I need to end this soon before I run out of stamina.

Arthur was starting to accumulate fatigue after the repeated clashes with Alaric. The latter was fast and crafty. He had to stay alert at all times to block Alaric's attacks. One mistake and the fight would be over.

Without the help of mana, I can't hold on to this weapon for very long.

He was using a two-handed broadsword which was almost ten kilograms in weight. Normally, he would use mana to lessen the pressure on his arms, but he couldn't use mana in this competition.

He wouldn't be able to wield a heavy weapon like this for a long time with just pure strength alone.

Beads of sweat trickled down his face as he looked at Alaric who was still full of energy.

How is he not tired after moving around like that?

How I wish to be young again…

As the battle continued, Arthur's movements became sluggish and he could hardly block Alaric's swords.

I can still fight!

Arthur's eyes flashed with determination. Despite the extreme fatigue he was feeling, he brandished his two-handed broadsword with all his might in an attempt to defeat Alaric in one final move.

Seeing this, Alaric wasn't flustered.

He could see the trajectory of Arthur's sword because it was moving so slowly in his eyes.

I can evade this if I want to, but I don't want to win in that manner. I have to thoroughly defeat him!

As he thought of this, Alaric lunged forward and spun twice in midair to gain momentum. He then cleaved down both swords to meet Arthur's broadsword.

CLANG!!!

A violent clanging sound echoed as their weapons clashed.

Crack!

Suddenly, a crack appeared on Arthur's broadsword.

In the next moment, the blade of his sword broke apart.

Alaric immediately stopped his sword before it touched Arthur's body.

___

Mission Complete!

You received 150 Battle Points, 30 EXP, and F-Rank Talent Card x1

___

The cheering of the crowd fell on deaf ears as the cyan screen appeared in front of him.

[Do you want to use the F-Rank Talent Card?]

[Yes] [No]

Upon seeing this, Alaric clicked [Yes] out of habit.

[You awakened the F-Rank Sixth Sense Talent.]

Alaric Silversword [Knight] EXP: 61/500

Potential: B

Traits: Horseback Riding (C), Swordsmanship (SSS), Close Combat (D), Archery (F), Hunting (E), Tracking (F), Sixth Sense (F)

Strength: 38

Stamina: 28

Agility: 35

Vitality: 27

Endurance: 42

Mana: 13

Battle Points: 610

Stat Points: 0

(Requirements for next advancement: 500 EXP, 100 in all attributes, and 5000 Battle Points)

He gained another talent, but he was unsure what it was for.

I'll deal with this later.

He thought as he closed the cyan screen with a thought.

He then searched for Arthur from the crowd and saw him walking away with a regretful expression.

Alaric immediately chased after him.

"Sir Arthur!" He called out to the mercenary.

Arthur stopped in his tracks and turned his head. "What can I do for you, my lord?"

"I'm serious about my invitation earlier. Please stay after the banquet. I'd like to speak with you." Alaric stated without hesitation.

Arthur shook his head. "I'm just an old Knight, my lord. I have already exhausted my potential. I might be powerful among Knights, but that's already my limit. I'm afraid that I will have to disappoint you."

He sounded downcast when he uttered those words.

Hearing this, Alaric smiled faintly. "Sir Arthur, it's too early for you to give up on reaching a higher level. I believe in your potential. Please give me a chance to speak with you after the celebration."

He didn't want to give up on this man.

Arthur was being held back by his inferiority complex and his lack of resources. Once this would be addressed, advancing to the next level wasn't impossible.

Arthur felt the sincerity in his words. He also felt something light up from deep within him when he stared at Alaric's eyes.

After a moment of silence, Arthur finally nodded. "Alright. I will spare some time to chat with you, my lord."

"Great! I can't wait." Alaric beamed after getting him to accept his invitation. Now, he just needed to convince him.

The celebration continued after the unofficial competition between the Knights and everyone congratulated Alaric for his victory.

Most of the guests expressed their desire to marry off their daughters to Alaric, but Lucas gave them a vague answer.

He didn't want to force his son into an arranged marriage. He felt that it would hinder Alaric's potential and affect his mental health.

Lucas didn't want to see that happen.

At this moment, Alaric was chatting with someone when he noticed Anthony Olliver walking in William's direction.

"Excuse me." Alaric immediately excused himself and went to see the situation.

As soon as he got closer, he saw Anthony giving William a respectful salute.

"Greetings, Commander William!"

Alaric's eyes widened when he heard his words.

Is Sir William the former Commander of Vale's armed forces?

William waved his hand and shook his head. "What are you talking about? I have already retired. I'm no longer your commander."

"That's true, but I would feel wrong if I didn't greet you like this, sir." Anthony sighed to himself upon seeing William's aged face. There wasn't a semblance of the glorious commander that he once was.

"It's all in the past. I'm just an ordinary old man now." William muttered with a forced smile.

As he approached them, Alaric could feel the pain and the regret in the old man's eyes.

"I haven't given up on searching for Dragon Tail Ferns, sir! Just wait a bit more. I only need a few more stalks to have enough for your advancement." Anthony spoke with a resolute gaze.

Ahem!

Alaric faked a cough and said. "I'm sorry. I overheard your conversation."

"Lord Alaric."

"My lord!"

Anthony and the old man stared at him in surprise.

Talk about the timing of his arrival.

"I might be able to help you with this matter." Alaric smiled as he uttered those words.