Starting With an SSS-Rank Swordsmanship Talent

Chapter 560: Veronica’s Strict Safety Protocols

”Congratulations on getting your permit, Your Highness.”

Alaric smiled at Shin Dol-seok. ”Without your help, I would have waited for a long time. You have my gratitude, Commander Shin.”

He patted the Veronican Commanderʼs shoulder.

”Itʼs an honor to help, Your Highness.” Shin Dol-seok humbly replied.

Alaric slipped a pouch of coins into the commanderʼs hand and sent him a knowing look. ”Letʼs see each other again soon.”

Shin Dol-seok nodded with a smile. ”You are welcome here any time, Your Highness.”

Just as Alaric was about to leave, he suddenly thought of a good idea.

”Have you been to the capital?” He asked.

”Yes, I have been there a couple of times, but why do you ask?” Shin Dol-seok stared at him with a baffled look.

Alaric smiled faintly. ”I am not familiar with the way there. How about you join the trip and guide us to the capital?”

His request took Shin Dol-seok aback. With an awkward smile, he responded. ”That might be…”

”Itʼs alright. Iʼm not forcing you to come with us, Commander Shin. If itʼs not possible, then excuse me.” Alaric turned around and walked away.

Shin Dol-seok hesitated for a moment before he went to chase him. ”Wait! Your Highness!”

Alaric stopped in his tracks and looked at the Veronican Commander. ”What is it?”

Shin Dol-seok took a deep breath and replied. ”I will go with you. I will be your guide.”

”Excellent.” Alaric beamed.

”Then prepare your things. We will leave in thirty minutes.”

”Yes, Your Highness.” Shin Dol-seok bowed and left with haste.

Alaric stared at the guy in amusement.

”Do we really need someone to guide us to the capital?” Nivisʼs voice drifted into his ears.

Alaric turned his head and saw her walking towards him, staring at him with a skeptical expression.

He shook his head and let out a smile. ”We donʼt need to, but bringing him along would make things more convenient for us. We might encounter a situation where a local like him would be useful.”

Nivis shrugged.

Alaric handed the flying permit to Galanar. ”Keep it and make sure you donʼt lose it.”

”Yes, Lord Venerable.” Galanar took the document and kept it in his inner pocket.

The group waited outside the outpost, but they didnʼt have to wait for long because Shin Dol-seok arrived in fifteen minutes.

The Veronican Commanderʼs face was covered in sweat. He was breathing heavily as if he had run back and forth without a break.

”Your Highness, Iʼm ready.” He said with a salute.

”Have you already informed your subordinates?” Alaric asked.

A commander suddenly leaving for an errand wasnʼt an unusual occurrence, but it might lead to dissatisfaction among his subordinates if he left without notice.

Shin Dol-seok nodded. ”I have informed my Deputy.”

”Good. Letʼs go.” Alaric jumped onto the Draconic Lionʼs back.

The ten Transcendents he brought followed suit. Shin Dol-seok looked at the terrifying monster and hesitated, but knowing that Alaric was in a hurry, he nervously jumped onto the beast.

Zephyr issued a roar before it soared into the air with a ʼwhooshʼ.

The residents of Gilsan watched the Draconic Lion slowly disappear, still feeling a lingering sense of nervousness and fear from seeing a powerful Catastrophe-grade beast.

…

”Commander Shin, were you able to say goodbye to your family?” Alaric asked the Veronican Commander who was struggling to keep his balance.

Shin Dol-seok shook his head. ”I donʼt have a family, Your Highness. I was an orphan who grew up in the military.”

Alaric didnʼt expect him to have this kind of story. ”That was thoughtless of me.”

Shin Dol-seok waved his hand and smiled. ”Itʼs fine. I donʼt mind.”

Alaric no longer asked him personal questions and changed the subject. ”Do you have a permanent residence in Gilsan?”

Shin Dol-seok shook his head. ”I thought of owning a house recently, but I was always busy so I didnʼt have the time to find one. I usually rent out a room in a nice inn, but most of the time, I just stay at the camp with the troops.”

”I see…” Alaric sighed inwardly.

He wondered how the guy could remain this positive despite the difficulties he had faced.

Along the way, they passed by several cities and towns. They had to stop by in each place to present the flying permit and this delayed the journey.

”Your country is really strict about this,” Alaric remarked with a hint of displeasure. They would have already arrived at the capital if it werenʼt for the stops and various checkpoints.”

Shin Dol-seok sent him an apologetic look. ”Veronica had a surge of visitors in the past decades so the higher-ups made some changes to the regulations to ensure the safety of the citizens.”

Veronica was known for its cleanliness and safety. They also had many amazing sceneries that were famous across the land.

For these reasons, visitors would flock to the country hoping to see the beauty of the place.

”I think itʼs a good idea actually. If you follow this method, you can spot spies or suspicious people very easily.” Nivis suddenly joined the conversation.

Shin Dol-seok turned his head at this blue-haired woman. He didnʼt know her relationship with Alaric, but he noticed that they were close.

He quickly pulled his eyes away from her to avoid misunderstandings.

Are the women in Astania as beautiful as her?

Veronica was known for its beautiful women, but he had never seen a Veronican woman who was more beautiful than this blue-haired woman.

”You have a point. I should suggest this to Leighnard the next time we meet.” Alaric rubbed his chin thoughtfully.

Several hours later, they stopped by at Bunsanam, a major city with millions of residents.

As soon as they landed in front of the city, a group of soldiers approached them with stern faces.

”Do you have a flying permit?” Asked the soldiers who were doing the routine check.

Galanar presented him with the permit.

”Brothers, I am Shin Dol-seok, the commander of Gilsanʼs army. I am here to guide these important guests to the capital.”

Shin Dol-seok spoke with the soldiers.