Starting With an SSS-Rank Swordsmanship Talent

Chapter 22: Arthur Valkan

Normally, a fight between Knights would conclude in just a few moves, but there were cases when the battle dragged on because of the amazing skills of the two fighters.

At this moment, Alaric and Anthony had already clashed more than twenty times and there was still no clear indication of who would come out as the victor.

The crowd watched with bated breath as the two Knights fought.

It was a battle unlike any other.

”Is Lord Alaric really a new Knight?” One of the guests murmured with a face full of disbelief.

A few people heard him, but no one was in the mood to reply. They were all so shocked by the ongoing battle that they were unable to respond.

Anthony Olliver was a Knight of Vale. He had decades of experience and this cemented his reputation as one of the most powerful Knights in the surrounding cities. However, he found himself struggling to win against a newly advanced Knight and this made him feel utterly confounded.

Just what kind of son did Baron Lucas raise?

The more he fought with Alaric, the more stunned he became.

Alaric didnʼt fight like the newbie everyone thought he was. He was like a seasoned veteran who had fought countless battles, but the most impressive thing about him was his swordsmanship.

Alaricʼs every move was calculated and there were no extra movements. He wasnʼt even trying to be flashy, but he moved with such elegance that it almost looked like he was doing a performance.

What a dazzling swordsmanship!

Anthony had never seen something like this before. It was beautiful and dreadful at the same time.

As the battle continued, Anthonyʼs stamina was starting to decline. His halberd was getting heavier and heavier.

Iʼm getting old…

Anthony lowered his halberd and muttered while lightly shaking his head. ”I concede.”

No one expected him to surrender in the middle of the fight, but the crowd accepted the result.

Alaricʼs abilities had surpassed their expectations. It wouldnʼt even be an exaggeration to say that he was unrivaled among Knights.

”Thank you, my lord. It was a good fight. Unfortunately, Iʼm already too old to give you a satisfactory battle.” Anthony gave a snappy Knightʼs salute.

Alaric sheathed his swords and returned the salute. ”What are you saying, Sir Anthony? If we were to use mana, I would have no chance to defeat you. I have learned a lot from this battle. Thank you!”

Anthony merely smiled at his words.

He knew that Alaric was just saying those words to make him feel better.

Although he had more mana than Alaric at this moment, it was only a matter of time before he would surpass him given Alaricʼs potential.

”For this battle, it is Alaricʼs victory!” Lucas announced the results.

The venue shook with excitement after his announcement.

”Holy shit!”

”He actually won!”

”Hahaha! I didnʼt bet on the wrong person! I knew Lord Alaric could do it!”

”My precious gold coins are gone now…”

While everyone was talking about Alaricʼs victory, one person was seething with anger.

How could this be? He even defeated Anthony Olliver… Is Lucasʼs blood really that strong?

Charles could hardly contain his emotions.

”Lord Charles, you must be feeling proud to have such a powerful nephew! Congratulations!” A voice suddenly drifted into his ears.

Charles almost vomited blood when he heard those words.

He turned his head and saw that it was an official from Vale, an old man named Chandler.

Under the city lord were ten officials who helped him in managing Vale. Chandler was the oldest official among the ten and he had already served three city lords.

As arrogant as he was, Charles didnʼt dare provoke this old man so he could only swallow his anger.

”Am I so obvious, Sir Chandler?” He forced out a smile.

The old official chuckled as he stroked his beard. ”No wonder you suggested for him to join the competition. I thought you just wanted him to gain some experience. I never expected that Lord Alaric was such a skillful swordsman.”

”Hahaha! But of course! Whose nephew do you think he is?” Charles laughed. He used the chance to strike up a conversation with the old man.

At this moment, the next participants were already called to the stage.

Dylann Heinrich stepped forward. He was confident when he suggested this competition, but his confidence started to fade away when he saw how powerful the other participants were, especially Alaric who had only turned eighteen.

I was too arrogant. I thought that my talent was one of the best in the empire. Compared to Alaric, Iʼm nothing.

Dylann thought to himself.

However… I wonʼt give up just like that. Talent isnʼt the only factor that determines the growth of an individual. Talent without effort is meaningless.

I will use this opportunity to sharpen my blade and prepare myself for the future battles that I will face!

With renewed confidence, Dylannʼs eyes flashed with unshakable resolve.

His opponent finally stepped onto the stage.

Arthur Valkan, a veteran mercenary who was only a step away from becoming an Elite Knight. He was a decade younger than Anthony, but the battles he had faced were as numerous as the old Knight.

He was born a commoner and he was sold off by his parents to a mercenary group when he was young.

At the early age of six, he was forced to learn swordsmanship. He had no choice since he was already their possession. Through the years he stayed with the mercenary group that bought him. He hated his parents and he also hated the mercenary group that separated him from his family. However, as the years went by, he gradually became accustomed to his life as a mercenary. He had even forgotten his parents who had heartlessly sold him off.

At this moment, he had already freed himself from the mercenary group and established his name in the industry.

”My name is Arthur Valkan.” Arthur greeted his opponent with a simple bow.