Starting With an SSS-Rank Swordsmanship Talent

More than three hours later, Bellator finally succeeded in forming his mana heart and advanced to the Beyonder realm.

He opened his eyes and inspected the purified mana swirling in his newly formed mana heart.

I regained some of my strength, but I am still far from my peak. “Congratulations on your advancement, Lord Bellator.”

Hearing this voice, he turned his head to look at the young warrior approaching him. He could see the latter sizing him up.

Strangely enough, he felt as if the young man could see through him.

“I managed to advance with your help safely. Thank you.” Bellator expressed his gratitude.

Alaric waved his hand and responded with a faint smile. “It’s just a small matter, my lord.”

He then used Appraisal on Bellator.

Bellator Cruentos [Beyonder] EXP: 0/25000

Traits: Summon Flame Divine Spear (XX), Spear Mastery (X), Close Combat (X), Intimidation (X), Bloodthirsty (M), Pain Tolerance (M), Supreme Regeneration (M), Steel Body (L), Danger Perception (L), Dragon Rider (L), Horsback Riding (L), Command (L), Intuition (SSS), Sworsmanship (SSS), …

Potential: X

Strength: 1500 —> 2000

Stamina: 1500 —> 2000

Agility: 1500 —> 2000

Vitality: 1500 —> 2000

Endurance: 1500 —> 2000

Mana: 1480 —> 2480

Seeing his ridiculously high attributes, Alaric was stunned.

All his attributes increased by 500, but how come his mana increased by 1000?

He furrowed his eyebrows.

I should ask him later. Anyway, he told me that he will share his experiences during this breakthrough.

“Do you want to head back to the city?” Alaric asked.

Bellator clenched his fists, gauging the increase in his muscle strength. “I need time to adapt to my growth. I think I will have to stay here for the next five days.”

Alaric nodded. “Alright. I will leave the Champions here. They will help you handle all the trifling issues.”

“If you need anything, just send someone to inform me.” He added.

Bellator didn’t reject him. “Alright. I owe you one for protecting me so if you have any request, tell me.”

He didn’t like owing favors so he wanted to offer his services to Alaric if needed.

Alaric was pleasantly surprised.

This was an expert in the Beyonder realm! If he were to follow him, no one in the surrounding nations would dare to entertain the thought of provoking him.

“I have no requests for now, Lord Bellator.” He shook his head, chuckling.

“I will take my leave first. I still have things to do in the capital.”

He turned around and waved his hand. “Farewell.”

Bellator cupped his fists. “I will return soon.”

…

Alaric climbed onto his horse, his thoughts wandering.

“Let’s return to Sorl.”

On the return trip, only Galanar and Caecus followed him. He instructed the one hundred Champions to stay in the forest and serve Bellator.

“My lord, the sneaky men from earlier are guest warriors from House Choi,” Caecus reported.

Alaric raised an eyebrow.

House Choi was one of the noble houses in Veronica, a strong one at that. It was a viscounty with a vast territory under its control.

“Have you verified this information?” He asked.

Caecus nodded. “Yes. We sent a messenger bird to our men at the capital to have them confirm their identities.”

Alaric rubbed his chin thoughtfully.

Guest warriors, huh? It sounds suspicious.

“Investigate those men. Give me a detailed report on their origins within three days.” He instructed.

Caecus acknowledged the command with a nod. “Your subordinate obeys.”

…

Ronn returned to the estate of House Choi with a gloomy face. They had nearly blown their cover.

He knew what fate would follow for a spy whose identity was revealed.

I must leave this place! Upon their return, a maidservant came to him and discreetly delivered a handwritten letter.

“It’s from the master.” She whispered before leaving.

Ronn’s face became serious when he saw the familiar seal. It was the secret seal of the Parahan Imperial Family.

A letter from the imperial family? After determining that the seal was undamaged, he opened the letter.

It was a coded message. If one were to read it normally, one would think that it was just a letter from a father to his son. However, a trained spy like him could read the secret message hidden within the letter.

Investigate Alaric Silversword. You have five days.

Ronn’s expression darkened. He crumpled the letter and burned it.

Just when I was planning to leave. Talk about right timing.

He complained.

What should I do?

He rubbed his temples.

He was afraid that House Silversword would do a more thorough background check on them. If that happened, they would definitely discover all the inconsistencies in their records.

Shit! This is driving me nuts!

…

The next day.

Why would Sir Caecus send us here to capture a few low-ranking warriors who are not even Knights?

Wolf grumbled.

He was the most outstanding genius among the first batch of trainees who trained under Alaric.

Two years had passed since he became a Knight and he had already cemented his position as one of the most powerful Knights of House Silversword. Even senior Knights respected him.

“Don’t be distracted, Wolf.”

A cold voice drifted into his ears.

“This is a mission from Sir Caecus. We must not fail.”

Wolf turned his head and saw Renante’s stern face.

“I know. I know.” He snorted.

“I understand that you want a more exciting mission, but as a Knight of House Silversword, one must learn to be versatile. Wolf, you must learn to be patient.” Renante reminded him.

Hearing this, Wolf’s face turned serious. “I understand, brother. Forgive me for my ignorance.”

Renante smiled faintly.

This kid is talented, but he is too arrogant. In time, I hope he will be more disciplined.

At this moment, the two young Knights were dining inside a restaurant, observing their targets discreetly.

“Only two of them are here and they are seated apart. The last target hasn’t appeared yet.” Renante mumbled in a voice that only Wolf could hear.

“Brother, why do you think Sir Caecus sent us here to capture those guys?” Wolf asked while keeping an eye on the targets.

Renante shook his head. “How would I know that? We just need to complete our mission. If you are curious, you should ask Sir Caecus yourself.”

Wolf was speechless by his response.