Starting With an SSS-Rank Swordsmanship Talent

Alaric rose to his feet and rushed towards the window.

He laughed excitedly when he saw the familiar figure circling above the sky.

"Zephyr! How did you come here on your own, buddy?" He jumped out of the window and landed on the ground.

Turning his head, he saw a group of warriors approaching. He gestured at them not to worry and to return to their posts.

Whoosh!

Suddenly, the beast flying above the clouds swooped down and landed before him.

"Zephyr, I'm glad to see you." Alaric smiled as he walked forward to stroke the beast's fur.

The Draconic Lion emitted a faint sound as if to show its joy. It lowered its head and nudged him gently.

Alaric chuckled and stroked its head. He inspected the beast's body and noticed that its wounds had already healed. Only scars remained from the gruesome wounds it had suffered.

"You must have been bored out of your mind since I wasn't there."

Although they couldn't share a conversation, they could understand each other's emotions due to the mysterious connection between them.

"Zephyr, you came at the right time. We need to head somewhere soon, but before that, I will go and summon the others first."

Alaric was worried about his father so he planned to head to Zurcath in person.

He summoned all the high-ranking military officers of Astania who were stationed in Midgard. In less than thirty minutes, dozens of powerful warriors gathered at his mansion with the weakest of them being an Elite Knight.

Looking at the gathered warriors, Alaric told them about the situation. Everyone was shocked by the news. Half a million troops led by the imperial army were a formidable force that could threaten the life of a Venerable.

They finally understood the source of Alaric's worries.

"I will head to Zurcath so I want the rest of you here to manage the city's security while I am gone. During my absence, you all must follow Yvanna's orders and treat them like my own. Do you understand?" Alaric announced with a stern look.

Everyone was stunned upon hearing this, including Yvanna who was among the summoned people.

Meanwhile, the military officers were already aware of the relationship between him and Yvanna. Although they weren't husband and wife yet, everyone believed that it was only a matter of time before they tied the knot.

However, they were worried that Yvanna couldn't do her task well during Alaric's absence.

Sensing their worries, Alaric furrowed his eyebrows. "To make sure that things will run smoothly, Sir Galanar will stay behind to help Yvanna."

Hearing this, everyone's expression eased up.

They all recognized Galanar's power. With him around, they were convinced that nothing would go wrong.

"Galanar!" Alaric called out.

A figure rushed to his side and saluted respectfully. "Your Highness, your servant is here!"

"You must stay here and protect Yvanna while I'm gone. You must listen to her orders. Do you understand?" Alaric stared deeply at him.

"I obey." Galanar acknowledged his commands.

Alaric was pleased with his response. He then turned his head to Yvanna and sent her a knowing look.

Understanding his intentions, she walked forward and glared at him.

"Are you heading there alone?" She asked in a whispering voice.

Alaric moved closer to her and leaned forward to whisper a response. "No. I will bring a few people with me."

"I will entrust Midgard to you, but if there comes a time when your safety is at risk, you must abandon the city and prioritize your safety." He reminded her.

Midgard meant nothing to him. He couldn't care less if the city was recaptured by the Harunian troops.

"Alright. I will take care of Midgard for your sake, but you must return soon. I might be the princess of an elven kingdom, but I don't have the confidence to manage a human city." She expressed her concern.

Alaric smiled faintly at her words. "Don't worry. There is someone here who will assist you with administrative work."

Hearing this, Yvanna raised an eyebrow. "Are you talking about that woman?"

She had a gut feeling about who he was talking about.

Alaric nodded. "Don't underestimate her. She is a lot smarter than you think. If you ever find yourself uncertain of what to do, you can seek her advice."

Yvanna held some prejudice towards Mathilda, but she chose to believe Alaric's words. She knew that he wouldn't just randomly recommend someone incapable for such an important matter.

"Fine. I will give her a chance."

Alaric gave her a few more reminders before he turned his head to the warriors.

"My comrades, defending Midgard is important, but your lives are more important. If you ever encounter an unfavorable situation, don't hesitate to abandon the city." Alaric conveyed his thoughts to the military officers.

"Now, I will announce the names of those who will follow me to Zurcath. If your names are mentioned, step forward and walk behind me."

"Caecus…"

"Einar…"

"Butch…"

"Fredrinn…"

"Scilla…"

Five people were called out.

"The five of you will follow me to Zurcath. Pack your stuff. We will leave in forty-five minutes." He instructed.

The five chosen people saluted and quickly left to get their personal items.

After they left, Alaric looked at the crowd and said. "You must keep this information for a few days and make it so that our troops won't panic when they hear of it."

"Yes, Your Highness!"

The military officers responded in unison.

"You may return to your posts." Alaric waved his hand to dismiss the group.

After they left, Yvanna's voice drifted into his ears. "You must return unharmed."

Hearing this, Alaric turned around and nodded with a smile. "I will."

Half an hour later, the five people he picked had already returned. They only brought the necessary equipment and supplies.

Alaric didn't waste any time. He jumped onto Zephyr's back and gestured at the five people to do the same.

"Let's go."

Caecus and the others immediately jumped on the beast's back.

Before leaving, Alaric stared at Yvanna and sent her a farewell smile.

Whoosh!

In the next moment, the Draconic Lion flapped its wings and flew into the sky.