King Arthur?
There was no time to contemplate the Servant's true name. A faint, yet overwhelming murderous aura blanketed every inch of Matou Zouken's decaying body—like the gaze of a wild beast. Instinctively, he snapped into high alert.
Murderous intent!
Yes, there was no mistaking it—this was killing intent directed at me!
Such beings are powerful, sacred, and despise magi.
No matter what, this Servant has already become a threat to my life. Regardless of his strength, he must be eliminated!
Zouken reflexively raised the arm bearing the Command Seals and activated them at once, the scarlet stigmata glowing brightly.
It was somewhat regrettable that he'd used up the Command Seals immediately after receiving the Holy Grail's recognition, leaving him unable to fully mobilize his magical energy. But there was no time for regret. Binding the Servant with a Command Seal was the only way forward now.
However—
"Shut up. Magus—you have no right to advise me without permission."
In an instant—
Zouken's mouth snapped shut. He clenched his teeth tightly, unable to utter even a groan.
Danger!
This is too dangerous!
Alarms screamed within the old man's mind.
But Arthur paid little attention to his so-called Master. He blinked, casually glanced around, and a hint of disgust flashed in his eyes.
"Using a place like this to receive a king? How rude. That unknown slime on the ground is utterly repulsive."
Well, not that I wasn't the one who insisted on coming here in the first place.
Thinking of it that way… I suppose this old freak does fit the setting.
Arthur cast another glance at Zouken and immediately recognized who the old man was.
Not due to Clairvoyance or any magical identification.
Just… memory.
As a Koei fan, Arthur had seen both Fate/Zero and Unlimited Blade Works—two landmark series. Though Zouken hadn't appeared in UBW, he had a few scenes in Zero. The role was minor, but the face was unforgettable.
It wasn't affection that made Arthur remember.
Who could love something that revolting?
Mainly, he just looked… too unique.
That grotesque form was hard to forget—like a living corpse, or a monster pretending to be human.
Once Arthur confirmed Zouken's identity, the man's "great achievements" surfaced in his mind unbidden.
Time to judge you.
After 0.3 seconds of consideration: Death penalty. Immediate execution recommended.
Looking over the intelligence they had on Zouken, everything he'd done warranted death.
But—
Killing him outright would be far too merciful.
No, better to give him hope. Let him believe in salvation. Then, just as he reaches for it—tear away the veil, and plunge him into bottomless despair.
Very good. The plan is now drafted and complete.
Arthur smiled gently, helped Sakura to her feet, and strode slowly toward Zouken.
Under the old man's terrified gaze, Arthur spoke in a casual tone. "Hmm. Master and Servant, is it? Very well, magus—I accept your suggestion. First, understand your place. You are just a magus. My servant. So don't let your eyes wander again. If you do, I'll kill you."
So there's room for negotiation after all?
And perhaps… Servants don't exclude all magi?
Zouken let out a slow breath, slightly relieved.
"I understand, King Arthur. Please forgive me. It's simply my nature as a magus. I trust that your great wisdom will see through my intent."
Even as he mouthed these hypocritical words, Zouken accessed Arthur's Servant panel through his status as Master.
At the same time, Arthur was curiously looking at his own stats as well.
Class: Caster
True Name: Arthur Pendragon
Strength: D
Endurance: E
Agility: D
Mana: A
Luck: A+
Noble Phantasm: EX
Class Skills
Mystic Power B – A composite skill encompassing [Telekinesis] and [Word Spirit]; a dual expression of absolute royal authority.
Son of God C – As the child of God, he has the ability to dispel all evil. However, due to his rejection of this identity, the skill rank is diminished.
Personal Skills
Star Sword A+ – Proof of his identity as a Star Sword wielder. His every motion embodies starlight.
Goddess of Beauty's Presence EX – The absolute embodiment of flawless beauty.
Divinity B – Originally a divine king. Similar to Son of God, rejection of this nature weakens the rank.
Charisma A+ – Supreme leadership befitting a renowned king. Inspires troops even in hopeless situations. So commanding that it verges on a curse.
Noble Phantasms
[Distant Utopia]
Rank: EX / Type: Barrier / Range: 1
[Wind Card]
Rank: B / Type: Anti-Personnel / Range: 1
[I Am Britain]
Rank: EX / Type: Anti-Army / Range: 1–999
Zouken's first reaction upon reading the panel was surprise.
So it really is King Arthur! But a Caster? That makes no sense. There's no legend about Arthur being a magus… Where is this even sourced from?
His second reaction was dread.
Despite his absurdly high stats and EX-ranked Noble Phantasms, this Arthur clearly had a volatile personality. If handled poorly, he might very well kill Zouken before the Holy Grail War even begins.
Staring at Arthur's unreadable expression, Zouken silently revised his stance.
Oh~ Your Majesty, please punish me! I am your most loyal hound!
Meanwhile, Arthur finished reading his panel and made a face of pure disgust.
Too weak.
Even though Merlin had done some trickery to prepare the class, skills, and Noble Phantasms before he was summoned—including that final cheat-level Noble Phantasm, empowered by all of Britain—this panel was simply embarrassing.
Except for Mana and Luck, everything else was a D or E rank. There was no way he could go around flashing the holy sword in this state. Better to act like a refined, elegant caster.
But what really made his blood boil—
The Appearance of the Goddess of Beauty: EX.
And also… Divinity. Why did this cursed trait keep following him?
Damn divinity!
He didn't want that kind of debuff!
Still… this could be fun.
"Matou Zouken, is it?"
Arthur gave him a sidelong glance, then immediately looked away in revulsion—like he'd just spotted a rotting corpse in a garbage heap.
In his eyes, which possessed Clairvoyance EX, the old man appeared not as human, but as a writhing, filth-caked mass of worms.
"Yes, my King!" Zouken instantly dropped into obsequious flattery.
It did nothing to improve his image in Arthur's mind.
"From now on," Arthur said, "you are my magic power generator. That's all. You need not concern yourself with anything else. Obediently supply mana. As for the Holy Grail… hmph. That worthless trinket—I'll let you have it later. If I feel like it."
-End Chapter-
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