King Uther's Approval, Initial Understanding of Slave Society

Anno moved his feet, lunging forward with a sudden burst of speed. Holding his sword in one hand, he slashed toward King Uther.

King Uther's pupils constricted. He raised his longsword vertically to block Anno's attack, but the sheer force behind Anno's strike still forced him to take a step back.

It is worth noting that Anno was slashing with one hand, while King Uther was parrying with both.

King Uther was surprised, yet he did not panic. He exerted force, attempting to suppress Anno.

Instead of advancing, Anno retreated. With a backstep, he bypassed the edge of King Uther's blade and thrust the tip of his sword straight toward King Uther's head.

King Uther had been prepared. He tilted his head to dodge the attack and countered by pinning Anno's sword-wielding right arm, while simultaneously swinging his own sword toward Anno's ribs with one hand.

Anno was clearly a seasoned veteran. He slammed his body forward, both dodging King Uther's blade and knocking the king off balance, forcing him to release his grip on Anno's right arm.

King Uther clearly had not expected Anno to close the distance so directly. Staggered back several steps, he felt a sharp pain in his chest and drew a sharp breath.

Anno, having knocked King Uther aside, gave him no chance to recover. He gripped his sword with both hands and delivered a heavy, powerful downward strike.

King Uther panicked and hurriedly held his sword horizontally in front of him.

Anno's strength was not something that could be easily withstood; King Uther was forced back several more steps by the blow.

Anno did not strike again. The outcome was already clear.

Tossing his longsword aside, Anno walked up to King Uther, knelt on one knee, placed his right hand over his chest, and looked up at the king, who wore a complex expression.

King Uther felt a mix of disappointment and surprise.

Although his martial arts might not be the strongest in the Kingdom of Britain, they were certainly among the absolute elite. Having been defeated in under ten rounds by a young man more than ten years his junior, King Uther could not help but wonder if this world was truly real.

Moreover, King Uther was also quite pleasantly surprised.

Anno was an ally brought by Merlin. The Saxons in the north, led by his own brother—the Vile King, Vortigern Pendragon—were restless and eyeing the Kingdom of Britain. The appearance of the exceptionally skilled Anno was undoubtedly good news.

Anno was performing a gesture of fealty. As long as King Uther was willing to tap his sword on Anno's shoulder, Anno would become a knight under King Uther's command, serving at his beck and call.

King Uther regained his composure and smiled freely. He raised his longsword and tapped it lightly on Anno's shoulder. With this, Anno officially became a knight.

Anno stood up, smiled at Merlin, and walked silently behind King Uther.

The three returned to the royal court.

King Uther sat back on his throne, while Merlin and Anno stood below.

By now, the sky had turned completely dark.

King Uther spoke, "Merlin, you go and settle Sir Anno first. Tomorrow, I will announce here that Sir Anno has become my personal knight."

"Yes, my King." Merlin bowed with a smile.

Anno bowed as well, then followed Merlin out of the royal court.

King Uther was left sitting on his throne, contemplating the impact Anno could bring.

Merlin did not take Anno directly back to his quarters; instead, he led him to a marketplace.

To be precise, a "talent market."

It was one of the few dark sides of the royal city of Camelot.

He intended to select two servants for the newcomer, Anno.

Anno frowned, wanting to refuse.

Merlin interrupted, "I know you may not be able to accept slavery, but since you have come here, learn to adapt first. Who knows? Perhaps one day you will have the power to change it."

Anno remained silent.