Starting With an SSS-Rank Swordsmanship Talent

Chapter 617: Arrival of the Astanian Reinforcements

The grand commander and the imperial guards inspected the corpses, but they couldnʼt find anything substantial.

While everyone had given up, the empress continued her investigation.

She crouched beside the abbotʼs corpse and scanned the wounds on his body with a solemn expression.

These wounds have remnants of the water element. Is she a water-type Catastrophe-grade beast?

She frowned.

The water element was one of the most common elements, but if it was mastered well, the wielder could unleash devastating damage on their enemies.

She shook her head and gave up. ”Stop the investigation.”

She looked at the grand commander and instructed. ”Clean up the corpses. Our priority now is to look for the main headquarters of the heretic cult.”

The attack tonight was clearly intended for Alaric, but the abbot failed and was even killed. With his death, they left a major clue on the possible location of the heretic cultʼs headquarters.

”Should I begin my investigation on the Buddhist temple?” The grand commander inquired.

The empress nodded her head. ”We have a lead now. Tell the witnesses to keep their mouths shut. We cannot alert the heretic cult now.”

”We can make use of this chance to take them by surprise.” She added.

”I understand.” The grand commander understood her intentions.

…

The next morning, the grand commander headed to Rabu with the highest-ranking soldiers of the imperial army. Their goal was to investigate the Buddhist temple and determine whether it was involved in the heretic cult.

Meanwhile, the empress summoned more troops from the nearest cities and towns to replace those who had fallen in battle.

The various noble and martial houses answered her call. They sent their best soldiers to support the empressʼs quest to eliminate the heretic cult.

Later that day, the Astanian reinforcements finally arrived at Guseomdong. They came faster than expected which brought the empress some relief.

Alaric went to greet his father and the two Venerables who had come with him.

”It must have been a rough journey. I am glad that you are all safe.” He shook hands with Dominic and Leroy to show his appreciation for accepting the task.

”You have become more powerful, Your Highness. I feel in awe of your unlimited potential.” Dominic laughed heartily.

He could feel the terrifying aura of the young prince. It was subtle, but the small traces of aura he felt made him feel a deep sense of fear.

He realized that Alaric had already surpassed him.

It wasnʼt just Dominic. Lucas and Leroy were also stunned by Alaricʼs immense growth.

”We meet again, Your Highness.” Leroy smiled at him.

Alaric smiled back in response.

After some idle talk with the two Venerables, he turned his gaze on his father.

”How have you been, my lord?” He grinned at Lucas.

Seeing his son looking so imposing, Lucas felt profoundly proud. He puffed his chest and tapped Alaricʼs shoulder. ”You have already surpassed your father. You have truly made me proud, my son.”

Alaric smiled upon hearing his words.

He chatted with his father about the situation in North Pine Town and House Silversword.

A moment later, Alaric ended the conversation and said with a stern look. ”I will bring you to see Her Majesty. We cannot let her wait for too long.”

The three Venerables nodded at his words.

With a look of anticipation, they followed Alaric.

Yskaela Veronica was the dream woman of every man in the surrounding nations. Even Lucas was once attracted to her unparalleled beauty and strength.

They were looking forward to meeting the renowned empress of Veronica.

Soon, they arrived in front of a mansion where the empress was temporarily staying. The whole place was surrounded by Veronican warriors. The security was so tight that not even a fly could get in.

Two members of the Crimson Phoenix Knights Order were already waiting for them at the entrance of the mansion.

”Respected Venerables, Her Majesty is waiting for you inside. Please follow us.” One of them said in a respectful tone.

Under the guidance of the two warrioresses, they were taken to the mansionʼs study where the empress was waiting for them.

Knock. Knock.

”Your Majesty, we have brought the Venerables.”

”You may come in.” Yskaelaʼs soothing, melodic voice drifted into their ears.

The warrioress opened the door, but didnʼt follow them inside.

Alaric and the three entered the room.

Upon entering, the first thing they saw was the empress who was wearing her battle armor. She looked valiant and imposing, like an angel dressed in phoenix armor.

Her overwhelming presence brought them a heavy pressure that almost forced them to submit.

This was Yskaelaʼs intentional display of her power to warn them not to do anything foolish.

Alaric waved his hand and the heavy aura immediately vanished.

With a smile on his face, he looked at the empress and said. ”Your Majesty, please allow me to introduce these gentlemen…”

Yskaelaʼs eyes flickered with surprise when she saw how easily he took care of her aura.

”This is Lord Dominic… He…”

”The guy to his right is Lord Leroy… He was once a part of…”

”And this is Lucas Silversword. As you already know, he is my father.”

Alaric kept the introduction short since he knew that the empress was already familiar with the three.

Yskaela stood up from her seat, her armor clanking with her every move. ”Thank you for coming here, gentlemen. Once everything has been settled, I will give the three of you a satisfactory reward for your contributions. I hope you will give it your all in this endeavor.”

The three Venerables managed to quickly recover their composure after being awestruck by her beauty. They smiled at her and responded positively.

”You can rest assured, Your Majesty. We will do our best to help Veronica destroy the heretic cult.”

”We didnʼt come here for the rewards, Your Majesty. We just donʼt want such an evil organization to continue to run rampant.”

The empress didnʼt know if they were speaking genuinely, but she could only choose to trust them.

She gestured with her hand and said. ”Please take your seats. I will brief you on the current situation.”