"Some things are more precious than life itself."

"The Holy Grail grants me strength and longevity, and I must bear my responsibility."

In another round of confrontation, Kaled was once again forced to retreat. The Green Knight seemed to have given up using the Blade of Suffering; he continued to look at Kaled calmly, as if waiting for something.

"Humility, honesty, compassion, bravery, justice, sacrifice, honor, soul." Kaled recited the teachings of the Lake Fairy, the Expedition Knight fixed his gaze on the Divine Sword in his hand, then turned his eyes to the Green Knight opposite him.

The wind passes, the lake moves, the wind stops, the lake is still.

When the bright moonlight reflected on the lake surface from above the sky, the Expedition Knight understood everything.

"Splash." Kaled laid down Durandal, the Expedition Knight’s eyes filled with tears as he knelt on one knee, surrendering his life for the Green Knight’s execution: "A knight’s duty is to protect, not to destroy. My strength, my soul, my will shall fight to protect the land bestowed upon us by the Lady. Relying on Martial Valor and abusing force will only add more blood and hatred to the Mortal World, and my sharp sword exists solely for protection."

Having said this, Kaled gave up the champion duel.

The Green Knight nodded slowly, mist filled the sky.

A strand of exquisite song gradually resounded from within the lake, an ancient elf song, like the heavenly voice stirring beneath the lake surface, while the pure white moonlight enveloped the entire lake.

Within the Radiance belonging to the deities, the Lake Fairy’s graceful figure emerged from beneath the water’s surface, donned with a golden floral crown, her silk-like golden hair flowing down to her ankles, her emerald eyes shimmering with light. Her silk gown, adorned with emerald gemstones and iris flower petals, was engraved with countless ancient texts. Her indescribable beauty was displayed before the Expedition Knight.

"My Lady!" Kaled knelt on both knees, a bright golden light enveloping the Expedition Knight. The Lake Fairy smiled as she observed the knight kneeling before her, her voice like a clear mountain spring, refreshing: "Kaled de Galament, you have proven your Martial Valor and your Knightly Virtues."

The Expedition Knight’s heart raced, his face burning, he dared not meet the Goddess’s beauty directly: "My Lady... I..."

"The Holy Grail is not something knights seek." The Lake Fairy continued to smile, her voice making the Expedition Knight feel an inferiority complex: "But something knights earn through their own efforts. You have already proven you are a brave soul worthy of the Holy Grail, without a doubt."

"Now, this is your reward." The Goddess, with hands as white as White Jade, held the golden Holy Grail, the pure luminescent liquid rippling within the cup: "Remember, you are devoted to spreading the Knightly Virtues and the glory of justice, thus I bestow the Holy Grail upon you."

"Thank you immensely." As the gemstone-encrusted Holy Grail approached Kaled’s parched lips, the Expedition Knight finally bowed his head and took a sip from the Holy Grail.

His body was forever changed.

After drinking the Holy Grail Water, infinite power overwhelmed Kaled’s soul. His eyes turned crimson, emitting a faint spiritual light. His body injuries completely healed, golden radiance flowed within him.

His height increased, his appearance became younger, the past marks of hardship and wrinkles vanished under the power of the Holy Grail, meanwhile, an awe-inspiring aura erupted from his chest.

This Expedition Knight, who had endured suffering, lost his mentor, and lost his loved ones, officially advanced to the Holy Sanctuary.

"Return, return to your domain... Kaled." The Lake Fairy’s figure gradually descended into the lake, her golden hair slowly engulfed by the water: "Fulfill your duties, my Holy Grail Knight."

"I will." The newly ascended Holy Grail Knight reverently knelt once more.

The Green Knight also vanished, leaving only Kaled’s solitary figure on the serene lake surface.

The moon hung full in the sky.

"My Lady, thank you!"