Starting With an SSS-Rank Swordsmanship Talent

Warrick lifted his sword, forcing Treston's lance to slide off on the blade of his sword.

Shiinng!!

After deflecting the lance, Warrick used the residual force to swing his sword toward Treston.

Whoosh!

The old warrior frowned and pulled his head back, narrowly evading the attack that would have cut off his head.

While the two Transcendents were fighting, the two armies had already clashed. The fearsome collision of both forces caused the ground to tremble.

The sound of blades clashing, the soldiers' cries, and even the horses' neighs echoed.

Anton Keller watched the battle with a look of discomfort.

Did I make the right choice?

Seeing the soldiers die because of his decision made him feel uncomfortable. The guilt was gnawing at him.

Aru, I was foolish! I made a rash decision…

He regretted it, but there was no turning back anymore.

Meanwhile, the battle between Treston and Warrick had become more intense. They had to abandon their mounts to bring out their fullest potential.

The area around them had already become a place of ruin. It was a total disaster, but there was still no clear winner between them.

How is this guy so powerful?

Treston furrowed his eyebrows. He had remained invincible throughout his life and there had only been a handful of people who had defeated him. However, facing this newly ascended Transcendent, he found it incredibly challenging.

He realized at that moment that he was no longer the same warrior he used to be. He had become old and his body was no longer as powerful as it was. He didn't want to admit it, but the cold hard truth slapped him in the face.

"You are indeed powerful, Sir Treston. If I had fought with you in your prime, I wouldn't have lasted long." Warrick muttered as their weapons clashed for a hundredth time.

Treston frowned upon hearing his words. He knew that his opponent wasn't mocking him, but it deeply hurt his pride as a warrior.

Feeling furious, he put more force into his lance, imbuing more mana into it to deliver a powerful strike.

Whoosh!

A devastating blow struck Warrick's sword. The force behind the attack was so overwhelming that he had to use all his strength to prevent himself from being knocked away. His legs trembled under the tremendous pressure and the ground beneath his feet caved in.

What kind of power is this?!

Warrick was stunned. He could barely block the lance from tearing him apart!

"Your name is Warrick, right? Your strength is not bad, but if you want to take my spot in the Astanian Dragon Leaderboard, you still have a long way to go!" Treston shouted before he released a whipping kick that sent Warrick flying into the air.

What happened?

Warrick's mind was in a mess and it took him a few seconds to realize what had happened.

I was arrogant. I thought I was already strong enough to fight someone like Sir Treston, but it seems like I have underestimated his power.

Before he fell to the ground, he twisted his body and awkwardly landed on his feet.

He could feel a burning sensation in his chest. It was where Treston had kicked him. He immediately used his mana to lessen the pain.

Looking at the old warrior dressed in steel armor, Warrick revealed a trace of fear.

Is this fear?

He grinned nervously.

My job here is only to buy time. I don't need to defeat him. I must hold on while Fredrinn is saving those people.

As he thought of this, he adjusted his fighting stance in preparation for his enemy's attack.

Just then, Treston's figure blurred.

Whoosh!

So fast?!

Warrick was startled. He quickly evaded to the side. He felt searing pain on his left shoulder which had been grazed by Treston's lance.

If I had been a little bit slower, I would have been cut in half!

"Don't blame me for this, Warrick. I don't want to kill you, but I can't disobey my lord's command." Treston's indifferent voice drifted into his ears.

Hearing this, Warrick felt a chill running down his spine. It wasn't a bluff. The old man was fully capable of killing him!

"Sir Treston, why follow a despicable man like Darvin? He is only a bully who oppresses the poor and the weak!" Warrick shouted in an attempt to throw off his enemy's mental state.

Treston snorted at his words. "You know nothing!"

The old warrior stabbed out his lance.

Whoosh!

Warrick gritted his teeth and firmly held his sword as he deflected the attack.

His hands bled after forcefully changing the trajectory of Treston's lance.

Dammit! He is too strong! One more of that attack and I might lose a hand!

His face was covered with thick beads of sweat.

While breathing heavily, he kept his eyes on Treston, unwilling to take the old warrior off his sight.

"It was a good battle, but I must end this here," Treston muttered as he pointed his lance to Warrick.

"Wait!" Warrick raised his hand. He could only try to buy some time here no matter how embarrassing it was.

Treston raised an eyebrow. "Do you have any last words?"

Warrick took a deep breath. He could die here and his next words would decide his death or his survival so he had to choose what to say carefully.

"Sir Treston, you have a family, right? Do you think offending House Silversword would end well for you guys? Let me tell you this…"

Warrick paused for a moment before he continued.

"A more formidable warrior is coming here and the moment he arrives, it will be the end of House Harrison! That includes your family too!"

As soon as he uttered those words, a fearsome killing intent descended upon him. It was so intense that he felt like there was a hand grabbing him by the neck!

"It seems like I have to crush your skull before killing you!" Treston's furious voice echoed.