Typemoon: Starting Out as the Lion King's Personal Knight

Credits: Rowdy_Rich

Even though Alaric is currently just an embryo, there is no doubt that, at this moment, Alaric possesses the qualifications of a Beast.

Having lost everything yet bearing everything, Alaric is a human without any belonging. Through the sheer will of the soul alone, Alaric can undergo transmutation and even apotheosis.

However, such a path is imperfect—a road of severance that leads to self-corruption.

Even so, Merlin cannot deny that Alaric has the potential to become a Beast, especially here in Mesopotamia.

If Alaric were to recklessly break through the embryonic stage and become an imperfect juvenile form, that might still be manageable. But within this singularity, there exists another manifestation of humanity's evil.

If these two—Alaric and the other—were to truly come into contact, it would lead to a future even Merlin could not foresee.

Unaware of Merlin's inner conflict, Alaric beamed with a smile upon hearing Merlin's agreement:

"Merlin, trust me! I learn quickly!"

If Merlin's Beast attribute derives from his incubus bloodline, Alaric believes that his own Red Dragon bloodline can also meet the requirements.

"I'll need a few days to prepare; this isn't something that can start immediately."

Still looking troubled, Merlin made a last-ditch effort to delay matters for a few more days, to which Alaric, understanding that haste would not help, readily agreed.

After wrapping up the topic of Independent Manifestation, which had been giving Merlin a headache, the two arrived at the Demonic Beast Frontline while casually chatting.

This frontline was an imposing defense line initiated by Gilgamesh to resist the demonic beast hordes unleashed by the Beast Goddess Gorgon.

It was a sight entirely different from the pure white walls of Camelot's White Walls.

Beneath the massive walls lay a sprawling makeshift camp, bustling with soldiers and logistics personnel coming and going. The vitality of the scene gave Alaric a glimpse of the resolve of humanity in the Age of Gods.

These were people truly bidding farewell to the gods.

"So this is the Northern Wall," Alaric remarked, curiously surveying the camp beneath the wall. Beyond the soldiers, Alaric also sensed the spiritual signatures of several Servants in the area.

These were undoubtedly the other five Servants Ushiwakamaru had mentioned, dispatched to the Northern Wall:

Tomoe Gozen, Leonidas I, Kotaro Fuma, Ibaraki-Douji, and Amakusa Shirou.

"Don't look at me! It's my first time here too!"

Before Alaric could turn his gaze toward Merlin, who quickly spoke up:

"I've never actually joined up with King Gilgamesh before. Today is my first time leaving the city! This Northern Wall is new to me as well!"

Alaric was puzzled by Merlin's unusually defensive reaction but decided to follow the soldiers into the Northern Wall without further thought.

Along the way, Alaric noticed numerous logistics staff forging armor and weapons, causing the surrounding air to heat up significantly.

The supplies brought in by the soldiers were swiftly categorized and stored, with everything proceeding in an orderly fashion.

A few minutes later, Alaric and Merlin encountered an expected individual.

"Mr. Leonidas."

Alaric greeted Leonidas I, who was approaching them.

Although the two had only briefly seen each other during the summoning, this was their first true interaction.

"And what might this gentleman's name be?"

Leonidas I, unchanged from their initial meeting, calmly scanned both Alaric and Merlin.

While he had interacted with Merlin before, he was unfamiliar with Alaric, whose presence intrigued him. Anyone who could gain an audience with Gilgamesh must undoubtedly have some special qualities.

"Just call me Alaric. I'm kind of Merlin's follower?"

Reflecting on his role in Uruk, Alaric identified himself as the tag-along of the eccentric Caster beside him.

"My adorable follower, of course!"

Hearing Alaric admit to being his follower, Merlin immediately exaggerated, winking mischievously as he spoke.

"So, Sir Alaric it is," Leonidas I said, continuing to observe Alaric. His hands itched to move, unable to suppress his excitement.

"And those things up there—what are they?"

Curious, Alaric looked toward the top of the walls, where massive, turret-like devices had already caught his attention. He had simply not had the chance to ask about them earlier.

"Those are a type of cannon designed and created by King Gilgamesh," Leonidas I replied. "They are called Dingir. These large cannons fire treasures from King Gilgamesh's treasury, unleashing massive bursts of magical power to bombard the enemy. Their destructive power is extraordinary!"

Leonidas I's voice grew more serious.

"King Gilgamesh once said: 'Squandering is the essence of civilization. For humanity to triumph over gods, it must rely on its strength.'"

"Burning money, huh..."

Hearing Leonidas I's explanation, Alaric instantly realized that this was essentially a massive money-burning weapon. Each shot fired was a Noble Phantasm.

And from his earlier glance, Alaric had seen more than one Dingir. If they all fired at once, how many Noble Phantasms would that consume?

Beside him, Merlin wore an expression that seemed to say, "Of course."

"Dingir represents the idea that only those recognized by humanity can become gods. It's exactly the kind of style you'd expect from a king," Merlin remarked.

At that moment, a towering shadow loomed over Alaric.

Smack!

"Hm? Mr. Leonidas, what is the meaning of this?"

Before Leonidas I could touch Alaric, the latter casually grabbed Leonidas's approaching hand, holding it steady as a mountain.

Even as Leonidas I exerted more force, he could not budge Alaric.

Feeling the strength emanating from Alaric, Leonidas I's eyes seemed to light up.

It was clear to Leonidas I that Alaric was no ordinary human. His divine bloodline was apparent, and so was the strength of his physical body—a testament to Alaric's willpower and relentless training.

Such strength was truly Spartan!

"Excellent! Only through rigorous training can one achieve victory! Sir Alaric, your body is incredible—what perfect muscles!"

"Uh, thanks for the compliment?"

Alaric responded uncertainly.

But Leonidas I paid no attention to his hesitation. With his eyes shining brighter and his excitement growing, Leonidas I could barely contain his desire for an intense physical battle.

True communication can only be achieved through the language of muscles!

With this in mind, Leonidas I could no longer hold back.

"Sir Alaric, I must request a duel! Let us truly communicate through battle—this is Sparta!"

"Sure, let's give it a try."

If anyone else had challenged Alaric to a battle of physical strength, he might not have been interested. But Leonidas I, with his body honed to perfection through countless trials, intrigued Alaric.

To spar with Leonidas I would undoubtedly be a valuable experience for Alaric.

As the saying goes: "Live and learn."

Alaric had come to the Northern Wall partly to meet these five Heroic Spirits.

Heroes who had left their mark on history were masters of their craft, and their skills were further enhanced by their status as Heroic Spirits.

Alaric craved battle and growth.

To him, Leonidas I and the other four Heroic Spirits were the best mentors, just as he had learned much from the Round Table knights like Gawain and Lancelot.

He sought to learn various skills and techniques from all of them.

"Ah, how exciting!"

Merlin, ever the instigator, followed Alaric and Leonidas I to the training grounds with an eager grin.

"Hm? Mr. Leonidas, where are you headed?"

Just as they were about to reach the training grounds, a beautiful woman with white hair—Tomoe Gozen—appeared before Alaric.