A New Hope Arises
Altria glanced once more at her two swords, gripping them firmly with both hands. With determination etched on her face, she swung her long swords overhead, ready to strike. Even in its fury, Vortigern regarded the knight with a rare sense of approval, thinking to itself that only a cunning lord and a valiant general could bring about the kind of failure it had faced before.
"Ah, perhaps only with these warriors can I grant them the most glorious death," Vortigern mused as darkness began to envelop the surroundings. The world around them melted into a strange haze that threatened to shatter the sanity of onlookers. Yet, amidst this chaos, Altria stood unwavering.
"Cut!" she shouted.
With a rallying cry, the two holy swords—Excalibur and Caliburn—blazed with brilliant light. Lott watched in awe as Excalibur glowed magnificently for the first time. He had seen it in animations countless times, but witnessing it in reality was an experience beyond his wildest imagination—more ambitious and dazzling than any depiction.
"It's hard for me to admit defeat," Lott said, tightening his grip on Vasilis as he prepared to unleash his power. He poured all the strength he could muster into the long sword and released it with abandon.
As he swung Vasilis, he noticed Galahad preparing for action as well. "Galahad, don't engage yet. Altria and I will handle this. You need to protect the rear," he instructed.
"Understood," Galahad replied, nodding vigorously.
Scanning the area, Galahad noted the ruins of Vortigern's palace nearby. His eyes caught sight of an iron gate adorned with intricate carvings. Seizing the opportunity, he rushed to grab the steel door.
With a synchronized attack, Lott and Altria unleashed their light cannons against Vortigern. One was a vibrant spectrum of colours, the other a brilliant white. As the two luminous blasts hurtled toward the dragon's gaping maw, it attempted to swallow them whole.
Vortigern's massive body shook violently as if it might break apart from the force. Yet, against all odds, it managed to swallow both attacks, though not without considerable effort. Lott and Altria now weakened and below half their strength, had not been able to deliver the full force needed to vanquish the beast.
Despite its faltering state, Vortigern pressed forward, determined to shred Lott to pieces. Both Lott and Altria collapsed to the ground, completely drained, but Galahad stood firm, wielding the iron gate as a shield against the impending onslaught.
With every ounce of strength, Galahad resisted Vortigern's charge. The limits of human potential were being tested, but the iron gate was no match for the dragon's ferocity. After a few fierce clashes, the gate shattered into several pieces, leaving Galahad in shock.
"This…!" Galahad gasped as he realized the dire situation. With Lott and Altria incapacitated, Vortigern's cruel smile revealed its intent to finish them off. Just as it prepared to crush Galahad beneath its massive paw, a figure suddenly appeared behind him, launching him to safety.
"These individuals are the hope for Britain's future. I won't let you extinguish that hope!" The figure, dressed plainly with grey hair and a haggard face, wielded a sword that trembled in his grip.
"Father-in-law?!" Lott exclaimed, taken aback.
"Yes, it's me," King Uther said with a reassuring smile.
"You're not dead!" Lott blurted out, surprised.
At Lott's words, King Uther's expression darkened. "I regret marrying my daughter to you now!" he quipped, turning to face Vortigern.
"After leaving Camelot, I've shed my kingly duties and found renewed vigour. You see, I am not only alive but here to confront you, Vortigern," Uther declared, standing tall.
Vortigern scoffed, "Your obsession runs deep. How long do you think you can last on this last breath of yours?"
"At least until I witness your demise, dear brother. This era belongs to my daughter and my son-in-law—the next generation," Uther retorted, a wicked grin spreading across his face. "Oh, and by the way, you wouldn't know this, but you have no next generation of your own."
In many respects, Lott was more of an heir to King Uther than Altria or Morgan—especially when it came to banter. Uther had an uncanny ability to pinpoint Vortigern's weaknesses with sharp words, and this time, his taunts seemed to ruffle Vortigern's feathers more than ever.
The dragon's rage flared as it redirected its focus toward Uther, charging at him with ferocity.
King Uther quickly signalled to Lott and the others. "Distract it! Now!"
With no time to waste, Uther dodged to avoid Vortigern's attacks. As he manoeuvred, he glanced back, realizing Lott and the others had yet to move. "Hey! Why aren't you leaving?!" he called out, concern etched on his face.
Lott, calm and composed, responded, "We're not leaving you behind, Father-in-law." Determined to stand together, they prepared to face Vortigern once more, united in their fight against the overwhelming odds.