Starting With an SSS-Rank Swordsmanship Talent

Neo also participated in the war and he had sustained light injuries, but to a 3-Ringed Beast Soul Master like him, his injuries were like tiny scratches.

"I have no objections, Your Majesty. Lord Alaric is our benefactor so I am willing to fulfill his request." Neo responded with a nod.

Garandel smiled upon hearing his response. "Good!"

"Thank you for accepting my selfish request, Sir Neo." Alaric cupped his fists with a look of gratitude.

He had gotten another Equipment Upgrade Card after completing the extreme difficulty mission. He wondered if he could get another Epic-level item. Just the thought of it made him feel excited.

Neo waved his hand. "Please hand me the sword."

Alaric walked toward him and handed the sword over.

Upon receiving the sword, Neo calmly told him. "I will return it tomorrow."

Alaric nodded at his words. "Alright. Please be careful and do not exhaust your mana."

Engraving one's integrated monster trait to an equipment wasn't easy and it also carried serious risk. Alaric didn't want him to suffer mana-related injuries for his sake.

"Mn." Neo hummed in response.

After this conversation, Garandel ended the meeting with a short speech.

Alaric rushed to his designated treehouse and immediately used his Random Trait Upgrade Card.

[Do you want to use the Random Trait Upgrade Card?]

[Yes] [No]

Alaric clicked [Yes] without hesitation.

[Congratulations! Your Monster Affinity (F) trait has been upgraded to Monster Affinity (E)!]

Alaric raised an eyebrow when he saw what had been upgraded. It was a trait that he had rarely used, but he wasn't too disappointed since it could also help him in certain situations.

Too bad… I am just too unlucky. I wonder when I can upgrade my close combat and or my sixth sense.

These two traits were the most useful after his swordsmanship trait. They were very crucial in battles, especially his sixth sense trait which had helped him overcome many dangerous situations.

Should I use the Elite Knight Card?

He was still in elven territory so he was afraid that his secret would be revealed if he used the card.

Alaric contemplated deeply.

I will hold on to it for now.

He felt that it was too risky so he decided to temporarily put it aside.

Just then, he suddenly heard a series of knocks on his door.

Knock! Knock! Knock!

"Alaric, it is me."

When he heard Yvanna's voice behind the door, he quickly walked over to open it.

"Yvanna, how are you?" Alaric smiled upon seeing her beautiful face.

"I am alright. I heard that you fought in the vanguard so I am here to check on your condition, but it seems like you are doing well." Yvanna answered while checking if he had sustained injuries.

Hearing this, Alaric's lips subconsciously curved upward. "Actually, my muscles feel a bit sore right now."

He didn't know why, but he felt the urge to tease this elven princess.

Yvanna furrowed her eyebrows, but she didn't notice the strange look in his eyes.

"Is there any way I can help you?" She asked.

Alaric thought for a moment and replied.

"Now that you mention it, I think a massage will help me relieve this feeling of soreness."

Yvanna blushed upon hearing this. She clenched her fist and responded in a mosquito-like voice. "Alright. How should I massage you?"

Alaric widened his eyes. He wasn't serious when he said those words and he only meant it as a joke, but she actually took it seriously!

"Uhm, you can just massage my back." He tested the waters while observing her reaction.

Yvanna gritted her teeth and nodded, her cheeks reddening.

"Okay. Sit down and turn around." She spoke coldly to mask her nervousness.

"Okay." Alaric quickly followed her instructions. He took his seat and turned his back on her.

She actually agreed!

Yvanna took a deep breath and approached him.

"I have not done this before so I might not do well. Please forgive me." She muttered.

"It is fine. Just do it at your own pace." Alaric chuckled and gestured at her to relax.

Yvanna nodded. She then nervously stretched out her hands to his back.

When she touched his back and felt his warmth, she felt like she was electrocuted.

It was like she was invading a forbidden territory.

Alaric could feel her hands shaking, but he didn't say anything to save her from embarrassment.

Suddenly, he felt a wave of comfort when an unknown energy began to flow from her hands to his back.

This is…

Noticing his surprise, Yvanna smiled and explained. "Just relax. This is my integrated monster trait. It has many uses and this is just one of them."

"That is wonderful!" Alaric exclaimed.

He remembered that her integrated monster trait was an S-rated trait called Nature's Blessing, but he had no idea what it could do.

From the looks of it, her integrated monster trait must be a versatile ability with numerous applications.

"Mn. Many people helped me to get this ability." She replied in a soft tone.

Alaric chatted with her to make her feel more comfortable.

However, their little moment was interrupted by a series of knocks on the door.

Knock! Knock! Knock!

Yvanna was startled and she subconsciously distanced herself from Alaric.

"I think I should leave now, Alaric. I do not want others to misunderstand our relationship." She spoke with a trace of reluctance.

"I see. Then let me see you out." Alaric stood up while silently cursing whoever was outside the door.

He then walked to the door with Yvanna closely following behind him.

The moment he opened the door, he saw Baron Smith standing next to an elven Elite Knight.

"My lord!" Baron Smith was stunned when he saw Alaric stepping out of his tree house with the elven princess.

The elf who had come with him was similarly shocked to see Yvanna. "Your Highness!"

Yvanna didn't bother to explain herself. She looked at Alaric and said. "I will come and see you tomorrow."

She didn't wait for his response and left with quick strides.

Seeing this, Alaric could only watch her in silence. He then turned his head toward the two who had come for him.

"Lord Smith, you better give me a good explanation for interrupting my time with Her Highness."