Chapter Thirty-Nine: A King’s Resolve

The Vanguard of Avalon gathered in the crumbling remains of an old town hall, the echoes of their recent mission still reverberating through the group. Though they had succeeded in stopping the militia and saving the dam, the cracks within the team were growing deeper.

Firebrand leaned against a column, his arms crossed, flames flickering faintly at his fingertips. Swift Angel stood across the room, his wings partially unfurled, a faint tension radiating from his posture. Between them, the air was thick with unspoken frustration.

Arthur stood at the head of the room, Excalibur sheathed at his side. His commanding presence silenced the murmurs of discontent, his gaze sweeping over the team.

"We are stronger together," Arthur began, his voice steady but firm. "Yet I see division among us. Doubts that threaten to unravel all that we have built."

Firebrand scoffed, his flames flaring briefly. "Maybe because some of us aren't convinced your way is the right way."

"And some of us," Angel added, his tone sharp, "think your way is too reckless."

Arthur raised a hand, cutting off their arguments. "I will not deny your concerns. Nor will I dismiss them. But if we are to lead, we must find common ground. We must become more than a collection of individuals. We must become a true vanguard."

Arthur stepped forward, his hand resting lightly on Excalibur's hilt. "To that end, I propose a trial. A chance for each of you to prove not only your strength but your willingness to trust one another. Together, we will face the challenges ahead—not as rivals, but as allies."

The room fell silent, the weight of Arthur's words settling over the group.

"What kind of trial?" Lumina asked, her glow brightening slightly.

Arthur's lips curved into a faint smile. "A quest, of course. It's a challenge that will test our resolve and unite us in purpose."

Firebrand arched an eyebrow. "A quest? What is this, mediaeval times?"

Arthur's gaze met his, unflinching. "Perhaps. But sometimes, the old ways hold wisdom we have forgotten."

As the team dispersed to prepare, Arthur found himself in a quiet moment with Fantasia. Her glowing blue eyes studied him thoughtfully as he paced near the ruins of a workshop.

"You're troubled," she said, her voice soft but certain.

Arthur chuckled, shaking his head. "It seems some things never change. A king is always surrounded by challenges, both without and within."

Fantasia tilted her head, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "Speaking of kings... I've noticed something missing."

Arthur raised an eyebrow. "And what might that be?"

"A steed," Fantasia replied, her tone teasing. "Every king needs one, don't they?"

Arthur laughed, the sound warm and rich. "You are not wrong. I have given it some thought, and I believe I have found a worthy steed. Something British, of course. A Triumph motorcycle."

Fantasia's eyes lit up with intrigue. "Interesting choice. But finding a fully functional Triumph in this era might be... difficult."

Arthur's expression didn't falter. "Then we shall find a way."

Fantasia stepped closer, her expression turning serious. "Or we could build one. Something modern, something worthy of the Once and Future King. A cybernetic motorcycle that links directly to your thoughts."

Arthur's surprise gave way to a broad grin. "You would do this for me?"

Fantasia nodded. "Of course. A king deserves the best, doesn't he?"

Arthur extended a hand, his voice filled with warmth. "Then I entrust this task to you, my friend. May your creation honour the legacy of Avalon."

Fantasia wasted no time, delving into the ruins of Manchester's industrial zones to scavenge the materials she needed. With the help of Christopher's reality-bending abilities and Shadowleaf's stealth, they managed to secure rare components, including a salvaged engine from a long-forgotten Triumph factory.

Over the next several days, the team watched as Fantasia transformed the pile of scrap into something extraordinary. The frame was sleek and angular, reinforced with lightweight alloys. Embedded circuits glowed faintly along the body, and the wheels hummed with a subtle, otherworldly energy.

As the final piece was installed, Fantasia stepped back, her hands on her hips. "It's ready."

Arthur approached the motorcycle, his eyes wide with admiration. He ran a hand along the frame, the metal cool and smooth beneath his touch. "It's magnificent."

Fantasia grinned. "It's linked to your thoughts. Wherever you want to go, it'll take you. And it's fast. Very fast."

Arthur swung a leg over the seat, gripping the handlebars. As the engine roared to life, a faint golden glow emanated from the bike, echoing the power of Excalibur itself.

"It feels... alive," Arthur said, his voice filled with wonder.

"It's yours," Fantasia said simply.

Arthur smiled, the sound of the engine reverberating through the ruins. "Then let us ride into the future."