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Chapter 35 - The Sun King

The Knight of the lake, Sir Lanslot, renowned for his chivalry and valiant armies, drew ever closer to Fujimaru and the gallant band of comrades. Their hearts raced as they prepared for the impending clash, the tension palpable in the air. Suddenly, from a distance, the Knight unleashed a devastating attack, his sword gleaming in the sunlight as it arced towards them with lethal precision. However, in a miraculous display of skill and bravery, Mash skillfully intercepted Sir Lancelot's strikes, protecting her allies from harm.

In the midst of the chaos, the brilliant inventor DaVinci, her mind sharp as ever, revealed a daring plan to divert the Knight's focus away from Fujimaru and the group. With unwavering determination, she pledged to act as a decoy, risking her own safety to ensure their escape. Turning to Fujimaru and the others, DaVinci imparted crucial instructions, guiding them towards the path that would lead them to the revered kingdom of the Sun King.

As she prepared to face the Knight head-on, a sense of melancholy tinged with unwavering resolve swept over DaVinci. With a final farewell and a heartfelt wish for their success, she bid Fujimaru and his companions goodbye, a flicker of admiration and camaraderie shining in her eyes. Engaging her extraordinary magecraft, DaVinci conjured forth her intricate transportation device, its otherworldly design pulsating with magical energy. In a brilliant flash of light, she vanished from sight, leaving behind a trail of mystique and hope in her wake.

As DaVinci flung herself recklessly towards Sir Lanslot in a desperate attempt, the clash of their blades sparked a fierce explosion, engulfing the battleground in a tempest of light and sound. Fujimaru, Mash, and Bedivere stood in stunned silence, their hearts heavy with sorrow as they witnessed the sacrificial bravery of Leonardo DaVinci. Despite the chaos, a silent resolve hardened in their eyes as they made a silent vow to honor her memory on their journey to the Sun King's kingdom.

The following day dawned with a heavy weight on Fujimaru's soul, a relentless reminder of the loss they had suffered. The professor's unexpected communication sparked a mix of emotions within Fujimaru - a bittersweet blend of gratitude for the timely connection and grief over the tragic events that had unfolded. With a heavy heart, Fujimaru recounted the harrowing tale, painting a vivid picture of DaVinci's valiant sacrifice and the somber reality that now painted their quest with hues of sorrow.

Despite the passing of DaVinci, Fujimaru, Mash, and Bedivere bravely forged onward on their arduous journey to the Sun King's kingdom. As they trudged through the scorching desert sands, their determination unwavering, an unexpected challenge arose. Suddenly, they found themselves under siege by a colossal magical beast, a formidable guardian of the Sun King's realm. In the face of this fearsome adversary, Mash, Fujimaru, and Sir Bedivere stood ready for battle, their weapons at the ready, prepared to defend themselves at all costs. However, before the beast could launch its next attack, a curious and unforeseen turn of events transpired.

From the swirling dust and chaos of the desert, a figure emerged, shrouded in mystery and leading a vast army behind her. With a commanding presence, she stepped forward and proclaimed her identity to the bewildered travelers. "My name is Nitocris," she declared confidently, her voice ringing out across the vast expanse of the desert. "I am a servant, summoned to this land along with the Sun King himself." 

Nitocris, the servant of the Sun King, wearing an elegant robe embroidered with golden threads, approached Fujimaru and his companions with a curious yet slightly wary expression on her face. With a soft voice tinged with authority, she inquired about the purpose of their presence in the Sun King's territory, asking, "Do you come with intentions of conquest, seeking to claim the land that belongs to the great Sun King?" In response to her inquiry, Fujimaru, standing tall with an air of determination, explained, "We flee from the relentless pursuit of the Knights of the Holy City, seeking refuge and aid. Our supplies of water and food have been depleted, leaving us in dire need of assistance." Moved by a sense of compassion and empathy for their plight, Nitocris, after a brief moment of contemplation, made a compassionate decision to guide them to the magnificent Sun King's Palace nestled within the heart of the bustling city. 

As they traversed the bustling streets, filled with vibrant market stalls and bustling crowds, Fujimaru and his companions gazed in awe at the grandeur of the palace looming before them, their spirits lifted by the promise of sanctuary within its opulent walls.

As they made their way towards the Sun King's Palace, Nitocris, assuming the role of their knowledgeable guide, took the opportunity to enlighten Fujimaru about the origins of the legendary ruler. She revealed how the Sun King had been summoned to this very land, his divine purpose being to deliver humanity from the brink of ruin. 

With a sweeping gesture, Nitocris directed their attention to the magnificent structure before them - the Ramesseum Tentyris, the Sun King's abode gleaming in resplendent gold. Just then, the professor's voice crackled through the communication device, prompting him to delve into the history of Nitocris, the enigmatic queen who had reigned over six powerful Egyptian dynasties with her magical prowess. Offering a word of caution, the professor urged them to tread carefully as they continued their exploration of the palace grounds. 

As Nitocris led Fujimaru, Mash, and Sir Bedivere to the grand palace, her regal presence commanded attention. Standing in the opulent hall, she spoke with unwavering confidence, declaring, "Behold, in my presence stands the most courageous and authoritative Pharaoh, a ruler so magnificent that he is deemed worthy of being hailed as a deity. Our supreme Pharaoh, the illustrious sun King known as Ozymandias." 

At that moment, the Sun King turned his radiant gaze towards Fujimaru, his eyes filled with a curious gleam as he posed the question, "You are, indeed, the final master of humanity?" Facing the powerful monarch, Fujimaru stood resolute, introducing himself with a sense of determination, "I am known as Ritsuka Fujimaru, and we have ventured into this troublesome singularity with the sole purpose of setting things right." The king, in all his majestic glory, responded with a sense of assurance, "There is no need, for I, the great and mighty Pharaoh, have manifested within this realm, bringing forth my dominion. Humanity, under my protection, is as good as saved already." In this moment, the grandeur of the palace seemed to magnify, echoing the boundless power and wisdom that exuded from the sun King, Ozymandias.

Fujimaru, with determination in his eyes, meticulously detailed to the Sun King the grim history of how each successive era had met a fiery demise at the hands of the powerful mage king Solomon. The sun King, his imposing figure radiating a sense of authority, responded by presenting the legendary Holy Grail, a symbol of mystic power and untold mysteries. The valiant hero, along with his loyal companions, stood in stunned silence, their minds racing to comprehend the gravity of the situation unfolding before them. 

It was then that the sun King, his voice unwavering, uttered confidently, "The mage king you speak of... is nothing to fear." His gaze fixated on the sacred Grail nestled in his grasp. With a resolute air, he continued, "I have wrested this Holy Grail from the foolish grasp of misguided crusaders. With my unparalleled power and the protection of this ancient relic, even if the very bedrock of the world crumbles, our kingdom shall stand the test of time, unshaken and eternal." 

At that very moment, the grandiose doors of the king's palace slowly creaked open, revealing a mysterious figure cloaked in shadows. As the sun King gazed upon the enigmatic newcomer, he inquired with a hint of curiosity, "is that you Caster?" The figure, shrouded in an air of mystique, responded with a voice as smooth as silk, "My lord, I humbly request permission to take these refugees under my wing and provide them with proper care and shelter."

Nitocris, with a look of concern etched upon her face, approached the king and gently informed him of the dire condition of the surviving refugees. She emphasized that they were not only wounded but also on the brink of starvation, desperately in need of urgent medical attention. The king, known for his benevolent nature and generosity, solemnly nodded in understanding, his eyes reflecting a deep sense of compassion. With a resolute tone, he declared, "As bright and generous as the sun that shines upon my realm, I shall show you the greatness of my dynasty by offering all the resources at our disposal to aid these suffering souls." Following the heartfelt meeting with the king, the newly formed group made their way through the bustling streets of the city.

As they strolled through the bustling street, Sir Bedivere took the opportunity to convey to Fujimaru the imminent danger that loomed over the city. He painted a vivid picture of the menacing desert poised to swallow the flourishing crops and the entire city if the Sun King continued to turn a blind eye to the impending crisis. The urgency of their mission weighed heavily on their minds as they reached a momentary reprieve, settling down for the night to rest their weary bodies.

With the break of dawn, the Sun King beckoned them to his grand palace, where their fates would be decided. A sense of anticipation hung in the air as the king inquired if Fujimaru would pledge his allegiance, extending an offer that the valiant hero respectfully declined. Fujimaru's unwavering determination to press on and fight until the very end shone through his words as he politely refused, asserting his independence.

Upon hearing Fujimaru's steadfast refusal, the king's tone turned ominous, warning of the dire consequences of defying his rule. Despite the looming threat, the king displayed a glimmer of benevolence, offering a lifeline by assigning the caster as a protective escort for their upcoming endeavors. Grateful for this unexpected gesture of goodwill, Caster, Fujimaru and their companions expressed heartfelt gratitude towards the king before setting out into the unknown, marking the beginning of a new chapter in their adventure.