Starting With an SSS-Rank Swordsmanship Talent

“I have completed what you asked for.”

Caecus nodded.

“All the messenger birds they sent have been killed and we also took the letters. What do you want me to do with those letters?”

Alaric thought for a moment before he replied. “Have someone trustworthy read everything and see if there is any important information we can find. Once you have read them all, burn them.”

Caecus saluted. “I will do as you command.”

Alaric waved his hand and dismissed him.

Caecus left right away.

…

The next day, all the corpses had already been dealt with and a huge part of the ruined fortress had also been cleared.

Looking at everyone’s busy figures, Giovanni spoke to Leighnard who was standing next to him.

“With our speed, it might take us a week to complete the construction.”

“Don’t underestimate the workforce we brought along. They are the most skilled construction workers in the empire. Together with the engineers and architects, they would only need about four to five days to build a fortress from scratch. Do you want to have a bet with me?” Leighnard smiled faintly at him.

Hearing this, Giovanni’s mouth twitched. “No thanks.”

Alaric shook his head and urged them to contribute. “How about helping with the construction instead of just chatting here?”

He had been working all night together with the workers so he only had a few hours of sleep.

“Who told you to help with the construction?” Giovanni sneered at him.

Leighnard placed his hand on Alaric’s shoulder and said. “Don’t underestimate our workers’ abilities. Even without our help, they can complete this project in less than a week. Do you want to bet with me?”

Alaric pushed his hand away and snorted. “Only an idiot like Giovanni would bet with you.”

“Bastard! What did you say?!” With a fierce look, Giovanni rolled his sleeves and clenched his fists.

Leighnard laughed as he stood between. “That’s enough. Let’s get something to eat instead of fighting over here. Can’t you two see that there are people watching?”

Giovanni turned around and muttered as he walked away. “Go eat by yourselves. I’d rather eat alone.”

Leighnard chuckled helplessly as he watched his brother leave. “Please don’t mind him, Alaric. Giovanni is only like this because of me.”

Alaric shook his head, looking completely unbothered by what had just happened. “Don’t worry. I know his personality very well.”

Leighnard raised an eyebrow in surprise. “You two must have developed a bond after the battle in Aklan Pass. That makes me jealous.”

Alaric couldn’t tell if he was telling the truth or not so he changed the topic.

“So what’s next?”

Leighnard’s expression turned serious as he replied. “We will leave one hundred thousand warriors here to protect the auxiliary unit. Four hundred thousand of us will head to Atarkan as planned, while the rest will head to another route to divert the enemy’s attention.”

Alaric nodded and fell into deep thought.

While he was immersed in his thoughts, Leighnard spoke.

“According to my subordinates, Atarkan is already in chaos. Fibrio’s House Quentin is currently at war with the aristocrats of the city.”

“The neighboring cities are still confused by their conflict so they don’t know how to respond. Furthermore, they are also worried about a potential attack from us so they are bolstering their defenses.”

“Is there still no sign of enemy Venerables?” Alaric furrowed his eyebrows.

Leighnard took a deep breath and shook his head. “I haven’t gotten word about them just yet, but I have a guess on where they might be.”

Alaric raised an eyebrow in surprise. “Oh? And where might they be?”

Leighnard turned his head at him and said. “The city built next to a lake, Nacalub.”

Alaric frowned.

Nacalub was a prosperous city built between a super lake and a vast marshland.

Because of this unique environment, the residents of the city were reliant on fishing to obtain their food.

Nacalub also established its naval fleet consisting of more than a hundred battleships and each ship was capable of carrying several dozen to more than a hundred personnel.

“If they are in Nacalub, we cannot make use of our cavalry and siege machines.”

“That’s true, but we don’t need to attack Nacalub. Doing that would be suicidal since the city is well-defended and has the advantage in terrain.”

Leighnard suddenly smiled.

“Do you still remember our five target cities?” He asked.

Alaric thought for a moment and nodded. “Yes. How could I forget them?”

With a mysterious smile, Leighnard said. “I will give you a clue. Think about where those five cities are located.”

Alaric furrowed his eyebrows and rubbed his chin.

The five cities…

Hold on…

He seemed to have understood something.

All five cities surrounded Nacalub!

Realizing this, Alaric stared at Leighnard with utter disbelief. “You… You anticipated where they would hide so you chose those five cities!”

Leighnard chuckled.

“As long as we take control of those five cities, Nacalub will be sandwiched. They might even be forced to reveal themselves before we control all five of them.”

“You cunning bastard…” Alaric was reeling in shock.

Leighnard tapped his shoulder and reminded him in a gentle voice. “Don’t mention this to anyone. I only told you since I trust you.”

“Of course!” Alaric nodded with a serious face.

“Don’t give me that look. I’m only guessing here.” Leighnard was amused by his expression.

“Guess my ass.”

Leighnard shrugged. “I still have matters to attend to so I will take my leave first. You should make some preparations and tell your troops to get ready. We will be heading to Atarkan in two days.”

Alaric nodded. “Alright.”

Leighnard didn’t linger and left right away after bidding him farewell.

“Look at him go…” Alaric mumbled while shaking his head.

Leighnard had the ability to eliminate Giovanni silently, but the fact that the latter was still alive until now was proof that he still valued their brotherly relationship.

The relationship of the imperial family is truly complicated…

Alaric left after shaking off his random thoughts.