Starting With an SSS-Rank Swordsmanship Talent

The night after the ceremony, Alaric and Yvanna went to a newly built treehouse shich was gifted by a high elf.

It was supposed to be an intimate moment for them, but the newlyweds were exhausted from all the socialization. Moreover, Alaric’s mind was on the beast soul crystal they received from the Astanian Emperor.

Alaric took out the jade box and removed the lid, revealing a shiny, round crystal, brimming with ethereal colors.

"What kind of monster could have produced that beast soul crystal?" Yvanna mumbled while staring at it.

Alaric shook his head, spellbound by the crystal’s outward appearance. It was the most beautiful crystal he had ever seen.

"I have no idea, but whatever it was, it must have been a terrifying creature."

Yvanna nodded in agreement.

A Calamity-grade beast was already something that could threaten the Greenwood Kingdom, what more a Cataclysmic-grade beast that was a level above that?

Just the thought of it sent a chill through her.

Alaric picked up the crystal and examined it. He then handed it to Yvanna and asked. "Do you feel a connection with it?"

He was curious if he was the only one sharing this attraction toward the crystal.

To his surprise, Yvanna refused to accept it. She even looked a bit afraid, as if something within the crystal was bothering her.

"I don’t feel good about it. I think it is not meant for me." She shook her head.

Hearing this, Alaric furrowed his eyebrows and fell into deep thought.

Elves are innately gifted in sensing the abnormalities in heaven and earth. As for what she felt in the crystal, Alaric had no clue.

Should I absorb it?

He was genuinely interested in absorbing it, especially after knowing its origin.

"That crystal might be holding some kind of disastrous power. You must think twice before you make a decision." Yvanna cautioned him.

Her words made him pause.

"You are right. I will hold onto it for the time being." He smiled faintly. He then closed the jade box and kept it somewhere hidden.

As the night deepened, the couple finally shared a fiery and passionate embrace.

...

After the wedding, Alaric stayed in the Greenwood Kingdom to spend time with his wife and get to know his in-laws better.

Lucas and the two madams of House Silversword also remained to interact with the elven king and the high elves.

"Are you not going with them?" Garandel asked as he moved his piece on the chessboard.

Lucas who was seated in front of him didn’t rush to make his move. He was silent for a moment before he responded.

"I cannot leave." He shook his head, lifting his hand to pick up a chess piece.

As he moved the piece, he quickly added. "No one will be left to look after the territory if I join them."

Garandel rubbed his chin and made a counter move to defend a targeted piece. "I understand your position. As the head of the family, we have the responsibility to protect our home."

If he wasn’t the king, he would have chosen to participate in the expedition.

Lucas smiled faintly, while shaking his head. "It doesn’t matter. We still have plenty of time ahead of us. Once they have cleared the way, we might have the chance to explore the greater world outside this desolate region."

His eyes shone with anticipation when he uttered those words.

Garandel chuckled. "You have a point."

He lifted his hand and took down an opposing piece. "Check."

Lucas raised his eyebrows, observing the scattered chess pieces. He belatedly noticed the trap that had been set up for him.

While he was in deep thought, Garandel’s voice echoed. "There is nothing wrong with being patient, my friend."

Lucas shook his head with a bitter smile. "It’s no fun playing with you."

In this game of chess, the other had beaten him nine times out of ten. It was a one-sided match.

Garandel laughed gleefully. "It’s all luck! All luck! Hahah!"

...

Meanwhile, in the military outpost a few miles north of the Greenwood Kingdom.

John Phillip Astania looked at the people gathered in the temporary strategy room.

Everyone present were the leaders of their respective kingdoms and empires.

With a stern look, the Astanian Emperor asked. "How are the preparations?"

"More than 90% of the soldiers have already arrived. The remaining 10% should be here in less than a week. By then, we will be ready to march." One of the attendees responded.

The Astanian Emperor nodded. "What about the supplies and our logistics?"

"Everything has been accounted for. All the materials, equipment, and provisions have been loaded into the carriages. The logistics personnel are ready for the expedition." Another one answered.

"Good!" The Astanian Emperor looked quite pleased with the progress.

"Remind your men not to stray too far from the camp. We are close to the central part of the Enchanted Woodlands. Danger lurks in every corner so everyone must exercise caution." He warned with a serious expression.

"Understood!"

"Alright."

...

Five days later, in the Greenwood Kingdom.

Alaric climbed onto his horse. He turned his head and looked at his parents.

His father looked composed, but his mothers were already in tears.

"Uncle, when are you coming back?" Asked Dudu, the little dragon girl, who was now at her pre pubescent age.

The dragon girl was holding the hand of Alaric’s younger sister who was still a toddler.

Looking at the teary-eyed Dudu, Alaric forced a smile. "I don’t know when, but I will make sure to come back and visit you all. While I am gone, you must take care of your sister. Teach her proper manners so she can be a good lady like you."

Dudu nodded with a pout. "I will!"

Alaric smiled at her. He then moved his gaze back to his parents and gave them one last, deep look.

He looked away and steeled himself.

With a deep breath, he raised his hand and signaled to his army.

"We are setting off!"

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