Conquering the King of Conquerors

In an instant, the ideology and resolve consolidated by the empire's army was like a sharp sword, piercing through the morale of Iskandar's army, bringing about their demise.

Romance? Indeed.

Exploration? Absolutely.

Conquest? Yes.

All of this could truly move the world, create miracles, and alter history. All men would be infected by Iskandar, touched by him, and then join in his expedition.

However, the significance of such matters, their 'resolve', and their 'height'. No matter how one looks at it, it cannot compare to the Dragon Emperor and his Empire.

It's like the difference between a child and an adult.

Children get excited about games, feel happy about toys, and think it's incredible to play Batman.

But when they witness real heroes sacrificing themselves to resist invasions, see firefighters rushing into burning buildings to save lives, and flood fighters building human dams with their bodies, it's only natural to feel ashamed.

Just like how Iskandar felt at this moment.

He witnessed Artorius's army's ideology and resolve to fight for the future of humanity while bravely standing up against the Counter Force.

He felt inferior.

"...Is this your answer?! Is this your answer, Dragon Emperor Artorius!"

The chanting of Iskandar's army ceased. The warriors from Macedonia, those from the Middle East, the Near East, and India gradually lowered their weapons.

This battle between Servant armies wasn't just a physical war, but also a battle of ideologies.

And in terms of the outcome, Alexander the Great had indeed met with defeat.

Because he acknowledged defeat, Iskandar's 'Ionioi Hetairoi' began to crumble.

Twenty thousand soldiers, bit by bit, and then accelerating, finally collapsed, leaving only Iskandar himself.

However, even if Iskandar was alone, he still rode his warhorse, launching an attack on the Dragon Emperor's army fearlessly.

Stubbornness, determination, as well as anger and unwillingness.

Even though it had been agreed upon before, Iskandar still didn't want to surrender, not like this.

"I am Alexander the Great, the King of Conquerors!"

Watching Iskandar roar like that, Artorius silently waved his hand. His army in front of him immediately split apart, creating a path.

Just like the time he faced the King of Kings, Darius of Persia. When the army was at a disadvantage, Iskandar took a desperate gamble and launched a personal attack. His spear almost took Darius's life, ultimately securing victory.

This time was the same. The actions were the same. But the outcome was completely different.

When Iskandar was just a dozen meters away from Artorius, Bucephalus accelerated, reaching the Dragon Emperor in almost an instant.

The next second, the Dragon Emperor's fist slammed hard into the horse.

Amidst the wail, the legendary horse turned into light particles and vanished, while Iskandar was thrown off and even lost his sword.

The unwilling warrior rose from the ground again, charging at Artorius. He employed the Greco-Roman combat technique he learned from his mentor, Pancras, which was fitting for a brawl of fists.

However, it was still too much of a struggle.

Artorius dodged his punches easily, then struck back.

First the chest, then the abdomen, eye sockets, and the corners of the mouth.

Knocked down time and again, then stumbling back up.

Charging at the Dragon Emperor again, then knocked down once more.

This repeated countless times.

Despite his staggering and battered state, Iskandar still struggled to stand, to climb, to challenge Artorius.

The next second, as Artorius once again brought down Iskandar, he questioned loudly.

"Is admitting defeat really that difficult, King of Conquerors?!"

"Ugh!"

"Does your pride surpass that of all humanity?!"

Again, as he knocked Iskandar down again, Artorius shouted.

"Argh!"

The King of Conquerors didn't answer. Still unwilling, he struggled to rise and tried to stand. Once, twice, then he fell to the ground and continued struggling again and again, drenched in sweat, panting heavily.

The next second, Artorius kicked Iskandar over.

"Until when are you going to act childish?!" Artorius said loudly to Iskandar. "The opportunity to conquer the sea of stars is right in front of you!"

Riding atop Iskandar, grabbing the collar of his cape, Artorius continued:

"Join me, acknowledge me, obey me! Your dreams, your wishes can come true!"

"My purpose is nobler than yours!"

"My means are superior to yours!"

"What else is there for you to hesitate about?!"

"Tell me, what else do you have to hesitate about?!"

After brutally beating Iskandar's face a few more times, Artorius also felt tired. He loosened his grip slightly.

But in the next second, Artorius saw a fist the size of a sandbag coming straight for his eye.

After a brief moment of consideration, Artorius made the decision not to block or dodge. Instead, he allowed Iskandar's fist to connect, and he was sent soaring through the air. His body tumbled along the sandy ground before he finally came to rest, lying still.

"Haha! Hahaha! Hahahaha!"

Iskandar laughed heartily with a happy expression. From the beginning of the battle until now, it was the first time that Iskandar had actually hit Artorius. He didn't try to get up again, just lay sprawled on the sandy ground, letting the scorching sun burn him.

Iskandar closed his eyes then said to Artorius:

"I truly admire you."

"You... you..."

"You really... leave me helpless."

"..."

After a pause, Iskandar opened his eyes again and continued:

"You want to conquer this expanse of stars, right?"

"Count me in."

"Not as the King of Conquerors, Alexander the Great, or Iskandar. But as Alexander the Adventurer, I'll join the Empire's exploration team for those stars, those planets."

"As the Human Alexander, I joined the Empire's war against foreign forces. And finally, as the Servant Alexander... I acknowledge you as My Master."

Artorius, who lay flat on the ground, grabbed a handful of sand and tossed it at Iskandar—correction, at Alexander.

"Guha—pfft—"

Alexander, who wanted to burst into laughter, got a mouthful of sand instead, making him want to protest loudly. However, before he could do so, Artorius was already laughing heartily.

"Hahahaha! I win in the end! I, Artorius Pendragon, have conquered the King of Conquerors!"

"With this achievement, are you going to brag for a lifetime?! You rascal!"

Alexander felt a surge of indignation and scooped up some sand, throwing it back at Artorius. Yet, the wind Artorius conjured blew it right back, and Alexander got another mouthful of sand.

"Damn! Guhahaha..."

Amidst that hearty laughter, Alexander finally sighed in resignation.

'I've truly... been conquered, huh...?'

Having confirmed this, Alexander relaxed both in mind and spirit, wholeheartedly accepting the man named Artorius Pendragon as his leader.

Just as Artorius said, the King of Conquerors had been conquered.