Chapter 5: Chapter 5 - Arthur Palace (Edited)
Gon gazed speechlessly.
The mix of red and gold colors was eye-catching, showing how rich and detailed the place was. The statues of dragons by the gate looked strong but also graceful. Their stone eyes seemed to watch everyone.
The calm moat around the palace was different from the grand entrance. It had soft-colored lotus flowers floating, which gave a peaceful feeling. The beauty of these flowers made the palace seem both powerful and pretty at the same time.
Gon feels nothing should shock him at this point.
He should forget what he knows moving forward. As he walked on the cobblestone path toward the city gate, he pondered how he should proceed - sneak in or walk through.
As he was lost in thought, a guard approached him.
The guard was dressed in chainmail with intricate dragon designs on the shoulders. Holding a halberd, the guard asked, "Are you Sir Mordred? The emperor awaits your presence."
"Why would Arthur want to see you? Weren't you two enemies?"
Mordred looks confused. "Maybe he's had a change of heart. We should meet him and find out."
The situation makes Gon wary, but with his strength, Gon believes he can always escape anytime, so he agrees to follow Mordred.
As they walked inside the city, Gon could see it was a stark contrast to the villages of Camelot.
The lively streets were filled with traders haggling over pork meat, and horse carriages maneuvered through the crowd. The streets are filled with many sounds and murmur.
They soon approached a bridge overlooking a pond filled with colorful koi fish and serene lotus flowers, leading them straight to the majestic palace gates.
The guard approached the gate, knocking sharply on its surface.
A few more guards came out, and after a brief exchange, the gateway was opened, revealing a guarded courtyard. In the middle of the area was a martial arts arena.
On to the side, a beautiful young woman with dark flowing hair and striking amber eyes was imprisoned.
Chains bound her wrists and ankles, causing her to slump dejectedly, tears streaming down her face. Not too far from her, a raised platform held three chairs.
Seated in the middle was a lady adorned with silver hair and piercing blue eyes. She was dressed in a striking blue qipao with a cutout on its chest, showing her cleavage.
To her side was a formidable-looking man. He has a long beard, looking very similar to the legendary Guan Yu. He gripped a crystalline halberd and wore armor adorned with intricate dragon motifs.
Looking at the situation, Gon's sense heightened; he knew he had just got trapped.
Before he could say anything, Mordred swiftly moved away from him, walking the woman in the blue qipao.
Mordred dropped to one knee; he respectfully reported, "Lady of the Lake, I have completed your task. I've summoned an individual from another world and brought him here as you instructed."
The Lady of the Lake extended her hand, which Mordred kissed respectfully to show his loyalty and submission. She then turned her gaze to Gon. "Arthur, fight him."
The man beside her rose, drew his halberd, and pointed it menacingly towards Gon.
'System, what's going on? Aren't you supposed to be in control? Did you get scammed?'
[Scammed? The system does not get scammed.]
"But you told me to help Camelot's village and take down Arthur, right? Look around; this city is thriving. Everyone seems content and cheerful. Where's the oppression?"
[And this is why I told you you cannot follow simple instructions. Read the quest again.]
Reading the system response, Gon felt puzzled. He then checked the quest again.
______________________________________________________________
Quest:
End Arthur's Tyranny
Emperor Arthur is a dictator and madman. He steals Excalibur from his best friend and now steals his fiance. He also pushed the whole country into hunger.
*
Quest objectives:
Steal Excalibur
Kill Arthur
Make Merlin the queen of Camelot
________________________________________________________________
"It says Arthur's a dictator and a madman. The country's starving, and he's taken Excalibur from his best friend. But Mordred's right there alongside them."
[You think you can question system judgment!]
Before Gon could reply, multiple screens popped up around him. They show harrowing images of various parts of the kingdom: villages in despair, Ruined cities filled with citizens scavenging for whatever little food they could find.
Some were so desperate that they were eating on tree bark and rotten food. He realized he might have jumped to conclusions without fully understanding the situation.
[Arthur didn't obtain Excalibur from Mordred; he took it from Escanor. And yes, Merlin is his fiancée.]
The system's answer baffles him. 'Okay, this is getting even weirder. Now, is there a mix of 'Seven Deadly Sins' in this, too? I really need to stop feeling surprised.'
'Just one last thing to confirm. The quest says to make Merlin the queen of Camelot. It is not the Camelot village, right?'
[Yes, the country is also named Camelot.]
Knowing what he needs to do, Gon takes a few breaths. He steeled himself, believing in his strength that just sent Garland flying. He walks toward the arena.
Arthur leveled his halberd at Gon, "The Lady of the Lake demands our duel. Should I provide you with a weapon?"
Gon raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on his lips.
"Did you expect me to spout some heroic nonsense about not needing weapons?"
"Of course, I'll take a magical sword and a sturdy shield, and while you're at it, throw in a full set of enchanted armor. And perhaps a mount?"
"Let's make it interesting. Add a few guards as well. Considering your expertise, it's only fair to level the playing field, wouldn't you agree?"
Arthur's face darkened. His brows are knitting together in disdain. "I only offer you a sword, but what you ask will soil the sacrilege of our duel."
"Duel is always one on one. My last opponent, Escanor, is a hundred times more honorable than you."
"Fine, so I can still get a full set of magic armor, sword, and shield, right? Add some bow in it, too. Can you also lace some poison in the sword and arrow?"
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone