Upon seeing her speculation immediately dismissed, Da Vinci curiously turned to look at Ozymandias. What greeted her, however, was Ozymandias's stern expression as he declared,
"As the master of the Holy Grail, I have no interest in the Holy Grail, nor in that so-called holy land. Therefore, listen carefully! The one who has turned this era into an anomaly among Singularities, the one who has devastated this era's foundation of human order beyond recognition—is seated amidst the ruins of Jerusalem, within that city of despair! Known as the Lion King, revered as the pure-white Lion King!"
Ozymandias's booming voice echoed through the temple, causing Ritsuka Fujimaru and the others to instinctively hold their breath.
"And as for how you'll witness this, let the knight personally ordained by the Lion King, the last seat of the Round Table infamous across this land, show you.
Sir Alaric, this shall be your task: take this group of clueless Chaldeans, who wander like headless flies, and let them see your king!
Hahaha! I'm curious to see what choices you will all make!"
With a grand gesture, Ozymandias issued his final order to Alaric.
As Alaric's true identity was revealed, Ritsuka Fujimaru and Mash exchanged incredulous glances. Their eyes reflected pure disbelief.
"Sir Alaric?"
Ozymandias had already provided an overview of Singularity's situation, explaining the existence of the Lion King—a being who had destroyed the foundation of human order and turned this Singularity into an anomaly.
To Ritsuka and Mash, the Lion King seemed to be the main culprit behind this disastrous Singularity.
Yet they had never imagined that someone by their side was a knight of the Lion King, personally ordained by him, and even held the last seat of the Round Table!
"I didn't mention it? When I arrived here, I found a job," Alaric said, feigning surprise as he glanced at Ritsuka and Mash as if blaming them for making a big deal out of nothing.
"I've already said this before."
"How can this be considered a normal job?!"
Mash reflexively retorted but then realized her words, her cheeks turning slightly red.
Ritsuka added, "Exactly! Sir Alaric, this isn't what we'd call a normal job. Since you're a knight of the Lion King, can't you tell us more about the Lion King?"
Even though they were shocked by Alaric's identity, Ritsuka quickly regained composure, attempting to gather intelligence about the Lion King.
"No can do," Alaric replied, shaking his head as he toyed with the Holy Grail.
"Seeing is believing. Besides, King Ozymandias has tasked me with showing you this anomaly firsthand."
Alaric's casual refusal left Ritsuka speechless as he continued, "You should experience this world for yourselves to draw your conclusions. If you only rely on my information to determine right and wrong, then you shouldn't continue your journey to save humanity.
If that were the case, I would personally put an end to your mission."
Alaric's confident words struck Ritsuka like a thunderclap, sweat forming on her brow.
For an instant, it felt as though a giant dragon loomed over her—a force far more sinister than any she had ever encountered.
"Sir Alaric…"
Mash hesitated, raising a hand but falling silent.
"What an arrogant fellow," Ozymandias chuckled, his eyes lighting up as he gazed at Alaric.
Over the past six months, Ozymandias had closely observed Alaric's growth. Only he truly understood how powerful Alaric had become.
"It seems you've grown significantly, Sir Alaric!"
Ozymandias laughed heartily.
The more Alaric grew, the more Ozymandias looked forward to the grand, unexpected comedy that might unfold in the end.
"Thanks for your guidance, King Ozymandias," Alaric replied with a wry smile.
"Had it not been for you, I wouldn't have reached this level of strength—"
Before he could finish, Nitocris interrupted angrily: "How dare you bring this up when the royal capital—"
"Enough, Nitocris!"
Ozymandias interjected sharply.
"When did you become so tiresome, like a squawking bird? You admire this man yet cling to such trifles. It is unbecoming of a pharaoh's dignity!"
Silenced by Ozymandias, Nitocris glared at Alaric without speaking further.
This half-spoken exchange only deepened the curiosity of Ritsuka and her group.
Ritsuka leaned closer to Alaric, whispering, "Sir Alaric, can you tell us what happened?"
Da Vinci and Mash also perked up, eager to listen. The stark contrast in Ozymandias and Nitocris's attitudes toward Alaric intrigued them.
Unfazed, Alaric finally spoke.
"What did I do? A month ago, I killed King Ozymandias."
"What?!"
Even Da Vinci, known for her composure, couldn't suppress her astonishment, exclaiming along with Ritsuka and Mash.
Given Ozymandias's immense power and the advantageous terrain of his brilliant divine complex, Alaric's claim seemed impossible.
"A month ago, I entered the sacred city. With Nitocris accompanying me, I killed Ozymandias in this very temple. Though, of course, he revived shortly afterward."
"So casually said!"
Ozymandias laughed disdainfully.
"Your seventeen strikes still linger on my body. Especially the wounds from your Mystic Eyes—those linger most."
"You're the Sun King," Alaric replied calmly.
"As long as this temple symbolizing your divinity stands, you cannot die."
Even after killing Ozymandias, Alaric conversed with him as though nothing had happened.
"Do you still feel no remorse for violating a pharaoh's dignity?"
Nitocris snapped, her glare filled with suppressed fury.
"This time, I've come to make amends," Alaric said, finally appeasing Nitocris's wrath.
"And I have a small favor to ask of King Ozymandias."
"Well then, kneel before the pharaoh and apologize!"
Nitocris demanded, her anger subsiding into pride.
Alaric only smiled.
"For killing Ozymandias, I deeply apologize. To me, the Sun King is a benefactor. But fate compelled me to wield my blade against him.
Of course, I take full responsibility for the sins this act has caused."
"Hahaha! So you claim fate itself guided your blade against me?" Ozymandias laughed thunderously.
"Fate, you say? But I am the Sun, the pharaoh who governs all. Fate lies within my grasp!"
Ozymandias's laughter filled the hall as he asked, "So, was that your only reason for coming?"
Alaric shook his head and smiled. "I'd like to borrow the Pseudo-Spiritronic Processor Tri-Hermes, brought from the Atlas Institute."