Time rewinds by about ten minutes.
Galahad stood guard in the forest.
Though he was well aware that Lot had asked him to leave primarily to speak privately with Morgan with little actual expectation for his vigilance he had given his word to Lot, and so he would carry out his duty seriously.
Scouting carefully, Galahad remained alert for any potential threats.
Gazing at Camelot, he noted how different it looked compared to the war-torn city he knew. This Camelot had never been seized by the Tyrant King Vortigern, nor had it endured the ravages of repeated conflicts.
It truly looked magnificent.
Galahad mused to himself.
"Why have I appeared here?"
Perhaps it was the will of the gods?
He pondered.
Just as he had been about to join the Knights of the Round Table, he had suddenly been thrown decades into the past meeting Lot, Morgan's husband.
"Until I find my purpose in this era, I must first focus on fulfilling my duty."
Galahad continued scanning his surroundings.
Wait someone was approaching.
After just a few seconds of observation, he sensed a presence drawing near.
Hm? A traveler?
No. Wrong. This person carried killing intent.
As the pure and flawless knight, Galahad was highly sensitive to such auras. He keenly detected the hostility radiating from the approaching figure.
"I'll assess the situation first."
If this was an assassin, he would need to apprehend them before they could threaten King Lot.
Galahad moved toward the source of the killing intent, raising his sword as he advanced.
Then, he took a few more steps forward…
His grip on the hilt tightened.
"Why is he here?"
Galahad's eyes widened in shock as he recognized Lancelot.
Though far younger than the man he knew twenty years later lacking the latter's seasoned composure his face was unmistakable.
That same detestable visage.
In this era, King Arthur had yet to even appear.
So why was he here?
And why was he approaching Lot and Morgan with such murderous intent?
What had happened between them?
Galahad's mind raced.
But one thing was certain this man harbored ill will.
"I'll interrogate him first."
Sword in hand, Galahad stepped directly into Lancelot's path.
"Instead of upholding your knightly vows, you've resorted to assassination? Is your chivalry nothing more than ink on parchment?"
A mocking smirk played on Galahad's lips as he spoke.
Though he tried to restrain himself, the sight of Lancelot made it impossible not to taunt him.
Lancelot had come seeking Lot. But before finding him, he was intercepted by a silver-haired young knight one who addressed him with outright disdain.
Strangely, the boy felt… familiar.
Have we met?
No, he was certain they hadn't.
Yet something about him stirred recognition.
Regardless
He wouldn't tolerate the insult.
Lancelot was not a patient man. Meeting Galahad's provocation, he replied coldly:
"I've come for Lot. Step aside unless you wish to be caught in the crossfire."
"Protecting those who need protection is my duty. I cannot allow you to pass."
Galahad raised his sword, his stance unyielding.
Seeing this, Lancelot naturally drew his own blade in response.
When it came to battle, he bowed to no one.
Galahad's expression brightened with excitement as Lancelot prepared to fight.
"No chance before… but now, I finally face him."
His eyes gleamed with anticipation.
Then, he surged forward, sword flashing.
Lancelot crossed his blade defensively, bracing for the strike.
CLANG !
Their swords collided.
Both were forced back several steps.
"Not bad," Lancelot remarked.
"Likewise. Or was that all the strength you could muster?"
Galahad shot back.
Lancelot's face darkened at the retort.
This boy would be quite refined… if he kept his mouth shut.
Who even is he? We have no grudge between us.
What's his problem?
Though puzzled, his movements didn't slow.
After that initial exchange, Lancelot knew this knight was at least his equal in skill.
He'd need to be cautious.
On Galahad's end, that single clash had confirmed Lancelot's reputation as one of the Round Table's strongest.
Even in his youth, he demanded full focus.
Thus, the two fought in earnest, neither holding back each determined not to lose.
As their battle reached its peak, Lot and Morgan arrived at the scene…
"I'll assist Gala."
Seeing father and son locked in combat, Lot immediately decided to intervene on Galahad's behalf.
Though this version of Lancelot was clearly still green his skills and experience far from the heights of his later years, when he single-handedly slew dozens of Round Table knights Galahad, too, was just starting out.
The outcome was too uncertain.
For Galahad's safety, Lot resolved to lend his strength.
Drawing his sword, he joined the fray.
While no match for Lancelot or Galahad in raw ability, he was far from useless. His strikes forced Lancelot to split his attention, diverting some attacks to defend.
But the moment their blades met, Lot realized the sheer gap in their power.
A single exchange left his arms trembling.
"I'm outclassed."
Galahad noticed Lot's intervention and called out:
"Though it goes against chivalry, the situation is urgent! Let us defeat the enemy Lancelot together!"
Hearing this, Lot nearly laughed.
Of course. When it comes to Lancelot, Gala discards knightly honor entirely.
But this worked in their favor.
"Defeat the enemy first. We'll settle the rest later."