Path of Conqueror

The fear of the Saxons towards dragons had intensified.

Back then, Vortigern's reign of terror was not solely targeted at the Celts. It applied equally to the Saxons who sought refuge. Even though he was already dead, the imprint of fear remained deeply ingrained in the soul of every Saxon who set foot in Britain.

However, the Saxons still refused to yield.

Of course, that didn't mean they continued to voice their opposition either.

They waited, continued to wait, to see if Artorius could say anything that would move them.

"I know what you're thinking!" Artorius said loudly, looking around.

His voice was enhanced by magecraft, ensuring that every Saxon present, numbering in the tens of thousands, could hear him.

"You fear... fear King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table. Because you are no match for them. You believe that marching south again and engaging them in battle would be a futile endeavor. At the same time, you're unwilling to remain in this north side, aren't you?"

Artorius's mouth curled into a pleased smile.

"This place is cold and barren, barely able to sustain anyone! The Picts who originally inhabited this land are on the brink of extinction."

"Of course, returning by ship to the Germanic lands is not a solution either. Because the situation there is even worse than here. You can't move forward, can't retreat, and can't wait. You believe you're doomed, am I right?"

With Artorius's words, heavy pressure caused the expressions of the Saxons to grow even darker. Everyone's posture became more hunched.

The Celts considered the Saxons to be barbarians and invaders.

Many Celts in Britain didn't understand. Clearly, the situation in Britain was dire. The land grew poorer with each passing year, and the output of forests and fields diminished year after year. Given these circumstances, why did the Saxons insist on coming here to their deaths?

Why were the Saxons willing to endure the terror of the White Dragon, even if it meant fighting desperately against the Celts?

Of course, it was because their original homeland was even more damn wretched than Britain.

Gaia's objective was the annihilation of the Celts.

As a means to achieve this objective, the climate weapon not only affected the Celts but also impacted the lands of the Germanic peoples. In fact, it was even more severe. Otherwise, it wouldn't have been the Germanic peoples invading the Celts; it would have been the other way around, the Celts invading the Germanic lands.

===

After addressing the issues facing the Saxons, Artorius raised a finger.

The tone of the boy carried temptation.

"I can solve this problem. Saxon brethren, I can solve your problem! I can provide you with a stable life, free from turmoil. Your children, your wives, your parents, and of course, yourselves! I can let you survive! As for why I dare to make such a claim, tell them, Mordred. Tell them about my other identity!"

Mordred stepped forward immediately.

"Standing before you is the future King of Britain, the son of King Arthur to whom Knights of the Round Table pledge their allegiance! He is also the rightful heir to the throne of Britain!"

Such a statement once again shook the Saxons.

"Can you, on behalf of King Arthur, acknowledge our right to exist in Britain?" a Saxon chieftain stepped forward, somewhat excited, and asked, testing the waters.

"Only in part."

Artorius calmly replied, then declared:

"I won't settle all Saxons in Britain. I want you to follow me southward, to a warmer and more fertile land—the continent of Europe!

My goal is to unite multiple tribes, defeat Rome, and conquer Gaul, Spain, Italy, and Greece! These lands are abundant and prosperous!

As followers of the Dragon of Britain, you deserve your rightful spoils—wealth, money, livestock, and land!

Now, choose! Will you face death or swear allegiance to me?"

As Artorius's words fell, the Saxons exchanged glances. One of the oldest and most respected chieftains stepped forward.

"In that case..."

He unfastened his sword and knelt down, presenting it.

"We will, of course, choose to swear allegiance to you!"

===

On that evening, inside the camp of the next generation Knights of the Round Table, while the Saxons were packing their belongings, preparing to follow Artorius southward, a discussion was underway.

"Your Highness, you also know, don't you?" Galahad calmly spoke beside Artorius. "Britain has always had a serious food problem. If we don't import from the continent, we won't be able to fill the gap. And now you've accepted tens of thousands of Saxons. Are you sure it's not a problem?"

"There are two paths before us," Artorius said. "One is to let the Saxons join us. The other is to wipe them out. So, which one should you choose?"

"What if we just leave them be?" Mordred questioned from the other side.

"And how is that any different from wiping them out?" Artorius countered.

"Hmm, troublesome, indeed..." Mordred muttered, but she didn't oppose further.

As for Gareth, after a brief moment of worry and confusion, she became consumed by a fanatical admiration for Artorius.

'Oh, what a great young man he is. Shouldering the lives and well-being of tens of thousands. Even if they are enemies, showing them mercy and redemption. That shining light of him is the true proof of a great king!'

Of course, it was not quite so.

At least, not entirely.

After Gareth and Galahad had left, Artorius once again sneaked away and entered Mordred's tent.

"I have something to tell you, Mordred."

"I'm only telling you this, so don't mention it to anyone else, alright?"

Artorius pulled Mordred aside, adopting an attitude of sharing a secret with the girl.

"The reason for accepting these Saxons as subordinates goes beyond that. It's because I want to accomplish something greater."

"Something greater...?"

"My identity, as King Arthur's son. It grants me honor and status. But at the same time, it carries immense pressure and burden."

"My father was a great and righteous king."

"So, as his son, I must achieve feats worthy of my position to not let my father down."

"Furthermore, I want to accomplish even greater deeds than my father. I want to become a superior and greater ruler than him."

That excitement and joy permeated Artorius's words.

"The recruitment of Saxons is just the first step."

"Do you think I'm joking when I speak of marching onto the continent?"

"No."

"The grand plan I wish to establish is not limited to Britain alone. It encompasses all of Europe, the entire world... I want the whole world to cheer for the name of Artorius. That is my purpose, Mordred."

He held onto Mordred's shoulder.

"On this great and challenging path, I expect your support. Can you, Mordred, be my companion and challenge this world together with me?"