The Arrogant Fairy

Avalon, the legendary homeland of the fairies, a paradise that leads to utopia.

The legends of Avalon had spread throughout Britain, passed down through countless mouths for countless years. However, the truth remained elusive.

Some claimed it to be the origin of all life, where the world's oldest fairies emerged. Others believed it to be the ultimate resting place, where noble souls found eternal life. And some insisted that Avalon was nothing more than a product of people's imagination.

"These claims have their merits and flaws..."

Arkhan explained as he strolled along a deserted, winding path. He was sharing what he knew about Avalon with the group.

"Avalon does exist, but it exists outside of this world. It has no concept of time or space, meaning you could encounter it at any time and any place, or never at all. Fortunately, due to some special circumstances, it currently resides in Britain."

"The creator of Avalon was the primordial and the world's first fairy, Vivian. She's been an ancient presence on Earth since the Age of Gods, and even now, she remains the leader of the nine fairy queens responsible for guarding Avalon. When you meet her, remember to show respect, and, whatever you do, never bring up topics related to height and age in her presence. This is something you must absolutely remember."

"Avalon is a realm of fairies. While most fairies are portrayed as beautiful and kind in legends, there are indeed some with rather malicious natures. If anyone offers you anything there, don't accept it unless you wish to stay forever."

"Teacher, have you ever been to Avalon?" Artoria couldn't help but ask, observing her teacher's casual demeanor as he talked about Avalon, almost like it was his own backyard.

"No, I've never been to Avalon." Arkhan shook his head. "I've just heard about it from someone."

"And..." He glanced discreetly behind him. "There's someone here who knows more about Avalon than I do."

Merlin looked up at the sky, wearing an expression that said—"I know nothing."

"But if even Teacher doesn't know where Avalon is..." Kay scratched his head in frustration, "How are we supposed to get there?"

"Aren't we already on the way to Avalon?" Arkhan said calmly.

Everyone, except Merlin, looked around in surprise.

The open fields on either side of the road had transformed into lush trees with ancient and gnarled branches that stretched toward the sky, resembling towering giants.

A faint mist seemed to have appeared from nowhere, casting a hazy veil over everything. Even with Artoria's keen eyesight, she couldn't see beyond ten meters.

Quiet, eerie, and tranquil—it felt as though the entire world had shrunk to just them, and the end of the road was their inevitable destination.

Kay and Artoria tensed up, while Guinevere clung to Arkhan's arm in fear.

"Hmm? Something is interesting about this place..." Nidhogg, who hadn't spoken for days, exclaimed. "It seems strangely familiar..."

A brilliant light emanated from Arkhan's hand, dispersing the surrounding mist.

"Stay close to me, and don't get separated. If you get lost here, even I wouldn't know where you might end up—perhaps even in the castle of Vortigern."

Artoria and Kay immediately gathered around Arkhan, keeping within a meter of him. Meanwhile, Merlin strolled nonchalantly behind them, showing no signs of panic.

With black pupils shimmering with intricate light-green Rune, Arkhan continued forward, walking along this seemingly endless path.

"Hehe~~ Haha~~ Hihi~~"

Strange and ethereal laughter suddenly echoed from all directions. Kay and Artoria instantly halted their steps, drawing their weapons from their belts and scanning their surroundings vigilantly.

Guinevere, already on edge, trembled with fear, clutching Arkhan's arm as if a drowning person grasping a lifeline.

"W-What... what is that voice..." Guinevere asked with a quivering voice.

"Hihi~ Sss~ Haha~"

Seemingly satisfied with Guinevere's reaction, the eerie sounds drew closer.

A bone-chilling cold wind swept over them from behind, causing Guinevere to stiffen as if something was licking her neck from behind.

Arkhan's gaze turned cold; he drew Caliburn, infusing it with magical energy, and swung it toward the side.

A massive beam of magical energy shot out, striking a nearby tree branch with a resounding explosion, reducing the branch to ashes.

"Kyaaa!"

A cry rang out as a tiny figure hastily tumbled out from the dense foliage, followed by a loud crash as the tree branch she had been on was obliterated by the sword beam.

"You scared me..."

Before the tiny figure could even catch her breath, a splendid sword was pressed against her neck, leaving her too frightened to move.

"Is this... a fairy?"

Artoria and Kay curiously observed this mysterious creature—the delicate and smooth wings, the exquisitely beautiful face, and those pointy ears—there was no doubt that it resembled the legendary image of fairies.

"Hey, hey! What's with those looks? I'm the noble and pure fairy, Alice!"

The fairy felt a tinge of embarrassment as if she were a monkey on display in a cage.

"And you, put your sword down! This is Avalon. If you provoke me, you'll never leave here alive!"

"Ohh! It's Alice after all~" Merlin appeared from behind the fairy, wearing a sly grin as he looked at the fairy. "It's been a while, and you're still as mischievous and adorable as ever. Big brother here is quite delighted to see you, you know~"

The fairy, Alice, quickly turned around with panicked eyes.

"M-Merlin!"

The once proud and arrogant fairy suddenly felt a chilling sensation creeping over her as if she were a cat facing a tiger.

"Y-You... w-why did you c-come back..." Alice's lips quivered as she stuttered.

"Couldn't help it, really. My king insisted on it, and there's no way I could refuse." Merlin sighed, wearing a gentle smile. "By the way, you did scare my companions pretty badly earlier. Shouldn't you apologize~hmm?"

Merlin's handsome face displayed a warm smile.

"I recall teaching you this before—admitting your mistakes and making amends is what good children do."

"Why do I feel like those words sound utterly hypocritical coming from you?" Kay quipped and cast a sidelong glance at Merlin.

Alice immediately stood up and deeply bowed to Guinevere.

"I'm sorry, I was wrong!"

===

Note:

Just a heads up, in this fic, "Arthur" is like a title or nickname for anyone who manages to pull Caliburn and become the chosen king of Camelot as Merlin's prophecy goes.