Chapter 120: Excalibur (Bonus Chapter for Donations)

"I am Artoria Pendragon; you may also call me King Arthur."

Artoria’s voice reached the ears of everyone below with absolute clarity. After speaking, she simply stood there, gazing down at the clowns gathered beneath her. Initially, she had used her power to suppress them to prevent any irrational actions—after all, Artoria could hardly be expected to refrain from retaliating if attacked, yet doing so would only escalate the situation.

However, she now realized that not a single one of these people had the slightest intention of putting up a struggle. They were like dogs barking madly at a heavy iron gate; they made a great deal of noise when no one was around, but the moment the person inside stepped out, they fell silent before the gate was even opened.

"I heard you were looking for me. I have arrived. If you have something to say, speak now."

Artoria crossed her arms over her chest. The wind on the rooftop intensified, whipping her ceremonial dress about. To the citizens of the United Kingdom watching the live broadcast, there was only one word for her demeanor: magnificent! Wasn’t this version of Artoria far better than those useless old men? Even if her administrative abilities remained to be seen, she was at least a sight to behold—certainly on par with the others in that regard. If she were to announce her candidacy for office now, her approval ratings would surely skyrocket like a rocket, climbing without pause.

After waiting for a long time, the person Ryan had arranged to stir up trouble realized that no one else dared to speak, so he was forced to step forward himself.

"I have an objection! You are a Celt! What right do you have to lead the multi-ethnic, integrated United Kingdom of today?"

The plant shouted, steeling himself, hoping to incite those around him to join the protest. But apart from him, the crowd remained deathly silent. No one paid him any mind—not even his fellow plants.

"So, you are saying your ancestors were a multi-ethnic mix? And that they followed a logical combinatorial arrangement? Did your forefathers pair up according to a set of permutation rules?" Artoria asked, a cold sneer on her lips.

The reasoning was so ridiculous that it might have drawn cheers in the United States, but here, under Artoria’s iron suppression, no one would dare entertain it.

"What I mean is... you have been King Arthur for so long, it is time for a change. This is not democratic, it is not free..." the plant stammered, continuing, "It should be Gawain or Lancelot’s turn..."

Artoria couldn't be bothered to engage with such a person; she simply stared at the cameras pointed slightly upward.

"I declare! I am King Arthur! Who has an objection? Who!"

The Invisible Air barrier shattered, and a gale of wind roared past Artoria. Amidst the swirling wind, those watching through the lenses saw the revealed Excalibur, held firmly in her hand. At that moment, two figures flashed through the crowd, smashing the portraits of Gawain and Lancelot that had been propped up on the ground.

"Silver Knight Gawain! Presenting myself to King Arthur!"

"Knight of the Lake Lancelot! Presenting myself to King Arthur!"

Gawain and Lancelot, kneeling on either side in a knightly salute, were drenched in sweat. They had only one thought: once this was over, they were going to tear that plant limb from limb! If he wanted to stir up trouble, that was one thing, but why drag them into it?! It was one thing to talk behind Artoria's back when she wasn't around, but to use their names to attack her in front of countless people? If they hadn't happened to be nearby, how could they ever hope to return to the Round Table? Even if Artoria didn't mind, they would be too ashamed to face her.

The plant was now trapped in a dilemma. With Gawain and Lancelot appearing, the legitimacy of King Arthur was no longer in question. Didn't the myths and legends say the Knights of the Round Table had disbanded?! What was this?!

"You are not fit to be the King of the Empire on which the sun never sets! You have never appeared for so many years!" The plant steadied his nerves and immediately changed the subject. "We have been losing so badly lately! You have never stepped out once!"

"I understand. So, this is what you wanted."

As she spoke, Artoria removed the Crown of the Unsetting Sun from her head. Her hair cascaded down, dancing in the wind, making her appear even more ethereal. Behind the screen, Ryan was overjoyed. He had thought the plan was failing, but looking at Artoria now, it seemed she had never truly wanted to be the sovereign of the Empire.

"You may have it."

Artoria cast the crown into the air. "If you have the ability, come and take it yourselves!"

The crown tumbled through the air. Once separated from Artoria, it grew dim and lusterless, no longer as radiant as it had been at the start.

"Excalibur!"

Artoria aimed her blade at the crown and swung!

Specks of golden light converged upon the longsword in Artoria’s hand. The brilliance blooming from the blade filled everyone’s vision, making even the sun in the sky appear dim by comparison. A river of golden light surged forth, passing directly through the crown before continuing to roar forward. The crown spun within the torrent of light, the gems at its peak glowing with such intensity that they seemed about to burst.

Zhao Ling'er looked toward the end of the light beam with some nervousness, then breathed a sigh of relief. That was the outskirts of the city, the very place where the mastermind had been operating. Artoria had simply taken the opportunity to wipe out the puppet master, which was fine by her—he deserved it.

*Crack, crack.* Lines spread across the Crown of the Unsetting Sun. Having reached its limit, the crown suddenly exploded, transforming into shimmering stardust. The light dispersed across the entire United Kingdom, falling upon every citizen. Those bathed in the essence of the shattered crown would find it easier to perceive the increasingly active energy in the world.

"It seems it decided that the people are more worthy of possessing it than you are."

Artoria sheathed her holy sword and looked down at the now completely stunned plant. At that moment, Zhao Ling'er suddenly received a message.

"Ling'er, the shielding has vanished. Lin Zhengying and the others have found out who is behind the chaos. It is an organization called Hydra."

"I have sent the information to everyone. If you happen to pass by them on your way back, remember to wipe them out."

Li Xiaoyao’s voice echoed beside Zhao Ling'er. Without the interference of the barrier, Artoria, the Knights of the Round Table, and Merlin all heard the message clearly.

Hydra?

Heh, Hydra!

Every member of the supernatural community present etched that name into their minds. Congratulations to the player—Hydra has unlocked the highest-difficulty dungeon!