Chapter 70: He is the Center of the World
Noah's Conqueror's Haki was absurdly powerful.
Once he solidified his convictions and gained complete control over it, his Conqueror's Haki could physically influence the environment. When he went all out, his terrifying Haki manipulated the surrounding air, making the entire world tremble beneath his will!
The raging storm ceased at his command.
The thick clouds in the sky were shattered by his Conqueror's Haki.
The earth cracked, and the densely packed Picts troops standing upon it collapsed as the violent storm subsided.
The massive gathering of Picts had initially exuded intense pressure, but now most had lost consciousness, leaving only a handful still conscious.
Among them was the one who had been shouting earlier—the warrior holding the crimson spear.
Noah recognized him from that spear.
This must be the warrior trained by Scáthach among the Picts.
Though shaken by Noah's Conqueror's Haki, he hadn't completely fainted, but was breathing heavily.
Gazing up at Noah standing high upon the city walls, though looking upward, he hadn't given up completely.
Gripping his spear, he forced an ugly smile.
"Don't anyone give up, this guy..."
He wanted to encourage his comrades.
But when he turned around, he discovered that the comrades who had stood behind him like mountains, like towering walls, had now vanished.
What met his eyes was only the wilderness behind their formation.
And...
The densely packed "crowd" that had fallen unconscious under the royal might of the King of Britain!
The few who, like him, remained conscious now had weak knees, kneeling on the ground, bowing their heads deeply—facing Selkirk Territory's high walls... no, facing the king upon those walls, they didn't even dare lift their heads.
Seeing this, the warrior who hadn't given up slowly lowered his spear.
With this simple, small movement, all his strength seemed to drain away.
Having borne the brunt of King Noah's royal might at the forefront of their formation, he now sighed and sat down on the ground.
Only at this moment did he finally understand.
He had lost.
Their Pictavia... had lost!
Noah's Conqueror's Haki targeted only the Picts, but even so, Selkirk Territory's defenders, and the civilians who couldn't escape the storm and knew they'd be doomed if the Picts breached the city—ready to fill any gaps in the defensive line themselves—still felt it.
That royal might, more violent than gales, more brilliant than the scorching sun, more imposing than mountains, and more magnificent than any thunderous roar!
Many had heard the term "kingly aura" since ancient times.
But generally, such terms were merely descriptions of certain kings. Even those who frequently used the phrase didn't necessarily understand what it truly meant.
But now the people of Selkirk Territory understood.
Simultaneously, Camelot's main forces understood.
Even White was startled by Noah.
No one present would ever forget what they witnessed this day.
They would not forget the king's majesty that mingled with the gale, tangible as solid matter. Nor would they forget how the Picts collapsed under this regal pressure, some even surrendering outright. Most of all, they would remember their king standing upon the battlements, commanding that before his presence—be it enemies, tempests, torrential rains, lightning, or dark clouds—all must halt. Everything must operate according to the king's will!
At that moment, though the sun was hidden and vision blurred by the raging storm, they could still see that tall figure radiating brilliance. For in that instant, he became the sun upon the earth. He became the center of the world! The sole sovereign between heaven and hell! This was their king. King Arthur. "The Chosen King!"
"The Chosen King!" None knew who first shouted this title, but soon others joined, raising their fists or weapons high, chanting in unison. "The Chosen King! The Chosen King!"
Initially, the cries came from the people of Selkirk Territory, but soon soldiers joined the chorus, followed by knights, and even Rivalen added his voice. White, standing beside Noah, also cheered with a smile.
Noah listened to the roaring chants behind him, raised his right hand, then clenched it into a fist mid-air. At his gesture, the shouts gradually subsided. Then Noah spoke, his voice amplified by Magecraft to reach every ear present.
"Open the gates and secure the battlefield!"
"The enemy has lost their will to fight. Especially the one wielding the crimson spear—I want him alive."
Having completely conquered Selkirk Territory, Noah's command was immediately executed. The gates swung open, and Rivalen, leading the charge, became the first to rush out and take control of the entire battlefield.
The Picts' massive assault on Selkirk Territory had ended in an epic victory—against overwhelming odds, not a single ally fell, nor was even one wounded, while ninety-nine percent of the enemy forces were captured! Such a feat was unprecedented even for the battle-hardened Northern Six Territories. This could truly be called a miracle!
After the battle ended and the storm ceased, news spread rapidly from Selkirk throughout the North, then to Camelot and the southern regions. Astonishment. Camelot received the news with awe, while the South listened in stunned silence. Only the Northern territories reacted with initial disbelief.
But with countless Pictish prisoners—more than Selkirk could hold alone—the captives were distributed after the rain stopped, sent to both King Mark and King Pellinore. Under such circumstances, disbelief became impossible. However exaggerated their claims might seem, these prisoners were undeniable proof...
This development prompted the other five Northern kings, who had been gathered to host Merlin, to reconvene their discussions.
After confirming that the battle achievements were genuine with the Saxon barbarians and the three neighboring southern territories, the three of them no longer had any doubts about Noah.
After all, Noah had proven with facts that he was a powerful figure capable of bringing victory, so there was no issue in signing an agreement with him.
However, King Mark and King Pellinore still frowned slightly.
Although they acknowledged Noah's strength, they still wanted to meet him in person.
Additionally, they intended to visit the Selkirk Territory to ask Rivalen about the specifics of the war... After all, compared to directly relayed news, they trusted Rivalen more.
Even though Rivalen had always been guarding the border, the five kings still regarded him as one of their own.
Right?
For instance, King Mark even had some familial ties with Rivalen.
So, while the news might be exaggerated, Rivalen would never deceive them.
It was impossible for the entire Selkirk Territory to simply defect to Camelot after just one battle.
Thus, the outcome of this gathering of the five northern kings was that, led by King Mark and King Pellinore, they decided to head directly to the Selkirk Territory with Merlin.
Noah would still be in the Selkirk Territory handling the aftermath concerning the Picts, so this was the perfect time for them to meet this King Arthur, Noah.
They would discuss signing the agreement afterwards.
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