Chapter 19 : The Sword's Call

Arthur sat up, feeling disoriented as he looked around the unfamiliar room. It took him a moment to realize that he was in Merlin's lair. He quickly sat up, calling out for Okita and me.

Merlin appeared before him, his expression grave. "I'm afraid that Hitler's men have captured your companions," he said, his voice heavy with regret. "But do not worry, I have a plan to rescue them."

Arthur's heart sank at the news of our capture, but he couldn't help feeling relieved that we were still alive. "What is your plan, Merlin?" he asked, hoping for a glimmer of hope.

Merlin smiled slightly, as if sensing Arthur's unease. "First, we need to retrieve the true Excalibur," he said, gesturing towards a locked vault in the corner of the room. "It has been calling out to you ever since it was locked away."

Arthur felt a jolt of surprise at the mention of the sword, but also a sense of excitement. He had always felt a connection to Excalibur, and if it was truly calling out to him, then perhaps there was still hope. "How do we open the vault?" he asked, eager to get the sword and rescue Okita and me.

Merlin's eyes sparkled mischievously. "That is where I come in," he said, pulling out a small pouch from his pocket. "I have the key to the vault, but it can only be opened by a true hero."

Arthur was confused by Merlin's statement, but before he could ask for clarification, the sorcerer threw the pouch towards him. "Open it," he said simply.

Arthur reached for the pouch and pulled out a small object that resembled a crystal. As he held it in his hand, he could feel a warm energy emanating from it. He closed his eyes and focused, and suddenly he felt a surge of power coursing through his body. It was as if he was being imbued with a new sense of strength, courage, and determination.

With newfound confidence, Arthur stood up and walked towards the vault. As he approached it, he could feel Excalibur calling out to him, as if urging him to come closer. He placed the crystal on the lock and turned it, feeling a satisfying click as the lock opened.

The door of the vault swung open, revealing a shining sword resting on a pedestal. Arthur could feel its power emanating from it, and he knew that it was the true Excalibur. He reached for the sword and pulled it out of the pedestal, feeling a sense of familiarity as he held it in his hand.

Merlin smiled, nodding his approval. "Now that you have Excalibur, you are truly unstoppable," he said. "You can use its power to rescue your companions and defeat Hitler and Genghis Khan."

Arthur's heart swelled with gratitude towards Merlin. "Thank you, Merlin," he said, his voice filled with emotion. "We couldn't have done this without you."

Merlin simply smiled and waved his hand. "Go now, Arthur. Save your friends and save the world."

Arthur turned and left the lair, holding Excalibur tightly in his grip. He knew that he had a long and difficult journey ahead of him, but with the sword and his newfound strength, he was ready to face whatever came his way.