Chapter 158: Confrontation in the Skies

As Kay considered the situation, he realized that, given Gawain's current strength, only he or Bedivere could effectively stop her from charging ahead. But both he and Bedivere had their responsibilities and couldn't constantly watch over her. After some deliberation, Kay turned to Gawain and said, "Alright, I can allow you to go to the front lines."

Before Gawain could express her excitement, Kay added, "However, I have conditions. I will send two knights with extensive reconnaissance experience to accompany you until we find your parents—Her Majesty Morgan or His Majesty Lott."

Gawain nodded, understanding the necessity of having a backup. "Okay," she agreed after a moment of thought. "But I can't shake the feeling that my mom and dad are in danger. I need to hurry and help them."

Kay quickly replied, "I'll make arrangements right away." Before he left, he cast a lingering glance at Gawain, noting her impressive height of 1.9 meters—taller than her father by a few centimetres—and her formidable physical abilities. He thought to himself, "Will my strength in the Knights of the Round Table rank in the top five in the future?"

Above the Sky

In the skies above, Lott stood face-to-face with Vortigern, or rather, he found himself on Vortigern's nose, looking into its large eyes. He felt more at ease than Altria and Galahad, who clung to their swords, fighting against the ferocious wind that threatened to throw them off balance.

"Vortigern, care for a chat?" Lott called out, maintaining his grip. "You're dying anyway, and I won't let you go without a final word. I might not grant your last wish, but I can at least enjoy mocking you."

Vortigern, uninterested in conversation, twisted its massive body violently and shook its head violently, attempting to shake Lott off. Despite the chaos, Lott remained stable, while Altria and Galahad struggled against the intense turbulence.

Taking a moment to glance back at them, Lott noticed their faint expressions. "Ahem, you two should focus on stabbing Vortigern. Galahad, if you use your shield, it'll be fine. Falling isn't something we need to worry about."

Galahad looked confused. Why would I need a shield? Yet, as doubt crept in, the sword in his hand wobbled. Panic set in as he almost lost his grip, quickly tightening it again.

"Revenge is a dish best-served cold, but we're not gentlemen—we'll take it as soon as we can," Lott declared, resolutely.

Soon, the dragon descended rapidly toward the ground in Wales, trailing blood. The force of the fall was painful, and Lott, Altria, and Galahad struggled to maintain their stability. They were flung off Vortigern, landing with a crash, their limbs feeling as if they were about to shatter. Lott, who had felt relatively comfortable moments before, now bore cuts and abrasions from the wind and the ground.

Galahad and Altria looked even worse for wear. Lott couldn't help but chuckle.

"What's so funny, Your Majesty?" Altria asked, puzzled.

"I'm just imagining the three of us walking into town looking like this. I bet everyone would toss us a few pieces of bread," Lott replied with a grin.

"Are we beggars now?" Altria said, feeling a bit downcast.

"Ha ha…" Lott laughed, lightening the mood.

"Do you think Vortigern would die so easily?" Galahad asked, looking toward the smoke and dust still lingering from the dragon's landing.

"I hope so, but that's probably wishful thinking," Lott admitted. He then turned to Altria and Galahad, "By the way, how much strength do you have left?"

"About thirty per cent," Altria replied.

"Same here," Galahad added.

"I'm still at fifty," Lott said excitedly, "though that's probably closer to thirty for you two."

As the dust began to settle, Vortigern's terrifying form re-emerged, looking more menacing than ever.

"Kneel and yield to me, and I'll grant you a dignified death," Vortigern demanded.

Lott shot back, "I just fell hard. My legs are in pain; I can't kneel even if I wanted to!"

"Then I will break your kneecap," Vortigern snarled, charging at Lott with its fierce teeth bared.

Despite the pain coursing through him, Lott stood firm. "I won't die here," he declared, gripping Vasilis tightly in preparation for Vortigern's attack.

But before he could act, Altria stepped in front of them, sword raised. She held both Excalibur and Caliburn, determined to protect her companions.

"If you wish to harm my lord, you'll have to deal with the swords in my hands first," she said fiercely. "This sword was given to me by His Majesty Lott," brandishing Excalibur, "and this one—Her Royal Highness Morgan asked me to pull it from the stone." She pointed Caliburn towards Vortigern, ready to confront the threat head-on.