FATE: The Man with Divine Keys

Artoria fell into a long silence.

Though sometimes naive, she was by no means foolish. Artoria as King Arthur, whom Uther and Merlin had placed great hope in, possessed not only extraordinary strength but also considerable wisdom.

This was evident in her upbringing—most of Kay's homework was copied from Artoria.

Previously, she couldn't see the truth, merely blinded by the fog of this era. Now, Arkhan had dispelled all those mists, and she could clearly see the chain that bound the entire era.

Just as Arkhan had said, it was a forbidden taboo, one that couldn't be violated; otherwise, Camelot and all of Britain would plunge into endless turmoil.

"So, Teacher, are you trying to tell me that the path of the ideal king was wrong from the beginning?" Artoria's 'ahoge' drooped down, much like a withered blade of grass.

"No, the path of the ideal king isn't wrong, but the key lies in the fact that you took the wrong road." Arkhan looked at Artoria. "Remember the question I asked you earlier, Lily. Whose ideal is this 'ideal king' of yours?"

"The ideal of... the people."

Compared to her previous resoluteness, Artoria hesitated for a while before giving her answer.

"Do you think you can represent all the people, Lily?"

Artoria hesitated for a moment and then shook her head.

"Then why do you think you can bear their ideals?" Arkhan shrugged. "Humans are complex creatures. In this world, there's no one-size-fits-all. Those with nothing want only to be fed and clothed; those well-off desire marriage and children; the wealthy seek to rise above their current status and gain titles as well as power. Do you think you can fulfill all these ideals?"

Artoria's face paled slightly, and she shook her head gently.

"'The term 'people' is too broad a concept; no one can bear the weight of that perfect utopia because it's a fantastical and unattainable dream. The ultimate result is drowning in endless darkness, clinging to ideals." Arkhan patted Artoria's shoulder. "The one who instilled this idea in you must have been a complete fool."

"Hey, hey, I can't just let that slide. You're practically insulting my character, and I'll have you know I can get quite upset!"

A frivolous yet angry voice of a man suddenly came from behind Arkhan.

"Did I say anything wrong? Someone who isn't even human inventing so-called 'people's ideals' based on their shallow understanding and then imposing it on others, hoping to cultivate an 'ideal king'. It's like trying to make wheat ripen faster by pulling it taller every day. Besides 'fool', is there a better word to describe it, Merlin?"

Arkhan turned around to see the young mage who had appeared behind him.

With handsome features, long white hair, a mischievous smile, a cherry wood staff, and pink flowers conjured by illusions at his feet, this showy character made one want to punch him. Who else could it be but the infamous dick wizard, Merlin?

In fact, if Artoria wasn't standing right there, Arkhan would have already taken out Jizo Mitama and turned this guy into sushi.

'Damn you, dick wizard!' Arkhan cursed Merlin inwardly.

"Hey, at least I've been teaching Lily wholeheartedly for over a decade. Being belittled by you like this, I can't help but feel hurt you know~" Merlin wore an expression of injury.

"You took the wrong path from the beginning, and you've been on it for over a decade without realizing it. Calling you a fool is already too kind." Arkhan sneered.

This guy had been dragging Artoria down the wrong path for so long, and now he had the audacity to claim credit. Arkhan couldn't believe he hadn't pulled out Jizo Mitama and turned this guy into sushi on the spot.

The scariest thing in the world isn't doing something wrong; it's thinking you're right even when you're wrong, confidently speeding down that path, dragging others along.

Just like a certain partner of justice.

"Hmph, whether you agree or not, it doesn't matter..." Merlin said, looking at Artoria. "Lily, why don't you be the judge? Who do you think is on the right side here?"

Artoria glanced at Merlin and then at Arkhan beside her. After some contemplation, she ultimately chose to stay where she was.

"I can't believe it... I've been betrayed by my pride girl..." Merlin staggered backward, dropping his staff and clutching his heart with both hands. He knelt on the ground, saying, "My heart... it hurts so much..."

Artoria hesitated for a moment, seeming like she wanted to say something, but she was suddenly tapped on the shoulder by Arkhan, indicating that she should remain silent.

"I decided!"

Merlin suddenly stood up, and his staff somehow found its way back into his hand, pointing directly at Arkhan.

"I challenge you to a true man-to-man duel! Let's wager my honor as a mentor!"

Arkhan crossed his arms, saying casually, "There's not even a prize, why should I bother with you."

"Hmph, as long as I'm here, do you think you have a choice?" Merlin's face lit up with a gleeful smile.

"Well then, I admit defeat."

Merlin's smile froze, and he fumed, "You came from the Land of Shadows, right? Are you not afraid of bringing shame to that legendary realm? How can you be more shameless than me?"

'Land of Shadows?' Artoria looked at Arkhan in astonishment. She hadn't expected her teacher to have come from that legendary land of the dead.

No wonder her teacher possessed such formidable power and profound wisdom, transcending mortality. He must have something extraordinary about him.

In an instant, Arkhan's image in Artoria's heart soared even higher.

"Shame? Can you eat it? What's the point in caring about it?" Arkhan sneered, finding it quite ridiculous. 'Oh Merlin, how cute of you. Don't underestimate the shamelessness of someone who came from modern society.'

Merlin's expression grew quite serious; this was the greatest crisis he had ever faced. Someone even more shameless than him had appeared!

Previously, he had been the only one shamelessly taking advantage of others, but now, a challenger with an even thicker face had threatened his position!

No, he had to defeat this person fairly and squarely, extinguishing this twisted and foul mood!

"If you can beat me, I'll grant you a wish as long as it's something I can do."

"That's what I've been waiting for!"

Arkhan said those with enthusiasm as his face lit up with a delighted smile.