A ray of light fell from the sky and enveloped a child.
Gawain's expression shifted, but he quickly masked it. "Only one this time? King, please bring him into the Holy City."
The light carried the child away. A nearby middle-aged man's face twisted with disbelief.
"Why not me?! I was once a mayor! How could I not be chosen?!"
He lunged at the child, as if trying to take his place in the light.
Gawain sighed, the mercy fading from his features. Once again… just like always.
"There is no night where I stand. Sun—shine your light upon this place! For those not chosen, I grant you eternal peace in the name of Gawain, Knight of the Sun!"
Sunlight blazed down—not light, but an artificial noon summoned by Gawain's holy blessing. He raised his sword high. The solemn knights followed.
Any sane person would realize: something was wrong.
"Now! Melusine!"
A familiar voice rang out.
Before the Holy Sword of the Sun could descend, a figure burst from the crowd and kicked the weapon. Flames licked his skin, but he endured. The sword flew back, slamming into Camelot's wall.
Another figure followed, slashing at Gawain. Onlythe Numerals of the Saint's protection saved him.
Gawain barely dodged, frowning at the blade—a disguised Sword of Victory.
"Tsk."
Aslan took off his hat and grinned. "Been a while, Gawain. Déjà vu, isn't it?"
Aslan's disguise melted away, golden hair gleaming under the sun. Dazzling. Divine.
"Against the Knights of the Round Table, Aslan Pendragon won't cut it."
He removed a pendant. The Spear of Destiny materialized. With triple directness, he now bore the class: [Lancer: Paladin Aslan]. A holy banner marked with a cross unfurled from the shaft.
Golden light faded into sacred white.
"In the name of Paladin Aslan, under the glory of the Lord—I will protect these people!"
Aslan was not devout, but he knew the power of symbols. Now, with the Crusades shattered and Jerusalem in ruins, the legend of the Holy Son Paladin offered hope.
The crowd grew still. Children who had read of Aslan in sacred tales gazed in awe.
"Sir Holy Son!!"
"Master Paladin!!"
"Please save us!!"
Gawain blinked, shaken. The blacksmith Aslan—was that Aslan? The dragon-slayer, the king's friend… and a Paladin?
Taking advantage of the chaos, Aslan planted the Sword of Victory and aimed his lance.
"Light of salvation, descend! Pierce my enemies! [Spear of Destiny: Illuminated by Light]—!"
Gawain called his sword back, raising it just in time.
"Holy Sword, draw forth!\[Sword of Rotating Victory]—!"
Sunfire clashed with sacred light. Gawain's flames faltered. The holy lance struck past his shoulder, smashing a chunk of Camelot's gate.
-End Chapter-
Visit the Patreon!!
Read 30 chapters ahead, more on the way!
P@treon.com/TrashProspector