Little Mo's Inauspicious Start and Frequent Setbacks

Soon, the war erupted in full force as Vortigern's army clashed with Arthur's. But because Arthur had only recently been crowned king, while Vortigern had stood entrenched in Britain for a long time, there was a clear disparity in numbers. From the very start, Arthur was on the back foot.

Fortunately, Arthur had the Knights of the Round Table, which kept the situation from becoming too dire. In contrast, Vortigern's forces had hardly anyone who could compare to the Round Table.

But soon, you received word of insufficient troops, and it was a familiar face—Kay—who sent the request for reinforcements. The reason he gave made you uneasy: Vortigern had appeared on the battlefield. To be safe, you decided to send a knight to inform Arthur of this news first, then quickly assembled three thousand knights with Mordred and set out toward Kay's position.

You arrived at Kay's front line with Mordred and the three thousand knights.

Kay was delighted by your arrival, but the ever-changing battlefield left no time for pleasantries. You cut straight to the point, asking if the intelligence Kay had reported was true.

Kay answered seriously that it was. Not long ago, Vortigern had struck once, inflicting heavy losses on your side, and Gareth had been gravely wounded by him.

This front line was critical. If Vortigern broke through, his army could charge straight into Arthur's stronghold of Camelot. That was why this line had the largest troop concentration, and why Arthur had chosen her most trusted knight—and her brother, Kay—as the commander, with Fair Hands Gareth as his deputy. As for Lancelot, Gawain, and Tristan, they seemed to have been assigned to other fronts by Arthur, though you weren't entirely sure.

Just as you were about to discuss the battlefield situation in depth with Kay and Mordred, intelligence arrived that Vortigern had appeared on the field once more.

With no time to think, you prepared to don your armor and take the field, but Mordred beat you to it, charging into battle against Vortigern without a word of permission.

You could only sigh in resignation—this was Mordred's way. You told Kay to hold the rear and command, while you went to drag that reckless Little Mo back. Kay, knowing full well that you understood Vortigern's strength, didn't stop you.

When you reached the battlefield, Mordred was already locked in combat with Vortigern. The knights around them had begun their charge. Though your knights could each take on two enemies, they were ultimately overwhelmed by Vortigern's sheer numbers. It was a complete disadvantage.

"Hey, you're pretty thick-skinned, aren't you?" Mordred said, casually cutting down a nearby grunt as she glared fiercely at the man before her.

"This aura? Interesting, very interesting. Two mixed dragon auras... I see. Is this Morgan's handiwork?" Vortigern looked at Mordred, sensing an aura almost identical to his own. He was puzzled for a moment, then his expression shifted to one of sudden realization as he studied her.

Mordred scowled at him. "Hah? What are you babbling about, old man? Tch. You're pissing me off."

"Take this!"

Without another word, Mordred hefted her Sword of Brilliant King and charged at Vortigern.

In just a few breaths, she was before him, swinging the blade in a fierce arc.

Boom!

A thunderous sound erupted, sending waves of air rippling outward from the clash between Mordred and Vortigern. The ground beneath their feet cracked instantly, spreading like a spiderweb, and the earth under Vortigern even caved in slightly.

A smirk curled at the corner of Vortigern's mouth—but it was a smirk of mockery.

With a slight flex of his arm, he effortlessly deflected the attack, sending Mordred stumbling back.

Vortigern looked at her, disappointment lacing his voice. "Is this all you've got? Knight of the Round Table, Mordred?"

"Let me show you what true power is!"

He bit down hard on the words "Knights of the Round Table."

"Hah? You asking for a beating, old man?"

The moment Mordred finished speaking, Vortigern vanished from where he stood, leaving only an afterimage.

So fast!

What the hell?

The instant Vortigern disappeared, Mordred's green eyes snapped wide. She tensed, scanning her surroundings warily.

Where is he?

Where'd he go?

"Hey. Behind you."

Just as Mordred was searching for Vortigern, a voice like a ghost whispered from behind her. Her expression shifted instantly, and she spun around to strike—but before her body could react, she felt a heavy blow land on her back, forcing a cough of blood from her lips.

Mordred was sent flying backward, crashing hard into the ground several times. She only managed to stop by driving her Sword of Brilliant King into the earth, using it as a brake.

"Cough... c-cough, cough..." Mordred hacked violently, wiping the blood from her mouth as she fixed her gaze on Vortigern, afraid he might vanish again.

Vortigern looked at her, a hint of regret in his voice. "If you'd had more time in the age before this, you might have surpassed me as I am now. But unfortunately, you've run out of time. And so has this era. All thanks to Uther, Merlin, and my dear nephew Arthur!"

"Still, I have to say—you really are a fearless calf who doesn't fear the tiger. Didn't anyone tell you about my strength? You wanted to kill me to raise your own fame, so your good mother would acknowledge you?"

"Hah? You old bastard, you're just—cough, wah—"

Before Mordred could finish, Vortigern struck again. This time, she barely managed to keep up with his speed and block the attack, but he easily broke through her defense and sent her flying once more.

"It's time to end this." Vortigern's expression turned serious as he looked at the battered Mordred.

(Before fighting Vortigern, Little Mo: "Hah? That guy Vortigern? Is he even as strong as Father?" (dismissive)

After fighting Vortigern, Little Mo: (grim-faced, irritated) "Huh? What did you just say? You bastard, did you mention that person? You looking to die?") (sarcastic)