This simulation seemed to last far longer than the previous one.
Feeling the throbbing, painful memories in his mind and the scenes constantly flashing before his eyes, Souya's brows furrowed tightly.
It took a long time for him to recover, followed immediately by complex emotions and reflections welling up in his heart.
If Souya's path in Britain were viewed as a game, these three options were undoubtedly the critical choices determining the ending.
And through the simulation, it was crystal clear that choosing to join Vortigern was an absolute, thorough 'Bad End'.
In this option, although Souya gained sufficient fame and possessed physical strength comparable to the great Age of Gods hero Hercules, whether he was abandoned by Morgan or killed before achieving victory while trying to prolong the Age of Gods with Vortigern, he undoubtedly lost everything.
Even Artoria's fate remained unchanged, and everything in the world developed according to original history.
The impact he made was nothing more than a mere splash in the long river of history.
"But fortunately, I still have a chance to choose again."
Letting out a long sigh, Souya reaffirmed his original thought. He believed he absolutely wouldn't be as powerless as he was in the simulation.
Subsequently, he summoned the System to review the rewards obtained from this successful simulation.
'Charisma' goes without saying. What surprised Souya was the other innate talent, 'Dragon Core'.
He didn't remember acquiring this skill during the simulation, did he?
So where did this come from? And I vaguely recall this skill belonging to Artoria.
[Dragon Core (B): A special Magic Circuit possessed by Vortigern, the White Dragon and one of the Two Dragons of Britain. It inherently possesses a self-sufficient source of magical energy. Because this skill was bestowed, its rank has decreased to B. (Note: Due to the unique nature of this skill, you will awaken it at an appropriate time.)]
Souya fell silent for a moment. He vaguely recalled that in the simulation, Vortigern looked somewhat exhausted after granting him the Age of Gods protection.
At the time, Souya thought it was because he was preparing to pull out the Anchor of the Planet and was thus tired. He never expected this to be the real reason.
Sighing softly, Souya turned his gaze to the final reward.
It was a status effect identical to the reward from the previous simulation, named 'Gaze of the Goddesses'.
[Gaze of the Goddesses: At a certain time and moment, you will touch a certain object and enter the eyes of a certain Goddess.]
Looking at this riddler-like description, the corners of Souya's mouth twitched.
Is this Britain or Gotham City? Why is everything associated with the White Dragon a riddle?
Lacking the energy to complain, Souya simply waved his hand, putting these aside for now.
Setting aside whether there was even such a thing as a 'God' in the currently fading Age of Gods Britain, neither this skill nor the status effect were things he could use right now.
Future matters can wait for the future. Right now, he needed to consider how to answer Vortigern's invitation.
Looking up at the old man, who still had his hand extended toward him like a paused video, Souya rubbed his chin in thought.
In the end, he decided not to make excuses and honestly refuse Vortigern's invitation.
Through the simulation, Souya knew that a sincere refusal was far more acceptable to Vortigern than a fake evasion.
Furthermore, just as Souya had said, the Vortigern in the simulation had indeed proven that he was not a bloodthirsty person.
Thus, Souya hesitated no longer and exited the simulation state.
A second later, time resumed its normal flow.
[You refused the Vile King's invitation.]
[Vortigern felt very surprised by this. He believed that, knowing the secret of the Age of Gods and that your death was imminent, you shouldn't have any reason to refuse him.]
[However, he ultimately didn't do anything to you. He merely muttered about it being a pity and stated that if you changed your mind, you could find him at any time.]
[Watching the Vile King leave, you felt relieved while also feeling somewhat conflicted.]
[You knew you would meet this White Dragon again.]
[Afterward, once Vortigern's army completely withdrew from the forest, you left the mountains with Britomart.]
[In the town outside the mountains, you once again met Gawain, whom you had parted ways with not long ago. He looked at you, perfectly unharmed, and couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.]
[You learned from him that after Gawain searched Vortigern's incoming path to no avail, he guessed Vortigern's target was you, so he hurriedly returned here to find you.]
[You were somewhat touched, but still refused his invitation and proposed parting ways. This time, it was a true farewell.]
[Afterward, you began preparing to swear allegiance to Morgan. You knew that to break the curse Uther left in the hearts of the people regarding Morgan, you needed more than just a rash defection; you needed a story capable of spreading far and wide.]
[During this time, you discovered that Gawain had spread the news that you faced Vortigern alone and retreated unscathed.]
[The people marveled at your strength once again, and your name resounded throughout Britain once more.]
[You were naturally happy to see this, as it provided popularity and an excellent setup for the story you were about to spread.]
[Thus, soon after, the news that the Lion of Britain, the Knight of Radiance, Lamorak, had sworn allegiance to the new Queen of Camelot, Morgan, shocked the world once again. Accompanying it was a story equally sung by the people.]
[Through countless battles against Vortigern's army, the Knight Lamorak realized a truth:]
[War is something that brings death, pain, and suffering to both sides.]
[So-called peace is only born out of necessity, after exhausting the corpses and blood of countless people.]
[The compassionate Lamorak felt lost amidst endless combat. He wanted to discover what true peace was, what kind of life the people of Britain truly hoped for.]
[While wandering in disappointment and confusion over this, a city and its ruler allowed him to see hope.]
[The Never-Falling City of Camelot.]
[This former royal capital—this territory occupied by the Witch Morgan le Fay, who was looked down upon by the world—had frequently displayed extraordinary brilliance in recent days.]
[Incredibly sturdy city walls, an endless supply of food, reasonable and unburdensome taxes, the people living and working in peace, and a series of policies issued by Queen Morgan to accept and aid refugees. This scene, starkly contrasting the current chaotic world, gave people boundless shock and yearning.]
[The title of the Holy City of Camelot began appearing in various parts of Britain.]
[Knight Lamorak was attracted by this and went to investigate.]
[And upon seeing Queen Morgan—who, despite her legendary title of a Witch, performed the deeds of a Saint—Lamorak concluded that this was the King who could truly bring salvation to the people of Britain and to Britain itself.]
[He said that only a King who could make the people genuinely smile from the bottom of their hearts was a qualified, good King.]
[Thus, Lamorak swore allegiance to Queen Morgan.]
[Before his world-renowned titles like 'Lion of Britain', 'Knight of Radiance', and 'Noble Lamorak', he added another prefix:]
[Morgan's Knight.]
Souya stood atop the castle, gazing at the city below.
It was currently early morning. Sunlight pierced through the thin mist and fell upon the pristine white city walls. The streets were filled with citizens who had risen early for the market. They shouted as they set up their stalls and shops, happy smiles radiating from their faces.
"What a beautiful city!"
Seeing this scene he had missed countless times, Souya couldn't help but let out a sigh of admiration.
Immediately after, he cast his gaze toward the tall figure standing slightly in front of him.
Still wearing that sexy, alluring blue formal dress, her long hair tied high in a ponytail. The strands of hair cascaded down her delicate and graceful waist, drawing Souya's eyes deep into the sight.
This was the person he yearned for day and night, his Master, his King, and the one he loved.
"This is all thanks to your radiance, Lady Morgan."
Morgan turned slightly, her cool gaze landing on the knight from whom she had been separated for so long.
Seeing Souya's undisguised gaze and hearing his respectful tone, the corners of Morgan's mouth couldn't help but curl up.
"It's been so long, yet you're still as glib-tongued as ever, Lamorak."
Saying this, she slowly stepped forward, her soft, smooth, jade-like hand caressing Souya's cheek.
"I thought you would be like them, and never return."
Morgan's tone was very soft, carrying a hint of loneliness.
This made Souya's heart ache slightly. He instinctively placed his hand over Morgan's, his tone full of tenderness.
"You know, Lady Morgan. I am not like them."
"Of course you aren't."
Hearing this, Morgan smiled and said gently.
"You are my property. If you ever betray me, I will make you regret it."
Her tone was very light, very gentle, like a lover's whisper, yet Souya could hear the absolute resolve within it.
But he didn't care.
"I will forever be loyal to you."
Souya said this as he held Morgan's hand and kissed it.
This kiss made the atmosphere between them grow ambiguous. As they looked up and met each other's eyes, both saw the lust and burning heat within.
They had been separated for far, far too long. Just as Souya constantly missed Morgan, the Princess of Camelot equally missed the knight who brought her conviction and joy.
Finally, Morgan could no longer endure this suppressed emotion.
She suddenly threw herself into Souya's arms, wrapping her arms around him and pressing her warm lips against his.
Then, Morgan snapped her fingers. The next moment, they appeared in her bedchamber.
The furnishings remained the same, just like the day they first met.
Morgan pushed Souya onto the bed, straddled him with her legs spread, and commanded.
"It's been so long. I want to see if your strength has improved, Lamorak."
"I command you to remove your clothes."
"As you command, Lady Morgan."
Souya obediently complied, removing his clothes to reveal a body that was no longer as fair as before, but had become tougher and covered in scars.
Morgan's fingers traced down Souya's throat, chest, abs, and finally slowly stopped at a certain spot.
"Now, please me."
The corners of Morgan's mouth curled up into a slight arc as her palm slowly tightened.
At this moment, the emotions both had suppressed for months erupted entirely.