Starting With an SSS-Rank Swordsmanship Talent

A few days later, House Silversword’s army took a stop in a forested area somewhere in the northern region.

“We have arrived at our first stop, Your Highness,” Aldrin reported.

Alaric looked around before moving his eyes to a map of the northern region.

“We will set up camp here and rest for the night. Tell everyone to set up the tents and send scouts to observe the area.” He instructed.

“I obey your commands.” Aldrin bowed his head deeply, turned around, and left to complete the task.

After sending him away, Alaric jumped off his horse and went ahead to set up his tent.

This brings back memories…

When he was part of the crown prince’s army in his past life, he had mastered the art of setting up a tent. It was one of the basic skills that a soldier must learn.

“Your Highness, why are you doing this on your own? Let me do it for you!” A surprised voice drifted into his ears.

Alaric turned his head and saw Rigor rushing to his side.

Seeing him running towards him, Alaric raised his hand and said. “I’ll do it on my own.”

“This…” Rigor stopped in his tracks, hesitating.

Alaric ignored him and focused his attention on his task.

Rigor was taken aback upon seeing his skillful hands.

When did His Highness learn to do this?

In just a few minutes, Alaric erected his tent without anyone’s help.

Alaric admired his handiwork with a faint smile.

It’s been a while since I set up my tent. I should do this more often.

Suddenly, he noticed that Rigor was still there.

“Sir Rigor?”

Rigor was startled. “I apologize, Your Highness. I didn’t notice the time. Do you need my help for anything?”

“I have nothing in mind for now. Wait…” Alaric seemed to have remembered something important.

“The northern houses… we should be meeting a few of them soon. Keep me updated about their whereabouts.”

They had already sent letters to the northern houses, instructing them to gather troops and march westward.

Rigor acknowledged his command with a bow. “Yes, Your Highness. I will send our scout team to track their location. Is there anything else?”

“That’s it for now. You may leave.” Alaric dismissed him with a wave of his hand.

Rigor took this as his cue to leave.

A moment later, another figure approached him.

The fragrant scent of jasmine lingered in the air, assailing his nostrils.

“Yvanna. Are you staying in my tent tonight?” Alaric smiled at her.

Hearing this, Yvanna snorted. “Keep dreaming. I only came here to check on you.”

While saying this, she used her integrated monster trait to create a chair made out of vines.

“That’s an amazing skill you have right there.” Alaric praised.

Other than minor healing properties, her Nature’s Blessing allowed her to manipulate any plant life form. As long as there were plants around her, she could control them at will. If used properly, this skill alone would make her a formidable force.

Unfortunately, she was only a 2-Ringed Beast Soul Adept so her degree of control was still limited.

(Author’s Note: Beast Soul Warriors’ ranking system has been changed to Beast Soul Novice —> Beast Soul Adept —> Beast Soul Master —> Beast Soul Grandmaster.)

Yvanna felt a hint of pride upon hearing his praise.

She leaned on the vine chair and crossed her legs, exposing her jade-like legs.

“How many northern houses have answered your call?” She asked all of a sudden.

Alaric thought for a moment and replied. “Surprisingly, most of the northern houses responded favorably. If nothing goes wrong, about 90% of them should be heading to the central region by now.”

“I see. That’s good to hear.” Yvanna already had some idea of the military strength of the northern houses.

Excluding House Silversword which had over ten thousand warriors, each northern house had around a hundred to a thousand soldiers. With 90% of them joining the march, they could gather approximately a hundred and fifty thousand troops.

“The North wouldn’t be a problem, but I am worried about the other regions.”

Alaric sighed as he sat on the grass.

“We don’t know for sure if they would be willing to join this expedition. Not all aristocrats and martial houses would answer our call since this isn’t a command from His Majesty.”

Yvanna sneered. “Even in the face of adversity, you humans are still not united. That is your greatest weakness.”

Alaric smiled bitterly at her words. “That is true. I can’t deny that.”

“I don’t understand what your emperor is thinking. If he had only revealed himself and led the people, there would have been fewer sacrifices.” Yvanna shook her head.

Alaric remained silent. He had also tried to understand the emperor’s intentions, but he failed.

Looking at his thoughtful expression, Yvanna no longer bothered him. “You should get some sleep. I will rest my eyes for a few hours.”

While saying this, she manipulated the plants to create a small tent made of leaves and vines.

Chuckling, Alaric stood up and went inside his tent. “Good night.”

…

The next day, the soldiers dismantled their camp and continued their march.

They later encountered seven northern houses which included House Paxley and a few other martial houses from Ryvaad.

“Greetings, Your Highness!” The person leading House Paxley’s troops was Theo, the current heir of House Paxley.

Alaric smiled faintly upon seeing him.

“It has been a while brother-in-law.” He cupped his fists.

Theo scratched his head and reminded him with a wry smile. “Please don’t call me that in public, Your Highness. You have an image to maintain.”

Alaric chuckled, feeling amused to see him embarrassed. “You have become more powerful since the last time I saw you.”

Using his Appraisal, he discovered that Theo’s stats had grown considerably. He had already cemented himself as one of the best Knights in the northern region.

Theo shook his head and replied. “My fast growth wouldn’t be possible without the resources you sent, Your Highness.”

“Our warriors also advanced significantly. I don’t know if you’ve heard of it, but we have gained a new Transcendent Knight.” He added with a proud look.

Hearing this, Alaric was taken aback. He had kept tabs on House Paxley’s situation, but he hadn’t heard of them getting a new Transcendent Knight.

“Oh? Is it someone I know?” Alaric couldn’t hide his curiosity.

Theo revealed a smug look. “You have definitely seen him before, Your Highness. You just hadn’t interacted much with him since he is one of my father’s closest confidants. Do you want me to bring him here?”

Look at this guy. He really knows how to flaunt.

Alaric chukled and nodded his head. “Alright. Bring him to see me.”

“With pleasure.” Theo eagerly left.

A moment later, he returned with an old warrior who seemed to be in his late fifties.

He was dressed in full steel battle armor with a blue cape that displayed House Paxley’s emblem.

Alaric used his Appraisal on the old man.

Nord [Transcendent Knight] EXP: 3/5000

Potential: A

Traits: Horseback Riding (S), Spear Mastery (A), Close Combat (A), Hunting (A), Command (B), Cool-headed (B), Tracking (C), Swordsmanship (C), Shield Mastery (C), Pain Tolerance (D),…

Strength: 251

Stamina: 254

Agility: 262

Vitality: 270

Endurance: 278

Mana: 250

His attributes are painfully average. At least he is a good rider and he has some decent combat traits.

Alaric was a bit disappointed, but he didn’t show it to his face.

“Greetings, Your Highness. I am Nord, the newly promoted Transcendent Knight of House Paxley!” Nord calmly greeted him with a standard Knight’s salute.

Alaric smiled at the old man.

Although his attributes were average, he was still much stronger than the Elite Knights. Furthermore, he recognized this old man and he had seen him join their past missions.

To a loyal warrior like this, Alaric was willing to offer them more rewards.

“Congratulations on your advancement, Sir Nord.” Alaric congratulated him.

“Thank you, Your Highness.” Nord bowed deeply.

Alaric offered some words of encouragement and praise which made the old warrior happy and proud.

“Your Highness, I have a request.” Nord suddenly said.

Alaric raised an eyebrow in surprise and he looked at Theo to inquire what was happening.

However, the latter shrugged and shook his head.

With a doubtful look, Alaric asked. “Let’s hear it.”

Nord stared deeply at him and opened his mouth. “I heard that a new Transcendent Knight has joined House Silversword. I would like to spar with him to check my progress.”

Alaric was stunned. “You want to spar with Caecus?”

Yvanna and a few others who were close by were similarly shocked. Some of them even sent weird gazes at the old man.

Nord was oblivious to their thoughts and bowed his head. “Please grant my request, Your Highness.”

Alaric took a deep breath and hesitated.

Whoosh.

At this moment, a figure suddenly appeared behind him.

Alaric knew who it was.

Curling his lips, he asked. “What do you think, Sir Caecus?”

“I will do as you wish, Your Highness.”