Starting With an SSS-Rank Swordsmanship Talent

Ferdinand stared at Rucan with disbelief.

“L-Lord Commander… why did you…” He was seething with rage.

He had never been slapped in his life. He felt humiliated.

Rucan’s face was grim. He had long tolerated the crown prince’s personality, but this time was different. They were facing a warrior who had confidently insulted the crown prince at their doorstep. This meant that the other party held substantial power.

Without responding to Ferdinand, Rucan sent Demetrio a deep look. “I think His Highness is not feeling well. Please take him back to his quarters, Lord Demetrio.”

Demetrio understood his intentions, but hesitated for a moment. He was a subordinate of the crown prince so he should never follow someone else’s instructions.

Did the Lord Commander also sense something dangerous about this stranger?

He thought with a frown.

The aura released by the man in the sky was profound. It was oppressive enough to shake someone like him.

After some contemplation, Demetrio acceded. He looked at the crown prince and lowered his head. “I apologize for my discourtesy, Your Highness. Please follow me inside the palace.”

This is for your own good, Your Highness. I hope you won’t be stupid enough to miss our intentions.

Ferdinand wasn’t a complete idiot. He could also tell that the stranger was no ordinary character. For him to make the highly acclaimed Lord Commander afraid, the other party was definitely a powerful expert.

He was only clouded by his anger. Rucan’s slap made him regain clarity.

Although still angry, he chose to swallow his pride.

“We will have a long talk, Lord Commander.” After saying those words, he turned around and walked away.

Just as he was about to leave, a cold voice drifted into his ears.

“Did I allow you to leave?”

Ferdinand paused his steps, turned his head, and frowned. Displeasure was written all over his face.

Bellator descended and landed on the ground.

Rucan, Demetrio, and the members of the Beast Fang Corps immediately surrounded him with their weapons drawn, ready to strike at any moment.

“My lord, we don’t want to offend you, so please leave while we are still asking nicely,” Rucan warned.

Although he was afraid of the other party’s power, he believed that they could defeat him. There might be some casualties, but he didn’t care.

“More soldiers will come here soon and it would be unwise for you to show hostility. This is your last chance. Leave.” Rucan added, this time with a much firmer tone.

The atmosphere became tense. Everyone gripped their weapons tightly as they circulated their mana. Once Rucan gave the command, they would immediately attack the other party.

Looking at their grim faces, Bellator clicked his tongue, feeling somewhat annoyed.

“Troublesome…”

At this moment, a powerful aura swept the area, followed by a loud shout.

“Which bastard dares to intrude on my palace?!”

Boom!

A mighty old man wearing purple battle armor appeared at the scene. He exuded a great sense of majesty and dignity that quieted the restless warriors.

Seeing this old man, Rucan, Demetrio, and the others immediately lowered their heads in submission. Even the arrogant Ferdinand bowed his head.

“Your Majesty!”

It turned out that this old man was the emperor of Parahan, Derumoa Parahan. He was a 4-Ringed Beast Soul Grandmaster, renowned for his overwhelming might and array of abilities.

Derumoa scanned the crowd and quickly noticed the unfamiliar person among them.

“Who are you?” He intentionally sent a stream of his aura to scare the other party.

Unfortunately, it didn’t seem to have any effect.

Bellator grinned at him, giving him a mocking glance.

“So you are the emperor of this nation. Your strength is pathetic for a ruler.” He shook his head, his words shocking everyone.

Derumoa raised an eyebrow, his face grave. He didn’t expect the other party to remain calm in the face of his aura.

It must be noted that he was just a small step away from advancing to the 5-Ringed Beast Soul Sovereign realm. His formidable aura alone was enough to deter Venerables.

He gestured with his hand, signaling to his subordinates not to make any further moves.

He took a deep breath and spoke in a lighter tone. “Can you tell me why you came to my palace?”

Bellator chuckled.

This old man was a lot smarter than his son. At least he knew when to take a step back.

With a composed look, he opened his mouth, his voice echoing. “I am Bellator Cruentos, a warrior of House Silversword. I came here to stop your crown prince from stupidly waging war against our nation.”

Derumoa frowned.

House Silversword… Isn’t that the newly appointed dukedom in Astania? I don’t remember offending them. Just what is going on here?

His cold gaze subconsciously turned toward his son, filled with questions.

Feeling his father’s gaze, Ferdinand didn’t dare make eye contact and quickly looked away.

This bastard! Did he cause trouble again?!

Derumoa cursed in his mind.

Looking at the brief exchange of glances between the father and son, Bellator was amused.

Derumoa cleared his throat and responded with a forced smile. “There must be a misunderstanding somewhere. Parahan has never been hostile to Astania and we even have business dealings before.”

Bellator snorted. “I don’t care about your lame excuses. This is my first and last warning. Don’t even think about sending your troops. Otherwise…”

He lifted his hand and summoned his Flame Divine Spear. With a cold gaze, he threw it toward the palace.

Booom!!

Under everyone’s stunned gazes, a large portion of the palace was decimated.

Bellator recalled his Flame Divine Spear and sent the Parahanian Emperor a deep look. “Put a leash on your son. If I see his shadow again, it won’t end with just this.”

His words carried a heavy killing intent that scared everyone, including Derumoa.

With a cold snort, Bellator soared into the sky and left.

Although he was gone, the strength he revealed astonished them. They all realized that it wasn’t something that a Venerable could do.

Just then, a terrifying thought emerged in their minds.