Chapter 77: Anomaly
"See? See? I told you she wouldn't be able to lift it."
"If she can lift it, then I'll run naked in Camelot."
Although in reality, none of the Knights of the Round Table said a word, it didn't stop Morgan from imagining their conversations. The Knights of the Round Table behind her were pointing and mocking her, ridiculing her for overestimating herself.
Her expression turned sour, and she began to calculate the chances of eliminating everyone present except Artorius to cover up her failure.
"Lady Morgan..."
Watching this scene, Artorius understood that Morgan was throwing a tantrum again.
As he sighed inwardly, he couldn't help but wonder why this woman, who had grown up, still acted like a little girl. Being a tsundere was no longer in fashion these days. He walked forward and said, "Please, Lady Morgan, I will remember your favor."
If Morgan really went berserk, he might have to give her another beating.
That would strain their relationship.
Unlike Merlin, who was useless, Morgan was chosen by Artorius for an important position. So he needed to appease her and be mindful of her mood. If their conversation ended badly and he had to resort to physical violence, it would take a lot of time and effort to calm her down afterward.
"..."
Hearing Artorius's words, Morgan let out a dismissive grunt, reluctantly drew her wand, and aimed it at the Holy Grail. Watching this, the Knights of the Round Table became more alert, even wanting to step forward and stop Morgan to prevent her from ruining the Holy Grail out of frustration.
Although they had confidence in this sacred treasure, what if? What if she succeeded? They wouldn't have a place to cry.
Fortunately, that didn't happen.
With the emergence of a foreboding black aura and the convergence and surge of magical energy, what appeared at the tip of the wand wasn't a fireball, a thunderbolt, or any kind of magecraft attack.
On the contrary, amidst the astonished cries of the Knights of the Round Table, the Holy Grail involuntarily trembled slightly. Even the knights, who were not particularly sensitive to magical energy, could feel a terrifying power slowly surging forth from the Holy Grail. Eventually, it took shape in Morgan's hand, gradually forming a phantom that resembled the Holy Grail itself.
"So... I've been thinking..." Artorius smiled and explained to the dumbfounded Knights of the Round Table, "What we need is not the Holy Grail itself, but its magical energy, right? So instead of moving the Holy Grail to Britain, why not directly extract the True Ether from it? Wouldn't that achieve our plan?"
"..."
"It seems to make some sense..."
"But something doesn't quite feel right."
"Still, if it works out like this, then the plan can be considered a success. His Highness truly has a brilliant mind."
The Knights of the Round Table discussed among themselves, feeling a sense of anticipation for the future. As a result, their eyes looking at Morgan no longer carried the previous hostility.
If this matter really succeeded, then Morgan would have a great debt owed to her by all of Britain.
However... the person who ultimately saved Britain was not King Arthur, but Morgan?
Just imagining that scene made the Knights of the Round Table uncomfortable all over.
However...
"!"
A few minutes later.
Under the expectant gazes of everyone, the transmission abruptly cut off with a *SNAP*. A force pushed Morgan backward, causing her to fall uncontrollably into Artorius's embrace.
"What happened?"
"..."
"Failure."
Before Morgan could even savor Artorius's embrace, she could only answer in frustration when he asked.
"There was a force that expelled me."
"At least you're all right and not in danger."
Hearing his response, warmed Morgan's heart.
'More than the failure of the plan, this guy cares more about my safety. Ahh, it seems he has become fanatically infatuated with me, to the point where he can't function without me... Ahhm~hghmm~'
Artorius's concern for her, apart from his usual tricks to deceive women, was primarily due to her importance.
In his plan, Morgan was a crucial pawn. Therefore, her safety had to be guaranteed. Otherwise, it would be too troublesome to pursue other options.
"So, this magical energy..."
Artorius's sentence was left unfinished, but Morgan understood his intention.
Without showing any emotions, she nodded silently, not uttering a word. Artorius understood her meaning nonetheless. It was enough—although they had only obtained a small portion of magical energy from the Holy Grail, it was sufficient to activate the spell Artorius eagerly anticipated, the one that could usurp fate.
'The plan has taken another small step forward...' Artorius thought to himself. At the same time, Galahad's mood became increasingly complicated as he looked at the Holy Grail. After Morgan's failure, he opened his mouth, ready to take the Holy Grail.
Simultaneously, Morgan pulled Artorius along, leading him to a nearby corner. She lightly waved her magic wand, seemingly using some kind of spell to isolate the surroundings.
"There seems to be something wrong with this Holy Grail."
"Are you saying it's fake?"
"Not exactly, but... it's difficult to describe."
Morgan hesitated for a moment.
After coming into contact with this seemingly solemn and sacred artifact, Morgan sensed a hint of malice and darkness concealed beneath its radiance.
However, this malice and darkness were not directed toward her, so they didn't activate.
Perhaps that was the reason she could touch the Holy Grail and still survive.
As for the malice of the Holy Grail and the trap attached to it...
"It's aimed at you, or maybe, Artoria."
"You are the greatest 'anomaly' of this era."
"If you could be eliminated in such an amusing way, even the Counter Force might burst into laughter." Her tone was subtly tinged with sarcasm.
"Of course, someone as cunning as you would never fall for it. The only one who would fall for it is my foolish sister." Morgan snorted lightly. "So, you're prepared, aren't you?"
Artorius remained unresponsive, silently pondering for several seconds before asking back, "Can we try again? Extract it once more?"
"Impossible."
"Then what about destroying it?" Artorius asked again, "Destroy it, hide it, or do whatever it takes to get rid of it. Can you do it, Morgan?"
"Unfortunately, that's something I can't do either."
"I see... Then let's wait a little longer."
The eastern sky began to brighten, signaling the approach of dawn. Agravain, known for his high efficiency, had already started moving his pawn, his cannon fodder, or rather, his suicide squad from a distance.
—This is a trap.
—Only those deemed worthy can lift the Holy Grail.
According to Bors and Percival, many knights and adventurers had come here before them, attempting to take the Holy Grail, but all had failed.
This confirmed Artorius's suspicion that his cannon fodder strategy would most likely fail too.
However, he still decided to give it a try since he felt sorry for his best friend if he didn't.
And yet, the miracle did not occur.
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