[The Famous Swordsman]

"Ding! You have lost the trait [Aspiring Swordsman]."

「叮！你获得新的特质【扬名的剑客】（可升级 Lv2）：活力+6，单手武器熟练度+30（39→54），双手武器熟练度+30（15→30）。（通过决斗胜利获得升级点数 0/5）」

Tankred's eyes lit up slightly upon seeing the system notification.

The attributes granted after upgrading this trait far exceeded expectations!

First, his vitality increased to 8 points with the bonus from his traits, allowing him to barely reach the threshold of elite warrior, and causing higher damage with each hit in battle.

At the same time, his one-handed weapon proficiency jumped to 54, which is now at the level of an elite warrior. He won't be so helpless when facing bandits and pirate leaders in the future. Incidentally, his two-handed weapon proficiency also reached 30. Although he doesn't particularly like using two-handed weapons, which are strong in offense but weak in defense, this level of proficiency is enough for him to easily mow down unarmored militiamen in foot combat.

To his even greater surprise, once his one-handed weapon proficiency reached 50, the system immediately popped up a new skill selection window:

"Ding! Your one-handed weapon proficiency has reached 50. You can choose one of the following perks:"

[Swift Strike]: Your one-handed weapon swing speed is increased by 2%, making it easier to gain the upper hand in melee combat.

[Strike at the Weak Point]: Your one-handed weapons deal +5% armor-piercing damage to axes and staffs, making it easier to penetrate heavy armor.

At the same time, reaching a two-handed weapon proficiency of 25 also triggers the following feat:

"Ding! Your two-handed weapon proficiency has reached 25. You can choose one of the following specializations:"

[Powerful Control]: Your two-handed weapon control is increased by 10%, making it easier to change tactics in chaotic battles.

[Wooden Shield Buster]: Your two-handed weapons deal 30% more damage to wooden shields, making it easier to break through enemy defenses.

Tancred began to weigh the options rapidly in his mind.

Now his enemies are becoming increasingly elite, and future battles may involve facing fully armed knights or heavily armored infantry, so many trade-offs need to be reconsidered.

The "Swift Strike" trait is indeed good, but the speed bonus it provides is limited and may not be effective against heavily armored enemies. The armor penetration provided by "Strike the Weak Point" is much more useful against increasingly tanky enemies. Especially since he currently prefers the battle axe, this feat seems tailor-made for him.

Regarding dual-wielding weapons, the [Powerful Control] skill provides versatile maneuverability, but considering he won't be using dual-wielding weapons as his primary offensive strategy, its versatility becomes somewhat lackluster. On the other hand, [Wooden Shield Buster] is effective against shields and might prove surprisingly useful in crucial moments.

"System, allocate points! [Strike the Weak Point] and [Wooden Shield Buster]!"

With a familiar tremor running through his body, Tankred felt the battle axe in his hand become more stable, as if the blade could automatically find the weak points in the enemy's armor.

In addition, he noticed that his "competitive athlete" traits had also been subtly updated:

"Ding! You have won the martial arts tournament. Your [Competitive Player] skill has accumulated 1/2 upgrade points. More championship titles are needed to upgrade."

You need to win the competition to level up! It seems that upgrading this trait is really difficult, but according to the characteristics of the system, something that is difficult to upgrade must have huge potential!

Tankred smiled slightly. It seems he needs to participate in more of these knight gatherings in the future. He must win the championship again!

As Tancred studied his panel, the commotion in the square gradually subsided. With Drogon's verdict finalized, no one dared to openly question it.

Robert had already begun his departure, his figure disappearing into the distance with Roger following behind. He whispered to his brother, "From now on, we have to keep a close eye on that kid. It wasn't all bad that he killed Ralph. Ralph had some influence in his mercenary group before; it wouldn't be easy for us to completely absorb those mercenaries. Now that Ralph is dead, those traitors won't dare follow Tancred anymore, giving us a perfect opportunity to absorb those experienced mercenaries!"

The banquet continued, but Tancred had become the center of attention. Knights offered toasts, and lords nodded in acknowledgment. He used his ability to initiate conversation, keenly observing their micro-expressions, and responding humbly, winning them even more favor.

「叮！你获得了诺曼领主们的认可，威望+30（-30→0暂露头角），魅力+5（25→30），个人经验+50，当前等级Lv7（70/1000）」

Finally, I'm no longer making a fool of myself! Tankred is moved to tears.

The following day, after the lavish banquet ended, Tancred's party prepared to return to Avelsa with Count Richard.

Before setting off, old John suddenly leaned over to report: "Little Tank Red, after Ralph died, his old men went into chaos. Giscard seems to be planning to wipe them out. I've inquired; during the usurpation, eight old brothers were forced into it. They were all good men, only siding with that traitor for survival and the circumstances. Now they want to come back and pledge allegiance to Conteville again. What do you think?"

Tankred readily agreed: "Alright! Uncle John, as long as you keep a close watch on things, you can personally bring them back. Those men are experienced and will be a good addition to our forces."

Old John accepted the order and departed. A few days later, eight experienced mercenaries joined the group. Most of them were Norman veterans, skilled in horsemanship and lances, and carried equipment from Ralph's old men. Tancred personally greeted them:

"Welcome home, my brothers. Let bygones be bygones. From this day forward, let's rebuild the Contwell Mercenary Group together!"

On the way back, Tankred began to think about the mercenary group's future plans.

The mercenary group now has more than twenty members, and if he continues to command them all, the efficiency will be very low. Drawing on his experience leading a team in a company in his previous life, and the organization of the military in his later life, Tankred decided to reorganize the mercenary group's structure.

"Uncle John, I think we need to divide the mercenary group into smaller units. You're the person I trust most, and you know the veteran mercenaries well. I'll put all the older members of the mercenary group under your management, forming a cavalry squad. As for the remaining caravan guards and new recruits, I plan to hand them over to Henry, giving him some training opportunities and also assessing his abilities, character, and loyalty. What do you think?"

"Of course, no problem! That's fantastic, Little Tank Red. You're really becoming more and more like a legendary mercenary!" Old John smiled with satisfaction.

"That's the plan! The cavalry will focus on lance charges, while the infantry will train in crossbowmanship and shield formations. We must forge an elite force so that we'll have a chance to conquer our own land in the future!"