Starting With an SSS-Rank Swordsmanship Talent

Chapter 145: Giving the Half-used Beast Soul Crystal to Warrick

[Due to the effects of your trait ʼMana Gathering (C)ʼ, you received 1 mana.]

Eh? So thatʼs how it works!?

He was pleasantly surprised. He had almost forgotten about this trait since he hadnʼt found out its effect. Now, he finally understood how it worked.

So I can activate the trait by simply doing mana training, but the requirement is quite strict. I only gained one mana by doing all those mana-infused sword exercises.

Alaric lamented as he opened his profile.

Alaric Silversword [Elite Knight] EXP: 0 —> 3/1000

Potential: A

Traits: Horseback Riding (C), Swordsmanship (SSS), Close Combat (C), Archery (F), Hunting (E), Tracking (E), Sixth Sense (E), Monster Affinity (F), Mana Gathering (C)

Strength: 150

Stamina: 150

Agility: 150

Vitality: 150

Endurance: 150

Mana: 150 —> 151

Battle Points: 0 —> 20

Stat Points: 42 —> 45

(Requirements for the next advancement: 1000 EXP, 250 in all attributes, and 10000 Battle Points)

Alaric was exhausted, but he was happy that his efforts were rewarded.

The rewards of the new daily mission are great, but it requires too much time. Just today alone, I spent several hours doing everything. Good thing thereʼs no penalty for not completing the new daily mission. Otherwise, I will be done for if Iʼm in a situation where I canʼt do the exercises.

Alaric thought.

At this moment, Warrick and the others finally approached him.

”My lord!” They greeted him with even more respect now that he had become an Elite Knight.

Before this, their respect stemmed from the fact that he was the heir of House Silversword and his incredible talent for swordsmanship, but it was different now that he had become an Elite Knight.

He was already standing on the same level as them!

Alaric got up and returned their greeting.

”My lord, since when did you become an Elite Knight?” Warrick asked while staring at him with a serious face.

”Just yesterday.” Alaric shrugged without bothering to explain.

Seeing that he had no intention to disclose the details, he no longer pressed the matter.

”I see. Congratulations on your advancement, my lord!”

”Congratulations, my lord!”

Everyone showered him with congratulatory words.

Alaric responded to them one by one.

”By the way, Sir Warrick, I have something for you. Please follow me to my study.” Alaric turned his head toward Warrick.

The latter raised an eyebrow, feeling curious about his invitation, but he still nodded in response. ”Yes, my lord.”

”Also, please inform the workers to repair that. Tell them to make it more durable.” Alaric pointed at the arched stone that he used in his pull-ups. There was noticeable damage to the architecture because of the unexpected weight that it had to carry.

Everyone smiled wryly upon hearing this.

”Yes, my lord.”

After giving a few more instructions, Alaric nodded to Warrick and left the training grounds.

Warrick quietly followed him.

Just as they were about to enter the main mansion, they saw Roland with two of his subordinates walking toward them.

”My lord.” Roland cupped his fists.

Suddenly, Roland widened his eyes.

Elite Knight!

Alaric seemed to have sensed his shock and sent him a smile. ”Whatʼs up, Sir Roland?” He asked.

Roland cleared his throat while gathering his thoughts. ”We have overstayed here so Iʼm here to bid you farewell. Although itʼs rather unfortunate that you wonʼt be joining our side.” He expressed his regret with a long sigh.

”It is indeed unfortunate, but I hope that this wonʼt affect our friendship.” Alaric shook his head, also feeling regretful.

”Of course not!” Roland shook his head and smiled.

”Thatʼs good.”

Alaricʼs face suddenly turned serious as he said.

”I hope that you will properly convey our concerns to His Highness. We donʼt want the empire to fall into ruin so we are making this choice.”

Roland understood his worries. This was also one of his concerns once the two princes would clash. He was certain that their battle would cause great damage to Astania.

”I understand. I will convey your message to His Highness. You can rest assured, my lord.” He promised.

The two exchanged a few more words before Roland left with his subordinates.

Looking at his departing figure, Alaric smiled.

We will meet again soon, my friend. Iʼm sure we will.

”He is a respectable warrior,” Warrick commented.

”Mn.” Alaric hummed in agreement.

When they could no longer see Rolandʼs group, Alaric turned around and uttered. ”Letʼs go.”

Warrick nodded and followed him inside the main mansion.

Alaric brought Warrick to his study and took the beast soul crystal of the Orc Lord that was hidden in his deskʼs drawer.

Galanar had only used less than half of the energy it contained so thereʼs still plenty of energy left.

”You have done well in performing your duties. You deserve this reward. I hope that you will advance with the help of this beast soul crystal.” Alaric handed him the crystal.

”My lord, this is…” Warrick was flabbergasted.

He could tell that it was the beast soul crystal of the Orc Lord. Although some of its energy was gone, it still contained enough energy to facilitate his advancement.

”Please take it, Sir Warrick.”

Warrick no longer hesitated after seeing his insistence. ”Thank you, my lord! I wonʼt fail your expectations!”

He had been an Elite Knight for a long time, but he hadnʼt found a chance to break through because of the lack of natural resources and mana. However, with this beast soul crystal, not to mention a week, he would probably advance in just a few days!

Alaric tapped his shoulder. ”Keep up the good work.”

He offered a few more words of encouragement to the veteran Elite Knight before he sent him out of his study.

After Warrick left, Alaric took his seat.

Once Sir Warrick becomes a Transcendent Knight, House Silversword will have three Transcendents.

Thereʼs Sir William too.

If only I could convince him to officially join us…

Maybe there will be a chance once we gather the surrounding forces for the orc subjugation plan.

As he thought of this, his lips curved upwards.