As night fell, the forest grew dark and silent.
Arthur leaned against a massive tree, staring blankly at the flickering campfire.
It seemed that only the faint flame could grant him any sense of security.
In truth, Arthur was caught in a dilemma.
He silently opened his system panel and scrolled through his tasks.
[Host: Arthur Pendragon
Magical Artificial Lifeform
Talents: Demonic Appearance MAX, Power of Beauty (Remnant), Beautiful Young Man MAX
Skills: Telekinesis LV8, Word Spirit LV40
Equipment: Shield of Radiance, Sword of Selection
Props: Pseudo Red Dragon Crystal]
[Mission: Abnormal
Reward: Special — Miracle (dependent on task completion)
Status: Unfinished]
[Mission: Miracle
Reward: Talent — Power (Creator God Level/Random)
Status: Unfinished]
[Mission: Epic Singing
Requirements: The legendary king must have his own epic, complete the king's romantic journey.
Reward: Skill — Inch Heart Fist (Improved Version, Specific Single Move)]
[Mission: Romance
Requirements: A wise king never lacks romance or aesthetics.
Reward: Props/Equipment — Magic Card (Random)]
[Mission: Outcast
Requirement: Existence is heresy; non-humans are never accepted but sometimes need to belong.
Reward: Talent — Fantasy Charm]
Weak, helpless, and a big eater.
Let's not even talk about these missions for now.
Just looking at this panel, escaping Merlin's grasp seemed impossible.
The Shield of Radiance might defend against one or two attacks, but the Sword of Selection itself was crafted by Merlin and posed no real threat. Arthur's physical strength wasn't enough to harm Merlin.
As for telekinesis at level 8 — this was merely a convenience skill he had upgraded over the last few months for daily tasks. It was no real threat.
Word Spirit was a powerful mental interference skill capable of forcibly controlling another's actions or temporarily overriding thoughts.
But the incubus race had maxed out their mental resistance. It would be miraculous if even a level 40 Word Spirit could control Merlin for more than two seconds.
And after those two seconds?
If Merlin realized he could resist, no matter how slight the threat, what would happen then?
Killed? Or worse, brainwashed and turned into a puppet?
Arthur wasn't sure.
In short, his situation was dire. First, he had to create conditions to ensure his survival.
"Hey! Merlin, what do you want? Are you going to break your bet with Morgan, or kill me here? It's not worth it. With your power, you know well that if I die or become your puppet, Manaka and Morgan will detect it immediately. Lancelot and Gawain won't let you get away with it either," Arthur said with a frown.
A shaken Camelot faced the combined threat of those four—Morgan, Manaka, Lancelot, and Gawain. Even Artoria, bearer of the red dragon power, could not stabilize the situation.
It might be destroyed quickly.
"You are very wary, my king. How long will it take for you to trust me?" Merlin smiled bitterly.
Now he finally understood how those he had deceived felt.
It's what being trapped in a cocoon means.
Because of past words and deeds, people remembered you as untrustworthy, so in critical moments, you can't earn the trust you need.
He had experienced that helplessness and bitterness himself.
"Being with you, my king, I can get the things I never had before. Though I don't want these feelings now, I truly want to travel with you — two great figures, a sage and a king, disguised, journeying through various lands, leaving behind countless legends. Can't you fulfill that wish?"
"Ah? When did the greatest flower magician become so humble?" Arthur teased.
No trust at all. They both knew each other's characters too well and had no illusions.
Though distance had grown between them due to misunderstandings.
"Well, King Arthur. Seems I must try another way. You cannot resist me now. Admit it."
"Naturally."
"Okay then, since you can't resist, you'll obey me, yes?"
"Hmph! I know how to survive without your orders. I'll do everything to stay alive."
Arthur smiled and produced a crystal ball.
"But at the same time, you have no chance to kill me."
"…What is that in your hand?"
For some reason, Merlin felt alarm bells ringing in his chest.
As if he already foresaw his misfortunes.
Arthur explained: "Camelot is plagued with problems daily, with piles of work requiring my personal decisions, especially for the new departments still adjusting to our traditions. Conflicts happen constantly."
"So—"
Merlin's premonition deepened.
The Pendragon blood stirred within him, awakening family skills.
"Of course I'm worried about Camelot. There are things Lord Agravain can't handle alone, right?"
Loving his work like that was a relief to Arthur.
"······"
Damn workaholic! Merlin thought his heart might stop.
"So before leaving Camelot, I specifically asked Manaka to customize this crystal ball. It shows images regardless of distance, so I can command remotely and handle affairs. Nothing surprising — I've always asked Manaka to improve this kind of tech, planning to mass-produce military and civilian models."
"You… you're traveling, a rare chance to relax, yet you're still thinking about work? Work, work — all day every day. Don't you get tired?" Merlin asked in disbelief.
Is this guy human?
Isn't traveling meant for rest? Why obsess over work?
"Oh, what nonsense, Mr. Flower Magician. This is necessary contact info to prevent you from going rogue. Besides, I told you — this is an inspection, not a vacation. It's work, get it?"
Arthur imitated Merlin's tone with a slight smile.
"My life depends on it: without this device, Manaka would never let me leave Camelot."
"I know nothing!" Merlin stood, eyes fixed on the crystal ball.
Arthur continued, reading Merlin's thoughts:
"Don't act rashly. If I keep in touch daily and play along, I can hide this from Manaka. But if one day I disappear, when they come to check, it won't be a simple greeting."
At that moment, Arthur felt deeply grateful for Manaka.
Now, Manaka was no longer just a useful tool — but the greatest blessing Arthur had ever received.
Living off someone might be shameful, but it sure tastes good!