Elsa, You Set Me Up!
The assassination attempt was suppressed by the tacit cooperation of all parties involved, probably because no one wanted the matter to escalate, as it would be embarrassing for them.
The people on the Ecclesiarchy's side suspected that some High Lord of the Imperium coveted someone else's treasure and couldn't resist taking action.
The Ministry of the Interior, on the contrary, suspected the Ecclesiarchy of being responsible, since everyone's background was not clean, and everyone knew about the messes the Ecclesiarchy had caused in the past.
As for the Grand Sage of the Mechanicus, their thought processes were a bit different. They suspected that a certain Forge Grand Sage was responsible and planned to pin the blame on the other Forge Grand Sage!
Albert and Raimon, who remained, were not considered suspects. After all, one of their Chapter was considered clueless, and the other was considered unhappy; it was unlikely that they would get involved.
Perhaps because of the assassination attempt, Alvin suddenly had the idea to train his swordsmanship with Tucker.
After all, his swordsmanship had been criticized as being too poor several times. If it weren't for Emerich's help that time, he would most likely have died at the hands of the god of Khorne, Khorne. This assassin has once again served as a wake-up call for him, reminding him that he must strengthen himself.
You mean... you want me to train you?
There was a strange look in Tucker's eyes.
"Is that not possible?" Alvin blinked. Of all the people he knew, Tucker had the best combat skills. If he didn't ask Tucker to be his teacher, who else could he ask?
Tucker seemed to realize something, and chuckled as he patted him on the shoulder, "Kid, you haven't quite grasped the concept yet. You're Valshius's successor now, finding a swordsmanship instructor shouldn't be a problem, right?"
"Oh?"
Alvin immediately became interested and leaned closer to ask, "So tell me, who should I go to?"
"Nonsense, of course we're going to Astartes!" Tucker hooked his arm around his shoulder and lowered his voice, "You know Albert, right? He's the company champion, and his swordsmanship is top-notch in the entire Imperium!"
Wait... find Astartes to instruct him in swordsmanship?
Isn't this just asking for trouble?!
Alvin looked Tucker up and down suspiciously, suddenly wondering if this bastard was using this opportunity to get revenge on him.
"Have I ever lied to you?" Tucker glared at him with his wide eyes, annoyed. "Fine, don't believe me then, but I even went out of my way to give you advice!"
After much hesitation, Alvin finally decided to trust Tucker this time!
However, he soon regretted it; why did he agree?
Upon hearing that Alvin needed sword training, Albert, who was originally in space orbit arguing with Raimon about dividing the spoils, quickly boarded the Drop Pod and crashed directly outside the Upper-hive!
Judging from his expression, it seemed as if Alvin was about to regret it if he was even a little too slow!
Standing in front of the Governor's Mansion, Alvin gazed at Albert, who was as tall as a small mountain, at least two and a half meters tall, and who appeared to have undergone "Primaris" surgery. Suddenly, he felt a pang of regret.
Holy crap... It's Primaris Space Marine!
The Primaris Space Marine were one of the things Belisarius Cawl discussed with Primarch Robert Guilliman. In order to prepare for the darkness of the future, three new augmentations were added to the original nineteen augmentations performed on the Space Marine, making the Primaris Space Marine stronger, faster, and smarter!
However, the modification surgery is not suitable for everyone. Many original Space Marine have a very low success rate in the modification. Obviously... Albert was one of the successful ones!
This also made Albert appear more robust and taller than ordinary Space Marine, giving Alvin a more imposing presence!
"It's an honor to be your swordsmanship instructor."
Albert could barely contain his smile.
What's the point of arguing with that grandson Raimon? It's better to take this opportunity to build a closer relationship with Valshius's heir; the benefits will be plentiful then.
He hadn't forgotten that before Butzwig fell into his slumber, he had repeatedly told him to make sure he formed a friendship with Alvin, and preferably get closer to him, as it concerned the future of the Chapter!
"Mr. Alvin, are you ready?"
Looking at the somewhat thin Alvin, Albert wondered if he should tone it down a bit later, lest he get beaten up too badly and lose face.
However, Elsa, the butler beside him, seemed to see through his little scheme. She moved closer and said in a low voice, "Company Commander Albert, please don't show any mercy. You should know very well that leniency towards him now is harming him."
"You said it yourself!"
Albert glanced at Elsa, confirming repeatedly.
"Of course, this is also the intention of Patriarch Horn."
Elsa nodded calmly and said, "I presume the young master came to see you with the same thought in mind. Please, do not show any mercy!"
What are you two whispering about?
Watching the two of them silently observing each other, Alvin gripped his sword and suddenly had a bad feeling.
Oh no, has he been set up?
But Albert, gripping his training sword, strode into the training field with his head held high and a somewhat menacing smile on his face, "Mr. Alvin, are you ready?"
"Ready!"
Alvin focused intently on Albert.
However... bang!
He barely saw his opponent's movements before he was cleaved away by a sword and crashed into the training ground wall!
Only when the excruciating pain coursed through his body did Alvin's malfunctioning brain regain some clarity. Staring at Albert, who seemed to have "teleported," he gaped, "What... just happened?"
"You were sent flying by Albert's sword, young master."
Elsa described what had just happened.
"... How about you go easy on me a little?" Alvin said with a forced smile, gripping his sword tightly again as he stepped into the training ground.
He was certain that he had been "tricked"!
What kind of Primaris Space Marine? This is clearly just here to torture him. There's no training involved!
Alvin cast a resentful glance at Elsa on the sidelines, who remained expressionless but turned her head away.
Okay, okay... It really was you!
Which way are you looking?!
A strong wind blew in his face, Alvin hurriedly turned around. What came into view was Primaris Space Marine that filled his vision like a small mountain, exuding an overwhelming sense of oppression!
Throughout the afternoon, the sound of swords clashing echoed continuously in the training ground.
"Too slow! Too unsteady!"
With a furious roar, a tremendous force of impact was transmitted from the sword, tearing several bloody gashes from the web of Alvin's hand gripping the hilt.
Ta-da...
Alvin staggered back several steps before he could barely dissipate the force.
Before he could readjust his stance, the blade pierced through the air and stopped precisely at his neck. A few strands of hair were blown by the sharp wind, revealing Alvin's bitter face.
Lost again...
How many times has this happened?
Alvin was so badly abused that he was almost mentally unstable. It had been more than six hours since he finished eating in the morning, and he hadn't even been able to get close to the other person!
Alvin, exhausted and on the verge of tears from the abuse, collapsed to the ground, staring blankly at the ceiling.
Albert looked at Alvin, whose strength was almost completely drained, and said with some emotion, "You've done very well. Don't be too discouraged. At least your combat experience and skills are better than those untrained recruits."
Alvin was somewhat pleased by the praise from a Primaris Space Marine, but his entire body felt like it was about to fall apart.
Of course, he did not come away empty-handed.
If experience points existed, Alvin could clearly see his swordsmanship, footwork, and other skills rapidly increasing; at least for now... he was no longer a swordsmanship novice!