It was clear that this time Oberon was truly furious. If Guinevere hadn't arrived just in time to leap onto Oberon's back—snatching his spiked mace and stuffing the feather duster back into his hand—the Chosen One's journey of salvation might well have ended then and there.
Even so, Artoria's backside suffered: Oberon administered a ruthless spanking with the bamboo paddle, and her face contorted in pain. But it was only temporary.
[You have unlocked Guinevere's advanced rare spirit attire: "Flame of Salvation."]
Artoria recognized the scene immediately—that moment on Norich's harbor when, as endless darkness threatened, Guinevere sprang forward to defend the one he loved. At the time she'd been behind him and missed the draw of his sword; now the simulator had perfectly restored that instant.
[Once Guinevere equips this attire, you may assign him as a retainer on your main interface. Outside simulations, you can interact with him there.]
[This attire is dynamic: touching his portrait on the main screen will trigger its inherent animation.]
[Watch it now?]
"Yes! Yes! Yes!" Artoria hammered the prompt.
[Request received. Playing animation immediately.]
Moments later, familiar lines echoed in her ears:
"To protect the one I love, I offer my life."
"Now, I place my very soul into the chamber."
"Celestial Flame—draw!"
On screen, Guinevere's portrait came alive. Siming—the legendary blade—was drawn with a flourish; its phantom image shimmered above him, then fierce flames engulfed his form, as if the god of fire himself had descended.
Artoria—both in reality and in the simulation—felt her heart race. He drew his blade for the one he loves… so handsome! She found herself writhing on her little cot in excitement.
Oberon, still gripping the feather duster, faltered mid-swing. Though his grip tightened, he couldn't help but question his own judgment even as he continued the lesson.
[After tallying the remaining assets Spriggan left behind, Oberon began selling off the vast collection of artworks for cash.]
[He also announced that Norich was now firmly under the Chosen One's authority.]
[To prevent Artoria from accessing the funds again, Oberon slipped away with the artworks, temporarily leaving the party.]
[Before departing Norich, Oberon appointed a trusted Round Table spy—who'd already earned considerable local influence—to govern in his place.]
[But not before meeting you to discuss the party's next moves.]
You suggested first traveling to Lentyne to solidify relations with the Round Table forces stationed there.
Together, you departed Norich.
[On the outskirts of Norich, you met Redra—who'd taken a longer route—and he guided you on to Lentyne.]
Lentyne, you thought, stroking your chin. You knew that displaying even a hint of military or administrative talent would have Percival entrust both command and governance to you.
[You arrived at Lentyne.]
[Before your arrival, Gareth—acting as scout—was ambushed by Mors and forced into combat, only to be rescued by Percival on patrol.]
[Gareth and Percival struck up an easy rapport.]
[News of your Norich exploits had spread across Britain; upon meeting you, Percival recognized your identities and welcomed you warmly.]
[Your arrival as the Chosen One was celebrated throughout Lentyne with grand festivities.]
During the celebration, you invited Percival to a friendly spar. Thanks to your greatly enhanced base stats and the power of "Supreme Art: My Style," even without Endless Trial you subdued Percival in their initial exchange.
"That lightning-fast assault felt as if I stood at the storm's eye. Remarkable swordsmanship! Clearly my training still falls short—you truly are Britain's strongest human."
[Neither of you had given your all, but after a brief contest Percival conceded.]
[Many festival attendees witnessed the duel.]
[You earned the title "Britain's Sword Saint," further boosting your renown.]
[Relations between your party and all Lentyne factions deepened.]
Afterwards, Percival invited you and Artoria to the war room to plan the Round Table's next moves.
With Norich now under Round Table control thanks to your efforts, your attention turned to nearby realms. Excluding New Darlington's ambiguous stance, the next target was Oxford under Lord Woodworth. Intelligence from Oberon warned that Woodworth—Morgan's most loyal vassal—would never accept the Chosen One; conflict was inevitable.
"He wants battle? Then let us strike first—no need for a hundred blows!"
You cracked your knuckles, eyes alight. Private grudge or not, with your superhuman panel you'd show Woodworth that his days of unchecked tyranny were over.
[You and your allies finalized the Oxford campaign plans.]
[As arranged with Oberon, you waited in Lentyne for his arrival with funds.]
[You spent several peaceful days in Lentyne.]
[You noticed Artoria loved the city's atmosphere.]
[Meanwhile, Gareth bonded quickly with the local children.]
[During your stay, your development suggestions for Lentyne greatly impressed Percival.]
"Truly astonishing! Not only are you unmatched in combat, but your governance acumen is exceptional. If you stayed, Lentyne would flourish under your leadership."
Percival exclaimed.
"I'm afraid not—I still have pilgrimage routes to walk with Artoria!"
Before you could reply, Artoria interjected:
"Percival-brother, as you see, Artoria can be reckless. She needs someone to keep her in check."
After a moment's pause, you smiled at Percival:
[You graciously declined Percival's invitation.]
Of course—you'd play the strategic spearhead, not the ruler, continuing to travel with your wife across Britain rather than settle into 996 grind.
[Days later, you received Oberon's message: selling Spriggan's art trove would take time.]
[He asked you to supervise Artoria's training in the meantime.]
[He emphasized: under no circumstances should Artoria access Lentyne's treasury.]
"She wouldn't dare… but good to have the reminder," you chuckled, wiping your brow. From two full playthroughs you knew Lentyne's coffers could never cover another stat boost.
[You continued your stay in Lentyne.]
[During this period, you helped Percival manage the city, strengthening Round Table influence.]
[To thank you, Percival commissioned custom mithril armor and a greatsword for you.]
[With your new arms and armor, your combat power rose significantly.]
[Shortly afterward, Gareth also received new mithril armor, shield, and lance—gifts from Lentyne's children who'd pooled their savings so she'd never be wounded again helping them.]
"Do I truly deserve this? Can I live up to their hopes and become a proper knight?" Gareth whispered anxiously.
"You already are," you said, patting her shoulder.
"You helped the Chosen One save Norich and repelled the Hand of Calamity. Surely protecting Lentyne is no burden."
"Just keep being yourself."
[Gareth's combat power rose further upon equipping her new gear.]
[You eased her doubts.]
[She then trained with renewed determination.]
[April, A.D. 2018 (Fairy Calendar): Oberon returned to Lentyne with vast funds.]
[With his financial support, Lentyne further developed; the army's equipment was upgraded, significantly boosting combat power.]
As you prepared to resume your pilgrimage toward Salisbury, Gareth spoke up: "Miss Artoria, I… I'm sorry. I know I pledged to follow you, but I wish to remain in Lentyne." "Though my presence may not change much, I believe there are things only I can do—however small. I want to help these people." "I've decided to become a Knight of Lentyne." Her eyes shone with unprecedented resolve. "A Knight of Lentyne—how proud!" Percival exclaimed. "I… I'm serious. Though it may sound forward—I apologize." "Isn't it wonderful?" you interjected with a smile. "After all, Gareth truly wants to help Lentyne's people." "Yes—though I'll miss you, I know we'll meet again." Artoria also smiled. "Let us each grow stronger, then reunite here in Lentyne!"