"Wait. What do you mean 'gone'?" Izuku asked Eraserhead.

"Gone. Nada. Not here," Aizawa said, his tone growing irate by the second.

"But how? When?"

"We can't contact him anywhere. Not in his room, nor any footage in the school. His school files were also gone. I called his home and they lost his contact info. His mother was in a full-blown rage on the phone."

At first, Izuku thought that it may be connected to what happened between him and Inko but he didn't feel that was right either. Something didn't add up.

Nezu checked with the school's surveillance systems. No record. Not even one where Katsuki was supposed to be there like the school exercises. It was as if someone deliberately erased every trace of his existence.

"Did you try tracking his phone? Or anything?"

"Of course, but it's the same. I asked Ragdoll, Hound Dog, and any hero I know that can track..."

"Have you tried to ask Momo?" Izuku suggested. Eraserhead's incredulous look told him what he needed to know. He grabbed his phone and called his Chosen Seer.

"Yes, Danna-sama?"

"Hello, Momo. I need you to do something for me."

"Anything for you, Danna-sama."

"Can you track down Kacchan for me? He disappeared and the teachers can't find him."

"I will try, Danna-sama."

Izuku felt her drawing power from him in increasing waves, reaching FULL HOUSE before diminishing back to normal amount.

"I...I'm sorry, Danna-sama. I cannot See him. Though I can feel that someone or something tampered with various systems connected to him. Even the few things about him connected to hospitals that were edited."

The screen of the phone in Izuku's hand cracked, "Do you have any idea who or why?"

"I don't, Danna-sama. I'm sorry. I should be able to know if we encounter the magic signature but whoever that person was, was as hidden as him."

"Okay. I want you to check occasionally," he gave a heavy sigh. "If anything comes up, let me know."

"Yes, Danna-sama."

He ended the call and sat on the chair, his face buried in his hand.

"What did you find, Young Midoriya?"

"Nothing we didn't already know. I asked her to periodically check for any clues."

But Eraserhead was still frowning. He looked at Izuku, "There's something you aren't telling us, Midoriya. What is it?" He may have questionable teaching methods, and was called lazy. But he wouldn't stand by while his student was missing.

"There aren't many things that could hide from Momo, especially when she's drawing from me. I don't like this one bit."

The amnesiac teacher looked alternatively between Nezu and Izuku. "So, what are we going to do now?"

"We can't do anything else, Shota," Nezu told him. "For the moment, let's hope the students would stay safe. We'll tighten the security measures we had. I assume we'd be informed of any news?" Nezu looked at Izuku.

"I'll likely just rescue him myself." He chuckled, though it didn't have any humor. "What a damsel that guy is."

Izuku walked back to The Crowley, where he found his daughter watching television as Midnight was still fixing the damage from earlier, grumbling under her breath.

He joined Eri, with her sitting on his lap, while they watched a documentary about animals. Neither said much, but Eri felt like her father was very tense. She leaned in, hugging him.

"Papa, are you okay?" she asked, concerned.

"I'm...a little worried. Nothing you should concern yourself with, princess," he smiled.

"But..."

"Don't worry about it, okay? We'll fix whatever's wrong, eventually."

Eri hugged him tighter, then thought up of an idea. "Do you want a shoulder massage, Papa?" She learned that people liked it when she did it to them. At least, Inko praised her and gave her a candy for it.

"Sure, Little Snowball," he told her. Rather than be unconvincing, he thought he'd rather let his daughter do this for him and give her a feeling like she was helping than deny it.

Eri smiled, happy to help her Papa. There weren't many things she was able to do for him, despite him doing so much for her. She started massaging his shoulders.

Objectively, it lacked skill or finesse, but Eri's hands were soft and her movements gentle. The small girl was doing her best. And, for Izuku, it was the thought that counted.

"That's good, Eri," he smiled, genuinely relaxed for the first time today.

Eri smiled back, proud to make him smile.

They continued to relax. After a while, Eri had fallen asleep, and Izuku gently tucked her into bed. Eventually, Ochaco arrived, dropping her coat onto the chair, rubbing her temples as she sighed.

Izuku could see the weight of diplomacy pressing on her shoulders—the endless talks, the careful negotiations. She didn't need words to tell him how drained she was.

He stepped behind her, his hands finding her shoulders, kneading the tension away. She hummed, leaning into his touch. "Mmm...you always know what I need."

"Of course," he murmured. "Just relax."

What started as a simple massage soon turned into something more. Their shared exhaustion melted away as warmth filled the bathroom, soft sighs and quiet moans escaping between gasps of pleasure.

Later, cleaned up and tangled in each other's arms, Ochaco curled into his chest, her breath slowing. Izuku kissed the top of her head, holding her close.

For now, the weight of the world could wait.

When morning came, Ochaco was the first to wake. She watched Izuku's sleeping face, gently brushing the stray hairs away. Ochaco found it fascinating, how Izuku could look as innocent as Eri when asleep, despite housing so much power and burden. If asked, he would definitely say it was thanks to her.

The Queen couldn't help but smile, a warm feeling spreading through her chest. She reflected on how much she loved this man. He was her life, her love, and her strength. And he was hers.

She would walk through fire, face a thousand deaths, if it meant standing beside him.

It was Eri's turn to wake up, smiling upon seeing the brown hair of her mother. "Good morning, Mama!"

"Good morning, dear. Did you sleep well?"

"Yeah. Papa was with me yesterday, too. I massaged his shoulders."

"That is great. I'm happy you are also trying to help Papa."

"Yup! But his shoulders were hard. I couldn't really do much."

"I am sure that was untrue. Why not take a bath, while I wake Papa up?"

"Okay!"

After making sure her daughter had left, she gently touched his cheek. "Wake up, My Love," her voice was gentle, like a breeze. "Good morning," Ochaco smiled.

"Morning, Ochaco. No envoy duties today?"

"Not today. What can be achieved has been done. One of the Outsiders is closing up on the US border. They are calling in allies, even Camelot. Something they have not done for almost three hundred years."

"An attack on one is an attack on all. Did you get what you wanted?"

"Some of it. We have acquired control of a land we could use to jumpstart production, though the cost would be enormous."

"I remember Mina telling me your family were rich. Do we have enough?"

She rested her head on his chest. "The Crown has resources beyond most individuals, true. But on a scale of nations, Camelot is a small country. The cost of this is likely to completely drain both the state's, and our personal, funds. Will you still love me when I am poor as a pauper?"

"Always, Ochaco."

"Given what is coming, our wealth has little purpose. If we must spend every last penny, then so be it. It will have to be enough."

"Maybe I can find some way to fund it?"

She smiled. "Perhaps, My Love. Though I fear we will need trillions of pounds to complete this project."

"Yeah, the regulars at The Crowley don't tip as well. We'll have to figure something out."

"I have faith in you," Ochaco stood up, putting on her panty. "Now, let me get dressed."

"If you insist."

Izuku's eyes wandered, following her every movement. He could never tire of looking at her, and her body. Every inch of her was a work of art.

Ochaco knew her husband's eyes were on her, and she did her best to make him look at her. Even the simple act of putting on her pants made her feel sexy. "You can enjoy the show, My Love. Since it appears to make you happy."

"If only you knew." He stood up and moved behind her, his hand making its way to her left tit, giving it a squeeze.

"What are you doing?"

"Just giving you a hug," he smirked, kissing her neck while his hands enjoyed her boobs.

"T-this...is...not a hug," she stuttered, her breath hitching as his teeth grazed her skin, leaving a trail of heat in their wake. "We...do not have time...for this."

"Want me to stop?" he whispered, nibbling her ear.

"I...did not say that," Ochaco murmured, her voice breathless. "But...we need to travel to Camelot today. Our friends will be here soon. Not to mention, our daughter would be traumatized if she saw us...doing this."

She was telling him so, but she turned to face him, wrapping her hands on his neck as she gave him a passionate kiss. She felt him squeeze her ass, making her moan.

"That feels...so nice. But...enough," she forced herself to regain some self-control, though her eyes were still glazed. "We have a long road to walk before we sleep."

Reluctantly, he let her go. She gave him another kiss. Then, she finished dressing up, and they exited the bedroom.

"Good morning, Izuku. Your Highness."

"Morning, Nemuri."

"So, the Knights of the Lake are heading back to Camelot today?"

"Minus Nana. She's upgrading Lancaster. So was Kinoko, Ibara, Kyouka and Toru. They told me they're best deployed here."

"Poor Izuku, five girls in a long-distance relationship," Midnight teased him.

"It's not like we won't see each other often. Lancaster isn't that far. And I could always be here in a few minutes if I really want to."

"Speaking of which, maybe you could use some military upgrades yourself."

"Ochaco's already ahead of us both. She's been putting together an entire arms industry at an industrial park."

"Fascinating. And this will produce weapons you believe can hurt the Outsiders?"

"Hopefully..."

"The current plan is to scale existing Camelot arms productions; magic armour, swords, knives, and enchanted ammunition. If that is not enough against the Outsiders themselves...I do not know," Ochaco said, her expression turning grim.

Midnight had a thoughtful expression for a moment, which Izuku caught. "You got alternative ideas, Nemuri?"

"Me? Hardly...I wouldn't know the first thing about weapons manufacturing. But maybe...you...know someone that does?"

"Mei and Melissa. I've gotta know what they could do. On top of that, there's the pervert."

"What would Mineta know about weapons manufacturing?"

"I'm not talking about him. The Schwartalf Master Crafter. The little bastard knew about this."

"Likely. Schwartalf are...old. They predate the Fae, and Elsewhere as we knew it."

"I need to get to him...soon."

"You think he's quietly beavering away on weapons against the Outsiders for a millennia or more?"

"Designs, certainly. Prototypes. Anything to stave off ennui for another couple of decades. Ochaco, how does that change your calculations?"

"Not much, sadly. We will still need people. Machines and raw materials. I could ask Yaoyorozu. But even that would not be enough on the scale we are doing. Though having Schwartalf designs similar to Kendo's harmonic resonance bolt, that might be a game changer. Daemons and Necromancers are both fond of Shields."

"As are Outsiders, according to Schwartzy. And who knows what else he has got planned? When do you need to know the design specifications?"

"Right now, Lord Anton was overseeing the site as it ramps up in its first productions. We had drafted plans for this...we just thought we had more time."

"Looks like Mina and I will need to find our way back to Schwartzy."

"Yes, Daddy!" Mina's voice rang out as she suddenly wrapped her arms around Izuku from behind, pressing her cheek against his back.

"Where did you—?"

"Oh, I've been here for a while," she giggled. "Just listening. And, wow, that's so cool, Daddy!"

Izuku sighed, shaking his head with a smirk. "Glad you're enjoying the conversation, Mina."

"Even if we have to go back to that perverted goblin."

"I'm sure he was only after your mind, Mina. Not your body."

Mina wordlessly pouted at him.

"Not that it isn't an exceptionally nice body, Mina," he assured her.

"Thank you, Daddy," she blushed.

"Now, then..."

"Papa! Mina-nee! Good morning!" Eri chirped, hugging them just as Inko descended the stairs.

"Good morning, Little Snowball." Then he saw Inko, and remembered the conversation from yesterday. "Morning, Mom."

"Morning, Izuku. Everyone."

"Hey, Inko-san!"

"Greetings, Inko," Ochaco bowed.

"Izuku...hun, is what happened in Mexico part of this war you're talking about? Demons and Outsiders and everything?"

"Yeah. And nobody on this side of the world will have the weapons they'll need. Not against the Outsiders."

Then an inspiration.

Camelot didn't have the resources for such large-scale productions. And the US didn't know anything about magic. "We...need to help them...retool their factories. The US has an arms industry the rest of the world can't match, even to this day. It just needs the right weapons."

"How?" Ochaco asked. "Without Enchanters, they cannot hope to make enchanted weapons. Those are the only ones I know that can deal with heavily shielded enemies. And how will you convince them? Remember, to them, magic isn't real."

"They'll have to come to terms with it—fast. As for Enchanters...I don't know. Maybe we convince them to relocate. Maybe we subcontract. Maybe they make the guns, and we handle the bullets. One way or another, we need to make this work."

Ochaco looked at him, thoughtful, "I once thought your father left you here to protect you. Now, I wonder...was it to prepare you? A prince raised in Camelot or Tír na nÓg might have lacked the empathy to aid a continent that abandoned magic. Maybe this was Merlin's plan all along."

"We need to get in touch with the Ambassador. There's too many things happening they need to know about."

"Him. Or Barney. But I will try to reach out. Failing that, maybe someone will rid me of this troublesome ambassador? Maybe something Toga Himiko could do."

"Be nice, Ochaco," Izuku kissed her cheek. He didn't want her to go down that route. It wasn't like he didn't understand the absurdity of actual magic. If he just learned about it today, even he would've trouble believing. Not that anyone had that excuse, still, with the Outsiders around. "I'll just go upstairs for a bit. I need to make a phone call."

He looked at her, and she gave him a nod. He went upstairs and locked the door. He dialed the number of a certain Valkyrie.

"Hello, Val," he greeted her, a small smile.

"This is Val...who are you and where did you get this number? The world's ending and I'm kinda busy."

"I'm Eindridi's mistake from Japan."

"Which of them? Though if it were Booker, I doubt he'd call first. So. Izuku. The fucking Winter King. Of course you'd show up when Ragnarök's about getting started."

"I was born for this, Val."

"Whereas I could have happily waited another hundred years or so, before I expire. I assume this isn't a social call?"

"I need someone to organize a meetup with Valhalla. And Eindridi seems to have forgotten to leave a number."

"Probably for the best. One thing I'd trust that bastard to organize is a piss-up in a brewery. So...peace talks?"

"Alliance talks. We must hang together, Val, or the Outsiders and the Cult will ensure that we hang separately."

"An alliance between Camelot and Valhalla?"

"And hopefully, my Father's people as well."

"Your...father? I should've guessed from the eyes. The Fae. You've got to give Thor credit, when he decides to cock something, he does it properly. Who's daddy, then...Lugh? No, your color's wrong. Cú Chulainn, probably."

"The Horned Lord."

Silence. Then—

"Fuck. Me. Running. The Oldest himself. What were the odds?" She exhaled, long and slow. "I should have seen that coming, I suppose. But still. Absolutely fabulous."

"The enemy of my enemy." He chuckled. "Just organize the event, Val. If Eindridi doesn't try anything, then neither will I. At least until we've dealt with the Outsiders. After that, it's fair game."

"Yes, yes. Will you be staying in Japan?"

"Camelot. There is a war to plan."

For an instant, Izuku could feel a tinge of disappointment before she continued. "Tell me about it. You'd think preparing for a thousand years would have made us good at this, but they're all running around like headless chickens. And now, this. I'll find you in Camelot."

"Thank you, Val. We shall meet again."

He ended the call and went downstairs where he saw Itsuka already kitted out.

"Everyone's here, Master. Anything left to do, before we go?"

"No. We're ready."

"Let's go, then."

They gathered at the basement.

"You want to talk about the Daemons?" Itsuka asked.

"Yeah. And Elsewhere." Even after all these years, Izuku still hadn't figured out much about it. At least nowhere near Itsuka.

She thought for a moment, her fingers tracing the edge of her gauntlets. "Let's do that first, then. You need to start feeling the Paths in your bones."

"I've been going in and out of it a lot recently, but it's not like I haven't been doing that for years now."

"You're mostly spending it close to Mustafu, Master," she pointed out. "You haven't really explored the Wilds, nevermind the Depths. But your biggest problem was not knowing the shortcuts and layouts."

"And can you teach me?"

"Sure. But it's mostly practice. Sooner or later, you'd be able to visualize the maps...kinda like seeing in your mind's eye."

Izuku was optimistic at the first half, but when he heard the latter half, "This is going to be one of those things I'm destined to suck at, isn't it?"

Itsuka chuckled at that, before looking at his eyes. "If all fails, Master...I know the Paths. Nothing would make me happier than to be your guide. Nothing at all."

"The blind god and his guide-dog."

"Guide-Wolf," she corrected him, smiling.

"With benefits."

"All of them you need, Master."

At a whim, Izuku reached out through the link the connected him and Itsuka. He felt her love, and loyalty, and...something else.

"I See it."

Ochaco's eyes flicked toward him. "See what, My Love?"

"The Paths, and how they're connected. At least how she viewed them."

It was as if it was a Cartesian map, with squiggly lines moving about, connecting to various dots. Nodes, his memory corrected. The straight lines, weren't, at all, and moved erratically, as if space itself were a living, breathing, creature.

"That can't be right, Master."

"I'm sure. The Glade is just north of us..."

"Right."

"And there's something to our south-east."

"Our regular Hunting ground."

"And Camelot?"

"To the other continent, Master. To our west."

"Right. That's a long way, but it didn't feel like one when we're travelling."

"Shortcuts are handy, Master. Let's go."

The journey through the Paths felt different this time. With Izuku beginning to grasp the structure of Elsewhere, he no longer moved like an outsider fumbling through a maze. The network of Paths unfolded before him with a strange clarity, each turn feeling less like guesswork and more like intuition. It was easier now—natural, almost.

They chatted as they walked, the shifting landscapes of Elsewhere passing them by. Each passing hour brought them closer to Camelot, until at last, the ancient city stood before them.

"Welcome to Camelot, Daddy!" Mina cheered, practically bouncing on her heels.

Izuku chuckled. "Thanks, Mina. You girls heading to the Court?"

"Nope, we'll be at the King's Dragon. You should, like, visit us there," she grinned.

"Sure."

"I'll be at the library," Yui added, giving a slight bow before stepping onto a different path, vanishing from sight.

And then, finally, they were alone.

Ochaco took his arm, pulling him closer, her warmth pressing against him. "At last, Husband."

Izuku glanced at her, a familiar heat rising in his chest—

Then Eri sneezed violently against his shoulder.

"Oh—well, that killed the mood," he muttered, suppressing a laugh.

Ochaco giggled, shaking her head as she wiped Eri's nose. "It seems our little unicorn has impeccable timing. Let us go?"

"Sure," Izuku chuckled, and they entered the castle, making their way to the Throne Room, where Anton greeted them.

"Your Highness. My Queen. Young Princess. Welcome home," he bowed, his voice echoing across the hall.

"Thanks, Anton."

"Thank you, Lord Anton. How goes the work with the Kent Industrial Park?"

"Work is proceeding exceedingly well, My Queen. We have been able to reuse most of the existing infrastructure. I must congratulate you on being able to acquire the lease, though the cost will be...quite significant."

"You can't take it with you, Anton," Izuku said. "Either we win, or money is going to be irrelevant as bottlecaps."

"I am aware, Your Highness. It is merely the disquieting feeling that after nearly a thousand years of watching the Pendragon carefully nurse their wealth, I am now in charge of expending it at a prodigious rate."

"When will full production start?"

"Soon. The first production line is up, and we have convinced a number of our pre-eminent Enchanters to join the effort. We are also recruiting heavily from the magical community of the Old World...Hopefully, manpower will keep pace with our production capacity."

"What's the name of the production line?"

"For legal purposes, I had it have a placeholder. I thought fitting that you and the Queen named it."

"What do you think, Ochaco? How about 'Operation Excalibur'?"

"I quite like that name," Ochaco smiled. "Excalibur. The sword of kings. The weapon of legend, and the bane of our enemies. It is very fitting. Anton, you may put that name on the production line."

"Thank you, Your Highness. I suggest you also visit them. It is just by the Prime Portal, in easy reach of Camelot. The Chamberlain would also like to speak with you. Something about an American Ambassador, I believe."

"Oh goody," Izuku rolled his eyes as Henry made his appearance.

"Indeed, Lord Anton. At Her Majesty's orders, we've reached out through the British Government. The Ambassador's agreed to meet with our representative tomorrow morning. May I suggest Sir Percival?"

"Actually..." Izuku looked at Ochaco who nodded before turning back to Henry.

"The King and I will go in-person. What we have to say is too important, and too urgent, to leave to emissaries."

"We don't have the time to play bureaucratic ping-pong with this."

"I...but...v-very well, Your Majesty. As you command. I shall make sure they know to expect you."

"Thanks."

"And with that, gentlemen, it has been a long day. We shall see you tomorrow, after the meeting, to discuss the details of the Court."

After eating lunch with Eri and Ochaco, Izuku made his way towards the Industrial Park.

He had no real trouble finding it. The industrial park was not huge, and had a single large factory building, which was surrounded by a security wall.

Inside the yard, a couple of dozen people were working on machines and carrying materials.

He entered the building, where the noise and smells of a factory greeted him.

The industrial park was a blur of movement—workers hammering, enchanters etching runes, and crates of freshly forged weapons being stacked for shipment. Izuku watched molten steel being poured into molds, the scale of the operation staggering.

It was then, Anton walked up to him and bowed. "Welcome, Your Majesty."

"Thank you, Anton. It's quite a setup you guys have here."

"That would be your setup, Your Highness. It is your money paying for this, after all."

"Ochaco's," he corrected.

"I fear she would not agree that such is the case, Sire," the old Enchanter shrugged. "But be that as it may, it is not my place to argue with you."

"You've done this before, haven't you?"

"Done what, Sire?"

"Effortlessly turn aside dumb royals nosing into your business."

"One of the advantages of serving the Pendragons, Izuku, is that I've served no dumb royals. They have been incorrect, at times, sometimes willfully so. But none of them have been stupid; I see no reason to expect that to change in this generation."

"I'll take that as a compliment and move on. How goes the war effort?"

"As good as can be hoped, given the timeline. The world of mortals is host to production capacity beyond anyone's wildest dreams; we are used to thinking in terms of individual artisans...watching thousands collaborate is both humbling and terrifying."

"I can imagine."

"Here, Sire. Let me give you a brief tour."

The scope of Ochaco's manufacturing industry boggled his mind. She had done all this...in a single day? Not just acquiring the land, but setting up logistics, organizing workers, planning long-term production. The sheer scale of it made his head spin.

He glanced around once more, watching the workers, the enchanters, the smiths—all moving with purpose, precision.

'I'll have to come back later,' he thought, already realizing just how much this factory would shape the future of the war.

"And that is where we are today, Sire. I am afraid there's not much else to see."

"Thanks for showing me, Anton. I needed to understand what we're doing here. I'll see you in Camelot."

"Indeed, Sire. Farewell."

"Bye, Anton. Before I go, anywhere I could leave my phone for safekeeping?"

"You can, Your Highness. There will be a locker on the left side, you can set up your aura with this lock here," he handed Izuku a piece of padlock. It didn't look anything special, just relatively lightweight.

"You sure this is safe?"

"As safe as can be, Your Highness. It won't open to anyone but you, and if someone tried to force it, it'd take the entire room with it."

"I...okay."

"Just touch the padlock, and the magic will do the rest."

"Thanks."

Before returning, he exchanged some cash to buy a new phone which he'd use when he was on this side of the normie realm, and set it up. It took about two hours to do everything.

He went to the locker and, true to Anton's words, it glowed when he touched it. He put his phone inside and closed it.

One moment, he was scrolling through setup screens and biometric locks. The next, he was placing his trust in a centuries-old spell woven into a padlock.

Izuku walked the halls of Camelot, mapping the castle in his mind. Castles in movies had nothing in common with real ones—this one was massive, layered with history, power, and quiet whispers of magic.

The walls hummed faintly, as if the very stone remembered every king who had walked before him. Tapestries lined the halls, woven with golden threads that shifted and shimmered, depicting legends older than time.

The air was cool, carrying the scent of aged parchment, steel, and something faintly floral—Ochaco's perfume, lingering from when she had last passed through.

This was his kingdom. His new home.

For eternity, perhaps. If he won. If he survived.

The thought settled heavy in his chest. The two didn't necessarily go hand-in-hand.

But, for now, he had a duty. And he would do it, or die trying. And thus, hours passed as Izuku explored the castle until it was nighttime.

His feet carried him forward, instinct guiding him back. When he reached their chambers, he found Ochaco sitting by the bed, gently stroking Eri's hair. Their daughter was already asleep, curled up against the blankets. No wonder—she must've felt the weight of the journey, her body struggling to adjust.

Izuku exhaled, tension easing from his shoulders. He was home.

Morning came quickly. The golden light of dawn streamed through the windows, painting the stone walls in soft hues. Izuku blinked awake, greeted by Ochaco who was wearing a long blue dress that made her feel ethereal.

"Good morning, My Heart. It is time to arise; we are meeting the ambassador today."

"Ah. Yes. Barney."

"Do try to be tactful, dear. I have laid out your new suit; you should get dressed."

"New suit?"

Ochaco smiled mischievously while fluttering her eyes. "Midnight incinerated the old one after you had it covered in demon-blood. And you needed one that was more in tune with your new role."

Izuku sighed. "Okay, I know when I've lost. Let's try it."

He found the suit laid out on the bed, looking like a combination of a Victorian era's suit and a formal military uniform that looked more Napoleonic-era. It had a green vest with a row of gold buttons down the front. The white shirt underneath had epaulettes with golden fringe, making it even more militaristic.

Izuku tried it on, feeling the fabric hug him at just the right size.

"My, what a handsome sight you make, My Heart."

And she was right. He looked like someone who belonged in this ancient, medieval setting. The clothes fit him well, accentuating his physique and giving him an air of nobility. The only thing he could complain about was...

"Seriously, Ochaco? Ruffles?" he groaned, pointing to the white frills peeking from the collar of his shirt.

"You look every inch the dashing king, My Love."

"Look, I've been watching what everyone else around here is wearing. This is not normal Camelot clothing."

"Of course not, dearest...but you are a King, not a normal person."

"Ruffles, Ochaco...Ruffles..."

"It is a style reminiscent of the time of my Grandfather's Court. Apparently, he was the one who suggested it to one of the generals at the time. Quite dashing, I always felt."

"Would you mind telling me why I'm LARPing as a 17th century noble?"

"'Larp'?" she tilted her head. "What's that?"

"Live Action Role...you know what? Nevermind. There's a reason why you want me to wear ruffles. What is it?"

"Beyond the fact that you look very debonair in it?" she giggled, her hand reaching for the frills.

"Yeah. Beyond that."

"Because, Husband, my Grandfather's time was a different Court. A harder, more militant Court. Where service at the Round Table was the highest honour, and battle scars a sign of pride. And I intend to bring that time back."

"So the ruffles was the symbol?"

"Symbols are important, dear husband. They shape people's minds more easily than words, and stay in their minds long after the speech has stopped ringing. We are a long-lived people, and there are still many who remember what clothes like that once meant."

"You so owe me for this, woman," he sighed. "If Nana finds out about this, she'll die of laughter."

Her eyes shined, her smile growing. "So you'll wear it? For me?"

"Yes. For you. Since it meant so much for you."

She threw her arms around him, burying her face against his chest. "Thank you, Izuku! I know the clothes are a little outside your normal preference, but you do look handsome in them. My very own warrior king from a bygone era."

"Well, this won't get easier by waiting. Is Eri going to be alright?"

Before Izuku could say more, the door creaked open. A familiar, impossibly cheerful voice rang out—

"Of course, Izu-kun!" he looked at the door, only to find the dhampir in maid uniform. "Your daughter will be safe in my care!"

Eri peeked from the bed, blinking sleepily at the commotion before snuggling back into the blankets.

"Himi? What's with those clothes? Not that they don't look amazing on you."

"Castle servants hear lots of stuff. And they looked cute!" she spun around, showing off her frilly skirt and long stockings. "And nobody expects the maid inquisition knocking on their estate."

"Well, if you're happy with it." He'd stay his tongue that the maids didn't wear a frilly maid dress, but a plain long dress with durable apron over it.

"I am, Izu-kun! Good luck! I'm gonna bond a lot with Eri-chan today."

The couple made their way through the halls, Izuku holding Ochaco's hand. "Why are you holding my hand?"

"Because doing anything lewder than that in public would get us in trouble?"

"The spinster aunts will no doubt whisper and whine even at this...public signs of affection are uncommon here."

"You forget you're the Queen now. You could just shout 'off with their heads!' and that would be it."

She giggled. "I am hardly some crazy denizen of Wonderland, dear...the card connection notwithstanding. One does not go around executing spinster aunts merely for being vicious gossips; you would end up decapitating every last one of them."

"Sounds like a net win," he shrugged. "Where are we going?"

"To the Prime Gate; there is a Camelot facility on the other side. From there, we will travel by car to the Embassy in London. The staff has dispatched a limousine to drive us."

"We should probably buy a car for ourselves. Seems a thing newlyweds could use."

"We already have cars, My Love. Why would we need more?"

"The Court, you mean? Limos and buses and things like that?"

"That too. But the Pendragon family has a small personal fleet. It was one of the few aspects of the Mundane Realm my Father rather enjoyed. I assume the Stable Master has kept them in peak condition even after he passed."

"Stable? For cars?"

"She was still officially in charge of it. There is likely a mechanic or something of that sort who does the actual work, but he would report to the Stable Master. Camelot does not change willingly, or fast. But change it shall."

"So there is a car, why are we not taking it?"

"Because I do not know how to drive? I had little interest in them."

"I drive, though."

"Oh? I was not aware. Whatever for?"

"Itsuka taught me. She was fascinated with them, before moving on to motorcycles. I don't have a license, though."

"If that is so, My Heart...would you like to drive us there? We can take my Father's old favourite car; cancelling the Court limousine is easy enough, and the garage is close to the Gate."

"Sure, I'd love to. What kind of car is it?"

"A red one? I know little of such things. Mechanical toys cannot compare to the joy of a pureblood Fae horse under you, the wind in your hair, and the Paths beneath you. We will have to teach you to ride, one day."

"I'm not sure what to feel about riding carnivorous unicorns, but I'll give it a try."

They arrived at the industrial park, with Izuku getting his phone from the lockers. Entering the garage that looked like a large shed, they found a dozen cars inside where the recreation of a red Porsche Carrera GT supercar, a legendary pre-Quirk-era model, sat. It had a carbon-style hood panel and more aggressive front bumper with a plate "MAGICLVR."

"Oh..." Izuku's eyes went wide.

Izuku had seen a car like this once—in an article about the world's most exclusive supercars, back when it was sponsoring Captain Celebrity. Only three had ever been made. It was just sitting there, waiting to be driven like an ordinary family sedan.

"Is it appropriate? If not, the limousine is still available."

"It's almost perfect. Only missing one small thing," he looked at her.

"Which is?"

"You, on the hood of the car."

"The what?"

"The front part? Just pose for me a little."

She pouted. "I am not taking erotic photographs in a cold garage where random staff are liable to walk in unannounced, husband."

"Not erotic. You can keep the dress."

"Then?"

"The pretty girl on top of the pretty car. Just a quick photo or two for posterity."

"Ever foolish, My Heart. But if it will make you happy, why not? But it shall be a demure photoshoot...I have a reputation to uphold."

"I can live with that."

"Like this?" Ochaco sat on the hood of the car, leaning on the windshield, her legs crossed.

"A bit more...sexy," he grinned as her cheeks turned pink.

"I thought you said it wasn't supposed to be erotic!"

"Sexy is not erotic."

She grumbled, before she shifted, uncrossing her legs and bending them back, making a show of her thighs. She then opened the front of her dress, revealing the tops of her cleavage.

"Are we done? I feel somewhat ridiculous," she said, though the amused curve of her lips betrayed her.

"Not quite. One more," Izuku positioned on the other front, making her tilt her head back. "Perfect."

"If you insist, My Love. But hurry up...the bonnet is cold, and it is freezing my posterior."

"Done," he said, helping her down with a grin. "Definitely going in my private collection." He opened the passenger door before gesturing. "Alright, let's hit the road."

He sat on the driver seat, starting the engine that hummed with power.

Ochaco sat beside him, and they drove out.

It was an impressive drive. The suspension was firm, and the power from the engine made the rear wheels bite hard into the road. Every gear change was crisp, and the car had a low, deep growl. It felt alive under him, reacting to his every movement, his every shift of his hand.

Ochaco smiled at him, enjoying the sight of him enjoy something so much that didn't have anything to do with Quirks or women. But mostly, she liked seeing him in this relaxed confident state. Another aspect of him that she found charming.

The road was surprisingly quiet, and the scenery passed by in a blur. The sun was shining high in the sky, casting a warm glow over the countryside.

They passed through a village, and then a small town, the road winding through rolling hills and forests.

The radio was playing, and he could hear the soft tones of classical music drifting through the car.

She clasped his hand, her fingers wrapping around his. "I am glad we decided to take the car; I am enjoying this. The wind in my hair, my handsome husband beside me."

"His ruffles waving in the wind."

She giggled, leaning forward and leaning her head on his arm. "Poor beloved. Trapped and cajoled."

"Yes."

"I did say I would make it up to you," she whispered as she pulled the dress aside, giving him a full view of her tits. "Like this, perhaps?" The way it bounced as they moved on a bumpier road, and the way her nipples stiffened from the cold, it made him want her. "Eyes on the road, My Heart," she said as if she read his mind.

"Did you enjoy the view?"

"It was...surprising. But I certainly enjoyed it."

"We are quite alone here on the country road," she muttered. "And it was rather...liberating...after the confines of the Court."

"Want me to find somewhere secluded to park?"

"Tempting though as that may be, beloved pervert...we shall not arrive late for our meeting, smelling of sex and sweat. That would not be conducive to the impression we are trying to achieve," she fixed her dress. "The little sneak peek will have to be enough...until tonight."

"It will have to do, I guess," he sighed.

They spent the rest of the trip chatting, enjoying each other's company. Soon enough, they found themselves approaching the outskirts of London.

The city was a maze of ancient streets and modern architecture. They soon hit M25, a highway circling the city, and then exited to a series of smaller roads, each more confusing than the last.

Finally, they reached the gates of a large compound, guarded by armed soldiers. A guard approached them, and Ochaco handed over the paperwork. After a few moments, the gates opened, and they drove into a courtyard, before stopping by the steps leading up to the main building.

With each security check, Izuku could feel Ochaco's mood worsen, her grip on his hand tightening and her eyes narrowing menacingly. It probably wasn't the best first impression, but at this point, he doubted Ochaco cared.

"Well, that was somewhat more involved than I expected. Security guards, soldiers, metal detectors, and an extremely suspicious-looking dog."

"The US isn't universally loved. I imagine most of their embassies look like fortresses. Even in friendly countries."

She took a long breath, centering herself. "Indeed. Well, at least we are inside. Let us go, my dearest. We have an ambassador to meet. Remember, be polite."

"Of course," he smirked, entering a room, he saw a man in his 50s, though most of his hair was grey. He looked like a typical bureaucrat.

"Welcome, Your Highness, to the United States Embassy to the Court of St. James."

"Ah. You must be Barney," Izuku smiled, making Ochaco shake her head.

The man snorted. "Indeed. I think we may both need to reset our expectations. Do you know how many diplomatic exchanges there have been between the American government and this...Court of Camelot? Ever since our country was founded?"

"Countless?"

"No. None. Not a single one, going back to 1785. We get no shortage of country cranks and eccentric individuals, from the self-proclaimed island nation of Sealand to various communities, from Manx to inner city Manchester, which wish for the government to recognize them. Invariably, we reject them; we are not in a business to fomenting rebellion inside a foreign country."

"What changed?"

"The British Foreign Minister was most insistent that we should meet your representative, though I must admit I am surprised Her Majesty herself made the journey from Camelot."

"We both quite enjoyed the ride."

The man sighed, leaning in on the oak table. "My secretary checked, but there were no files on Camelot. Not a single page."

"If it's any consolation, I haven't heard the place since a year ago."

"And now you're Prince Consort."

"King."

"From a regular hero-in-training to the King of Camelot. Someone certainly married up."

"I think we both did. Did you have a point?"

"The diplomatic files have nothing on Camelot, but the Military attaché has a rapsheet longer than a bad harvest. Less on your wife, though she is tagged as likely dangerous. A lot more on her parents: files going back to World War II, when they and their allies worked with the British. Quite...incredible files."

"Wars change people."

"A week ago, I would have dismissed this. But with Anomaly Theta look to cross the border, and another few dozen marauding through South America, I am rather more open to the idea."

"Which brings us here. We want to help."

"By resurrecting the Nightstalkers? I'm not sure Tucson can survive whatever hell they and their allies unleashed on Dresden."

"And Tucson won't survive what the Outsiders will do to it either. And we're not resurrecting the Night Stalkers, or whatever you call them. We're building a magical army to defeat the Outsiders."

"And an armaments industry to help supply it," Ochaco added. "And our overseas Allies. How are your existing weapons functioning against the Enemy?"

"It's a god damned mess. Small firearms work...sort of. Nothing seem to penetrate. Anything more complex fizzles or blows up spectacularly in our faces. Hell, even the GPS plays games if you get too close. We're trying to rebuild the combat doctrine, but it's...hard, when we can't even touch the enemy."

"And the heroes?"

He shook his head. "Anyone getting too close just disintegrates. Stars & Stripes tried to go, but the second they tried to take off, the jet burst into flames. Thankfully, the pilot got away with minor burns, thanks to her quick thinking. She still wanted to go solo, but a call from the UA Principal convinced her to prioritize evacuation."

In his mind, he was thankful to Nezu for that. While mortal heroes won't be able to help against the worst threats, it would be a huge blow in people's morale if one of the greatest heroes in history died. "Leave the Outsiders to Gods and Mages...but worse is coming."

"Necromancers are at work in Mexico, Ambassador. And in the ruins left behind by the Outsiders, they will have no difficulty finding raw materials to fuel their magic."

"Expect Hellhounds, Liches...likely Zombies as well."

Shocked, the ambassador walked to Izuku and asked, "Zombies...? You'd better be straight with me. My entire family's in Pecos. If they're about to experience World War Z. They need to know. I need to know."

"I don't know what kind of Undead we'll see...Sarah's proven to be far too ingenious at this already," Izuku shook his head. "But expect the dead to rise...they'll follow behind the Outsiders. Once your military's been thrown into disarray, that will be the next punch."

"Outsiders will ignore them. They are not of Life, and so of no interest to them. But they also will not aid them; once they are outside of the range of the Outsiders' bubble of Chaos, they will be vulnerable to your weapons."

"The trick will be to take out the Outsiders, clear the path for a high-tech counter strike."

"And how do you intend to do that? To destroy a mile-high walking monster that's immune to weapons?" the ambassador asked, unconvinced that they could do anything. The scale of the creature was so large that it dwarfed skyscrapers.

At whim, Izuku reached towards his Mantle, drawing a little of the liquid fire into himself. It filled him with Power and Pain. The world faded around him...just him and the firestorm of energy. It called to him, beckoned him. It was easy, standing here, and seeing what Arthur saw. The lure of Greatness. Of Rightness. Of being more than human. Of being a God.

On his hand was the blue planet, his will seeking towards it as he saw everyone. For a moment, time stopped. The attention of every single person. Every one of the 12.6 billion Souls bent toward him as they sensed something larger than themselves. Izuku felt their confusion, their insecurities...their fears of a world that no longer made sense.

"DO NOT FEAR. I WILL BE YOUR SWORD AGAINST THE OUTSIDERS. STAY STRONG!"

The World rang, as if struck by a divine gong. Reality itself quivered in compliance to his will. A billion...two billion and growing Souls echoed his words, reaching for him, lifting him higher.

Then—something cracked open inside him. A dam he hadn't even known was there.

Power surged from within. As if, in pushing past his own limits to reach them, he had torn through a wall that had long kept him contained. The Mantle roared like a cosmic great cat, drinking deep from his will, his leap in power was as immense as when he first claimed the Mantle. Weight. Time. Space. No longer unbreakable laws, but constraints—flexible, shifting. Something to explore later.

For the first time, he stepped into a realm of power beyond dreams. Closer to his True Potential.

He let go of the Mantle, exhaling, and the weight drained from his body. He stood there—stronger, changed—but reeling from the shift. His legs nearly buckled, his vision narrowing at the edges, but he refused to fall.

He was the Master here.

"What in the Lord's name was that?"

"That...was magic, Barney. You are not alone; Camelot and our Allies are coming to your aid."

The ambassador took a sharp step back, one hand gripping the table as if the ground beneath him might give way. His breath came in short, uneven bursts.

He had seen war. He had seen leaders move nations with their words.

But he had never—never—felt something like that.

The weight of something beyond human. The touch of something vast, raw, and undeniable.

"Holy Mother of God..." he whispered, his voice barely above a breath. "It's real... all of it."

Izuku chuckled. "You need to ask Mom about that. But I assure you magic is most real. I was born for this war. Ochaco?"

"And with that, Ambassador, we shall take our leave. We must return to Camelot. We would recommend you detach a senior diplomatic or military advisor to the Court to act at as a liaison. We will, of course, be extending full diplomatic courtesies to him...or her."

"Tell the troops...help is coming," Izuku's eyes glowed. "Soon."

They stepped into the hall. The soldiers, who had once eyed them with suspicion, now stood at attention, their gazes locked onto Izuku. Some stiffened, saluting with newfound conviction, while others simply stared in reverence.

A young recruit, barely more than a teenager, gripped his rifle like a lifeline, his hands trembling—not with fear, but with awe. Beside him, a battle-scarred officer, a man who had surely seen the worst of war, let out a slow breath. His shoulders straightened, as if he had found something to believe in again.

And then, Izuku saw it—tears in their eyes. Not of sorrow. Not of fear. But of relief.

"The Sword of Mankind..." someone whispered.

The words rippled through the hall, passed from one soldier to another, as if speaking them aloud might make them real.

On their way to their car, Ochaco said, "My Love? There is something I need to ask you. About what happened just now."

"Yes?"

"I felt you use Magic. More...much more...than at Mitburgh."

"And yet nothing went up in flames? I think it...directed inwards, somehow. For a moment, I felt like I could sense the planet. Feel every human in it, reach out and touch them. To give them hope."

"The soldiers looked at you like you were their saviour. As if there were nobody more important in the world."

"Pity it didn't work on you."

"You already are the most important person in the world to me; perhaps that makes me immune? I wonder what will come of this."

"What do you mean? I just tried to give them hope. They're seeing the oncoming destruction of the world, and know in their hearts they are helpless to stand against it. Someone needed to tell them that help is coming."

"I believe in you, My Heart. Without the need for magical spells or divine interventions. You will do what you must, and what is right...because of who you are. And in doing so, change the world," she leaned on him.

"No stress..." he chuckled as he started the engine, his hand shaking for moment. Even after witnessing billions of Souls, Katsuki's was never among them.

As they cruised through the streets, Ochaco muttered, "That was rather better than I had expected."

"That's good."

"Despite the part where you referred to him as a pink dinosaur."

"Purple. And he had that one coming."

"We shall see how it progresses. It has become clear, though...We must be the hammer that strikes the Outsiders. And hopefully do so before their allies enter the fray."

"Necros and Daemons. I'm deeply worried by the fact that we haven't seen anything of them, apart from the assassins."

"Mexico will be an open graveyard, with Necromancers violating the living and the dead. As for the Daemons, they will come, I fear. At the worst possible time."

"We'll likely learn about that next week."

"And what happens next week, husband?" she asked in a particularly sweet voice. One where made Izuku nervous.

"I'm sure I told you..."

No he didn't. Nevermind the fact that Ochaco has a near, if not perfect memory, his expression gave himself away.

"And I am certain you did not. What exactly happens next week?" her tone now becoming sharp.

Izuku sighed, parking on the side of the road so they could talk properly. "More like Thursday. I'm taking the Chosen, Yui, and the Fox. We're meeting up with Nana and the Clan in Lancaster Glade, and hitting Malgraleth Sept. The guys responsible for the Cambions."

"I know who they are. And I am not invited along, dear? Am I made of porcelain, or glass; a trophy to be placed in a treasured place above the fireplace, never to be disturbed?"

"You're pregnant."

"I am aware. But I am nowhere far along enough to need coddling, Izuku. I understand I would, at some point, not be able to accompany you to the battlefield, but not any time soon. I am a knight. A warrior. You do not have the right to take that away from me."

"No...I..."

"Yes, husband?"

"The truth is, if I could protect you from it all, I would. But I can't. I know I can't. You would be with me at the greatest battles, standing by my side, because nothing I could do short of chaining you to the basement would stop you. If that."

"Indeed."

"But at the very least, in return...please; you don't need to be part of every minor raid and fight. You have job to do in at Camelot, one I could never do. And I have a job to do in the Deeps; a hundred little skirmishes where all it takes is a single stray bolt, one moment of chaos, and I lose you. Both of you. And I can't—Ochaco, I can't risk that."

She looked at him, the frustration on her face melting into sympathy. She could see the worry in his eyes, the fear of loss.

"Please, Ochaco..."

Ochaco sighed, her eyes closing. "Very well...I know when I have lost. But you will owe me for it." She exhaled through her nose, eyes lingering on him for a moment before softening. A slow smile crept onto her lips. "And I do expect payment, My Love."

"Anything."

Her fingers traced along his neck, her touch warm and deliberate. "Not so quick to promise, My Heart. I can be quite inventive. And demanding..." Thoughts danced in her mind—outfits he could wear, scenarios in which they could indulge. Perhaps a lecherous baron and his defiant maiden captive, far from her castle with no one to hear her cries? A pirate queen and her prized privateer? So many ways he could repay her..."...but first, we have to drive home."

Thanks for reading this chapter!

We're moving at quite a fast pace. Mostly because the Outsiders require a lot of attention or they'd be knocking on Camelot's doors before anyone realizes. They're mostly taking their time, eating at a steady pace without hurry but even then, it was relatively fast.

Also, what happened to Katsuki? Quite something if even Momo couldn't find him.

Next up: Seeds of Change