The Herb King

The Ward Household lost their noble status after betraying the Leone Empire. The men and women in the family were forcefully conscripted and was sent to the frontlines. Even the young children were sent to the military camp to undergo strict training. After paying for their crimes, only a few members of the Ward Household remained.

At this moment, Alec Ward was by his lonesome self inside a military tent. He had lost his young master status, but he was promoted to a company commander because of his feats in the last war.

"Commander, someone is looking for you." A soldier's voice echoed outside.

Alec Ward furrowed his eyebrows as he said. "Bring them inside."

Alec's subordinate brought a strong-looking Level 3 Esper inside the tent. He was wearing an armor with the insignia of the Lassiter Household on his left chest.

"Alec Ward, you have been summoned by King Aethelwolf and you are to follow me back to the castle in Barden Territory!" The Level 3 Esper muttered in a cold voice.

Alec's subordinate was scared by the aura exuded by the Level 3 Esper and his knees almost caved in from the pressure.

"The king has summoned me?" Alec revealed a look of surprise.

"That's right. Follow me now. This is urgent." The Level 3 Esper nodded his head.

"Alright. Take me there." Alec followed the Level 3 Esper and they jumped on top of a Level 3 Gryphon.

The Gryphon soared to the skies and disappeared in a blink of an eye.

Alec Ward felt amazed when he saw the fortifications being built in Barden Territory. Even the walls looked sturdier and more durable than the ones in Lion City. He also noticed that the weapons on top of the walls were more advanced and intimidating.

"Strong!" He muttered when he saw the soldiers equipped with the latest weapons and armor. The elites of the Leone Empire were nothing compared to these soldiers!

The Level 3 Esper's expression flashed with pride the moment he heard this. "Those soldiers are just a small portion of the new recruits of General Ramiel's army."

Alec's eyes widened upon hearing this. "Those guys are just new recruits?"

The Level 3 Esper snorted disdainfully. "That's right. However, any one of those soldiers could fight evenly against the elites of any forces!"

While Alec was still reeling in shock, the huge Gryphon slowly descended to the ground. Flying was forbidden near the castle grounds so they had to walk from here on out.

"Get down. We'll take the carriage from here."

Alec immediately got down from the Gryphon after hearing this. The defense in the area was so tight and he even saw numerous experts roaming in groups of three or four.

After a twenty-minute ride in the carriage, the Level 3 Esper said. "We are here. Follow me to the castle."

Alec was brought inside the castle and he was led to a spacious room. Upon entering, he saw a group of intimidating people sitting inside. His gaze momentarily stopped to look at the young man in the head seat. It was Aethelwolf, the only Level 5 Esper in the Leone Empire.

"Greetings, King Aethelwolf." He kneeled as he greeted respectfully.

"You're finally here. I summoned you here because one of my people suggested to send you as one of the Leone Empire's participants for the coming competition that would be hosted by the Mystic Island..." Aethelwolf didn't beat around the bush and quickly told Alec the reason for the summons.

After hearing everything, Alec was overjoyed. He knew that it was a chance for him to redeem his noble status! Although he had already accepted his fate to become a soldier for the rest of his life, he still wished to gain back his former status. "Thank you for choosing me, King Aethelwolf! I promise that I will work hard to bring us victory in the martial arts competition!" He solemnly promised. He vowed in his heart that he will train well even if he had to sacrifice his resting time.

Aethelwolf nodded his head and smiled. "Good! Tomorrow, you will be training under me with the other participants." He then turned his gaze to Rendell and commanded. "Rendell, bring him to his quarters."

"Yes, King Aethelwolf!" Rendell stood up and led Alec to his room.

'This is my only chance to recover the glory of our Ward Household! Father, please guide me...' Alec prayed in his heart.

***

The next day, the five participants in the competition were brought to a training room. Everyone was familiar with each other, but they were surprised to see Alec among them.

"Alec, you're here!" Janrose stared at Alec with a complicated look on her face. She had fought with this guy in the final round of the martial arts competition some time ago.

Alec glanced at her silently and nodded his head.

The atmosphere suddenly became awkward because of the silence.

"Everyone should relax. We are now teammates so we shouldn't be wary of each other." Michael, the spear prodigy of the Singler Household, said in a bid to defuse the tense atmosphere.

The five participants were Janrose Lassiter, Christopher Leone, Grace Urgel, Michael Singler, and Alec Ward. They were the best of the best in the younger generation of the Leone Empire.

Suddenly, the door sprung open and Aethelwolf entered the room together with Einar.

"Greetings, King Aethelwolf!" The young talents immediately bowed their heads when they saw him.

Aethelwolf waved his hand and said. "You guys have been chosen to represent the Leone Empire in the upcoming competition of the top talents of the Regalis Continent. From today onwards, you will be a team so you have to let go of your past grudges and work together to build a solid group. Today, you will be training under Einar. Good luck!"

Aethelwolf stepped aside and let Einar take the center stage.

"I will be your trainer for today and we will be training your individual battle abilities. You can choose any weapon from the rack over there."