The golden age of King Arthur.
Under the faith and devotion of the people, destiny had finally taken its course.
"Ding— The power of faith has reached the required threshold. Heroic Spirit System activated."
"What?"
Arthur stood upon the highest tower of Camelot, gazing down at his magnificent kingdom. Under his reign, many tragedies that should have befallen his people had been prevented. This time, his rule had flourished faster than he had ever anticipated.
"So my suspicions were correct," Arthur murmured, his expression unreadable as he admired his empire. "I always knew it was impossible for me to be just an ordinary King Arthur. If that's the case… then my path is clear."
"Heroic Spirit System activated. Target: King Arthur."
A translucent screen suddenly materialized before Arthur, accompanied by a mechanical voice.
---
[Character: King Arthur]
Title: King of Knights
Attributes:
Strength: B
Endurance: A
Agility: B
Mana: E
Luck: C
Noble Phantasm: C (EX)
---
Arthur studied his stats in silence for a long time.
"These are the same parameters as Arthur in the original records… but why? Logically speaking, shouldn't I be more complete than the legendary Arthur?"
He continued reading.
---
[Class Skills]
Magic Resistance: A
Riding: B (Self-explanatory, no need for further details.)
[Personal Skills]
Intuition: A (Same as above.)
Mana Burst: A
Charisma: B
Beast Hunting: A
---
Noble Phantasms
Excalibur – The Sword of Promised Victory
Rank: EX
Type: Anti-Fortress Noble Phantasm
Range: ???
Maximum Target: ???
Seeing this, Arthur clenched his fists. "Yes! This is how it should be! The Knights of the Round Table remain united—this is the true strength I should wield! This is my greatest advantage!"
For the first time in ages, Arthur smiled. A true, joyous smile.
"How long has it been since I felt this happy?"
---
Caliburn – The Golden Sword of Victory
Rank: B (Conditions Met: A+)
Type: Anti-Personnel Noble Phantasm
Range: 1–30
Maximum Target: ???
The Sword in the Stone remained unbroken, granting him access to yet another trump card. Arthur sighed in relief.
---
Avalon – The Everdistant Utopia
Rank: EX
Type: Barrier Noble Phantasm
Defense Target: Self
Arthur's heart swelled with satisfaction. Everything was as it should be. The only flaw was that his stats were slightly lower than he had hoped. But even so, they far surpassed those of many other Heroic Spirits.
Suddenly, Arthur called out in a commanding voice.
"Mordred!"
The grand doors of the palace swung open, and in strode a warrior clad in crimson armor. His presence was sharp, like a drawn blade.
"Father, did you call for me?" Mordred asked, eyes brimming with admiration.
As Arthur's illegitimate son—born of Morgan le Fay through means that defied conventional logic—Mordred had always taken immense pride in his lineage. Despite their history, Arthur had acknowledged him, treating him as a son in all but title. Though Mordred was technically his adopted heir, Arthur's love for him was no different from that of a true-born child.
Thus, Mordred's devotion to Arthur reached unparalleled heights.
Arthur studied Mordred's unwavering gaze. His years of effort had not been in vain.
"Even if I ordered him to die, he wouldn't hesitate."
The so-called traitorous knight had been utterly reshaped into Arthur's sharpest sword.
Arthur cleared his throat. "Mordred, you have finally come of age."
Mordred lowered his head in respect. "Father…"
"I am growing old. It's time for you to take on your rightful responsibilities!" Arthur declared, his tone shifting.
Mordred's expression darkened. "Father, you're not even thirty yet! How can you call yourself old?"
(At the time, it was common for rulers to have children at a young age.)
Arthur coughed awkwardly. "Can I say that I'm just too lazy to keep managing the kingdom? The country is stable; there's nothing left for me to do."
Just then, a soldier rushed into the chamber.
"Your Majesty, the Knights of the Round Table have arrived!"
Arthur nodded. "Send them in."
"Understood!"
The heavy doors swung open once more, revealing the assembled knights.
"Greetings, Your Majesty!"
The knights knelt in unison, their armor gleaming under the torchlight.
Arthur gestured. "Rise."
"We thank you, Your Majesty!"
The knights stood, and Arthur faced them solemnly.
"Today, I heard a call. One day, you too shall hear it. But for now, I must leave. In my absence, Mordred will act as the regent. If I do not return in three years, he shall be crowned as the new King of Britain."
A heavy silence filled the hall before voices erupted in protest.
"Arthur! The kingdom still needs you!" Gawain was the first to speak.
"Father, I am still too young and inexperienced!" Mordred argued.
"Arthur, if you must leave, allow me to accompany you!" Lancelot stepped forward.
"If it is your will, then so be it." Bedivere was one of the few who accepted Arthur's decision.
One by one, the knights spoke up, their loyalty and concern evident.
Arthur remained firm. "My decision is final."
Turning to Mordred, he placed a hand on his shoulder. "Mordred, do not disappoint me."
Mordred dropped to one knee. "Yes, Father!"
At that moment, a mechanical voice rang out.
"A summoner requires a Heroic Spirit. The host will depart in five minutes. Countdown commencing."
Arthur exhaled sharply. "No time left. Mordred, take the throne!"
Drawing Excalibur, Arthur presented it before the knights.
"We must act swiftly!"
The knights, understanding the gravity of the moment, all drew their swords and raised them before Mordred.
"Humility, integrity, compassion, bravery, justice, sacrifice, honor, soul!"
They each swore their vows:
"I swear to protect the weak!" (Bedivere)
"I swear to fight against tyranny!" (Lancelot)
"I swear to stand against injustice!" (Gawain)
"I swear to aid those in need!" (Geraint)
"I swear never to harm the innocent!" (Gareth)
"I swear to uphold the bonds of brotherhood!" (Gaheris)
"I swear to remain loyal to my comrades!" (Kay)
"I swear to love and protect my people until my last breath!" (Percival)
Arthur held Excalibur horizontally before Mordred. "Mordred, do you accept this duty?"
Mordred met his gaze with steely determination. "I do!"
Swords crossed above Mordred's head.
"Mordred is now the new King of Britain!"
Arthur smiled in satisfaction. "Goodbye, everyone."
His body was engulfed in radiant light.
"Arthur!!!"
As the knights called his name, Arthur took one final look at them—his kingdom, his people.
Then, his figure vanished into the light.
---
Arthur Pendragon's journey had officially begun.