Chapter 205: Daily Life in Camelot: 1
Is this what it feels like to be grounded? In all honesty, probably.
I had nothing to do in Camelot beyond watching Artoria do her work or observing the training grounds. It gets so boring and I've already taken enough walks to memorise most of Camelot.
So, I decided to get to know the knights of th Round Table.
Bedivere stayed with Artoria almost the entire time, holding a schedule and taking notes of her commands. He was honestly a good and hardworking right hand man, but it made him hard to speak to, so I decided to just wait for when he's free.
Gawain didn't like me and that wasn't something he kept a secret. Though, surprisingly, he didn't really do or say anything. He would just glare and keep his opinion to himself. I have to admit that I'm impressed that he can stay professional despite his personal opinion.
Tristan was resting home from his latest mission so I had no idea where he was. Lancelot was busy with the new recruits and preparing them for battle.
That left Kay and Agravain, the former of which was still punishing himself. Which left the tactician to be the only company I can have right now.
I found him overlooking one of the constructions of Camelot's walls. He was standing near a table covered in papers and maps as workers went back and forth around him. Behind him was the white wall of Camelot, mostly finished.
"And what reason do you have of bothering me?" Agravain asked as I approached him.
"I just had nothing to do and, since I'm staying here for a while, I thought I'd get to know the knights of Excalibur's wielder," I explained to him as I looked over the construction site. "The wall seems to be going well."
"Hardly," Agravain scoffed, looking back at the papers in agitation. "Because the resources are late, we're behind schedule. I have half a mind to go get the resources myself and chew out the idiots that are supposed to escort them."
Looking at the wall again, I asked. "So... what exactly are you missing?"
"Marble stone, lots of it. We also need iron and wood to help set it up and add layers to-"
I didn't really listen to the rest as I pulled Baraka out and stabbed it on the ground. Agravain looked at me in confusion and the workers around stopped what they were doing to watch.
Suddenly, three large cubes made of marble stone, metal, and wood burst from the ground behind me. Each one was the size of a house.
"Will this help until the resources are delivered?" I asked, though it obviously was rhetorical.
Agravain looker at each cube and sized it with his eyes. "They'll have to do. The wood we can chop ourselves and we should work on it first. The iron and marble stone will be harder to work with."
"I can cut them up for you," I suggested, pulling Baraka out of the ground and turning its edge to diving metal.
"Alright," Agravain nodded before looking at one of the workers, who were all frozen at what they just saw. "Have some men bring in saws to work with the wood. Make beams out of it to help the construction."
"A-ah, yes, Sir Agravain," the guy came out of his shock and immediately ran to follow the order.
"So, how do you want them?" I asked as I stood besides the marble cube.
"We'll need plates from the marble," Agravain answered, walking closer and standing besides me. "We'll need it to be thick enough to be used on the wall, but not too think that we'd have trouble using it. Cut it about... right here," Agravain pointed at a place in the cube.
"Alright," I swung my sword and cut a large part of the cube. Before the plate fell, I jumped under it and stopped it with my hand to slowly place it down and avoid having it damaged. "Do you want me to cut it into smaller cubes for the men to work with?"
"That would be more efficient, yes," Agravain nodded and I just went to it. Each plate we made was as large as a door and as thick as a man's chest.
"So, tell me," I decided that this would be a good time to talk since I'm working. "What's it like being a Knight?"
"Usually, people would ask how to become a Knight, not what it is like to be one," Agravain commented, crossing his arms and watching me work.
He was studying me while giving me as little information about himself as possible. He really is shrewd.
"I'm not really interested in knighthood. I'm the kind of person that focuses on what I believe is right rather than what I believe is honorable," I explained as I kept cutting the marble.
"Most people would not see a difference in the two," Agravain replied.
"Ah, but you're not most people, are you?" I teased as the men with the saws came in and started working on the large wooden cube. "After all, the honorable thing would have been to stay with your mother regardless of her nature, but you did the right thing and leave to join Arthur."
Agravain flinched and his frown, if possible, got deeper at the mention of his mother. "Creating a great kingdom is something I do not believe she was capable of. As such, I joined his majesty."
"You believe Arthur has the most chances than anyone else?" I asked rhetorically. After all, he wouldn't be here if he doesn't believe that.
"His majesty certainly has more chances than that old dragon still living in the past and a deluded witch that believes she's queen simply because of her birth," Agravain replied, disdain filling his voice.
"Ha!" I barked a laugh. "You go straight to the point without mincing your words, don't you?"
I didn't forget that he didn't actually answer my question. I'm just bored enough to humour his attempts at deflecting them to learn about me and gauge my personality and abilities.
Chapter 206: Daily Life in Camelot: 2
After helping Agravian with the wall, he actually offered me to join him and some other knights to go out for a drink in the tavern.
He didn't really strike me as the type to enjoy a drink, so he's probably trying to take advantage of the situation to get as much information as possible since I'm unpredictable in his eyes.
In all honesty, I still don't care. He can learn everything he wants and he'd still not be able to do anything about me being here. Besides, this was a great chance to finally see all the other knights.
The tavern we went to was different than the one I had my talk with Merlin in. It was way larger and way more well-built. It was also closer to Artoria's castle, which probably explains why the knights picked it as a gathering spot.
Once we got inside, we saw several groups of knights sitting around in tables. I've seen some of them around Artoria's castle, so I guess the Round Table aren't the only ones that use this place.
Agravain kept walking and I followed him as we walked to the second floor of the tavern, which was mostly empty except for one large table that had Gawain, Tristan, and Lancelot. Each of them already had a drink and some food in front of them.
The first to notice us was Tristan. "Hmm? Is that you, Sir Agravain? I didn't expect you-" he stopped as he noticed me coming up the stairs behind Agravain. "... Well, I certainly didn't expect this."
The other two knights looked equally surprised as we came in and sat at the wooden table. "Well, considering things were going smoothly, I believed this was a 'great chance' to come and relax with the rest of you," Agravain replied.
The three knights shared quick glances between each other, understanding that this was basically a chance to interrogate me. I'm a bit impressed on how they got into it so quickly, though they need to work on their subtlety.
"Sorry if I showed up uninvited. I honestly had nothing to do," I apologised, looking around for someone to take orders.
"Well, far be it from us to deny you company," Tristan said.
"If you don't mind me asking, where's Bedivere?" I asked, noticing that the one-armed Knight wasn't around.
"Sir Bedivere has night duty for today, so he is still at the king's castle," Gawain answered, his gaze heated but not yet a glare.
"Hmm, he's a real hard worker, huh," I commented. I hardly see him from how much he always is assisting Artoria. Noticing a waitress coming in, I spoke up. "Excuse me, can I have some apple juice and a chicken sandwich? Thank you."
The three knights nearly chocked on their food and drinks - I guess it really is rare to see an adult man just pick juice over alcohol - while Agravian frowned for a single second before his expression turned back to normal.
I guess he was hoping I would drink so that alcohol would loosen my tongue.
The waitress nodded and looked at Agravain for his order. "Wine and a salad," he ordered and the waitress nodded before leaving.
"Sir Zack, may I ask you something?" Lancelot spoke.
I sighed and placed my hands on the table. "Don't call me 'Sir'. I'm not really a knight nor am I interested in knighthood."
"Oh, why is that?" Gawain seemed honestly curious.
I shrugged. "Nothing against the concept itself. In fact, I respect how some knights truly uphold their codes and honour. It's just not for me. It's like how you respect a painter for their hard work and talent, but you don't feel like becoming one yourself. Back to your question, Lancelot."
"Ah, yes," Lancelot nodded. "If I may, how do you know my mother?"
I sighed while rolling my eyes. "I don't personally know her. Prior to where she asked me to come here, I've never met Vivian, or that many fairies for that matter. I don't like them. As for how Vivian knows me? Well, let's just say there isn't a Mystic that doesn't know me."
"If you do not like the fairies, then why did you agree to come here?" Agravain asked.
I looked at him in confusion for a moment because I already explained this but then I remembered that he wasn't there when I first arrived. "Ah, right. You didn't hear. Basically, I'm just here on orders of the World to watch over Excalibur. I couldn't care less about Vivian's request about taking care of Arthur."
"Does that have anything to do with his majesty's sudden... change in attitude?" Tristan asked, sounding hesitant.
I just shrugged my shoulders. "Kind of. I was just tired of seeing Arthur pretending to be something they aren't."
"What do you mean? His majesty has ruled with nothing but honesty and justice," Gawain insisted.
For a second, I had to resist the urge to pointing out that his king's gender alone is proof they have not been honest as a King.
"This has nothing to do with Arthur's rulership. Frankly, I'm actually impressed with how well they're doing. But, their quality as a ruler doesn't equal to their quality as a person. I just told Arthur to be more... open. Honestly, that's pretty much it. You can ask Kay and Merlin, they were there, too," I replied.
Gawain looked at me for a few seconds before nodding and getting back to his food. Honestly, he wasn't a bad person or anything, just really uptight. Though, looking at Agravain, maybe their mother is the reason.
Seeing the chance to get him to open up, I asked. "So, Gawain, I heard you're very good at making mashed potatoes?"
While Gawain smiled, the other knights tensed. "Oh, that is indeed true. Would you like me to make you a patch?"
Before I can answer, Tristan leaned back outside of Gawain's field of vision and started shaking his head while mouthing 'no' over and over. Lancelot was at the side, so he couldn't do the same to not be seen by Gawain, but by the look of it, he agreed with Tristan.
Agravain leaned closer to me and whispered, "If you want to avoid eating nothing but potatoes for the rest of the week, I advise you to deny his offer."
"How about another time?" I said, deciding to trust the other three knights. "For now, how about you tell me about yourself, little Lancy?"
Lancelot chocked on his drink while the other knights looked at him in confusion. "Little Lancy?"
This is gonna be fun.
I still hope something happens though, it really is boring just walking around Camelot.
Chapter 207: Daily Life in Camelot: 3
"King Lot and his army are on the move."
I guess I finally got my wish. A week after I started getting to know the knights, a soldier came in running to the castle holding a piece of paper and gave a full report to Artoria.
As soon as that happened, she called in a meeting for the knights and Captains. I was there out of boredom. Her statement about King Lot and his army made the knights begin talking between each other, and I think I saw Gawain tense with Agravain's expression turning grimm.
Leaning towards Lancelot, I asked. "Can you explain a bit? I'm not exactly well informed on what's going on."
Lancelot looked at me in surprise before his expression turned serious again. "King Lot is one of the monarchs and-"
"I'm not THAT ignorant. I know who King Lot is. I meant the events," I specified, stopping him from explaining unnecessary information.
Lancelot nodded and continued speaking. "King Lot managed to take over Norway and has been taking over Orkney recently, both are not close enough to be a concern, but the fact we're having this meeting as he made a move-"
"Means his movement has became more hostile," I concluded, already realising what Lancelot was building up to.
"They have already attacked three of our villages in the North. They're also becoming more aggressive," Artoria informed as her stare turned firm. "We cannot allow this. We already sent questions and warnings but none of them returned. It is time to take action. I will take Sir Lancelot, Sir Tristan, and Sir Gawain with me alongside five Captains and one thousand soldiers to take back our land. If King Lot remains hostile, we shall return in kind. Sir Agravain, Sir Kay, and Sir Bedivere are to be left in charge until my return. Have the troops prepare. We will leave at dawn tomorrow."
After that, everyone scrambled to follow Artoria's orders. Lancelot ran to the barracks to check on the troops whil Gawain and Tristan went to check on their equipment and supplies.
Walking towards Merlin, I asked. "Can't help but notice you weren't mentioned in those orders?".
The Mage of Flowers chuckled. "I've always been the kind to help in the back lines. If Arthur needed my assistance in anyway, they would have said something. What about you? Wouldn't you like to join this battle?"
"While I want to do that, if just to get over my boredom, I'll have to say no," my answer caused him to raise an eyebrow. "I'm not here to fight Artoria's battles for her. This is part of her journey to earn her position as a King, not as the wielder of Excalibur, so I have no reason to get involved."
"Hahaha! I didn't expect you to be so mature. I thought you'd take the chance to finally get some entertainment," Merlin shamelessly admitted.
I deadpanned at him. "I've been told I'm the odd one out amongst Elementals for various reasons."
And so, Artoria left with her knights and a thousand of Camelot's soldiers to the north to deal with King Lot. Agravain and Bedivere were the ones in control afterwards, mostly. They just kept things in a routine and Kay listened to what they said.
That meant less time to talk to them and I'm back to my boredom of doing nothing but walking around in Camelot. For a moment, I honestly thought that was gonna be what my entire stay in here is gonna be like.
Until the third day after Artoria left.
"King Lot's men were seen approaching from the Northwest," Agravain informed everyone as he called in for a meeting.
The statement, of course, caused an uproar amongs the current knights and Captains. "How is that possible!? They couldn't have defeated his majesty!" Bedivere cried out.
"They're not coming from the direction his majesty left in, so it's entirely possible that they were always there, simply waiting for their chance," Agravain explained, making everyone realise that King Lot's actions may have been a distraction.
"How did they get past your sight, Merlin?" Kay asked, turning to the Mage.
"They have Morgan with them and she's personally there with the troops," Merlin informed, causing the room to become even more hectic. "I tend to be cautious when using my clairvoyance on King Lot's territory because Morgan may notice. She probably took advantage of that and hid those troops while waiting for Arthur to leave."
"How many troops do you see now that they stopped hiding?" Agravain asked, focusing on the present.
Merlin stared at the distance for a second before answering. "No less than seven hundred. Eight hundred at most. Mostly normal soldiers, which is why hiding them was so easy. They'll probably reach Camelot tomorrow."
Agravain clicked his tongue. "Nothing we cannot handle, but still troublesome. The witch is far more dangerous than the army's troops, so we should focus on- Where are you going?!"
All the attention in the room turned to me as I began walking away. "Hey, you said those troops were coming from Northwest. So, all I have to do is head there and I'll run into them?" I asked.
"That's right. Are you planing to take them on?" Merlin asked, though judging by his smile, he already knew the answer.
"Oh, yeah. Finally something to do in this boring place. You can go ahead and prepare your troops if you want. By the time you get there, I'd have already dealt with them," I explained before suddenly stopping. "Actually, I'm gonna need a suit of armor, now that I think about it."
"Why?" Agravain and Kay asked at the same time.
"Honestly? I just want to wear one. There's really no more reason than that," I replied with a shrug.
This is my first chance for some real fun. I'm going to go all out.
Chapter 208: The Green Knight: 1
Third POV:
Morgan Le Fae was very pleased. Her plan went exactly like she foresaw.
After convincing her husband to become more hostile to draw attention, she hid a good number of their forces and just watched and waited. And as she suspected, her self-righteous sister didn't stay quiet, and went to counterattack.
Fortune was on Morgan's side and Artoria took with her the more troublesome members of her knights. As far as Morgan was concerned, the only actual threats left in Camelot were Kay and Merlin. Agravain and Bedivere were of no concern for her.
Morgan didn't believe they could invade Camelot with the forces she has, especially with how troublesome the Mage of Flowers can be, but she knew they would at least do significant damage to Camelot and wound her sister's resolve when she returns to see her precious Camelot recovering from a devastating attack.
Suddenly, Morgan's royal carriage came to a stop. "What is the meaning of this?" The witch demanded.
The knight at the front repeated the question to the forces in the front for an answer. Morgan had her carriage in the middle of the army she took, deciding to use the ones at the front as sacrificial lambs for any traps that may be set up.
"My lady, a... wall of fire seem to be blocking our path," the knight hesitantly replied, obviously scared that the answer would not please his queen.
Morgan raised an eyebrow. She doubted it was Gawain. She had made sure that her treacherous son was with her sister, and there was no way he had already returned if he was called back. The only other possibility is that it was one of Merlin's tricks.
Taking her head out of the carriage's window, Morgan looked ahead and there was indeed a wall of fire that stopped their path, though barely visible. She couldn't see through it with her Fairy Eyes, so that meant it was no illusion.
She didn't sense any Mage-craft and she knew of no natural phenomenon that would simply create a wall of fire like that. If Morgan wasn't in a hurry, she would have spent time studying these flames.
However, she was on a tight schedule, as such, Morgan waved her hand, causing sparks to fill the air before small rain clouds appeared and began pouring down, extinguishing the flames.
"Keep moving. We have no time to-" Just as Morgan was telling her soldiers to continue on, the ground exploded into fire and the wall of flames was back.
Morgan's eyes widened. Once again, she sensed no Mage-craft or illusions, as if the flames willed themselves to appear despite the rain leaving the fields wet.
That was when she saw something else. From within the flames, a figure walked out, standing in front of the wall against her army, like a guard to a castle.
The figure was a knight, or at least someone dressed like one. Wearing a green armor, the figure stopped to stand in front of her army.
The helmet covered the entire head with a cage-like jaw and the eyes being hidden by a horizontal slit. The chest plate was round and strapped to the shoulder guards, which had a sky blue robe hanging from each shoulder. The biceps were covered in leather armor while the forearms were green metal like the rest of the armor. Similarly, the thighs were protected by leather armor and the knees, shins and feet were in green armor as well.
Morgan looked curiously. This person didn't seem like one of her sister's knights. At least they didn't carry themselves in the same way with leaning on a sword with a wooden edge of all things to balance themselves as they took a rather laid back stance.
"Alright, listen up!" Even Morgan from her place in the middle can hear the knight's voice as he began yelling. "I really don't like senseless killing, so I'm giving you a chance to return where you came from. Trust me, you're better off taking it."
Morgan didn't know if she should feel insulted or humoured. "Kill him and move on. We don't have time to waste," Morgan instructed and her carriage rider repeated her orders to the soldiers in the front.
One of the knights, carrying a great sword, charged forward swinging down a sword at the Green Knight. His opponent side stepped before swinging his sword at Morgan's knight.
The soldier quickly raised his blade to block, but the wooden edge of the sword suddenly turned grey and transparent, as if it was made of air. The Green Knight's sword actually passed through his opponent's and cut the soldier in two.
Another soldier holding a spear tried stap forward at the Green Knight, only for him to swiftly spin around the blade of the spear. Holding his sword back, the Green Knight swung his sword in a downwards arc and that ended in an upwards swing at his opponent.
Mid-swing, the sword of the Green Knight changed its edge again, turning into flames and sending Morgan's soldier and three others behind him flying with an explosion of fire.
As the smoking knights flew back and fell harshly to the ground as corpses, the other knights seemed to take a moment to observe their opponent, now more cautious after seeing his power.
"So," the Green Knight stabbed his sword on the ground, resting both his hands on it. "Is your queen going to show up? Or will I have to kill my way to her?"
Chapter 209: The Green Knight: 2
First POV: Zack
Camelot's armors were impressive. I could definitely make something better -probably my ego speaking- but they were still praise worthy. Merlin casted a spell that changed the armor to green for some reason. He said its to help hide my identity so there's probably some concealment involved.
Besides, Green Earth is my True Name, so it's fitting.
"Alright, if you're queen isn't coming, I'll smoke her out," I stated as I held up Baraka. "Figuratively speaking, of course."
Before I could attack, though, a holographic screen, or at least the Mage-craft version of one, appeared above the army, showing Morgan with her face hidden behind a veil.
"I was not aware that my annoying sibling had acquired another powerful knight," Morgan's voice echoed through the air.
"Ah, finally willing to speak, huh?" I placed Baraka back down and looked at Morgan's image. "And I'm not one of your sister's knights. I don't even work for Camelot."
Morgan seemed taken back. "Then prey tell, why is it that you attack my forces and halt our advance?"
"Two things: one, I'm just that bored. I have nothing to do and had nothing to do for a while. I'm not really stopping you as much as entertaining myself," I replied, uncaring of how mean that sounded.
"Oh, if it is entertainment you seek, why not join me?" Morgan offered, a sinister smile barely visible from behind her veil. "I am sure that ravaging Camelot will proof amusing. You'll also be handsomely rewarded depending on your service. Power, wealth, and women can be yours."
"Even if my answer wasn't automatically no because I don't need any of that, this goes to my second reason," I immediately shot down Morgan's offer. "The second reason is that Arthur isn't here. You see, I was tasked to watch over them, and if they had been here, I would have left your sibling to deal with you. But, since they're not, I'm taking care of you myself."
Honestly, I knew I was basically using Artoria's absence as just an excuse, but hey, it still makes sense. This isn't Artoria's battle and she's not around. I have no reason to stand at the side and watch her knights deal with this.
"Oh, and who tasked you with watching over that wretched sibling of mine?" Morgan asked.
For a whole minute, I just stood there staring at her in confusion. Does she really not know- Oh! Now I get it!
The Morgan and Vivian side must be keeping their secrets hidden from each other somehow. Didn't Vivian learn some Mage-craft from Merlin? He probably taught her some way to keep her knowledge hidden from Morgan.
That explains why, despite Vivian knowing plenty of King Arthur's secrets, Morgan never exploited them.
Well, this works out for me either way.
"It's not really your concern. Just know you're not getting past this point," I replied to Morgan's question.
"Disappointing. Your abilities would have made for an interesting servant," Morgan sighed as she reached for something and pulled out a weapon that was the mixture of a staff and spear with a blue crystal in the middle.
The clouds in the sky darkened as Morgan waved her staff. Blue energy gathered on the clouds before a powerful lightning bolt was sent in my direction. Quickly raising Baraka and turning its edge to wind, I wrote 'Barrier' with Primordial Runes on the air in front of me and Morgan's attack was blocked with an invisible wall.
Even through her veil, I can see Morgan's surprise. "Like I said," turning around, I wrote on the road to Camelot with Primordial Runes. After I finished writing, it said 'no one shall pass', and an pulse of energy formed a wall in the sky, cutting off the entire direction. "You're not getting past this point," turning back around, I held Baraka over my shoulder and glared at the witch. "Last chance, back off while you still have your dignity."
"Interesting. This is no mere Runecraft. After I defeat you and destroy Camelot, I'll have to explore them," obviously, Morgan wasn't going to listen.
With a sigh, I shrugged my shoulders and looked at her knights. "Well, nothing personal. Just know this is just your queen being spiteful."
Third POV:
"Seize him," Morgan ordered and her soldiers charged.
The first soldier came swinging down a great sword at Zack. The Green Knight swung Baraka with one hand, parrying the strike, and grabbed hold of the soldier's helmet with his other hand before sending fire through the helmet's holes and burning the head inside.
Dropping the soldier to spin around, avoiding the stab of another's spear. Turning Baraka to the wind element, Zack cut the soldier in half, the sword cutting easily through the armor and the person inside.
A horseman with a spear came charging on his steed, his sword coming quickly to take Zack's neck only for the Green Knight to swiftly bend backwards and avoiding the strike. The horseman passed by him and turned his steed around to charge the other way.
Turning his sword into stone, Zack stabbed it on the ground and, using Baraka in a manner not unlike how a spatula is used, tore a whole piece of the ground, the one the horseman was on, and flipped it upside down on a group of soldiers, crushing them and the horseman.
Suddenly, the skies was littered with arrows, the archers in the back all aiming at the Green Knight. Zack grabbed hold of one of the nearby bodies by the leg and, just when the arrows were about to reach him, swung the body and used it as a shield to deflect the ones that were actually going to reach him as the rest of the arrows missed their mark.
Dipping Baraka's edge in some of the blood, Zack quickly wrote Primordial Runes on the remains of the body he was holding and threw at a group of soldiers. As soon as it connected, the body exploded.
Many soldiers wielding spears and swords charged at Zack from all sides, attempting to beat him with numbers. Changing Baraka's edge to what appeared to be dark clouds in solid form, Zack swung his sword and all the soldiers around him were immediately zapped with powerful electricity that kept travelling on their metal armors.
Once the now scorched soldiers fell on the ground, the rest made sure to keep their distance, thinking of a way to retaliate. Zack, however, did not give them a chance. Turning Baraka to the lava element, he stabbed it in the ground and pushed it deeper down.
The area began getting warmer before, suddenly, several areas in Morgan's army exploded in geysers of lava. The molten geysers rained down on the soldiers, killing them by the dozens.
Surprisingly, Morgan began clapping despite the destruction her army was suffering. "Interesting. Very interesting. An amusing show, but I believe I've seen enough."
"Oh, are you coming here personally?" Zack asked, halting his battle.
"Please. I am a queen. I do not deal with a nameless fool simply because he is powerful," Morgan smiled under her veil. "That is what these disposable pawns are for."
With a snap of her fingers, something in the armor of all the soldiers Zack killed, which their bodies all surrounded him, began lighting up before they all exploded in a great blast of magical energy.
Morgan watched as the explosion leveled the area before turning to the Runes that Zack left on the road, trying to see a way to break them so she and her remaining forces may continue.
"Is that it?" Morgan froze as she turned her gaze back to see Zack come out of the smoke. He and the area he was standing in were completely unharmed.
"How?" Morgan asked.
Her question was ignored, as Zack was looking at the remains of the knights that exploded. "Just now, you just activated a trigger spell, meaning you had those explosions placed on your soldiers on the start. Now I see why you brought such weak forces. You were planning to have them killed in Camelot then blow up the bodies to do as much damage as possible," the Green Knight chuckled before looking back at the witch and, despite his face being hidden with his helmet, she can feel his mocking gaze. "Really shows how desperate you are just to spite your sister."
Morgan's expression turned to a hateful glare that was apparent even through her veil. "Kill him!"
Chapter 210: The Green Knight: 3
Third POV:
Zack had spent nearly thirty minutes cutting down soldiers and reducing Morgan's troops. At this point of the battle, there was hardly any troops left beyond a few guards that protected Morgan's carriage.
"Alright, let's get this over with," Zack held his sword upwards and stepped forward.
Suddenly, the ground under him shook and he jumped back in time to avoid something bursting up from beneath his feet. Looking at what just came out, the Green Knight saw that three golems had emerged from the ground.
"Oh, golems!" Zack chuckled. "Oh, this brings me back. You really think they'll give you enough time to escape?"
Zack was fully aware that Morgan was simply throwing distractions to make her getaway, as she stopped casting her holographic image for a while now and didn't attempt to attack him with any spells.
Turning Baraka's edge into lava, Zack charged at the first golem. The Green Knight ducked under the golem's arm as it came in to catch him, and went for the goldem's feet. Cutting it from the knee, the molten blade easily sliced through the rock body of the golem and took both of its legs off. As the golem was falling, Zack cut the rest of its body in half.
The Green Knight moved quickly towards the second golem, which tried to step on him. Zack jumped back to avoid being stomped on before jumping on the outstretched leg and using it as a foot hold to jump higher. Raising his sword high in the air, Zack brought it down and cut the golem in half from the middle.
Deciding to be quick with the final golem, Zack turned Baraka into rock and held the blade to point at the golem. The rock creature froze under an invisible force before floating off the ground. Swinging his sword at Morgan's carriage, Zack sent the the final golem crashing at the witch and her remaining soldiers.
The Green Knight walked closer to the remains of the carriage... and only saw the bodies of Morgan's guards, but their queen was nowhere to be seen.
First POV: Zack
Hmm, I guess I took too much time playing around and she got away. She probably didn't get far even with her Mage-craft and I can give her a chase.
But, I'm not interested in killing Morgan. I came here to have some fun and I did that. Plus, fighting Morgan is Artoria's job. Let that family sort things out on their own. No reason to get involved in their drama.
Besides, I'm sure having to escape with her tail between her legs from a nameless unknown warrior is so humiliating she probably WISHES I come and kill her.
Let her wallow in her broken pride.
"Well, time to go back into boring, old Camelot," I groaned as I walked back and undid the Runes blocking the road.
I ran into Agravain and his forces on the way back. They didn't make it far from Camelot, which probably means they just left. His reaction was both hilarious and expected, which is a mixture of surprise alongside sending scouts to check on the battlefield.
They let me keep the armor with Merlin saying it'll be annoying to just put an enchantment on every armor I decide to wear. Honestly, if I wanted an enchanted armor, I'd make one.
But, a gift is a gift.
I made it perfectly clear to Agravian, Bedivere, and Kay that I don't want any credit for what happened. I just did it for fun, so I told them to say to Artoria that they handled it. I obviously can't tell them to not give any report.
Merlin didn't care and didn't mind, Agravian took some convincing but said he won't say anything as long as the other knights agree, but Kay and Bedivere didn't really like the idea because it was dishonorable to take credit for someone else's hard work.
It took Artoria nearly a week to return, and when she did, the city was celebrating her successful return from pushing back King Lot and taking back their land.
Artoria was at the front, riding a white steed. Her expression emotionless and leading her troops through the cheering people... until she noticed my disappointed look and shake of my head as I waited with her knights at the front of the castle.
She tensed and gave me a look to ask what she's doing wrong. I looked around and did a small wave to no one, giving her a hint.
Artoria seemed to get it though. With an awkward smile, she raised her hand and began waving back to the people. She looked so stiff and uncomfortable, obviously not used to interacting on such a level with the masses.
The people didn't seem to notice though, or didn't care, and their cheers got louder. I think I even saw a few start crying when Artoria waved at them.
After Artoria returned to the castle, a large meeting was organised to report everything that happened from both sides. When the meeting is over, I will again fade into the background and just observe Artoria do her job.
"It was Sir Zachary that singlehandedly defended Camelot from Queen Morgan and her forces."
Or at least that was what I would have done if Bedivere wasn't a goodie-two-shoe that couldn't keep his mouth shut.
Chapter 211: Just Tired
I know Bedivere's intentions are good, and he has a code of honor he needs to keep, but that didn't stop me from glaring at him as he revealed exactly what I told him to keep hidden.
"Impressive!" Artoria seemed pleased while Gawain, Tristan, and Lancelot seemed pleasantly surprised. The knights and captains around began talking amongst themselves. "I'm truly thankful to you for protecting Camelot. I'll personally make sure you are rewarded with-"
"No, just no," I stopped Artoria, raising my hands as I shook my head. "I did that on a whim out of boredom. Don't do this whole 'reward' thing. There's nothing you have that I need and I don't want some title of gratitude like 'honorary knight' or something amongst those lines. In fact, don't even tell anyone I did it. Spread word that you and your knights did that. This way Camelot will gain reputation amongst the parts of Britain that you didn't unite yet."
That seemed to survive everyone. Well, not EVERYONE, Agravain seemed to genuinely think of my idea, and seemed to see it as a strategic advantage.
"I don't understand," Artoria's confusion was clear on her face. "Why would you refuse credit for your deeds? I understand being modest, but you're outright denying your involvement altogether and passing the praise to someone else."
"Didn't you hear me? I just told you I did this on a whim," I insisted, trying to get this over with.
"That's not a reason to take credit for your deeds. I will not have do something as dishonorable as take praise meant for someone else," Artoria insisted back.
I groaned loudly. "Here's the thing, how about you keep this hidden until tomorrow? Tonight, you and I are gonna have a talk, and then you decide if you keep this a secret or not."
Artoria, obviously, didn't seem pleased, but nodded nonetheless. "Very well."
This is going to be a long night.
Third POV:
Morgan burst through the doors of her room, her veil doing nothing to hide the heat of her furious glare.
Non dared to disturb the queen after her return for her bad mood was obvious after burning the guard that greeted her back at the gates. She simply marched into her quarters with people practically running away from her path.
Morgan's anger was directed at several factors. Her sister, her husband, and the Green Knight. Her husband failed to fight back her sister -she never intended for him to win but she simply didn't care at the moment- and her sister gained more reputation with people after pushing back King Lot and his men.
And then there was this mysterious Green Knight that thwarted her attack at Camelot. Morgan never intended to win that battle, in fact she was hoping most the soldiers would die within the city, but they never even got close to their goal because of the knight.
"My, my, you seem to be in a bad mood," Morgan directed her glare at the mirror of her room.
In the reflection was a being with similar appearance, only with white ropes and no veil, with hair flowing down like water and the same color as a peaceful lake.
"Silence, fairy!" Morgan yelled at her other half. "I have no desire to waste time on your quips!"
"Oh, and I was under the impression you have some free time now that another plan of yours ended in failure," Vivian replied with, smirking at her evil half.
"It was you!" Morgan furiously pointed at the reflection in the mirror. "You sent that person to watch over that wretched sibling of mine!"
"Typical. Blaming others for your failures," Vivian scoffed, sneering in disdain at her other half. "If I had authority to command such a being, I would ask them to take care of Vortigern, not you."
"Then who else!? Who else would order such an person to thwart my plans!?" Morgan's patience had long reached its end.
"Who knows?" Vivian's teased, shrugging her shoulders. "Perhaps the world has finally decided to punish you for your sins?"
"Sins? I am the rightful ruler of this land and its mystics!" Morgan yelled back. "Fairies such as you should beg to join my forces! And yet all you do is help ruin my plans every chance you get like that annoying Flower Mage!"
"Again with blaming others for your failures," Vivian didn't seem impressed. "Perhaps it's time you should admit you're simply not good eno-"
The mirror shattered into a thousand pieces from the magical blast that the enraged queen sent to the reflection of her other half.
First POV: Zack
I didn't go back to meet up with Artoria until WAY later into the day. It was pretty much midnight and hardly anyone was left in the castle beyond the guards.
Artoria, obviously, was in her room during that time, which works out great for me because I wanted this to be a private talk. Reaching her room, I knocked a couple of times for permission to get inside.
"Come in," which I received almost instantly. Walking inside, I saw Artoria sitting on her bed, a firm and serious look on her face. "Now expl-"
"Hold on," I stopped her as I turned around and wrote a few Runes on the door with a piece of chalk that I made with Baraka earlier. "Can't have Merlin listening now, can we?"
Artoria opened her mouth, probably to say something in Merlin's defence, but stopped before uttering a sound, her expression turning deadpan before shaking her head and regaining her serious expression.
"Now, explain the reasons you have for denying your involvement in protecting Camelot?" Artoria asked.
I looked at her for a few seconds before I sighed and replied with my own question, "Artoria, how old do you think I am?"
She was obviously confused but replied nonetheless. "I am no under delusion that you are human. Maybe... a few centuries old?" She guessed.
I chuckled. "Not even close," I shook my head and sighed. "Artoria... I'm old. Real old by human standards. I have experienced a LOT, more than you ever will in ten lifetimes. And, honestly?... I'm just tired. Tired of joining a community or group just to watch them wither away as I stay the same."
For a moment, scene changed for me, and I was in a stone castle standing in front of a golden throne with a guy in golden armor with a person with green hair and white ropes besides him.
"Ten thousand years from now, what do you think will still be here? Camelot? Your castle? You? Let me answer that. I will. I'll be there, unchanged. The same as I've always been. I like exploring and meeting people. I enjoy spending time either taking walks and getting to know others. But, I never settle down because that just... doesn't work for beings like me. I may stay somewhere if I have a reason like for the sake of someone or I have something to do, but I don't actually join their community because... It's not for me. Not just me as a being, but also me as a person. Do what you will with the credi for pushing back Morgan, just know that... giving it to me is the equivalent of giving it to a statue. It's just going to stay there, uncaring for the praise or love of the people, and when the people are gone, the statue will stay the same."
Honestly, it's something I came to terms with a long time ago but I still hate thinking about it, more so after becoming an Ultimate One.
When you become an Ultimate One... You reach a point of existence and power that makes you see less of a purpose with doing... anything.
Ultimate Ones are eternal beings that are the apex of every planet. They can have everything done so easily. As time passes on like that, you start to lose your sense of achievement and your desire to do anything beyond wait for something interesting to happen.
Honestly, I suspect that the other Ultimate Ones did have a conscious and will of their own at one point, they just... lost it after so long of being what they are.
Artoria just stared at me for a few moments before sighing. "Are you sure that you want to simply... fade into the background?"
"I don't mind. Back in the age of gods, maybe it would have been okay, but this is the age of humans. So I'm okay with only helping from the backlines," I replied to her.
Artoria nodded with an understanding look. "Very well. I cannot take credit for your deeds, but I will see what I can do."
"Thank you," I said in gratitude before leaving the room.
Hopefully, she can do something.