The Ragged Outcast Claimed the Legendary Sword That the Greatest Knight Failed to Budge

A Hidden Bloodline Revealed

The moment Arthur's fingers tightened around the hilt, a brilliant shockwave of golden light erupted from the stone, tearing through the heavy fog. The ground trembled beneath their feet. With a smooth, effortless motion, Arthur pulled. The legendary blade slid out of the cracked boulder as easily as if it were sliding out of silk, humming with ancient power.

The knights gasped, stumbling backward in sheer terror. Borin fell to his knees, his eyes wide as the golden light illuminated Arthur's dirt-smudged face. As the light washed over the young man, his ragged grey tunic tore slightly at the collar, revealing a glowing birthmark on his shoulder shaped like a soaring falcon.

Borin's face turned pale. He recognized that mark instantly. It was the royal seal of the dynasty he had brutally overthrown and slaughtered fifteen years ago.

"This is impossible!"

Borin roared, his voice shaking with a mixture of fear and fury.

"The bloodline was ended! You are nothing but a thief, a trickster!"

Realizing that his reign of terror was in jeopardy, Borin stood up and drew his massive broadsword.

"Kill him! Cut him down and bring me that sword!"

A dozen heavily armed knights surrounded Arthur, their weapons raised to strike. But before they could lung, a group of hooded figures emerged from the foggy canyon walls, drawing their weapons to protect the young boy. It was the long-lost loyalist rebels, led by an old commander named Kenneth.

"Protect the true king!"

Kenneth shouted, clashing his sword against the charging knights. In the chaos, Borin bypassed the fight, charging directly at Arthur with murderous intent. He swung his heavy blade, throwing all his massive weight into a blow meant to decapitate the young heir. Arthur raised the legendary sword to block, but the sheer force of the impact threw him backward against the ancient boulder. Borin loomed over him, raising his sword for the final blow.