Chương 156: C156
Lostbelts are deemed failed timelines by the world itself. In contrast to the Greater History of Man, which represents the history of "winners" born from correct choices and proper prosperity leading to the "present," Lostbelts are histories of "failure" that arise from wrong choices or false prosperity for humanity. Due to their inherent nature of failure, they are severed from the greater multiverse.
Initially, Shirou had considered the possibility of fleeing to Europe with the people if they couldn't defeat Vortigern. However, it had become clear that this was not a practical solution. Being designated as a Lostbelt and isolated from the outside world meant that their survival would be at stake.
With Vortigern now embodied in the very essence of Britain's nature, the only viable solution was to claim the throne and reclaim the land that he had taken. The alternative was to allow Fou to transform into a "Beast,"
However, if Shirou were to absorb an excessive amount of "Evil" from the "Beast," he would risk transforming into a monstrous entity that not even Merlin could foresee. He had no desire to become a monster and turn this pivotal moment in history to become another Lostbelt, severed from the present timeline.
In light of these circumstances, there was no other choice but to take up the mantle of kingship and reclaim the land that Vortigern had seized, with the ultimate goal of defeating him in a decisive battle. This was the only path that offered a chance to return home or establish a secure future.
"Prepare yourself, King 'Arthur'!" Merlin said. "You have now become an integral part of history, and Vortigern's army will arrive in the afternoon!"
Shirou regarded Merlin with a curious expression. "Why are you willing to use 'Clairvoyance' to help me now?"
"Because this is the final chapter of 'Arthur,' and the prelude to the King's Legend! Embrace this moment and accept your role as the King. This is the War of the Kings, marking the end of the Age of Gods!"
...
Just as seen through Merlin's Clairvoyance, Vortigern's army was suppressing Barton Mountain, making people's attention focused on the Barton Fortress. However, in secret, he sent a strong force from the northeast mountain road to attack Caerleon, intending to encircle it.
"General Palino, we have sighted Caerleon ahead," the scout reported. "There's already troops stationed there."
"Have the bards spread the king's decree to massacre the city?"
"Yes, the order has been circulated, but its impact seems to be limited, and the defending troops have not wavered in their resolve," the scout reported.
Palino nodded, deep in thought. "It is to be expected. Caerleon is the heartland of Camelot, and its people are resilient in the face of intimidation."
He then addressed the leader of the magi who accompanied him, "Are the magical cannons prepared for deployment?"
"We have prepared five magical cannons, each loaded with dragon bones, sea monster eyes, and mithril," the magi leader assured him. "However, there is a chance that the fairies may come to Caerleon's aid."
Palino remained undeterred. "The King's army has already suppressed Barton Mountain, so even if the fairies intervene, their attention will likely be focused there. Therefore, we can take advantage of their diversion and use the cannons to breach the city walls of Caerleon directly once we arrive."
"Yes, General!" the magi leader replied, acknowledging Palino's command.
Palino continued, outlining his tactical plan, "Once the city walls have been breached, the infantry will advance first, followed by air support to subdue the enemies, and finally, we will press forward with full force."
The other generals present nodded in agreement, showing their approval of the strategy.
Palino rode atop his warhorse, taking in the sight of his army on either side. Accompanying him were magi standing on war chariots, their vehicles shimmering with large-scale magical markings as they madly accumulated magical energy.
Ferocious magical beasts flanked both sides of the army, while bipedal flying wyverns and griffins soared overhead. The silver-armored Saxon army found themselves sandwiched in the center of these magical creatures as they marched towards Caerleon.
...
"Your Excellency Arthur, can we really survive under Vortigern's rampaging army?"
Shirou turned to face the crowd and spoke with confidence, "Do not fear. We will not only survive, but we will emerge victorious. For I am the Red Dragon, and I shall defeat the White Dragon!"
His words of reassurance brought comfort to the people of Caerleon.
As Vortigern's army approached, the order to slaughter the city spread throughout all of Caerleon. Fear consumed the people, the nobles, and even the defending soldiers. In this time of uncertainty, Shirou knew he could only rely on his own prestige to bring comfort to the frightened masses.
The sun was setting in the west, casting a dim light over the land. Judging by the position of the sun, he estimated that it was approximately four o'clock in the afternoon.
Merlin stood by his side, a smile on his face as he suddenly reminded him, "My king, they have arrived!"
Shirou's expression turned to a frown.
In the next moment...
"Shoo!" A sudden burst of white light covered the sky, shining brilliantly and brightly.
"Boom boom boom boom boom!!"
The ground trembled beneath them as Caerleon shook.
Shirou delegated the task of comforting the people to Bedivere and hastily made his way towards the wall, with Merlin close on his heels.
Upon reaching the wall, he found Kay frantically giving orders with the assistance of Lamorak. Soldiers ran around like frenzied screws in response to their commands.
Standing atop the fortress wall, Shirou surveyed the invading army below, his hands clenching the stone surface as his eyes widened in disbelief.
What army was this? It was clear that it was a flood of magical beasts, one terrifying creature after another galloping across the plain, their howls shaking the mountains and forests.
In the sky, griffins and wyverns danced together, their figures silhouetted against the dark and gloomy sky. Like a colossal mountain, they descended upon Caerleon with crushing force.
The number of magical beasts alone was staggering, likely exceeding ten thousand in total!
He looked at Merlin, who was smiling beside him, and asked, "Vortigern's army is probably more than 80,000, right?"
"80,000 is just the number of Saxons. When you include the magical beasts, the total number is around 300,000. And in the north, there are also Pictish people who have responded to Vortigern's call, numbering around 50,000."
Shirou's throat felt dry at the staggering numbers.
At this moment, five powerful magical blasts erupted from afar. He instinctively tried to block the magical blasts, but at the next moment, magical markings appeared on the walls of Caerleon Castle, forming a protective barrier that effectively blocked the blasts.
The magical beasts charged relentlessly towards Caerleon, only to smash into the impenetrable magical barrier, their skulls shattering and blood flowing like a river. Under Tristan's leadership, the archers were already firing arrows, while the accompanying magi of the Orkney troops stood on both sides, chanting spells and launching small magical blasts.
In particular, Morgan stood on the wall, pouring a liquid made of mithril. The earth shook and chunks of rock rose up, forming towering, five-meter tall stone giants with the mithril liquid at their core. The giants charged fearlessly into the demonic sea tide, pushing back against the onslaught of magical beasts.
Like a rainbow, magical energy bombarded the sky, cutting through it with a mesmerizing display. The flying wyverns and griffins responded with roars that echoed throughout the land.
Meanwhile, on the ground below, the stone giants danced alongside the magical beasts.
Shirou was unable to regain his senses for what seemed like an eternity. Was he transported to an ancient era or had he crossed over into a world of magic and fantasy?
After what felt like an eternity, he finally regained his composure. "The Northern Kings intercepted these things for ten years?" he asked incredulously. His eye twitched as he struggled to comprehend the magnitude of the situation.
Merlin replied calmly, "It's mainly due to the Hadrian's Wall and the aid of the fairies. Without their assistance, the Northern Kings would have been unable to repel the invaders."
Shirou looked at Merlin beside him and couldn't help but say, "Is this the war of the Age of Gods? I have to say, I am shocked."
Merlin shook his head and replied, "No, this is far from the war of the Age of Gods. This is the war that took place at the end of the Age of Gods."
"Does that make a difference?"
Merlin nodded, "Yes, it does. The war of the Age of Gods was fought not by humans, but by the gods themselves. The magic that existed during that era was much more potent than what we have now, and there were countless magical artifacts that could decimate entire fortresses. However, by the end of the Age of Gods, the conflict shifted towards a battle between humans and magical beasts, and many magical techniques were lost in the process. With the complete disappearance of the Age of Gods, all Phantasmal Species will vanish from the surface of the planet, and magic will fade away even further."
Shirou turned his gaze towards the magical beasts and asked, "Are all these creatures under the control of Vortigern?"
Merlin nodded, "Yes, they are. From the time when Gilgamesh bid farewell to the gods until the death of King Solomon, humans gradually rose to dominate the world. As a result, the planet's environment changed to become more suitable for human survival. However, this was not favorable for the survival of creatures from the Age of Gods. Some of them accepted this and retreated to the Reverse Side of the World, leaving the surface of the planet to humanity. But others refused to yield and even desired to restore the world to the Age of Gods."
He continued, "And that is the White Dragon. The magical beasts and creatures under his control are unable to enter the Reverse Side of the World. For these creatures, the disappearance of the Age of Gods signifies their inevitable demise. Therefore, the conflict led by Vortigern is, in essence, the final battle of the creatures from the Age of Gods who refuse to relinquish the world to humanity."
"So, what I must do, or rather, what 'King Arthur' must do is to bring an end to the Age of Gods?"
"Yes," Merlin gave a solemn nod.
"Why aren't you hiding things from me this time?"
Merlin let out a sigh, "At this moment, I am not Merlin, but the court mage. Until 'King Arthur' fulfills his mission, it is my responsibility to assist you. Of course, this is also for observation purposes."
"Then be prepared to be used by me as much as possible!"
...
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