Starting With an SSS-Rank Swordsmanship Talent

A sharp sword wind was released as Lucas swung his sword.

It brought forth a terrifying force that caused the air to twist and turn.

What fearsome sword wind!

Roderick sensed the overwhelming might of the attack so he immediately imbued the relic-level shield with mana to activate its power.

The inscriptions on the shield lit up, forming a thick, defensive wall made of mana.

In the next instant, a deafening 'boom' rang out, forcing the spectators to cover their ears.

"What the hell?!"

"What if they suddenly launch an attack our way?"

"Don't worry. We will be safe. Do you see the old man over there? That old man is the guardian of this coliseum. He is a 3-Ringed Beast Soul Master whose task is to ensure the safety of the spectators."

"What?! There's actually such an expert here other than Lord Lucas and Lord Roderick?"

"Of course…"

As the dust cloud subsided, everyone saw a massive crater on the platform.

"Look! Lord Roderick seems to be injured!"

Everyone could see that Roderick had received serious injuries after taking on that blow. There was a small cut on his forehead that caused bleeding. Even his steel armor couldn't withstand the attack and sustained some damage.

However, Roderick remained calm as he stared at Lucas on the opposite side of the crater.

If I hadn't activated the power of my shield in that last second, I could have lost an arm.

Lucas Silversword… I still can't beat him…

Roderick appeared calm on the surface, but he was reeling in shock deep inside.

Lucas's improvement was beyond his comprehension.

After that blow, Roderick realized that Lucas had already surpassed him and the difference in their strength was getting increasingly bigger.

With a deep, regretful sigh, Roderick turned his head to the referee and said. "I admit defeat."

It wasn't a death match so there was no need to continue the battle.

The referee was surprised, but he quickly announced the result of the match.

"Lord Lucas has successfully defended his ranking! The rankings in the Astanian Dragon Leaderboard will remain unchanged!"

As soon as the announcement was made, the crowd erupted into tumultuous applause.

The battle might have ended quicker than they had anticipated, but the overwhelming might displayed by both warriors was still lingering in their minds.

Lucas looked away from Roderick and turned his head toward the VIP section, where the special guests were seated.

It was only a small movement, but the crowd could sense that something shocking was about to happen.

Lucas stabbed his sword into the ground and raised his arm to point at a certain individual seated next to the second prince.

"I challenge you, Andre Thompson!"

His calm voice echoed thunderously, shaking everyone to their core!

Everyone turned their gazes toward the fashionably dressed Andre Thompson.

He was the right-hand man of the second prince, a Transcendent Knight ranked 5th in the Astanian Dragon Leaderboard! He had been in this position for decades and no one had challenged him since he took the spot.

The man in question, Andre Thompson, was stunned. He couldn't believe that Lucas would actually challenge him in front of a large crowd. Not to mention that the second prince was just right beside him.

His face twitched.

With thousands of people in attendance, he couldn't even refuse this challenge.
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Prince Giovanni also didn't expect this to happen. He felt that Lucas seemed to have changed. It was like he was no longer the person that he once knew.

Andre didn't respond immediately. He looked at the second prince to seek his opinion.

This could destroy the plans they had painstakingly made so he couldn't decide things on his own.

Sensing his gaze, Prince Giovanni smiled faintly and gave him a nod of approval. "It seems like we will be seeing another impressive battle."

Andre understood the prince's words so he didn't hesitate any longer.

"In that case, I shall accept your challenge!"

He stood up from his seat and loosened the buttons on his clothes to make himself more comfortable.

"You are still tired from the battle so I will give you some time to rest." Andre glanced at Lucas, trying to see through his thoughts, but his scrutinizing gaze was met with the latter's deadpan expression, making him unable to tell what was on the latter's mind.

"There's no need for that." Lucas shook his head.

His response shocked the crowd.

Roderick who was still on the platform couldn't believe his ears.

Lucas was speaking to Andre Thompson, a powerful warrior who only had a few rivals in the entire empire, but it seemed like he didn't care about this.

This was also an indirect insult to him since he had just fought with Lucas. It was like saying that Lucas didn't put much effort into defeating him.

Roderick wanted to say something, but he didn't want to appear like a sore loser so he could only walk down from the platform with a gloomy face.

On the other hand, Andre raised an eyebrow.

Is he intentionally provoking me?

He couldn't tell whether Lucas was deliberately provoking him or not.

"It looks like you are quite confident in your ability, Lord Lucas." Andre jumped down from the spectator's seat.

Whoosh.

Upon landing on the ground, he walked toward the platform under the watchful eyes of the crowd.

Everyone watched the scene with great enthusiasm, eager to witness another epic battle.

When he stepped onto the stage, Andre opened his mouth once more and spoke. "Since we already know the rules, why don't we start this fight now?"

Hearing this, the referee immediately left the platform.

"You don't have any equipment on you, so I will fight you barehanded." Lucas threw aside his shield and his sword. He also removed his armor and tossed it off the platform.

Andre Thompson frowned at his words. He was a martial arts expert and his expertise was in close combat.

This means that Lucas was challenging him in his field of expertise!