Chereads / Typemoon: Starting Out as the Lion King's Personal Knight / Chapter 50 - Typemoon: Starting Out as the Lion King [Chapter 49]: Arrival in Camelot

Chapter 50 - Typemoon: Starting Out as the Lion King [Chapter 49]: Arrival in Camelot

Alaric had always adhered to the belief that "no one is perfect," a philosophy that seemed at odds with the Lion King's pursuit of flawless individuals. The Lion King sought souls that could never be tainted, souls that would never waver in the face of evil, souls that were inherently and eternally pure—human beings unblemished by any fault for all eternity.

He could still clearly recall the Lion King's words during his first Holy Selection, words Alaric had memorized almost by heart. It was precisely because of this that Alaric found himself puzzled at being deemed a pure soul when he first encountered the Lion King.

"Do I possess the kind of pure soul that meets their criteria?"

Alaric rubbed his chin thoughtfully, slowly turning his gaze skyward. The sky outside the desert stretched out in a brilliant blue, with the radiant halo of the sun sitting at its center, like the all-seeing eye of a god gazing down upon the world.

It was clear to Alaric that the reason he had survived his encounter with the Lion King—aside from his audacious statements—was largely due to his Mystic Eyes of Death Perception and the fact that he was judged to have a pure soul. This supposed purity had allowed the Lion King to spare his life and even permit his actions.

As Alaric pondered his situation, a timid voice nearby interrupted his introspection.

"Um… excuse me, but… what is happening?"

The girl, her body still glowing faintly, looked at Alaric with unease.

It wasn't just the girl. The other refugees, as well as Sanzang and others, were also staring at Alaric, waiting for an explanation.

Understanding what the girl was afraid of, Alaric smiled reassuringly.

"No need to be afraid. You've passed the Holy Selection, which means you'll be able to live in the Pure White Utopia—Camelot—for a while. There, food and safety will no longer be a concern. It's a city of dreams. As for your companions, they will be sent to another safe place. One day, you'll all reunite."

Before the girl and other refugees could fully process this, Sanzang, focused on the situation, asked with a hint of confusion, "Are they going to be separated?"

From Sanzang's perspective, this seemed quite strange. They were supposed to be helping these people, so why was there a selection process that separated them?

"Hmm? Yes, of course. All I can do is ensure that those who weren't selected are safely relocated. But those who pass must go to Camelot. That's not something I can change."

Alaric smiled as he helped the girl to her feet.

While selecting those deemed worthy, Alaric had sensed a special resonance from the girl—a response from her soul to the Holy Selection or, more accurately, a response to the Lion King. At that moment, Alaric knew that the Lion King was likely aware of the girl's existence, watching her through his eyes. No matter what he did, the girl would have to be taken to Camelot.

Even if not for this, Alaric still would have taken her to Camelot. This was part of his duty as a Knight of the Round Table.

As for where to send the unselected refugees, Alaric had already made plans. They would be sent to Lancelot's stronghold, the territory he had established.

After completing a three-day training session, Alaric had specifically accompanied Lancelot to inspect the territory.

"I'm not going to force you to come with me. You can stay here if you want, or you can leave with me," Alaric offered, allowing the refugees to decide for themselves.

The result was predictable—none of them wanted to stay behind.

After allowing the girl and others to rest by the water source for a while, Sanzang, still puzzled, approached Alaric and asked, "So, what exactly is this Holy Selection? Why are you selecting people from among them?"

It was the first time Sanzang had heard of the Holy Selection, and it gave her an unsettling feeling.

Seeing Sanzang's confusion, Alaric did not hide anything and explained the reason behind the Holy Selection. Once Sanzang heard the full explanation, her expression immediately changed, and she was about to say something when Alaric interrupted her.

"Miss Sanzang, seeing is believing. Hearing alone won't give you the full picture of the Holy Selection."

Alaric scratched his head. While he didn't think explaining the Holy Selection to Sanzang was a mistake, he felt that further explanations might be troublesome.

Sanzang squinted at Alaric, clearly displeased.

"You fool of a disciple! You're hiding something from me. If it were Wukong, I would have already taught you a lesson."

As she spoke, the Nine-Ringed Staff in Sanzang's hand quietly transformed into the Ruyi Jingu Bang, and with a slight shake, it emitted a loud whoosh, cutting through the air near Alaric's ear.

...

Half an hour later, with the refugees in tow, Alaric and Sanzang continued deeper into the wilderness, heading east along the path Alaric had originally come from.

As time passed, a vast expanse of wasteland opened up before them, and the sight that greeted the refugees caused them to cry out in disbelief.

"How… how is this possible?"

"Is that a village?"

"There are people! There are people there!"

A wave of astonished exclamations erupted, and none of the refugees could remain calm upon seeing the scene before them.

In the distance, a small but bustling camp made of tents appeared, full of life and activity.

As Alaric's group approached the camp, they were blocked by several towering figures.

"Wow—"

Sanzang couldn't help but gasp as she got a clearer look at the figures blocking their path.

Alaric also glanced at the knights standing before him.

These were the Enforcement Knights, a force similar to but distinct from the Crusaders. Transformed by Agravain's skill into knights of absolute loyalty, they had replaced the Crusaders in this world.

Alaric walked straight past the towering Enforcement Knights, scanning the camp but failing to spot the familiar figure he sought.

"Is Lancelot not here?"

Seeing that Lancelot wasn't present, Alaric called for the refugees to enter the camp and casually pulled aside one of the stationed knights to take charge of the refugees.

"Um… can't I stay here?" the young girl timidly asked.

Alaric turned to look at the girl, her gaze full of undisguised longing as she stared at the camp and the refugees being taken in.

"No, if you stay here, you'll only bring disaster upon them."

Alaric didn't sugarcoat his response, bluntly revealing the harsh reality to the girl. Her face instantly fell, and she lowered her head in sorrow, saying nothing more.

Alaric noticed Sanzang was about to speak, so he quickly interjected. "Miss Sanzang, it's not a problem—"

"You fool of a disciple, you're worse than Zhu Bajie. The way you talk is just too hurtful. As a high monk and a maiden, I can't just stand by and watch!"

Sanzang scolded him angrily.

"Oh—"

Seeing Sanzang's angry expression, Alaric scratched his head but didn't try to argue further.

After the refugees were handed over and Lancelot still hadn't shown up, Alaric promptly led Sanzang and the others away, officially setting out for the Holy City.

...

Several hours later, as the sun set in the west, Alaric and his companions finally caught sight of their destination.

"Wow—"

Sanzang's mouth hung open in awe, and Alaika II, as well as the young girl, wore similarly astonished expressions.

In the distance, at the edge of the horizon, stood the Pure White City.

The Pure White Utopia—

The White City—Camelot!

...

At the same time, in Camelot

The Pure White Lion King turned her head toward the window, her pale golden eyes, like vertical slits, seeming to gaze across endless lands and lock onto a pair of similar eyes.

"My King?"

Agravain, who had been reporting, paused in surprise.