War

In fact, the Round Table noticed something amiss much earlier than Kang De had imagined.

In a sprawling, eerie hall of a castle surrounded by verdant mountains, a gigantic, inhuman claw floats suspended in mid-air.

Five withered and sharp claws spread out, each fingertip burning with eerie flames of different colors, like candlelight, but without fuel. Strangely, all five fingers pointed downwards, so the flames burned downwards. The Flame on the five fingers burned fiercely, and as the Flame flickered, it seemed as if there were countless wailing cries.

This withered, terrifying giant hand stretched out like a winnowing basket, as if it were trying to grab or seize something.

It was indeed grasping at something—as the candlelight burned and rose, it seemed as if something invisible was being clenched in the palm of this demonic hand, drop by drop of liquid slowly dripping into the vessel below, creating ripples that were crimson like blood, dark like night, pale green like poison, and eerie like purple. The liquid in the vessel churned and swirled like a living thing, occasionally revealing patterns resembling human faces, emitting silent and mournful screams.

At this moment, the knights clad in black robes stood before this sacred and grand altar, watching the great ritual where the Hand of Honor grasped the Blood of Ascension. Their faces were solemn, and a tense atmosphere echoed in the dark hall, for these non-human beings, ostensibly acting under the guise of the Round Table, had discovered the crux of the matter.

The Flame on the ring finger of the Hand of Honor flickered and dimmed.

Still no response?

"Yes, Your Excellency, all means of contact have failed, all contacts have been lost, whether knights, followers, or benefactors... The Altar of Pleasure has severed ties with us."

"What about the observation report from the watchtower?"

"No abnormalities were found on the ground—no signs of intrusion or fighting, no indication of explosion, and no signs of suspicious activity."

The leaders at the Round Table listened to the reports and questions in a somber tone, remaining silent.

"... Arthur."

The old man, codenamed Arthur, was the leader here, responsible for commanding and managing daily affairs. Someone beside him turned and glanced at him. "Why are you silent? Shouldn't we send knights to investigate?"

"No." A chilling Flame flickered at the fingertips of the Hand of Glory, reflecting an eerie light through Arthur's glasses. He said in a deep voice, "I fear this is a trap."

"Trap?"

"Yes... if the Altar of Pleasure has already been destroyed by the enemy, then his ambitions must extend far beyond that."

Arthur replied, "Perhaps our enemies have already laid a cruel and treacherous trap in the Altar of Pleasure, waiting for our knights to walk into danger one by one."

The man asked, "Then what should we do?"

"Before we decide what to do..." Arthur said, "We need to figure out who the enemy is."

"But you said we couldn't go and investigate."

"Yes... but I already know who the enemy is."

"Who?"

Arthur turned around. The moonlight outside the door was blocked by the shadows that entered the hall. The knights entered the sanctuary and listened to their leader's proclamation.

The leader of the Round Table revealed a fierce expression. "Kang De — the China Kang De!"

Silence reigned.

The knights who came in for the meeting all knew Kang De's identity.

They had all witnessed the video of the Battle of Moyani. The immense power displayed by the enemy, while not enough to strike the knights like a thunderbolt or fill them with terror, did arouse their considerable fear and resentment. And just recently, they had been forced to make concessions. That China man named Kang De hadn't even gotten off the plane yet, but with just one phone call, he had made the Britain government and the Round Table bow down.

And now...

"How did you know?" The questioner's voice wavered slightly. "This isn't just a simple accusation! It could mean an unprecedented, massive war!"

Are there any other candidates?

Arthur's gaze turned fierce. "The Altar of Pleasure is guarded by four knights, along with a defense force composed of Oathkeeper and mortal followers. The underground altar's defenses are also impregnable, and the terrain is complex—what kind of enemy could destroy the entire altar in an instant, preventing even a single message from escaping?"

The man said in surprise, "Perhaps it's a..."

"No! There is no organization in the world as powerful as the Round Table! Even if there were, it couldn't possibly possess such power, because we are unique, we are the chosen ones!"

Arthur's tone left no room for argument, and no one refuted his words. His gaze was sharp as he said aggressively, "We rule and control the dark side of the entire world. Our fame and prestige are known in the Shadow, and our power and glory are widely known. Who dares to challenge the authority of the Round Table? Only the arrogant and ignorant, who happens to possess great power... Only Kang De has the motive and the ability."

"Can..."

"And... who benefited the most from what happened today?"

Arthur said coldly, "We were forced to bow our heads and give in, releasing our precious remains. The Britain government suffered a loss of reputation, was humiliated, and was utterly disgraced. Ian is dead, reduced to nothing but a skeleton. Only Kang De took away our reputation and honor, humiliated the Britain government, and rescued his own people!"

The Round Table leader's tone was extremely cold. "Looking back and analyzing today's events, don't we find coincidences everywhere? Why did the convoy transporting body bags overturn in front of Palace of Westminster? Why was the location so coincidental? How were the people who were tightly bound able to break free? Why did the tightly sealed body bags spill out? It's just the result of a car accident, don't you think it's too much of a coincidence?"

"Who filmed that video sent to BCC? Why is Ian the one who suffered the most? He only went on a few field missions, so why does he have such decisive action and strong combat capabilities?"

"You and I both know that ascension and awakening can strengthen the body and awaken great power, but the skills still need to be honed. Most importantly, a person cannot awaken twice! That's absolutely impossible!"

By the end, his tone was resolute and unwavering.

"We analyzed Ian's remains," Arthur said, his tone turning calm. "He only awakened once."

The knights remained silent.

"I already have my suspicions... but suspicions are just suspicions. We have no evidence, and we can't wage war against a powerful superhuman because of a mere suspicion. Besides, in the end, we were in the wrong. We kidnapped his things, and he merely rescued them in this gentle way, incidentally warning and teasing us. It's a sign of respect and courtesy, and we should be grateful."

"--But now, everything is different."

Arthur gritted his teeth and said, "Slaughtering our knights, breaching our altars, even murdering our supporters and patrons—this is Kang De's revenge, this is our war!"

The word "War," uttered by Arthur, seemed to possess some powerful Magic Power, reverberating within the ancient fortress. Roars and howls echoed and reverberated, responding from beneath the building's foundations, from the verdant cemetery, from the dark dungeons, and from the dense forests—countless terrifying and profound voices responded.

The knight beside Arthur asked, "War? Now?"

"No, we must still conduct a final test and confirmation—even if there is a one in a hundred chance, we cannot mistake our enemy."

How to test the waters?

Arthur pondered for a moment, then said grimly, "Is the original body still in the China embassy?"

The other knight bowed and said, "Yes, Your Excellency."

"Notify the Britain government to dispatch a mobile force of mortals to investigate the location of the Altar of Pleasure. Inform Boris of the identities of his supporters present at the gathering."

--Boris is also known as the Grand Secretary Yue.

Arthur gave a cold laugh, "He'll be on our side."

"Then."

The leader of the Round Table continued, "Send out knights to retrieve the original body."

"--At least we didn't come away empty-handed. It seems that the relationship between the original body and Kang De is not as simple as he claims to be 'a friend of a friend.' This arbitrary attack and retaliation is so reckless, much like a hot-blooded young man drawing his sword in anger for his wronged lover. Since he can go to such lengths for his lover, he will definitely show up if the original body is in danger."

"His mere presence proves that everything happening in London today is inextricably linked to him."

"Then, the wrath of the Round Table will engulf him, and he will finally understand..."

Arthur sneered, "How utterly foolish and reckless it is to oppose the Round Table for the sake of a mere physical body."

"Now, everyone should perform their duties, prepare for battle, and sound the battle horn..."

Arthur strode out of the altar hall of the Hand of Glory. The cool moonlight illuminated the vast castle courtyard, and the sound of the Round Table echoed in this secluded and quiet place.

"--Prepare for war!"

The bugle call sounded.

The ancient Round Table began to mobilize and deploy extraordinary forces near London.

The knight approached Arthur and whispered, "Shall we inform the Lady of the Lake?"

A cold glint flashed in Arthur's eyes, and he shook his head, saying, "No."

After the Round Table was set up and the operation began, information about the attack reached 10 Downing Street.

The Prime Minister's desk has been cleaned up again.

An exasperated voice rang out across the Round Table: "No war! No war in London! Damn it! Are you going to wage a supernatural war in London? This will escalate into a world war!"

Arthur's voice was utterly cold. "We were not the ones who broke the rules, Prime Minister. Don't criticize our anger and retaliation; it's a response to the invaders."

"Bullshit! I don't care about fouls or not, this is my turf, you can't cause such a mess! I'm warning you! No fighting! At least we need to talk first!"

The Prime Minister said sternly, "I'll go ask Kang De right now—the participants in your disgusting gathering are all members of the country's elite and influential figures. They're definitely in Kang De's hands now. If a war breaks out, they certainly won't survive. If they die, many of your sponsors will be intimidated. Besides, are you really sure you want to go to war with a superhuman who can teleport?"

"The Round Table has its own plans and strategies for dealing with him, Prime Minister..."

Just as Arthur was about to speak, the sky suddenly brightened, and moments later, the faint sound of explosions could be heard. The leader of the Round Table stared in surprise at the distant sky, momentarily lost in thought, before saying calmly, "It seems, Your Excellency, you have nothing more to say."

The phone went dead. Arthur put down his phone and looked up at the shimmering red clouds in the sky.

"To destroy someone, you must first drive them mad..." he muttered, "Kang De, you're really tired of living."

Even as the leader of the Round Table, Arthur felt a chill run down his spine and tremble at the thought of the identities and names of the important figures participating in the jubilant feast tonight.

That's a madman.

Fortunately, it's not just the Round Table that's dealing with this madman now.

"Don't go to the embassy!"

At the equestrian center, before Kang De could even set off, Qin Mengjin said sternly, "Return to China immediately—this is the order from above; they're forcing you to show yourself. You must wait!"

Kang De frowned and asked, "What?"

"Don't you understand?" Miss Qin said urgently, "Showing up now is like admitting you've been in London all along, proving that what happened today is definitely related to you, you... wait, damn it! What did you blow up?"

This appears to be the first time Miss Qin has sworn.

God knows how desperate she is right now.

"You corrupt and decadent place, I will hand over the records and evidence to you," Kang De said. "I did it; I will cover it up if I can, and admit it if I can't. I will not let anyone else take the blame for me."

"No—they won't dare do anything to our people. At most, they'll suffer a little. You just need to wait... yes, wait about seven hours, until the plane arrives in London, and then you can show up openly!"

Qin Mengjin said anxiously, "Listen to us!"

Kang De said calmly, "I don't want them to suffer."

"This is their duty, and our duty, as we swore an oath! The nation needs their patience to ensure you are cleared of any suspicion in this matter—you have done things for the nation, and the nation will do things for you, just as they have done things for them!"

Qin Mengjin said decisively, "I'm not talking to you anymore. The leader wants to speak with you personally..."

"No, please respond for me," Kang De said softly. "I cannot tolerate the blood of the innocent being shed a second time because of my carelessness and actions... Therefore, under the Holy Flame, Kang De is here."

The Phase Gate spirals out.

On the third floor of the embassy, shrouded in Shadow, a woman with a flowing cloak and blood-red lips revealed a cruel smile, her sharp teeth bared. She seized the ambassador and let out a terrifying low howl.

"Tell me, Chink," she said, "That the awakening of the bloodline in the original body has been suppressed and guided, something that ordinary people cannot handle. Did Kang De come here?"

The ambassador, his face flushed red from being pinched, said sternly, "This is the Foreign Embassy of the People's Republic of China, protected by international conventions and its own laws, and you..."

"Stop talking nonsense. Do you think I care about that?" the woman sneered. "Or rather..."

"--Do you care about this?"

An unfamiliar voice suddenly rang out from behind. The ambassador's expression turned incredulous. The woman whirled around, but a hand had already pressed against her head. A blazing flame burned intensely, driving away and suppressing the Shadow that clung to the darkness. The woman let out a piercing scream, " --Kang De!"

"The dogs of the Round Table," Kang De said in a deep voice, "Tell me about the Round Table and your plans."

The woman seemed incredibly defiant; even sensing impending death, she remained undaunted, displaying a fearless and fiercely defiant smile, "Do you think I'll give in?"

"No, I don't want you to submit," Kang De replied. "I only want you to—want."

The next moment, the Bloodhound at the Round Table felt an overwhelming and terrifying power explode in her mind, as if the most terrifying beast was tearing and devouring her soul. She met Kang De's eyes, which were like terrifying vortexes or mirrors that reflected everything, revealing all evil and malevolence. Brilliant holy light burned brilliantly from his body, spreading like fire and burning her blood and body!

"Aaaaaaaaahhhhhh!"

A horrific scream shattered the glass. Kang De remained expressionless. The power of the Fire Thief tore at the soul of the sinner, shattering her spirit and stealing her memories. He grabbed her head, reading the silhouettes of those profound memories. The radiance of the Sun God Ring scorched her fallen body until it turned to ashes.

The ambassador, still shaken, exclaimed, "Quick, hide! You shouldn't have come!"

"No, those who possess power have no right to hide behind ordinary mortals."

The Phoenix Flame blazed in Kang De's eyes. "They have seen me."

The curtains were not drawn in the room. Kang De walked to the window and gazed across the room.

"Fuck."

The SAS special operations team member on the opposite high-rise building looked up from his sniper scope and exclaimed in surprise.

He had recently participated in an airport mission and had dealt with the United Kingdom superhumans more than once.

At that moment, he saw China superhuman suddenly appear with holy wings on his back, flowing robes, and eyes shining with holy light. He moved with the grace of a dragon, so radiant and holy. After burning the blood-red woman covered in Shadow, he even felt a sense of great satisfaction. Then he felt something was wrong.

Why are all the superhumans I've met from my own country so pathetic? China people just that handsome?

Did you see that?

He said on the team's radio, "We fucking look like the villains."

However, the reports of the invasion have been confirmed.

The Britain government, the Round Table, and the coordinated intelligence were rapidly disseminated.

"Kang De has arrived."

"--To the embassy! Now!" the prime minister roared from inside the car. "Damn it! Bastard!"

At the headquarters of the Round Table, within the ancient castle, Arthur's figure stood like a statue.

Knights dressed in black robes appeared from all directions.

"Then—let's begin the war."

Arthur raised his greatsword, shrouded in shadow and radiating blood.

His voice carried far and wide, and a mysterious power resonated throughout the area around the Round Table.

"In the name of the horn, I summon the Wild Hunt of Herne the Hunter!"

The Staghelm rider, riding a black horse, galloped in, his horn blaring, and the roars of hunters echoed through the woods.

"In the name of the butcher's knife, I summon the sails of the Death Ship to rise!"

A hellish ship descended from the sky, and the undead raised their swords, howling with bloodlust.

"In the name of the hunt, I summon the fangs of the Black Demon Hound!"

A massive black dog strode forward, its single eye burning with blood, sulfur emanating from its feet.

"In the name of blood, I summon the Bloody Queen's pool of blood!"

"In the name of punishment, I summon the wandering souls of Fallen Monk!"

"In the name of the cornerstone, I summon the living child buried beneath the house!"

"In the name of Wudu, I summon the giant who rules the forest!"

At each command, the Knights of the Round Table arrived from all directions. Blood pools spread, and wandering ghosts crawled out from the base of the ancient castle walls. The eerie howls of kings appeared in the air, and giants strode out with thunderous footsteps. The legions of the Round Table were gathering, and Arthur raised his sword high, its light shining brightly.

"In the name of the Round Table, I summon my companions from across the oceans and continents. Where our glory once shone, according to the ancient covenant, I call upon you to stand shoulder to shoulder in battle against the extraordinary Kang De from Asia. In the name of the Round Table, let us inflict extermination upon the invaders!"

"His businesses, friends, estates, family, contracts, assassinations, threats, executions—in the name of the Round Table, I urge you to prepare yourselves. When the horns of war sound in Britain, Kang De will face the cruelest blows and reprisals in the world. In the name of the Round Table, I summon—"

Arthur gazed at the knights gathered under his command. This was the legion of the Round Table, an army composed of extraordinary individuals that every ruler in the world dreamed of. Unstoppable, vast and powerful, this was the strength of the Round Table, the foundation of the Round Table. The biggest difference between the Round Table and Kang De was that the Round Table was not a lone wolf, but a united force!

He shouted sternly, "War!"

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PS1: Update... Ah, it's my birthday today, waaaaah, damn it, that idiot stole my birthday present, you bastard, you bastard...