Lancelot, tormented by thoughts of Guinevere marrying someone else in another world, felt a deep conflict within himself. It was a reality that went against his knightly ideals, making him reluctant to confront his own emotions. He now hesitated to seek out Galahad, knowing the turmoil it would bring.
"Are you scared to face this small issue?" Mordred sneered at Lancelot, her voice laced with mockery.
"Do you want to test your swordsmanship against me?" she challenged, her eyes flashing with defiance.
"Fine, who's afraid of whom?" Lancelot shot back, stepping forward, ready to draw his sword.
Seeing the two knights on the verge of fighting, Ritsuka Fujimaru quickly intervened, raising his hands to separate them. "Stop it! This isn't the time for a duel," he urged, grabbing Mordred's arm and pulling her aside. "We need to find Galahad. Let's go."
Reluctantly, Mordred allowed herself to be led away. Mash also followed, always close by, watching the situation unfold.
By sheer coincidence, they stumbled upon Galahad patrolling the area, leading a group of knights on a mission to flush out spies. The timing couldn't have been better as he was approaching the very place they had just left.
Spotting Galahad from a distance, Ritsuka gave Mordred a meaningful look, silently signaling that this was her moment.
Understanding, Mordred nodded and stepped forward, approaching Galahad with confidence. "Knight Galahad, we meet again," she greeted, her voice steady.
Ritsuka and Mash quickly joined her, bowing politely as they introduced themselves.
"Hello, Sir Galahad," Ritsuka said with a smile.
"Galahad-san," Mash added softly, her tone warm and respectful.
The sudden appearance of a knight accompanied by two strangers startled Galahad. His eyes widened in surprise as he recognized Mordred. "Knight Mordred! How are you here?" he asked, his voice filled with disbelief.
Although Galahad hadn't spent much time in Camelot in another timeline, he was familiar with the Knights of the Round Table. He knew Mordred well, especially as the powerful knight who was King Arthur's nephew.
Wait... King Arthur's nephew?
Galahad's mind raced as he tried to process this information. "Morgan!" he muttered to himself. It made no sense. How could Mordred, Morgan's child, be standing before him? Morgan had only recently given birth, so how could there be an adult Mordred?
"You... are you from the future?" he asked, his voice tinged with confusion.
Mordred nodded solemnly. "In a way, yes."
Galahad's eyes widened further. "In that case, I'll take you to see Her Majesty Morgan right away. You can come with me to serve her," he said, reaching out as if to guide her.
"Hey, wait! What are you doing?" Mordred exclaimed, pulling her arm back. "I never said I was going to serve Morgan!"
Galahad looked at her, his confusion deepening. "Why not? You're her child, after all. Shouldn't you help your mother?"
Mordred hesitated, unsure how to explain herself. This version of Galahad hadn't yet experienced the events that would lead to her rebellion. He still saw her as the loyal knight she had once been, and his trusting gaze made her feel uneasy.
Mash, sensing Mordred's struggle, stepped forward. "Um, Galahad-san, we need to talk to you about something important," she said gently.
Her voice was calm and sincere. Despite knowing that this Galahad didn't yet recognize her, her feelings for him remained unchanged.
Galahad looked at her, a sense of familiarity washing over him. "Who are you?" he asked softly.
"My name is Mash," she replied, her tone steady.
Galahad tilted his head slightly. "Miss Mash, did you come with Mordred to seek refuge with Her Majesty Morgan?"
Mash shook her head quickly. "No, we're here for another reason."
Galahad's expression shifted to one of concern. In an instant, he had drawn his sword, pointing it at Mordred and the others. "Then why are you here? Are you a threat to Camelot?" he demanded, his voice firm.
Although Galahad was known for his innocence, he was also highly perceptive. He could sense that their intentions were not entirely clear.
Mash stammered, struggling to find the right words. "That's not..."
Before she could continue, Mordred stepped forward, her sword drawn as she placed herself protectively in front of Mash and Ritsuka. "What we're trying to do is much more important. Even if it's you, I won't let you stop us!" she declared, her voice unwavering.
"It seems I'll have to subdue you first," Galahad replied, his tone resolute. "Let's see your strength."
Without further hesitation, the two knights charged at each other. Galahad leapt high into the air, his sword slicing down with immense force. Mordred met his attack head-on, her sword held horizontally to block the strike.
The impact of their clash sent shockwaves through the air. Mordred was forced back several steps but quickly steadied herself, a grin spreading across her face.
"As expected of a Knight of the Round Table," she muttered, her eyes gleaming with excitement. She charged at him again, her sword glowing with a crimson light as she unleashed a powerful slash.
Galahad countered effortlessly, his swordplay precise and fluid. He parried her attacks with ease, his movements smooth and controlled. It was clear that he had grown stronger, far surpassing the knight she had known before.
As the battle continued, the crimson light from Mordred's sword began to fade, while Galahad's strikes grew more powerful with each passing moment. The difference in their abilities was becoming painfully obvious.
Within a few exchanges, it was evident that Galahad's mastery of the sword was leagues beyond Mordred's. He pushed her back relentlessly, his attacks unyielding and precise.
Mordred gritted her teeth, frustration building within her. This was not the Galahad she remembered. His skill, his power—everything about him had changed. But she couldn't back down now. She had to win, for the sake of everything they were fighting for.
Galahad's sword struck with incredible force, forcing Mordred to stagger back once more. She struggled to maintain her balance, but her determination never wavered. She would not give up, no matter how outmatched she was.
"This is... incredible," she muttered under her breath. "You've gotten so much stronger."
Galahad's face remained calm and focused. "I have no choice but to stop you, Mordred. If you won't come willingly, I will subdue you."
Mordred's grip tightened on her sword. "I'd like to see you try!" she shouted, charging forward once more.
Their swords clashed again, sparks flying with each impact. The fight was fierce, each blow more powerful than the last. But despite her best efforts, Mordred found herself being pushed back, her strength waning against Galahad's relentless assault.