FATE: The Man with Divine Keys

In the moment of resurrection, Merlin's figure disappeared from his original location, only to reappear five or six meters away from Arkhan, maintaining a safe distance.

Arkhan didn't find this surprising. If Merlin couldn't react after being killed twice in a row, he would have long become fertilizer for some unknown flower by now.

"Hold on, Your Majesty! You're really unreasonable! You killed me twice without a second thought. Do you know how hard I worked to accumulate this immortality?" Merlin complained, wearing a pained expression.

Arkhan put away the Abyss Flower he had in his hand and said casually, "You killed me once in the past. Now, I've given it back to you twice. Seems fair to me."

"Oh? Could it be...?" Merlin's face lit up with a surprisingly delighted expression. "That's great! I was worried you'd also count the part of Uther's doing as my responsibility. I would've been in a tight spot then."

'Is this guy's thought process always this bizarre?' Arkhan thought tiredly and sighed. He sat on the edge of the bed and gazed out the window with a somewhat somber tone. "So, Merlin, was all of this your plan?"

Merlin smiled warmly, despite saying things that could enrage anyone.

"Not at all... even though Uther insisted on sending you to the Land of Shadows, I never believed that someone infused with the power of Nidhogg could come back to life. Besides, you didn't reappear for so many years that I assumed you were forever asleep in that realm. Why would I plan for someone who didn't exist?"

For Arkhan who realized the truth from the past, the only thing he could be grateful for now was that his will had never been altered, nor had his life been manipulated by someone else's machinations.

Whether as the Black Dragon or as the new King Arthur, he was always himself—Arkhan. He was guided by no one else, and the principles he upheld and the actions he took were all born from his own thoughts. That was enough.

Free from this sole mental burden, Arkhan's mood gradually lightened.

"So, how are things outside now?"

"Not bad~" Merlin smiled cheerfully as if nothing happened. "Ector bought all the meat and wine in town's taverns, and everyone has been feasting for three days and three nights. Plus, with the new king's emergence, everyone is excited as if we've already defeated Vortigern."

"There will come a day..." Arkhan said lightly. "What about Archbishop Canterbury?"

"He's getting on in years, and his resilience isn't what it used to be. But in the end, he's still an Archbishop, so his health is fine. Although he's still unconscious right now, I believe he'll wake up tomorrow." Merlin shrugged.

Arkhan nodded slightly.

"Are those knights still around?"

"Many of them came for the sword in the stone. Now that you've pulled it out, they don't have a reason to stay. There are probably around three hundred knights left in Tintagel, mostly influenced by your charisma and wanting to pledge their loyalty to you and follow you."

Arkhan caressed the intricate patterns on the Caliburn. From this royal sword, he felt a harmonious connection, as if it was meant for him from the beginning.

Caliburn quivered slightly, conveying a hint of joy.

"Mostly, huh... which means a small part of them have different intentions for choosing to remain, right?" Arkhan inquired.

Merlin smiled faintly, offering no comment on Arkhan's statement.

"It seems like some fools have enjoyed the easy life for too long and forgotten their true purpose..." Arkhan sneered coldly, a hint of sarcasm in his eyes.

'It's all too familiar...' Merlin couldn't help but think and sigh deeply as he looked at the current Arkhan, reminding him of the young Uther.

With the same enthusiasm, the same commanding presence, and the same unwavering confidence.

Merlin suddenly remembered a phrase that Uther had once said to him—"Some people are born to be kings!"

Arkhan didn't know what was going on in Merlin's mind and continued, "Arrange for them to meet with me, even though the numbers are indeed a bit low, but there isn't much choice for the current me."

"Yes, Your Majesty." Merlin nodded slightly. His eyes flickered, and a sly smile suddenly appeared on his lips. "Your Majesty, Morgan is still in Tintagel. Do you want to go see her?"

"Hmm..." Arkhan frowned and hesitated for a moment, then shook his head. "Forget it, let's wait until we return to the royal capital."

Arkhan still couldn't quite grasp Morgan's intentions. Although he had earned some favor from her for saving Guinevere, he was the one currently seated on the throne.

Morgan's obsession with the throne was well-known, and he didn't think it wise to directly confront this legendary witch until he was better prepared.

"I see..." Merlin seemed somewhat disappointed but then suddenly became enthusiastic. "So, when do you plan to reveal your identity to Lily?"

Arkhan narrowed his eyes.

"I knew you would bring up this idea; it's clear you just want to see some drama."

"Ahem! How could that be? I am a noble and virtuous mage you know..." Merlin grinned awkwardly. "I was just thinking that if Lily found out you were her brother, she would be very happy!"

Arkhan rubbed his temples, knowing that after discovering his true origin, he was most bewildered by Artoria, Morgan, and Guinevere. It was less about fear and more about confusion.

In his past life, he had been an orphan with no friends or family. After reincarnating into this world and spending sixteen years in the Land of Shadows, apart from Scathach and Cu Chulainn, he hardly had any close relationships. 

Now, three sisters with a blood connection suddenly appeared without any warning, and Arkhan was clearly bewildered.

The reason he didn't want to see Morgan right now was due to this concern. He had no idea how to approach her.

"I'll handle this matter on my own..." Arkhan said to Merlin with a stern expression. "Without my permission, you are not allowed to reveal my identity to them."

"Alright, alright~" Merlin nodded with a hint of regret. "Well, if there's nothing else, I'll take my leave then."

Once again, Merlin gave a slight bow to Arkhan and turned to leave.

"Merlin."

Arkhan's voice suddenly came from behind.

"If you really want to understand humans, try to understand human emotions like love, hate, good, and evil. If you only simulate the emotions you need, you will never truly understand what it means to be human."

Merlin's steps faltered slightly, and he turned around with a smile.

"I'll keep your words in mind."

With that, Merlin opened the door and walked out of the room.

Arkhan then lay on the bed, closed his eyes, and began speaking as if he were talking to himself.

"Nidhogg, aren't you going to say something?"

"..."

"Why is it so difficult for me to get someone to talk to me today?" Arkhan sighed. "Don't play dead; I know you're there. Don't force me to threaten you like I did with that guy."

After a moment, a cold snort suddenly echoed in Arkhan's mind.

"Hmph! I have nothing to say to you."