Camelot.
The birthplace of mankind, the center of Midgard. It was created by the earliest humans Ask and Embra in the World Tree Yggd
Built in the shadow of Asil, is the origin and the end; the capital of Avalon is destined to endure until Ragnarok.
Everything about this city is of Greek origin. All structures were shaped from its bark, and the druids reshaped them into houses, towers, and walkways. However, the oldest ruins, such as the Royal Palace, were built by the Esir people from the fossilized resin of the World Tree. This human hive breathes peace and tranquility beneath the spreading clouds of leaves.
The palace itself stands on the bark of the World Tree, its towers intertwined with the lowest branches. Much of it is supported by amber pillars to illustrate how the royal family represents the voice of heaven.
Gwenhwyvar looked melancholy at her homeland from the window of the main hall. After the long campaign deep into the outback and into the darkness beneath Lyonesse, she appreciated the small pleasures more than before.
"This is amazing," Anne whistled beside her, the sun already setting on the horizon. Viewed from above, the city's facades sparkle like gold.
"Have you never seen Camelot so high up?" Gwen smiled at her classmate.
"Never out of the palace, no," the witch answered, putting her hands behind her back shyly and embarrassedly. "I never thought I...I would step into this world. I thought only chiefs and servants could do that."
"That's exactly why I wanted you and the others in," Gwen replied, glancing into the large, silent main hall. Her eyes caught a glimpse of tapestries on either side, embroidered with gods and kings from long ago; in the center was an empty golden throne. "My family spent too much time looking at other people from above."
"Gwen, you-"
"Your Highness," a heavily armed knight at the door interrupted Anne, who immediately blushed.
See what I mean? "Good," Gwen replied, addressing both Annie and the guard. "We fight together. You have the right to call me, not princess, but friend."
The guard said nothing, but made no secret of his displeasure. "I'm sorry," Anne apologized, then coughed.
"Annie, are you okay?" the princess asked worriedly.
"Nothing," Anne insisted.
Gwen wanted to believe her, but her friend coughed harder, and this time, she spit black bile from her mouth. "You're not good, Anne," the princess said firmly.
"I'm sorry," said the witch. "I'm going to see a therapist."
"You will," Gwen turned to one of the guards. "Please take her to the infirmary on my behalf."
Anne protested, but the princess brooked no objection. The guard led her companion away, leaving the princess alone with her thoughts and gaze upon Camelot.
The royal family has some of the best medical staff in the kingdom, especially since her father...
The few who know it call it the Curse of Asclepius, named after the lich's last words. Archmage Calvert didn't believe the two events were related, as the king's health had only begun to deteriorate ten years ago, long after the Lich's death... but dark magic was at work, corrupting the king from within. A spell so evil that no amount of healing magic or prayer could break it.
The archmage only gave his father two years at most, but the king was already gone. He'd been delirious more often than he'd been awake, and he'd been courting in bed since Gwen's return. Some have publicly called for her brother to serve as regent.
time is limited.
Gwen sighed, Anne's absence making her feel bad. Why is it that every time she wants to have a real connection with someone outside the palace, something always gets in the way? She wishes she could interact with people "normally" without her royal status being a barrier between them .
"Why are you making that face, Gwen?"
The princess looked at the door as her brother and his two attendants entered the palace.
The Prince of Avalon had always been a strong young man, but Gwen could have sworn he was growing an inch taller every year. He wears sky-blue armor, a magical sword hanging from his belt, and has short blond hair. His blue eyes shone with warmth and brotherly affection.
In appearance, he was a perfect king, his appearance was impeccable. You have to look past the exterior and see the flaws.
"Arthur". Gwen stood on her tiptoes and kissed her brother on the cheek before nodding to his handsome knightly bodyguard and his female companion. "This is Sir Lancelot, Ragnell."
"Your Highness." Lancelot bowed deeply, like a knight in shining armor. The handsome kind, with a perfect jawline, charming amber eyes, and long black hair. Lancelot is a beautiful boy in his twenties. He is the most powerful royal knight in the history of the institution, standing proudly at level 80.
Gwen kind of liked him, but she kept those feelings to herself. She suspected, perhaps wishful thinking, that the knight would reciprocate her interest; she often noticed Lancelot glance at her when he thought no one was paying attention. While countless women vie for his favor in the tourney, he demands only her own.
As for that woman, Ragnell...she's a fierce, strong Amazon warrior with black hair and ruthless eyes; the left side of her face is covered with a magical tattoo. Arthur allowed her to keep her frost ax and tribal clothing, a winter wolf fur cloak. He could afford it when magic forced her to obey in all things.
"Congratulations on your victory, sister," her brother said enthusiastically. "I'm so proud of you, and I'm sure Dad is too."
"Congratulations on your birthday," Gwen replied, although her tone was less warm. "How about Fairy Raid?"
"Good, we fought off their tribe before they reached Idaril City."
"Our victory is due to your highness's bravery." Lancelot argued, and Ragnell looked away with hatred. He charged straight at the enemy, carving a bloody path. Our soldiers said he looked like the victorious Thor. "
"They're exaggerating," Arthur replied awkwardly.
It was easy for him, and his destined privilege left him unscathed. Gwen had nothing to complain about, as her amulet had saved her life more than once.
"Gwen, I would like to discuss the future of our kingdom with you," the prince announced. "I have already thought about what I will do after I ascend the throne. I hope to implement social reforms, especially to reduce the burden on the poor and establish an orphan care system. The kingdom has not done enough for those devastated by disasters."
"I'll do my best," she replied in a neutral tone.
Apparently, Arthur expected a more enthusiastic response. "Sister, why are you so unhappy with me?"
"You're such a slave, Arthur," Gwen said with great disappointment. Am I the only one who thinks this is wrong? “Alleviating poverty is a good thing, but a bigger wrong is happening right now under your roof.”
Her brother sighed, and Sir Lancelot was as silent as a tombstone; he knew better than to get involved in royal quarrels. "This time? Ragnell was a prisoner of war, Gwen. She killed good men. Father wanted to kill her."
"That is no excuse for treating her as property," replied the princess, casting a sympathetic glance at the silent Ranelle. Her kindness was answered by the cold, stern look of the savage woman. Gwen hadn't heard her speak since she was enslaved. "If anything, it's doubly wrong for you to engage in this... this absurdity. As crown prince, you legitimize it."
"Legalized bondage? Her brother didn't sound angry, just confused. He simply didn't understand what was wrong with it. "This institution is older than our dynasty, Gwen, and it is a benevolent dynasty. Slavery was only available to those who deserved the death penalty. "
"Many slaves were not prisoners of war or criminals, Arthur," Gwen pointed out. "Many people are unlucky enough to cross the Great Wall or are in debt."
"I agree that we should curb abuse, but not the institution itself." At this point, Arthur's voice sounded like an adult talking to a wayward child, asking him why the stars were always in the same position. "We do not have the resources to incarcerate everyone and the death penalty should be reserved for the most heinous crimes."
"Slavery encouraged slaves to attack our peaceful neighbors, which is the main reason why all our efforts to establish a lasting peace with the Goblin Kingdom and the Eastern Isles have failed," Gwen pointed out, interrupting her brother before he could respond. "Furthermore, you forget that slaves, as property, had no legal recourse against mistreatment; nor could they object to their enslavement, even if it was illegal."
Her brother smiled, amused by her words. "There can be no lasting peace with other nations, Gwen," he chuckled. "Our neighbors are not respectable light elves. They are goblins, barbarians, fairies or giants. They know only strength."
"Our ancestors drove the barbarians from their lands and threw them into the sea." There, they began to pray to the Song of Disaster in the hope of regaining their homeland. "We need allies to fight the Fusion, not more enemies."
"We know," Arthur agreed, though he stood firm in his convictions. "But trustworthy allies. We need to strengthen our alliance with the light elves of Alfheim and the dwarves of Svartalfheim. You will play an important role in this."
The princess looked away as if she had been slapped. Was this what he thought of her? A walking bargaining chip, a mare to be sold? "I'm going to do what I have to do for the kingdom," she said. "You can even marry an elven prince if you want. But we should find allies in Midgard first before going to other kingdoms. The portal is unstable, Ragnarok is still centuries away, and we only have so much time To adapt. And that doesn’t include what happened in Logres…”
"I read your report on (Death Knight)." Arthur interrupted.
"What did you do? My sister stared into his eyes in surprise. The Royal Academy didn't believe the threat that much and just sent agents there because they couldn't refuse a direct order from the princess.
"For decades, the Logres area has been a hotbed of Disaster Cult believers, but most of the time, they killed each other instead of fighting the royal army." Arthur nodded, he had indeed done some research. "However, they have been very quiet recently and reports suggest they now hold joint ceremonies."
"So, you agree with me." Gwen couldn't help but smile, finally getting some support on the matter. "Someone, possibly this (Death Knight), unified the Cult of Catastrophe through trickery and force."
"The Royal Order believes this is related to recent events in the Lyon area," Lancelot added.
"What happened to Leon?" Gwen frowned. "I haven't been notified yet."
"Yesterday Broxalyn was consumed by fire," said Lancelot, commanding the princess's undivided attention at once. "Early prophecies suggested it was the work of powerful magic"
"How powerful?" Gwen strongly suspected that there were more people working in this area, and that the Pale Snake might have remnants operating in Leonis' area.
"A level VIII spell is involved." The two royal brothers exchanged worried looks as Lancelot continued his report. "Current investigations indicate that either a druid ritual went wrong, or that two gangs of Catastrophe cultists are vying for dominance."
"The eighth level means powerful magic users of level 55 to 60." Arthur said. "An expected fusion, a necromancer once appeared in Lyons's dungeon, and sacrificial murder..."
Gwen wanted to add the word "assumed," but held back. Although doubts dogged her, most people only started listening to her after her first victory. "There is something about Lyonesse that the enemies of Avalon crave," the princess said. "Probably underneath the underground classroom. The local authorities condemned it, but we should dig it up."
"Yes," Arthur agreed, bringing hope to Gwen's heart. The command of the perfect prince is law. "In fact, I believe I will be personally opening the new branch of the Royal Academy."
Gwen hid her disappointment because she didn't want his presence to interfere with her own efforts. "Are you planning to stay in Lyonnes?"
"Until they converge." Arthur grinned. "I've always wanted us to work together as a family. You, me, and Morgan. Together we will uncover the truth about this mystery."
"Your Highness, please allow me to stay with you," Lancelot begged.
"Lancelot, you'd better go to Logres," Arthur argued. "We're not that fragile, Gwen and I"
"Two heirs in the same city would bring great danger to His Highness," the knight argued. "Tristan can take care of Logres."
"I think I could lead Logres' expedition," Gwen argued. "I've become very familiar with fighting the undead."
"Gwen, a (death knight) is not a low-level level 30 necromancer." Arthur answered. "Leave it to the Royal Knights to deal with this threat."
"I am no longer a child," the princess argued, anger breaking her stoicism. "I can handle myself."
"You are not a child, no, you are the princess of Avalon and my little sister." Arthur shook his head. "This (death knight) is no longer your responsibility, Gwen."
And just like that, Gwenhilfahl saw her glory snatched away.
"Gwen..."
"Hello, Arthur," she replied coldly, and stormed off, leaving the prince and his servant there.
Gwen walked to the private rooms in the east wing of the palace and closed the door behind her, the sun leaving into a cold, dark night.
Gwen rarely decorates her room; she is not a materialist. The princess does have a soft spot for her collection of history books, which she keeps on a bookshelf, but this place is mainly there to help her sleep or work without interruption. She opened the window and let the wind caress her cheeks; it helped calm her down.
Gwen Zifal loved her brother and knew he meant well. There has never been a prince more candid and loving than him, and if he had been born into a better society, he would have made a perfect king.
But he was too naive and too protective. Even if he means well, nothing will fundamentally change if he becomes king. He would improve some systems but never reform them.
The princess changed her clothes and put on her nightgown, with her trusty amulet hanging around her neck, as she tried to think of a way to save the situation. She couldn't build a power base under her brother's nose, especially when he derived glory from her victories. Gwen threw back the sheets and braced herself for a sleepless night.
Then she noticed a letter under her pillow.
Gwen immediately cast a detection spell on the paper, sensing no hostile magic. She opened the letter carefully and read the words printed in blood.
"That's not Morgan. It's a monster, modeled after her.
The Pale Snake sent her to kill you.
Kill them all, Gwen. "
What does this mean? Did the room attendant leave it there? Or - - -
There was a knock on the door. "Gwen?" Mo
ga
e. "Can I come in?"
"Of course," Gwen replied, but before hiding the letter under the sheets, she carefully activated one of her emergency functions [Amulet of Avalon].
Her half-sister walked into the room and closed the door with a shy smile on her face. "Sorry to bother you, did you go to bed so early?"
"Not yet," Gwen replied, trying to keep a neutral expression. "Why are you here?"
"I heard about Arthur," Morgan said, putting his hands behind his back. "I thought you might want to discuss it."
No. That's not why she's here. Piece "Mo
ga
e. "
"Yeah?"
"Where did you find that wand?" Gwen asked, her paranoia taking over.
"This time?" her half-sister replied, a brighter, more forced smile on her face. "I told you, girls keep secrets." "
"Where did you find that wand?" Gwen repeated more firmly. Her instincts told her to trust her sister, but something didn't seem right about this situation.
Morgan's eyes grew sadder. "You don't trust me. Gwen, so much has happened—"
"If you trust me, you will answer truthfully." The princess replied before she could change the subject.
"I just winked at our professor of elemental magic and told him I might be willing to have tea with him alone if he offered it to me," the witch replied bluntly, straightening her hair. "Okay, now you know."
"Morgan, I started keeping secrets from you when you first lied to me," the princess said, her amulet heating against her skin. And now, you lie to my face.
Morgan grimaced and stepped closer.
"Don't go any further," Gwen said, and Morgan ignored her and walked to the window.
"Why these questions, Gwen?" her half-sister asked, staring into space as if considering jumping. "Why are you afraid?" I have always been loyal to you. I'm trying my best to get you to sit on that ancient king's throne so you can do better. "
"No, you're true to yourself. You're only helping me because it's in your best interest." Gwen immediately regretted saying this, but it eased her burden.
"Does it make any difference?"
"You always look down on other people of low birth," the princess pointed out. "But ever since the Convergence incident, you've been a model teammate. You've started spending more time with Annie and that Laufey."
"I almost died and Laufey saved my life," Morgan replied, sounding really angry. "It helps to re-evaluate one's behavior."
"I don't--"
"The problem with you is that you don't trust anyone, Gwen!" snapped the witch. “Always looking for hidden lies because you grew up surrounded by lies!”
"Maybe," Gwen admitted. "That's why I'm asking you to tell the truth."
Morgan bit her lower lip and looked directly at her biological sister. The princess stared at her, though she felt a pang of regret at having doubted her on the basis of mere hearsay.
"You know what?" Gwen's half-sister angrily stormed toward the door. "I've had enough. Unless you really need me, find someone else to do your dirty work for you."
Piece "Mo
ga
e——"
Her half-sister slammed the door, leaving Gwen alone with regret.
Laufe Seisinger sat on the roof, shrouded in a veil of hallucination, listening to Mrs. Seisinger's voice coming from the house, savoring her despair like a bottle of fragrant wine.
"Tristan..."
"It's not what you see."
"What is that?" Judging from her tone and emotional odor, she must have been crying. "What is it, Tristan?"
It seems Mrs. Salter hooked up with another woman and her Shining Knight.
This didn't surprise Laufey because she knew love had an expiration date. Men and women break their oaths all the time when they think they are above the consequences. Yet, after all this poor woman had gone through to see him again... the sweet smell of pain and betrayal was driving one crazy.
"mistress". Her maid Morgan also joins her in the form of mist. "Did you do this?"
"No, but it's a welcome distraction," the dark elf replied softly, so low that no one could hear him. Strictly speaking, dark elves shouldn't be in Camelot at all. But what Walt doesn't know won't hurt him.
Thankfully, she's keeping some secrets from the Necromancer; namely, as the daughter of the treacherous god Loki, magical pacts can't really bind her. Laufey obeyed Walter Tye because she wanted to, not because he restrained her.
Morgan is no exception. Her "masterpiece" may have tied the mysterious demon to its current vessel, a creature that had been Laufey's handmaiden in the first place. "Has he seen through you?" the dark elf asked softly, while playing with the [Black Assam] that Taiyi gave her.
"No," replied her shadowy maid. "Throughout our relationship, I could sense his anger and that his attention was elsewhere."
Underworld, probably. Laufey heard some rumors from his father who was trapped in Helheim. "Very well. The more we can stoke anger in his cold heart, the better. How is the princess?"
"Madam, why did you warn her?" Mo
ga
e asked. "His orders were for me to assassinate her, not tip her off. Why such a farce? I don't understand that."
"The point is, Morgan, I'm an artist of the human soul," Laufey explains. "People are like paint. Add a little bit of Morgan, a little bit of Gwen Siffa, a little bit of Arthur, and you get a deep red."
"Even before your letter, she doubted me," Morgan admitted. "I thought I played her sister very well, but she didn't believe anyone."
"She should. But I'd love to know what kind of environment she grew up in." The Princess intrigued Laufey as a tragic project, although she remained focused on completing her masterpiece. "The more fearful and paranoid she becomes, the more likely she is to break down."
The dark elves can't help but want the paladin to fall.
A witch's ghostly face appeared before Laufey's eyes, and one of her agents contacted her fortune teller. "lady."
"Very annoying, dear," Laufey smiled at the old witch. "How was your meeting with Medelot?"
"He's angry," the old witch admitted with fear in her voice. She feared her adopted son as much as she feared her god. "He threatened to take my good eye out even though I was his mother! What a waste of goodwill..."
"You may serve Medlot, but remember that my father Loki is your most important protector," Laufey said to the witch. "Your pain will be rewarded one day, in this life and the next."
"Of course!" the old witch cackled, "Loathly is always a faithful servant of the fallen god." But he asked me to summon the evil Metro to fight Avalon and serve him wholeheartedly until he completes his quest. mission"
"My father will fight in this war as long as I can have fun too." Laufey lazily rested with his back against the roof. Below, Salt storms off without killing anyone, much to the demon's dismay. "This Metropolis is powerful, but, pardon the expression... boring." As a [muse], he doesn't excite me. My goal is to inspire a better and more promising p
op
Osam. "
"That evil lich boy killed my sisters." "Not even my powerful magic can bring them back to life."
"They will return it to you, don't worry." The dark elf promised in a gentle, sweet tone. "They are temporary sacrifices if necessary."
To be honest, Laufey didn't want her masterpiece to be aligned with McDraw. She couldn't let an arrogant, misguided [Death Knight] ruin her latest pet project.
"My masterpiece has a lot of potential," Laufey explains. "I truly believe this, especially after investigating the buried city. He has the resources, the magic, and the talent to make him a powerful and terrifying force in the Nine Kingdoms. However, he lacks one of the most powerful Troubling quality.”
"Motive," Morgan guessed.
"Sharp," Laufey confirmed, "it depresses me, dear. It depresses me, for just as this lady molds clay into perfection, I mold men into greatness. Walter Tay could be mine A masterpiece, but, alas, he squandered his talents on a naive obsession.”
The Dark Muse wants the Necromancer to step out of his comfort zone and take more proactive action. He tricked the princess into leaving him without killing her companions; when he ordered Morgan to assassinate her "sister," he was seeking to end her interference rather than intentionally bring destruction to Avalon. He just reacted.
She's all for immortality, but giving it to everyone? How stupid. Walter should be using it to lead an immortal army to rule Midgard, not protect lower creatures from the laws of nature.
"Thank God, my maid, the stage is set," the Dark Elf told her servants. "Knock a few chess pieces off the chessboard, give them a slight push here, and the game begins."
"What are your plans, ma'am?" whispered reluctantly.
"My dear witch, fools have plans. A muse like me? We use inspiration." Laufey looked at the leaves of Yggdrasil, and the darkness behind them. "There are some cruel things that come to mind for these royal children."
