Scáthach couldn't help but sigh in admiration truly, the new generation surpassed the old. One takes on the color of their company, and after spending so much time with Lot, Morgan's heart had grown darker as well.
Ah,
how splendid.
Scáthach was no rigid knight; she would never dismiss underhanded tactics.
However…
"Rather than annihilating them all, it would be more fitting to make them submit willingly," Scáthach said, a hint of challenge in her expression. "Or do you believe the warriors under your command cannot utterly overwhelm Scotland's champions?"
"That would never be the case."
Hearing Scáthach's words, Lot responded immediately.
"As long as you don't intervene, we are invincible here."
Lot was not only well aware of Camelot's current strength but also of Scotland's state at this time.
This was England's era.
In Scotland, aside from Scáthach the ageless, deathless existence there were scarcely any other heroes to speak of.
Thus, as long as Scáthach didn't take the field, Lot was confident of victory.
Seeing Lot's response, Scáthach flashed a provocative smile.
"And what if I do intervene?"
"..."
Lot pondered for a moment before replying, "Then I believe Camelot will still not face defeat."
"Hahaha… You've grown so quickly!"
Scáthach laughed.
But as she spoke, her gaze drifted to Gawain, who was staring blankly at the food below, and the corner of her mouth twitched slightly.
This one… not only had his mind matured swiftly, but his body had grown even faster.
Suppressing her complain, Scáthach turned back to Lot and Morgan.
"Of course, I will fight you. But my battle with you begins now. Come I can sense the vast magic within Morgan, but whether this power translates to true combat prowess, I must see for myself."
"Yes, gladly!"
Morgan nodded excitedly, gripping her staff.
"The timing is perfect. Come, sister test the strength of both Lot and me!"
Morgan was brimming with enthusiasm.
Lot, too, was eager, his hand tightening around his sword.
"Very well, Sister Scáthach. Defeating you will also solidify our claim over Scotland."
He spoke with determination.
[To think I'd have the chance to face the legendary Queen of the Land of Shadows… This is a rare and precious experience for me.]
Lot mused silently.
Time had passed not too long, yet not too short.
But from the days when he could only look up at Scáthach in awe, he had now reached the point where he could challenge her.
Never mind that he and Morgan were fighting together.
In this era, how many could even stand against Scáthach with combined strength?
"You seem quite confident in your abilities," Scáthach remarked, amused by their expressions.
"Of course we are," Lot affirmed.
"Good. On my way here, I noticed King Leodagan's training grounds they'll serve nicely. Let's settle this there."
Scáthach twirled her spear and strode outside.
Behind her, Lot and Morgan exchanged a glance and smiled.
Then,
Lot drew Joyeuse, and Morgan raised her staff.
Come, then let us properly challenge our elder sister.
So thought the couple.
...
On her way out, Scáthach encountered Fujimaru Ritsuka and the others.
Spotting them, she paused.
"It seems… I may have met you in the future."
She addressed Fujimaru Ritsuka directly.
"Miss Scáthach!"
Seeing her approach, Fujimaru Ritsuka and the others brightened with excitement.
Even Fujimaru Ritsuka and Mash exchanged glances, their hearts swelling with hope.
With her here, could she help us?
Perhaps she could aid in correcting this timeline?
Fujimaru Ritsuka asked, "Um, Miss Scáthach, why have you come here?"
"I've come to fight Morgan and Lot."
She replied seriously.
Mash was about to cheer, but Fujimaru Ritsuka quickly held out a hand to stop her.
"Don't celebrate yet. This 'fight' might just be a sparring match."
She said resignedly.
For Fujimaru Ritsuka had spotted Lot and Morgan approaching from behind
Weapons in hand, yet showing no wariness toward Scáthach's sudden appearance.
"Indeed, this is merely a friendly bout between me and my sister. If you wish to watch, feel free to join us."
Scáthach grinned at Fujimaru Ritsuka's stunned expression, her smile widening.
Morgan and Lot watched from behind, sighing inwardly.
What a wicked woman!
Scáthach walked ahead.
Morgan and Lot followed.
After a moment's hesitation, Fujimaru Ritsuka and Mash trailed after them.
Many others, hearing that Scáthach was to battle the King of Camelot, also gathered spontaneously, eager to witness the outcome.
...
On the training grounds, Scáthach stood at one end, while Lot and Morgan took their positions opposite her.
Fixing her gaze on Lot, Scáthach declared:
"Come hold nothing back. Otherwise, your defeat will be utterly humiliating."
Watching Lot step forward, Mordred's eyes widened in shock.
"That guy… How does he dare fight Scáthach?"
She muttered in disbelief.
His intellect was one thing, but now his combat prowess was this formidable too?
At that moment, Da Vinci appeared, studying Lot's sword in astonishment.
"The holy sword Joyeuse? Wasn't this wielded by Charlemagne over two centuries later? Why is it here now?"
Hearing this, Fujimaru Ritsuka and Mash's eyes bulged.
Da Vinci continued:
"And it's not just Joyeuse. Look at Lot's current appearance his armor, his earrings…"
"That's…Karna's Kavacha and Kundala."
Fujimaru Ritsuka said.
They had seen it before.