“What if someone will attack North Pine Town while most of our skilled warriors are away?” Someone asked with a concerned look.
“That wouldn’t be an issue, as long as there’s no Disaster-grade monster, nothing will happen to the town. Besides, I’m already thinking of hiring someone who can guarantee the safety of the town and the estate.” Lucas spoke confidently.
Everyone was curious to know who he was talking about, but it didn’t seem like Lucas had the intention of telling them so no one asked.
“Are there more questions?”
At this moment, Henry raised his hand and asked.
“My lord, who will represent us for the trial by combat?”
Hearing this, everyone perked their ears as they stared at Lucas.
“Who is the strongest Knight in the household?” Lucas muttered while smiling faintly at them.
Everyone turned their gazes to Alaric. They had already accepted the fact that Alaric was stronger than them. Even in the surrounding cities, it would be difficult to find someone who could defeat him.
“It looks like we all have the same idea.” Lucas chuckled.
“My lord, wouldn’t it be dangerous for Lord Alaric?” Unexpectedly, Charles expressed his worry about the decision.
He continued. “I’m aware that he is powerful, but accidents happen in battle, especially in a trial by combat where everyone puts their life on the line.”
A few people nodded at his words, clearly in agreement with him.
Alaric was the only heir of House Silversword. If something happened to him, there would be no one to succeed Lucas’s position.
Lucas didn’t respond immediately. He looked at his son and asked his opinion. “What do you think, Alaric? How confident are you?”
All eyes gathered on Alaric as soon as the baron uttered those words.
Sensing everyone’s eyes on him, Alaric remained calm. If it was anyone else, they might not be able to bear the pressure of their expectations.
However, this little bit of pressure was nothing to someone who had experienced a large-scale war.
With an indifferent expression, Alaric responded. “As long as the enemy is not an Elite Knight, I can guarantee my victory! Everyone may rest assured. You just need to ensure that no one will interfere with the trial.”
The veteran warriors were amazed by his composure and unwavering courage.
“Yes, my lord! We will do our best to ensure the fairness of the trial!” The warriors replied in unison.
Charles narrowed his eyes.
Alaric was already gaining their support when he only recently became a Knight and this made him feel threatened.
I should dispose of him while it is still early…
This thought crossed his mind.
“Good! Now that we have decided on our representative for the trial, you guys should leave and make your preparations for tomorrow’s trip!” Lucas dismissed them.
…
The next day, Alaric woke up early to do his daily routine.
No one was in the training ground when he arrived so the place was unusually quiet. Only the occasional chirping of the birds and the buzzing sounds of insects could be heard in the background.
Without further ado, Alaric started doing his exercises.
100 pushups ☑️
100 sit-ups ☑️
100 pull-ups ☑️
10 km run ☑️
Soon, it was time for his sword exercises.
100 vertical slashes ☑️
100 diagonal slashes ☑️
100 horizontal slashes ☑️
100 stabs ☑️
At the final stab, the cyan screen appeared in front of him.
[You received 10 Battle Points.]
[You received 1 EXP.]
[You received 1 Stat Point.]
Alaric Silversword [Knight] EXP: 371/500
Potential: B
Traits: Horseback Riding (C), Swordsmanship (SSS), Close Combat (C), Archery (F), Hunting (E), Tracking (F), Sixth Sense (F)
Strength: 100
Stamina: 34+
Agility: 43+
Vitality: 27+
Endurance: 42+
Mana: 13+
Battle Points: 2560
Stat Points: 34
(Requirements for next advancement: 500 EXP, 100 in all attributes, and 5000 Battle Points)
He now had 34 stat points. He felt tempted to use them all, but he refrained from doing it.
Just then, he suddenly heard a series of footsteps.
Step. Step. Step.
He closed the cyan screen and looked at the person who had arrived.
“My lord!” Rasmus didn’t expect to see Alaric this early in the morning. From his sweaty face, he could tell that Alaric was probably training.
I heard that they would leave again today.
He actually woke up early just to not skip his training. Lord Alaric is truly different from everyone else. No wonder his strength is already formidable at his age.
Rasmus’s eyes flashed with veneration.
“Rasmus, what are you doing here so early in the morning?” Alaric was also surprised to see him.
Rasmus laughed in embarrassment as he replied. “I came here to practice my swordsmanship.”
Alaric smiled at his words. “I see. Your commitment is commendable, but you shouldn’t overdo your training. Enough rest is also necessary in building a strong body.”
“Thank you for your advice, my lord. I will keep it in mind.” Rasmus lowered his head to express his gratitude.
“Then, I won’t disturb you. I’ll take my leave first.” Alaric tapped his shoulder, turned around, and walked away.
Looking at his back, Rasmus shouted. “Be careful on your trip, my lord!”
Hearing this, Alaric waved his hand without looking back.
…
A few hours later, the entourage for the trip assembled in front of the main mansion, bidding farewell to their families.
Alaric was also there to say goodbye to his parents and Elena.
Elena wanted to come with them, but Alaric didn’t agree this time. Things could get dangerous so it was better for Elena to remain at the estate.
For this trip, Alaric decided to ride on a horse to make the journey faster.
He was also appointed as the leader of the group which everyone unanimously agreed.
“Is everyone ready?” Alaric swept his gaze at the warriors, looking carefully at the equipment they were carrying.
“Check the equipment and the supplies! Make sure that we have brought all the things we need!” He reminded them with a stern gaze.
“Yes, my lord!”
The warriors did as instructed and began to inspect everything.
After ensuring that they hadn’t forgotten anything, Alaric took one last look at the people they would leave behind and shouted.
“Let’s go!”