I Will Eventually Embark On The Path Of No Return Called A Hero

[Arc5] - 43. Arthur

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"The Great Beast Albion, a weapon created and controlled by the Demon Clan during ancient wars. This one before us seems to have survived. Unfortunately, it won't awaken without sufficient magical power to activate it."

"So it's just lying here for me to destroy. This is already the third one, right? Though there aren't many, it's hard to believe there might be more lying around somewhere on the continent."

Cyd pulled the [Reforged Pandora], in its Ares form, from a massive rock. Although at first glance, it seemed like nothing more than a huge mountain, it was actually a dangerous weapon, something Merlin had proven by activating it in front of Cyd.

"Vice-Captain, we're moving along at a pretty good pace. At least we're the only ones who've managed to locate these remnants of the Demon Clan's weapons," Merlin, who had done nothing but act as a "mine-clearing device" and cause some trouble along the way, sat elegantly in midair. She seemed completely unconcerned about her flimsy skirt, composed of mere strips of cloth, being potentially exposed in front of Cyd.

"In terms of progress, we're definitely faster than the Captain and the others; the other groups have basically done nothing so far. Oh, but that's not entirely true—Diane did bring King back to her hometown."

"That's honestly the best news I've heard. It's certainly better than Meliodas' reports of finding a talking pig and an oversized pig—those sound completely made up."

Cyd sighed heavily; sometimes, Meliodas and his team really couldn't be trusted. Having them handle serious tasks was about as effective as getting them to improve their magic.

"Speaking of… Vice-Captain, did you know that Diane actually isn't very popular among the other giants?"

"I think I remember something about that. Giants are known to be quite belligerent, so it's not surprising a more gentle-natured giant like Diane wouldn't be well-liked." Cyd frowned. "Did she run into trouble with them?"

"That's exactly it. When you have a smitten Fairy King at your side, things can get pretty intense." Merlin held a crystal ball up to Cyd, who saw the Fairy King's Spirit Spear in its altered form floating above incapacitated giants, with King himself covered in blood yet exuding a surprisingly masculine aura.

"Overcome with rage for his beloved, our dear Fairy King really knows how to leave an impression. Just look at how smitten Diane is with him."

"What's that?" Cyd enlarged the image in the crystal ball, spotting a small pair of wings on King's back. "Oh ho~ Has our dear Fairy King finally started to mature?"

"King has great potential; just with those small wings, his power has increased tenfold. He's almost as strong as the first Fairy King."

"Looks like we'll get to see if the first Fairy King was more powerful or if the Sin of Sloth is stronger during the battle with the Ten Commandments." Cyd chuckled softly, feeling a deep pride—these were his companions, the Seven Deadly Sins.

"On the other hand, Diane's situation is a bit more troublesome. She didn't gain much from this trip to her hometown." Merlin sighed with some regret; she'd hoped Diane might undergo a transformation like King.

"No need to rush. Having even one member transform within a year is enough. We've all lived for thousands of years; a little patience won't hurt, right?"

Cyd stretched deeply, letting the sunlight erase all of his negative thoughts, including the lingering chill from Merlin's elegantly teasing, slightly resentful smile behind him.

"According to the map, Camelot isn't far ahead. I heard His Majesty visited this place in the past. I wonder if the king here will let me finish what I have to say?" Uniting different nations was a tedious affair. Gowther's suggestion was to it was mind control, so it's better not to mention it.

"Oh, I heard there's a sword here; pull it out, and you become king. Why don't you give it a try?" Merlin spread her hands as if preaching, using an almost reverent tone.

"Legend has it that it's just an ordinary sword, but countless great heroes, near the end of their lives, offered blood and soul to it. After thousands of such tributes, the sword gained a will of its own, becoming a vessel for the will of humanity's heroes. The chosen one is to be the king of kings, chosen by the heroes of Britannia."

"…I feel like you just want to see me fail and embarrass myself."

"Of course not. At most, I'll record it with the crystal ball. And Vice-Captain, aren't you curious?" Merlin covered her mouth, letting out a gentle laugh. "The heroes within could teach you techniques—swordsmanship capable of killing demons without any magic. In your hands, Vice-Captain, it'd be astonishingly powerful."

"My teacher taught me far better techniques!" Cyd subconsciously raised his voice, throwing a few punches that stirred up gusts of wind. "Swords? Just swing them fast enough, that's all. Besides, my teacher taught me several moves to destroy an opponent's body from the tip of their sword to their entire form."

"What kind of brutal fighting technique is that? How fearsome was the person who created it?"

"It's a friendly self-defense method, officially called Pankration, taught by a gentle teacher. The learning process involves going through a full demonstration on you; if you don't get it, we'll repeat it until your survival instincts kick in and you learn."

"That sounds like a pretty brutal marketing line." Merlin sighed, gesturing toward the entrance of Camelot. "At the very least, we should meet the king of Camelot and take a look at the sacred sword."

Cyd nodded silently. Although Merlin seemed to be merely offering a suggestion, she had clearly made up her mind to go, and she'd likely cling to him if he tried to leave.

Unfortunately, before Cyd could enter, he was intercepted by something else.

The situation was simple: two seemingly unusual children, one jealous of the other, pushed him off a cliff while he was distracted.

Cyd simply reached out and saved the child.

It was a small act of kindness, one that Cyd had performed countless times, though it was rare for anyone to be quite so persistent in repaying him.

"You're Sir Cyd of the Kingdom of Liones, aren't you? I know of you—a hero among Holy Knights, though now wanted for attempting rebellion."

The boy, who introduced himself as Arthur Pendragon, bounced eagerly alongside him with an enthusiasm that rivaled Bell's.

Cyd didn't mind Arthur's enthusiasm, as it held no malice. However, he was technically still wanted, and with Arthur shouting his name so loudly, entering Camelot might be a challenge.

This could only end with him being surrounded.

"Young man, you were nearly killed by your friend just now. Don't you want me to seek justice for you?"

"Well… I think it's just that my abilities aren't up to par," Arthur tilted his head thoughtfully before smiling sincerely. "If I were more exceptional—so much so that no one would feel jealousy—then perhaps it wouldn't have happened."

"Is that so?" Cyd looked toward Camelot, sensing several powerful magical presences approaching. It seemed someone had noticed him and Merlin.

"Young man, you should leave quickly. The king of this country seems to have arrived."

"Oh, I almost forgot to mention." Arthur pointed to himself. "I'm actually the adopted son of King Uther of Camelot."

"…Well, isn't that convenient? It looks like you're going to become a king." Cyd raised an eyebrow, moving to shield Arthur behind him. "Merlin, it seems they're not coming with good intentions."

"Just plant them in the ground, won't you? Isn't that how the Vice-Captain of the Seven Deadly Sins usually handles things?" Merlin crossed her arms, leaning back as if in a chair, her long legs propped up comfortably.

"Seems I'll have to take this one alone." Cyd covered Arthur's eyes with dragon scales, knowing that what was about to happen was no sight for a child.

"We've got an hour or two until dusk. Let's hope they're at least a bit of a challenge."