"It's not that simple..."
Morgan interjected. Listening to their discussion, she couldn't help but snort.
"This family thing can probably be built. Using our planet as a base for development likely won't be a problem. But who says the leader has to be Artorius? Look at those three Artorias over there... Why did they change their minds so quickly and support his plan? Isn't it because they saw the benefits in there?"
Morgan summed it up in a way that even those with the intelligence of Artoria or the innocence of Mordred could understand.
Indeed, the current situation wasn't so bad for the three leaders of Artoria Species.
Originally, they formed their own organizations relying on their ideals as a bond.
There was an individual who wanted to unite all Artoria Species without discrimination no matter what subspecies they were, and that was XX. However, her poor management skills and the internal conflicts among the Artoria Species made her Holy Lance Sisterhood one of the three—no, one of the four major organizations of Artoria Species, with the fastest collapse rate.
But now, things were different.
With the appearance and declaration of Artorius, the idea of uniting the Artoria Species had become a reality and was possible. Hundreds of Artoria Species could be integrated into one whole group, and thanks to the so-called 'sub-element' from him, their power could increase tenfold or even more.
With the technology and energy of the Sapphire Galaxy, they could develop Artorius's world. In this way, setting sail in this world and aiming for the great sea of stars was only natural.
Lands, beauties, everything was within their grasp. This was a step closer to perfection which was better than the original plan of the Artoria Species, one could say it was the perfect solution.
All of this was because of the great treasure from the legend of Artoria Species—One Son!
The four who had come with Artorius finally understood, their spirits shaken and their gazes towards him changed.
"Of course, I would recommend myself."
Faced with the question of the three mothers, Artorius responded without hesitation.
"Among those present, I'm probably the only one capable of reconciling the internal conflicts among Artoria Species."
"In theory, that's correct, but Artorius, you're still a child." Z said cheerfully. "For something so important, it's probably better if an adult handles it, right?"
"What do you mean by—"
"Of course, it should be me!" Z interrupted Artorius's retort and said cheerfully, to the astonishment of the other Artoria Species present. "I'm like the Counter Force of Artoria Species after all."
"When it comes to management experience, commanding subordinates, and devising plans, I won't lose to anyone." Space Lion King didn't want to lose.
"Even to you, I won't yield." Ex joined in.
In short, everyone recommended themselves, without even a hint of politeness towards Artorius.
"So, how should we handle this situation now? Democratic voting?" Mordred asked in a hushed tone.
"Instead of that, I believe everyone here prefers a different way to resolve this issue, don't you agree?" Artorius heard Mordred's quiet words and then spoke loudly. "Mothers, don't you all think the same way?"
"..."
Of course, that's how they felt—such a good opportunity, such a promising son, who would willingly let go? No one would.
Democratic voting? That kind of thing only worked among people who trusted each other. And in this situation, Z who had the fewest people but the strongest power, wouldn't accept that. She could just defeat everyone here and be done with it.
Since no one would yield, there was only one way.
Fight.
Whoever wins decides.
Whoever wins, Artorius would obey. Whoever became the head and leader of the Pendragon, would gain all the wealth, status, and honor.
The simplest, most direct, most violent, and easiest to understand solution.
"Very well! Let's do it this way!"
"Let's get started!"
"We talked so much, but in the end, we're still fighting."
"Hold on a moment!"
As the three leaders prepared for battle, Artorius stopped them once again.
"Is there something else to say?"
"Of course, there is..." Artorius said. "Look around, look at everyone! Besides us, everyone else also wants to compete for this final victory, right?! Since you are Artoria Species, and they are also Artoria Species, then everyone should have a share! At the very least, we should all have a chance to compete!"
"Yes, yes!"
"Son is right!"
"You are Artorius's mother, and I am also Artorius's mother. Why should you be the one to snatch the position, and I shouldn't?!"
"..."
"Artorius, is this your plan? But, I won't yield." Ex said with indifference as she gazed at her sisters from the Dark Rounds.
"Hmph, I see, I see... But it doesn't matter anymore, nothing matters anymore!" Z said cheerfully without care.
"It seems like all of you've forgotten to fear the strong, forgotten how I became the leader of the Order of Avalon. If that's the case, then let me help you remember." Space Lion King said with a dignified tone to her subordinates.
In just a moment, every Artoria Species's emotions were stirred, and the three leaders understood Artorius's purpose.
He didn't have a high chance of winning against the three leaders, so he attracted other ordinary Artoria Species into the mix and improved his odds, he needed to muddy the waters.
In this situation, the battle was sure to turn into a brawl rather than a proper tournament. This favored him greatly.
"But even so, do you really think you can win, son? You're still too naive." Space Lion King said calmly. "Let me teach you what a truly powerful warrior is."
"Hmph, no matter what, things are unfolding in the direction I want." Z said while sneering. "Let's fight! Decide who the strongest Saber is, who the strongest Artoria Species is!"
"In terms of combat power, I won't lose to anyone." Ex said with determination. "I can't afford to lose this battle, even if Artorius is my enemy."
The three leaders were prepared for battle, and the surrounding Artoria Species were equally excited and eager, anticipating the upcoming battle.
"Um, Father..."
At this moment, Mordred cautiously nudged Artoria's waist and whispered.
"Can we participate in this too?" She asked softly, her voice lowered under Artoria's disapproving gaze.
"Well... maybe..."
As Artoria hesitated, not knowing how to respond, she subconsciously glanced at Morgan, who was beside her.
The witch's lips curled into a pleased smile as she armed herself with various hidden Mystic Codes, even several Noble Phantasms were taken out.
At this moment, there were even fewer Morgan Subspecies than Mordred. In fact, only she was present.
But so what?
The other Artoria Species were fools, and Mordred Subspecies was the fool among fools. In this unprecedented family battle, intelligence and wisdom were more important than combat power!
She was the smartest among the Pendragon—Artorius might dispute that, but to Morgan, their intelligence just played out in different directions.
Artorius was excellent at governance, military strategy, administration, law, and understanding human nature. But when it came to magecraft, his talent was just average. Despite mastering True Magic, he couldn't even fully master Rune.
'I've waited for this day!'
Morgan's lips curled uncontrollably.
'Finally, the day when I can shine has come! Fufufu!
'Unexpected, right?! Maybe none of you thought about it, but the winner of this battle won't be any of you. It'll be me, Morgan!'
As Morgan happily daydreamed inside her mind, a bounded field enveloped the area, a 'miracle' created by Artorium.
After the civil war of Artoria Species devastated many planets, the 'wisest' among them realized that a bounded field for this kind of 'harmless family battle' was necessary.
Inside the bounded field, no matter how great the power, it wouldn't destroy anything other than the people inside. Moreover, this bounded field had several modes—a sparring mode where they stopped just short of causing harm, a merciless mode, and a mode that pushed fighters to their limits.
This time, they chose the last one. Everyone had to fight until only one remained and the losers would be expelled from the bounded field. Thus, the last one standing inside the bounded field would become the head and leader of the Pendragon.
It was very simple and easy to understand.
Even the local Artoria Species like Mordred and Morgan, upon seeing the reactions of the other Artoria Species, instantly grasped the 'rules' of this bounded field.
The bounded field formed, and the battle finally began!
"Then I will—!"
Morgan's words stopped halfway as she felt a sharp pain in her lower back. She struggled to turn her head to see who had stabbed her.
But before that could happen, she was already expelled from the bounded field.
At the same time...
"Kill them!"
"Charge!"
"Ex... Calibur!"
"Ice... Calibur!"
"Sun... Calibur!"
"Double... Calibur!"
"Bat... Calibur!"
"Super... Calibur!"
"...Calibur!"
"...Calibur!"
In an instant, hundreds of sword beams surged forward. With determination, desire, and excitement, all Artorias launched their attacks together.
Coincidentally, those beams were heading toward Crimson Moon and her army who had just arrived in the area.
"Hmm? What the—?!"
Before Crimson Moon could finish her words, she and her most elite army were instantly engulfed in endless lights.
Watching this scene, all Artorias who unleashed the sword beams were stunned for a moment.
"Did we hit something just now?"
"Who cares about that?!"
"Keep fighting! Artorius is going to be mine!"
"Haaahhh!"
The great battle of the Pendragon had officially begun.
Support and read advanced chapters at:
pat*reon.com/VALRRR