have stayed in the estate to wait for his little sister’s birth. He couldn’t afford to make the same mistakes in his last missions. He would feel more assured to complete the mission without accidents with him present.

“Mom, you should take care of your body. Don’t overwork yourself and never forget to eat those elixirs.” He gently reminded her.

Maria nodded with a smile. “Don’t worry about me, son. By the time you return, you will see your little sister.”

Alaric exchanged a few more words with his family before he turned around.

Looking at the unmoving troops standing before him, Alaric made a whistling sound akin to a bird’s cry.

Witweeew!

In the next moment, a large shadow cast over them, followed by a loud, ear-piercing roar of a beast.

Roar!!

Everyone looked up and saw a winged beast that was as big as an adult elephant!

Whoosh!

The creature dove to the ground and landed with a ’swoosh’.

With the exception of Lucas, everyone else felt their hearts tightening when the creature swept its beastly gaze upon them.

They were already familiar with this beast since they had seen it behind the main mansion on multiple occasions. However, despite their familiarity with it, they didn’t dare get closer to the creature, afraid that it would smite them with its blade-like claws.

“Zephyr… you must accompany me for this trip.” Alaric stroked the beast’s fur.

To everyone’s surprise, the terrifying beast lowered its head in delight and even emitted a purring sound.

This made them admire Alaric even more. They believed that only someone as gifted as he could tame a dangerous monster like the Draconic Lion.

“Mount your horses!” Alaric shouted to the warriors.

Hearing his command, everyone immediately jumped onto their horses in synchronized motion.

Alaric also jumped on Zephyr’s back.

“Once we reach the western borders, I will give you the armor I had specially ordered for you.” He whispered to the beast.

As if understanding his words, Zephyr made a joyous growl.

Alaric chuckled and rubbed the beast’s thick fur. He then took one last look at his family and waved his hand at them before he commanded his troops to depart.

***

In the western region, there was a fortress city called Iron Sand Fort. It was on the most outer edge of the western region so it was usually the first one to get attacked during battles.

With the constant battles they faced, this forged a tenacious force known as the Iron Sand Army which was led by a famous general who was ranked 3rd in the Astanian Dragon Leaderboard!

With the presence of this fierce general and his powerful army, Iron Sand Fort was able to stand firmly on the frontline!

However, at this moment, the formidable Iron Sand Army returned to the fortress city with numerous casualties.

Marquis Marco Herald looked at his bedraggled troops with a face filled with sorrow. Of the ten thousand warriors he commanded, only four thousand managed to return.

The third outpost has already been destroyed. In a few days, the enemies will attack this fortress…

Can I defend this place?

His eyes flashed with a gloomy light.

He received a message from the capital saying that their reinforcements would arrive in five days, but he was uncertain if he could protect the fortress before they arrived.

Suddenly, a messenger on horseback rushed towards him with an excited look.

“My lord, there is news from the northern garrison!”

Hearing this, Marco Herald turned his head and furrowed his eyebrows. “Speak.” He uttered. He wasn’t feeling good since he had lost many good warriors.

The messenger could sense his annoyance so he quickly reported. “His Highness Giovanni has arrived with his troops!”

“What?” Marco was pleasantly surprised.

Although the second prince was known for being unruly, he was also famous for his strength. He was a Transcendent Knight who commanded a faction filled with numerous experts!

Marco grabbed the messenger, almost yanking the man off his horse, and asked.

“Where is he?!”