Starting With an SSS-Rank Swordsmanship Talent

”Very well. You have my word.” Bellator nodded.

Blood Scar stared deeply at him before he turned around and gestured at his subordinates. ”We are leaving. Let’s head back to the tribe.”

”Yes, Lord!”

Bellator watched them leave with narrowed eyes.

That guy is dangerous.

Blood Scar’s energy was boundless and he had this thick air of ferocity. He had the temperament that could only be honed on the dangerous battlefield.

I bought us some time, but I doubt those stubborn beastkins will willingly allow humans to settle in their territory.

Thinking about this, he quickly left and returned to Alaric’s location.

Whoosh!

”Lord Bellator, what happened out there?” Asked Yskaela as she approached him, her eyes filled with inquiry.

Bellator took a deep breath and replied in a grim voice. ”I managed to buy us some time, but I think a war is inevitable.”

Yskaela frowned at his words.

”No matter. I am sure it will be alright.” Bellator added to ease her worries.

”I hope so.” Yskaela shook her head with a sigh.

At this moment, Alaric had already refined eighty percent of the mana in his body. With a little more time, he would become a Beyonder!

The two patiently waited as Alaric refined the last mana particles in his body.

Soon, Alaric opened his eyes, his overwhelming energy leaking out with oppressive force.

Bellator waved his hand to repel the energy and shield Yskaela from harm.

”Congratulations, Lord Alaric.” Bellator offered a heartfelt congratulation with a smile.

”You did well. Congratulations!” Yskaela was also happy for his breakthrough.

Now the great allied army has two Beyonders.

Alaric rose to his feet and introspected the changes in his body.

The first thing he noticed was that his energy core was gone and it had turned into a mana heart. This mana heart was pulsating with power and was pumping refined mana throughout his entire body. The refined mana was gradually strengthening every fiber of his being.

So this is what it feels like to have a mana heart.

He could now vividly see the surrounding mana particles. It wasn’t like before when he could only sense its presence.

Alaric willed his mana heart, prompting it to absorb the surrounding mana.

As the mana particles entered his body, his mana heart slowly refined these raw mana particles into a more condensed energy.

What a wonderful feeling!

His eyes lit up with excitement.

He then opened the system screen to see how much his attributes had improved.

Alaric Silversword [Beyonder] EXP: 0/25000

Potential: M

Integrated Monster Traits: Dominator’s Aura (SSS)

Traits: Swordsmanship (M), Poison Immunity (L), Ruthless Slaughterer (SSS), Shield Mastery (SSS), Supreme Regeneration (SS), Close Combat (SS), Horseback Riding (S), Sixth Sense (S), Appraisal (A), Hunting (A), Tracking (B), Monster Affinity (B), Mana Gathering (B), Archery (C)

Strength: 2000

Stamina: 2000

Agility: 2000

Vitality: 2000

Endurance: 2000

Mana: 2000

Battle Points: 0

Stat Points: 0

(Requirements for the next advancement: 25000 EXP, 5000 in all attributes, and 250000 Battle Points)

Alaric was dumbfounded.

My traits... they were all upgraded along with my advancement?

This was an overall increase in his strength. It wasn’t just his raw attributes that were enhanced, even his traits received a significant boost.

Just then, he felt a mild headache, followed by a torrent of foreign memories. Information about new sword movements and more comprehensive techniques was imprinted in his mind. Unarmed battle styles, elite horseback riding methods, veteran hunting skills, and many more were added into memory.

It took him a few seconds to organize his thoughts.

”I feel incredible!” He exclaimed with unconcealed joy.

Bellator and Yskaela smiled upon hearing his words, simply thinking that he was excited by his advancement.

He closed the system screen and looked at the two. ”Did something happen while I was advancing?”

Yskaela nodded, not saying anything. She thought that it would be better for Bellator to speak.

Realizing her intentions, Bellator cleared his throat and said. ”During your advancement, a small party of lion beastkins came to investigate. One of them is a Beyonder, a warrior who is almost as strong as I am.”

Alaric raised an eyebrow upon hearing this. ”Does he have any unique facial characteristics? Does he have a scar on his face?”

Taken aback, Bellator nodded. ”Yes, he has a scar on his face, but... how did you know?”

”Well...” Alaric looked at Yskaela.

”We happened to encounter a beastkin settlement earlier and captured two of their folks. From their mouths, we extracted some information.”

”I see.” Bellator calmly accepted this explanation.

Suddenly, his face turned serious as he suggested.

”My lord, those lion beastkins might soon gather their vassal forces to find us. We must make preparations before they come.”

Alaric nodded in agreement. ”Let us go back to the camp and inform the others.”

After making a decision, the trio left in haste.

...

Back to the Northern Golden Savanna, in the dwelling of the chieftain of the golden lion tribe.

Blood Scar hurried inside his brother’s training chamber, his face looking urgent.

When he arrived, he found his brother sitting cross-legged in the middle of the training chamber, his eyes shut tight as he absorbed the surrounding mana particles.

Two lion beastkin warriors stood guard behind him, immovable as a statue.

Looking at the guards, Blood Scar signaled with his eyes. ”Leave us.”

The two warriors pretended not to hear him and remained standing.

Seeing that they refused to listen, Blood Scar sent them an impatient look.

Just as he was about to scold them, the bare-chested lion beastkin opened his eyes. ”You are dismissed.”

The two warriors saluted and left under the stern glare of Blood Scar.

Looking at the annoyed face of his brother, the Golden Lion Sovereign walked toward him with a smile. ”Cut them some slack. You know that they only listen to me.”

Blood Scar snorted, not bothering to argue with him.

”What’s the matter? Did you find out the identity of that being?” The sovereign asked.

Blood Scar nodded grimly. ”Humans! There are humans in our territory! And the one who caused all that commotion is one of them!”

Hearing this, the sovereign’s face darkened.