Gawain, relying on his nimble agility, made his way to a high vantage point to observe the military camp. As he looked at the soldiers training within, his expression grew solemn.
His own strength was formidable, and his ability to lead troops in battle was equally exceptional. Yet, after witnessing the level of training in this camp, he immediately realized how utterly outmatched his own forces were.
"The training level of these troops…"
Gawain couldn't help but turn his gaze toward Da Vinci's holographic image beside him.
Didn't you say these guys were just superficially impressive, still stuck in the excellent matchmaking system of the 5th century AD?
So how come, over here,
they're actually this strong?
At this level, as long as their commander could hold me off, they could easily defeat my army.
"That's why I said—their strength has grown even further," Da Vinci replied with a bitter smile.
"Public sentiment, allies, geography… Right now, this Singularity offers us no advantages whatsoever."
"So what should we do?" Fujimaru Ritsuka asked, equally puzzled.
At that moment, Oberon appeared, offering a gentle smile as he said to Fujimaru Ritsuka, "No one is flawless. We can always find their weaknesses and defeat them."
"Who could disagree?" Da Vinci chimed in, supporting Oberon's words.
Then, she turned back to Fujimaru Ritsuka and said, "Let's continue heading inland. Along the way, we might discover more. Perhaps King Lot and Morgan's forces aren't as terrifying as we imagined."
"Yeah, that's all we can do for now. By the way, if possible, I'd really like to meet the version of my father in this world," Gawain nodded.
He was genuinely curious about King Lot, who existed in this world.
"Trust me, you'll be utterly surprised," Mash interjected, speaking about Morgan.
Fujimaru Ritsuka, Mash, Gawain, and Oberon set out from the port of Manchester, making their way deeper into England.
Along the journey, Fujimaru Ritsuka and the others witnessed how Morgan and Lot's efforts were not just superficial displays at the port of Manchester. On the contrary, the same improvements extended throughout the entirety of England.
The training standards of the stationed troops had risen everywhere, and barefoot doctors had begun settling in the villages.
The level of thoroughness was remarkable.
Fujimaru Ritsuka grew increasingly unsettled by what they saw.
Finally, when they arrived at the gates of Camelot, the sight before them was even more shocking.
What did Fujimaru Ritsuka see?
From a distance, they could see a squad of soldiers holding rod-like objects, pressing their eyes close to one end.
At this sight, the group exchanged bewildered glances.
"Are they starting to manufacture firearms?" Fujimaru Ritsuka asked Da Vinci's hologram with a blank expression.
"Yes, they're beginning to produce guns," Da Vinci replied gravely.
"This is way too unfair!" Fujimaru Ritsuka couldn't help but shout.
The combat prowess of England's warriors and Ireland's warriors was originally comparable. But while one side was still wielding primitive swords and spears, the other had already begun using firearms.
With such a massive gap in strength,
how were they supposed to fight?
"I think we need to prepare much more thoroughly," Fujimaru Ritsuka said to Oberon.
"Mr. Oberon, could you return to Ireland ahead of us and inform Lancelot and Agravain to start preparing as soon as possible?"
"What about you all?" Oberon asked in return.
"We still need to investigate further," Gawain answered for Fujimaru Ritsuka.
"Understood." After glancing at Fujimaru Ritsuka and Gawain, Oberon nodded.
"Be very careful," he added, offering one last warning before turning to leave, heading back toward Ireland.
As they watched him go,
"I've always felt there was something off about him. That's why I suggested he go back and notify Lancelot," Gawain said with a light laugh. "Hopefully, I'm just being paranoid."
"It's never wrong to be cautious," Da Vinci agreed.
Then, she turned her gaze toward the city.
"Alright, let's focus on Camelot now. What lies within won't be easy to deal with."
"Yeah, we still need to find a way to infiltrate," Fujimaru Ritsuka murmured in agreement.
Hearing this, Gawain confidently waved his hand.
"That's easy. Leave it to me. I'll just charm my way in."
"Hey—!"
Before Fujimaru Ritsuka could stop him,
Gawain's speed was far quicker than her words.
By the time she tried to call out, he had already reached the front gates of Camelot.
"Anyway, the average gate guard wouldn't recognize my face. This'll be a breeze."
Thinking this, Gawain turned his attention to a female knight who was about to enter the city.
"Wait, this is a female knight? She's even taller than me?"
Though inwardly complaining at her stature, he approached her nonetheless.
"Hello there, Miss Knight…"
He intended to strike up a conversation to gain entry into Camelot.
Then,
the towering knight lowered her gaze to look at Gawain.
Their eyes met.
Gawain's smile slowly faded.
The female knight's expression turned puzzled.
"You… Why do you look so much like me? Don't tell me you're my father's illegitimate child?"
"Lady Gawain…" Fujimaru Ritsuka's voice was laced with complicated emotions.
"I'm a man! Why are you calling me 'lady'?" Male Gawain initially didn't process the implication, reflexively retorting at Fujimaru Ritsuka's words.
However,
a second later,
it hit him.
"Y-You… You're G-Gawain?"
Seeing his stunned expression, Gawain nodded lightly.
"That's right. My name is Gawain. And you? You're traveling with Big Sis Ritsuka, and it seems you mean us harm!"
"My name is also Gawain," Male Gawain replied.
"Are you mocking me?" Gawain narrowed her eyes at him before unhooking her sword, "Excalibur Galatine," from her back.
"Alright, since Big Sis Ritsuka is my enemy anyway, now that you've come here, don't even think about leaving."