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Chapter 33 - Camelot

The esteemed professor, Romani Archaman, meticulously prepared the intricate teleportation device, ensuring its flawless functionality, for the intrepid team consisting of Fujimaru, the brave Mash, and the brilliant DaVinci, who had valiantly pledged to accompany them into the uncharted territory of the newly detected singularity. The temporal coordinates set, and the team embarked on their journey, hurtling through the astral planes to emerge in the midst of the tumultuous year 1273 CE, embroiled in the chaos of the Crusades that dominated the era.

 

Upon their arrival in the distant past, the masterful artist and inventor, Leonardo DaVinci, utilised his unparalleled skills to devise a versatile and innovative mode of transportation, enabling the group to traverse the harsh and unforgiving terrain with ease. Riding across the vast expanse of the arid desert, the team marvelled at the eerily desolate landscape, the remnants of a once-thriving civilisation now reduced to ruins by the ravages of time and war.

 

As they made their way through the desolate remnants of the demolished city, the silence of the abandoned streets echoing with the ghosts of the past, they couldn't help but feel a profound sense of awe and sorrow at the sheer devastation that had befallen the once-great metropolis. The crumbling facades of grand buildings stood as silent witnesses to the ruthless passage of time.

 

While Fujimaru, Mash, and DaVinci, each bearing wounds from the aftermath of what could possibly have resulted in an explosion with the catastrophic potential to erase an entire city from existence, stood amidst the remnants of chaos and destruction. Within this precarious moment in time, DaVinci felt compelled to convey the gravity of the situation to Fujimaru, emphasising with urgency, "The current circumstances far surpass our prior estimations." Responding to the dire call for action, Fujimaru, exemplifying unwavering bravery, rallied the group with determination, "Quickly, we must journey to Camelot without delay."

 

Simultaneously, in a deserted city fraught with an eerie stillness, a lone knight known as "Bedivere" ventured forth in his quest for insights regarding the mysterious Holy City. It was amidst this desolation that destiny orchestrated a fateful encounter, as Bedivere found himself drawn into a profound exchange of words with a stranger named "Arash," whose presence seemed to hold a key to unlocking the enigmatic secrets that shrouded the revered Holy City. As the dialogue unfolded between Bedivere and Arash, a palpable sense of intrigue and anticipation enveloped the abandoned city, sparking a journey of discovery and revelation that would intertwine their fate.

 

The Knight, Bedivere, whose thoughtful gaze was unwaveringly fixed on Arash, softly uttered, "It's strange; I surely didn't expect to meet a great Persian hero like you." Arash, with a humble smile, replied, "The fact that you believe I'm Arash can only mean that you are a servant of honour."

 

As the Knight inquired about the Holy City, their conversation was abruptly halted by the unexpected arrival of Leonardo DaVinci, who was flanked by Fujimaru and Mash. Arash, recognising the importance of sharing the story, detailed the tragic events that befell their land six months prior. He explained, "The once prosperous land of Kena was abruptly swallowed by a merciless desert, a calamity orchestrated by a band of crusaders led by an enigmatic figure claiming to be Rechard." Arash added, his voice tinged with nostalgia, "The crusaders fell, thanks to the Lion King and the Knight of the Round Table. After they destroyed the crusaders and demolished Jerusalem completely, they built the holy city overnight." 

 

In that pivotal moment, DaVinci made her introduction, her voice ringing out with confidence as she proclaimed, "I am Leonardo DaVinci, a proud member of the esteemed Chaldea security organization." Her expression was warm and welcoming as she revealed her identity. Meanwhile, Bedivere and Arash exchanged puzzled glances, uncertainty painting their features. Undeterred, DaVinci proceeded to share with them the urgent mission they had embarked upon—to extinguish the looming disaster that threatened to engulf the very era they were standing in. With a sense of urgency in her tone, she turned to Arash, seeking guidance on the entrance to the sacred city. In response, Arash lifted his gaze to the darkening skies and began to unravel the mystical secrets that governed the opening of the city gates. He explained that only under the illumination of a full moon would the ancient gates part ways, allowing passage to those seeking refuge within the city's protective walls. The significance of the Holy Ritual, conducted only during these moonlit nights, added an air of mysticism to the unfolding events. As the group listened intently, a sense of anticipation filled the air, for the night held the promise of salvation for those in need.

Arash took a deep breath before conveying to his companions the solemn news that the refugees had assembled together in anticipation for this very momentous day. His words were weighted with a sense of foreboding as he recounted the bleak reality that no soul had ever made a return journey from the revered Holy City. In response to this grim revelation, DaVinci, with her usual quick wit, proposed a strategy of forming a united front to penetrate the sanctity of the Holy City. However, their noble knight, Bedivere, declined the notion with a dignified silence, expressing his steadfast resolve through his actions rather than words.

 

As the trio of Fujimaru, Mash, and DaVinci embarked on their mission, they communicated with their trusted ally, Professor Romani Archaman, providing him with a detailed account of the precarious situation they were about to face. The professor, sagely advising caution, urged them to proceed with utmost care and mindfulness, recognising the gravity of their impending endeavour. 

 

 

Later that fateful night, under the shroud of darkness, the imposing gate to the sacred and revered Holy City creaked open, its ancient mechanisms groaning in protest. Fujimaru, Mash, and the enigmatic DaVinci skillfully blended in with the displaced and desperate crowds seeking refuge within the city's protective walls. A palpable air of foreboding enveloped the trio as DaVinci's keen intellect detected an unsettling anomaly lingering in the atmosphere, cautioning Fujimaru and Mash to steel themselves for the unknown challenges that lay ahead.

 

As they cautiously traversed the threshold into the heart of the Holy City, a figure cloaked in shadow emerged, commanding the attention of the gathered masses with a resonant voice that cut through the eerie silence like a clarion call. Pronouncing, "I bid all welcome candidates for the Holy selection. I am Sir Gawain, a knight of the Round Table," the enigmatic figure cast a mysterious aura over the unsuspecting candidates assembled before him. With a deftly executed flourish, the majestic gates ominously swung shut behind the refugees.

 

Sir Gawin stood at the forefront, commanding the gaze of the startled refugees who had sought shelter above the palace. All eyes turned upwards as the majestic figure of the Lion King graced them with his awe-inspiring presence. With a voice that resonated with power and wisdom, he pronounced solemn words that echoed through the hearts of all present. "There are but a few," he began, his tone weighted with the gravity of his words, "who possess the strength and purity to navigate the treacherous path to the very end of this world." His gaze swept across the gathered crowd, his piercing eyes seeming to see into the depths of their souls.

 

As the Lion King spoke, his words carried a profound truth. The ruler of the land continued, his words carrying a sense of urgency and purpose: "The root of humanity has withered and fallen, and in its place, darkness threatens to consume all. It is for this reason that I must choose wisely, for the fate of our world rests upon the shoulders of a select few."

 

With a gesture that seemed to part the very fabric of reality, a divine light burst forth, bathing the assembled refugees in its ethereal glow. This radiant light served as a test, a trial of purity and virtue to determine those worthy of a higher calling. From the midst of the gathered throng, three individuals emerged, their souls shining with an inner light that set them apart from the rest.

 

In that solemn moment, the Lion King's voice rang out once more, each word a commandment that carried the weight of destiny. "Those souls untainted by sin, those hearts uncorrupted by the darkness that plagues our land, those beings born of an unwavering purity that defies all wickedness. It is they who shall be the chosen ones, the bearers of hope and renewal in a world teetering on the brink of despair."

 

Turning his gaze towards Sir Gawain, the Lion King spoke with a sense of finality, "Go, brave Sir Gawain, and gather those three whose spirits burn with the light of purity. They alone are deserving of entry into the realm of salvation."

 

Sir Gawin, with a heavy heart and a sense of duty, made the difficult decision to confront the group of refugees, his words dripping with regret as he attempted to explain the cruel actions about to unfold. "I deeply apologise," he began, his voice filled with sorrow, "but it is for the greater good of our world of man that these drastic measures must be taken. The holy punishment, however harsh, is a necessary evil." The weight of his words hung in the air as he gazed at the faces of the terrified refugees, knowing what was to come.

 

As the tension heightened and the archers received their orders to carry out the cruel act, a sense of despair settled over the scene. The sounds of arrows piercing the air mingled with the cries of the innocent, creating a cacophony of chaos and fear. In the midst of this turmoil, amidst the chaos and violence, three individuals were singled out and ushered towards the safety of the palace, a glimmer of hope in a sea of darkness.

 

As panic gripped the crowd and the situation spiralled out of control, DaVinci, ever the strategist, took charge of the chaotic scene. In a swift movement, she turned to Mash, her voice calm yet urgent as she issued orders to protect Fujimaru while she found a means of escape amidst the chaos. Mash, keep a watchful eye on Fujimaru; her words are a beacon of guidance in the midst of the turmoil. With determination in her eyes and a plan forming in her mind, DaVinci knew that their survival depended on her quick thinking and resourcefulness in the face of imminent danger.

 

 

Mash skillfully shielded Fujimaru from the barrage of attacks that rained down upon them like a storm of fury. In a display of unwavering focus, Gawin's gaze remained fixated on the duo, his presence exuding an ominous aura that sent shivers down their spines. With deliberate steps, Gawin gradually closed the distance between them, his voice cutting through the tension like a sharp blade as he confidently pronounced, "There is no escape from this trial, for the Holy Selection has reached its fateful conclusion." Each word he spoke echoed with a sense of finality, instilling a sense of foreboding in all who heard him.

 

As Gawin advanced, his hand instinctively reaching for his sword, a glint of moonlight danced across its blade, casting an ethereal glow in the darkness of the night. The sudden appearance of the sun seemed almost surreal against the backdrop of the intense confrontation unfolding before them. DaVinci, ever the astute observer, immediately recognised the gravity of the situation at hand. With a quick and calculating mind, she assessed the impending threat that now stood before them, her expression betraying a sense of urgency and determination to protect her companions at all costs.

 

 

DaVinci, renowned for her astute observations and deep understanding of mystical occurrences, found herself taken aback by the mesmerising and almost otherworldly display of power exhibited by Gawin. With a mixture of awe and respect in her voice, he articulated, "You are Sir Gawin, the knight of the sun." In a display of humility and unwavering belief in his divine connection to the sun, Gawin calmly responded, "Indeed, as long as the sun casts its radiant light upon me, I am infused with a blessed power akin to that of a revered saint." Emphasising the futility of resistance against such overwhelming might, Gawin cautioned DaVinci, "You stand no chance of prevailing against me; rather than facing certain defeat, you recklessly ventured into the heart of enemy territory. By this act, you have sealed your fate to meet your end at the edge of my blade." With a determined resolve and lethal grace, the towering figure of the knight commenced the swift motion of his colossal sword, preparing to strike down Fujimaru in a single decisive blow. However, the anticipated strike was met with an unexpected obstruction as Mash, exhibiting unwavering loyalty and unyielding courage, stepped in to intercept the lethal attack, protecting Fujimaru from harm. In that critical instant, the clash between Mash and the formidable Sir Gawin materialised into a fierce battle of wills and prowess, each combatant employing their unique skills and strengths in a fierce yet intricate dance of combat.

 

Sir Gawin, with one swift and powerful swing of his gleaming sword, managed to easily push back the imposing figure of Mash, while the skilled and ingenious DaVinci directed her relentless barrage of attacks towards the armoured knight, yet her efforts seemed futile in the face of his unwavering determination. Closing in on his adversaries with a palpable air of resolve, the Knight boldly declared, "As long as you bear that shield, I shall be compelled to strike with the entirety of my being." 

 

The atmosphere crackled with latent magical energy as the Knight meticulously prepared to unleash his ultimate attack, lifting his sword high as if invoking the fiery essence of the sun itself, proclaiming in a resolute voice, "This sword is a replica of the sun; its flames shall cleanse away all the impurities of this world." Naming his devastating technique "Excalibur Galatine," a manifestation of searing flames akin to the fierce radiance of the sun erupted forth, incinerating everything in its path, reducing the unfortunate bystanders to naught but ashes in an instant. A testament to his divine power.