Starting With an SSS-Rank Swordsmanship Talent

Chapter 679: Heaven Sword Knight Order

"I actually failed..." Darco couldn’t believe it.

He thought that he would be among those who would pass the assessment.

That pressure. How did the others withstand it?

He only lasted for a little more than half a minute before he collapsed.

It seems like I overestimated myself.

He shook his head in a self-deprecating manner.

Darco sighed wistfully as he walked away, ready to leave the fort. Since he couldn’t pass the assessment, there was no meaning in staying there.

Just as he was about to leave, he suddenly noticed a warrior approaching him. From the unique insignia on the man’s armor, he immediately identified the warrior’s origin.

"Excuse me. Is your name Darco?" The warrior asked politely.

Darco raised his eyebrows in surprise.

"Yes. It’s me. Is there something you need, sir?"

The warrior’s face eased up. "His Majesty wants to see you. Please follow me."

What?!

Darco’s eyes went wide like saucers.

Why would His Majesty seek me out?

Although filled with doubt, he nodded his head. "Alright. Please lead the way."

Some young warriors noticed what happened, but they couldn’t understand why a warrior from House Silversword would speak with someone who failed the assessment.

Darco could sense everyone staring at him, which made him feel slightly uncomfortable.

Soon, they arrived in a tent far from the training ground.

"I can only take you here. Please go in by yourself."

Darco nodded and thanked the warrior before he went inside the tent.

Upon stepping in, he saw Alaric sitting calmly next to a coffee table. He was sipping on a cup of coffee.

"Greetings, Your Majesty." Darco greeted him as he knelt on one knee.

Alaric put the cup of coffee on the table and smiled faintly at him. "Rise."

Darco nervously looked away, afraid of meeting his gaze. He had encountered many nobles who hated being looked at directly. Some of them would even resort to violence over something like that.

"Come closer." Alaric beckoned to the nervous young man.

Darco felt uneasy, but he didn’t dare ignore the command. He cautiously approached and stopped when he was about two meters from Alaric.

"I am just a warrior with humble origins. I wonder why Your Majesty is looking for me."

Alaric leaned on his seat with a look of approval. He liked the young man’s temperament. Although he was nervous, he was able to quickly compose himself.

"What do you plan to do now that you have failed the assessment?" He asked instead of answering the young man’s question.

Darco lowered his head and replied after a moment of thought. "I will find a job somewhere. With Your Majesty’s official recommendation, it should be easier to apply."

Alaric rubbed his chin, seemingly contemplating something.

Darco didn’t dare speak and just waited quietly.

After about a minute of silence, Alaric said with a smile. "How about working under me?"

Darco was stunned by his words. He was so surprised that he was unable to respond right away.

"But... I failed the assessment. Why would Your Majesty choose someone like me? The guys who passed the assessment should be a better choice." He couldn’t understand the young emperor.

Alaric laughed at his words. "You are quite something. Other people would have already accepted my offer, but you dare question my decision. Haha!"

Darco shook his head. "I wouldn’t dare question Your Majesty. I’m just curious."

Alaric adjusted his sitting posture. "Fine. Since you want to know, I’ll tell you the truth."

"I believe that among all the young warriors gathered here..." He pointed at Darco.

"...you have the highest potential."

Darco couldn’t believe his ears. "Me?"

Alaric nodded earnestly. "Yes. Darco, your potential exceeds everyone here."

The young man was overwhelmed by the emperor’s words. He was moved.

He knelt on one knee and said. "I wish to follow Your Majesty! Please take me in!"

He felt like he was floating in the air. Not everyone would get an opportunity like this. Only an idiot would reject this kind of offer.

"Good!" Alaric stood up and helped the young man up. "From now on, you will be a warrior of House Silversword."

...

Ten thousand young warriors were chosen to join the newly established knight order. Those who passed all assessments were thrilled. Today, the emperor would tell them the objective of the new knight order.

Everyone gathered at the open ground, looking at the person on the elevated stage.

Sensing everyone’s excited gazes, Alaric smiled faintly. He added mana in his voice and said. "Congratulations on passing all the assessments. You are the most talented young warriors in all of Veronica. You can be proud of yourselves."

Hearing this, the young warriors beamed, their eyes lighting up with pride.

Alaric continued his speech. "As you all know, the Carefree Duke secretly planned a rebellion. Although he failed in the end, there are still remnant forces loyal to him, and they are wreaking havoc across the country."

His eyes suddenly turned cold. "Many innocent civilians died because of them. Warriors loyal to the country were also sacrificed to stop these rebels. We managed to destroy some of their bases, but there are still survivors."

"That is why I decided to establish a new knight order." He pointed at the ten thousand young warriors before him.

"Your objective is to ensure the safety of the nation and to eliminate those rotten rebels who made our people suffer!" He announced, his voice echoing across the fort.

The young warriors felt their blood pumping with fervor. To them, it was an honor to serve and defend the nation.

"For the next half a year, you will be training under me! All of you will be individually assessed. Work hard, and you might be chosen as the commander of the knight order!"

Everyone clenched their fists in excitement.

Suddenly, someone raised their hand. "Your Majesty, I have a question!"

Alaric pointed at the eager young man and nodded. "Speak."

"Does our knight order have a name?" He asked.

Alaric’s lips curved upward. "Yes. I have already thought of a name..."

"...It’s called the Heaven Sword Knight Order."