"That choice is yours, Sir Alaric. The bond with Britain has already been established, but whether or not you transform into a dragon is up to you." The Lion King's expression remained impassive.
"You could soar as the Red Dragon to the ends of the world, or live out your final days as a human. Neither path truly matters."
'No, I don't understand at all—' Alaric thought, feeling as though question marks hovered over his head. He understood the Lion King's words individually, but together, they felt vague and elusive.
Moreover, under the Lion King's gaze, Alaric could feel the dragon blood within him growing more active, intensifying beyond even his fully activated state. It was almost an overload. Could the Lion King have such control over the dragon blood within him? This implication was unsettling; it suggested a connection between the Lion King and his dragon blood that Alaric didn't fully comprehend. Just by gazing at him, the Lion King could affect his blood. However he considered it, it felt uncanny.
"The stars have already pointed the way, Sir Alaric," the Lion King continued, urging him to find the answer for himself instead of providing a direct one.
Still uncertain, Alaric was about to speak again when he noticed the Lion King's gaze shift away from him.
"Traveler from a foreign land, what brings you here?"
The Lion King's attention had turned toward Sanzang, whose karma and origins were apparent to her, given her divine status.
"Eh, me?"
Sanzang, suddenly alert, introduced herself confidently.
"I'm Xuanzang Sanzang, a high monk on a pilgrimage to India, aspiring to become a Buddha! I came to this apocalyptic Shambhala under the guidance of the Buddha to save the world! But I'd like to stay here in this city for a while to observe things more closely!"
Sanzang's lively introduction echoed through the hall.
"Permission granted. You may reside freely in the Holy City," the Lion King replied, allowing Sanzang freedom within Camelot.
"Thank you very much! You seem important—how should I address you?" Sanzang, smiling warmly, made a respectful Buddhist gesture.
"I am the Lion King, ruler of the end, master of the storm," the Lion King replied, unphased by her casual demeanor. Though she remained cold, she did not rebuke her for her forwardness.
"Thank you very much!"
Sanzang clasped her hands, beaming with gratitude. The Lion King acknowledged her thanks with a slight nod before returning her gaze to Alaric.
"Sir Alaric, do you have anything else to report?"
Realizing that further questions would yield no answers, Alaric replied, "There's one more thing. My King, I might need a suitable weapon."
Alaric's calm request surprised the knights present.
"Huh?"
Mordred, amused, chuckled aloud. A Knight of the Round Table without a proper weapon?
"What? You don't even have a weapon?"
Ignoring their reactions, Alaric continued addressing the Lion King.
"As the fusion of my dragon blood deepens, my magical and physical power grows to the point where ordinary weapons can't withstand the output of my magic. Often, my magic destroys the weapons themselves, My King. If I am to continue fighting on the battlefield, I'll need a weapon that can handle my power."
The Lion King glanced at Mordred, who had been causing a stir.
"Mordred, I don't recall granting you residency in the Holy City. You may remain here only during the day. Return to the lands that suit you."
Unfazed by the reprimand, Mordred laughed.
"Alright, I'll head back to the wilderness right away, Father! Leave the defense of the outskirts to me! And when you're ready to fight the Crusaders, don't forget to call me!"
She left the hall with a smile.
Once Mordred was gone, the Lion King turned back to Alaric.
"Sir Alaric, what kind of weapon do you seek?"
A terrifying mental storm seemed to rise before her as the Lion King spoke, yet Alaric held his ground, keeping his eyes locked with the Lion King's.
Though he hadn't originally planned to request a weapon from the Lion King, Alaricr had few options left. He simply needed a sword durable enough to handle his power. Special properties didn't matter much; durability was key.
"My King, I only need a sword—one that can withstand the breath of a dragon."
The Lion King glanced at Agravain.
"Agravain, give me a sword from the Enforcement Knights."
"At once."
Agravain, anticipating the request, promptly handed Alaric a longsword, prepared in advance.
Surprised, Alaric examined the sword. It was identical to those used by the Enforcement Knights, whose armor he had once borrowed. But given his increasing strength, such a weapon wouldn't last long.
Before Alaric could question further, the Lion King raised a hand, and radiant light began to emanate from her palm—the divine power of a god.
Being closest to the Lion King, Alaric felt the full force of the divine energy. The Holy Grail nearly slipped from his grasp, yet his focus was entirely on the Lion King.
Strands of brilliant light extended through the air, enveloping the sword in her hand. It was a phenomenon Alaric recognized, reminiscent of when he wielded the Ruyi Jingu Bang. His thoughts drifted momentarily as the radiant light completed its work.
The weapon now held a divine blessing from the goddess of the Holy Spear, Rhongomyniad.