The small boat gently docked at the shore, and everyone disembarked one by one.
Before them stood an island, covered in lush green grass and vibrant flowers. Robust apple trees rose from the ground, their branches slightly bent under the weight of plump fruits, glistening like agate and resembling exquisite works of art.
Kay's eyes sparkled with fascination, and the tantalizing scent reached his nostrils. He couldn't resist the urge to pluck an apple and taste it, but he suddenly remembered his teacher's earlier instructions and forcefully suppressed his desire.
The others had the same experience. Although the apples looked tempting, no one dared to pick them.
"Aren't you bored with constantly suppressing your desires, keeping your will imprisoned in that body of yours~?"
A sudden sweet and melodious voice flowed into their ears. A gentle breeze gathered where the fragrant grasses grew, and a graceful figure appeared out of thin air.
She was a young woman wearing a pointed soft hat, her features delicate and clear. Her flowing ash-colored hair reached her waist, and the light blue dress she wore seemed ordinary at first glance.
However, upon closer inspection, it was merely a thin layer of blue gauze, revealing a tantalizing glimpse of the enchanting scenery underneath. This subtle seductiveness, shrouded in a hint of allure, was enough to send shivers down the spine of any onlooker.
Having been exposed to countless porn on the internet in his previous life and having spent sixteen years in the presence of beauty at Scathach's caliber, Arkhan was no longer interested in this level of temptation. His demeanor remained calm, and his gaze as tranquil as still water.
However, Kay, who had never even touched a girl's hand, was completely dumbfounded. His face turned crimson at an alarming rate, and his eyes darted around in confusion, unsure of where to look.
"Cyrine, I never expected it would be you guarding the gate. You, who long for freedom like the wind, didn't you hate this sort of duty the most?" Merlin walked out, looking at the familiar face with a warm smile on his handsome face.
Cyrine's emerald eyes, akin to jade, turned toward the incubus. She smiled faintly and said, "Merlin, you promised Vivian that you would find a suitable wielder for the holy sword on her behalf and took a large quantity of precious treasures from her for that promise. Yet, decades have passed, and you haven't even sent a message in return. Aren't you afraid that Vivian will lock you in an oak tree this time?"
Feeling several disdainful glares from behind him, Merlin coughed awkwardly. "How come? This time, I came to tell her that I've found the rightful wielder for the holy sword."
He turned to gesture toward Arkhan and the rest behind him.
"The Excalibur Wielder you've been waiting for is right here, see?"
"Oho?" Cyrine's eyes gleamed with curiosity. She lightly stepped forward and appeared in front of Kay in the blink of an eye.
"Is it him?" The rich fragrance continued to assault Kay's senses, and he had already lost most of his composure. His eyes had turned into spirals, his face as red as a boiled crab, and his gaze wandered aimlessly.
"It seems not." Cyrine shook his head regretfully and then appeared in front of Arkhan.
Her fair fingertip brushed across Arkhan's face, and a tempting aroma filled the air.
"Or is it you?"
Arkhan smiled modestly, neither humble nor arrogant.
"Respected Fairy of the Lake, I am not the Excalibur Wielder you seek. The true master of the sword..." He pulled Artoria, who looked utterly confused, in front of him and smiled. "It's her."
"???" Artoria glanced confusedly toward her teacher.
"Ahhh... I see. So, it's a girl..." Cyrine said thoughtfully, stroking her smooth chin. She leaned in closer, her gaze fixed on Artoria's deep azure eyes. "But your eyes are beautiful. I quite like them."
"Uhh... thank you?"
"Since that's the case..." Cyrine snapped her fingers. "I'll give you a welcome gift."
Invisible currents swept in, and a light blue breeze entered Artoria's body. Suddenly, she felt much lighter, and it seemed like something else was changing within her.
She extended her fingers, and the currents gathered, forming a small whirlpool.
"Barrier of the Wind King (Invisible Air)." Cyrine smiled while clapping her hands. "It's just a small blessing. I hope you'll find a use for it in the future."
"Thank you very much!" Artoria's face lit up with joy, and she bowed deeply to Cyrine.
Arkhan smiled as he watched the scene.
Among the nine fairy queens responsible for guarding Avalon, Cyrine, the Fairy of the Wind, was known for her relatively good temperament. While she often did unexpected things in her pursuit of freedom, she generally didn't display any hostility towards outsiders.
If she happened to be in a good mood, bestowing such blessings was quite ordinary.
With a casual wave, Cyrine summoned a massive stone door from the void. The ancient carvings on it bore the marks of time.
*Creak—*
The heavy door slowly opened to the sides, revealing a chaotic interior where nothing could be seen clearly.
"Inside is Avalon. Go on, Vivian is waiting for you." Cyrine smiled.
"Thank you."
Arkhan nodded slightly and led the group into the stone door.
Guinevere, who was walking at the back, glanced back and noticed Kay still standing in place. She asked in confusion, "Kay, aren't you coming with us?"
"Huh? What?" Kay was momentarily disoriented, and before he could react, a voluptuous figure suddenly embraced him tightly.
"Mmph...!"
"You go ahead, and as for him..." Cyrine looked at Kay, who was pressed against her chest, with a bright smile on her delicate face. "Leave him to me."
"Umm, but..."
Guinevere hesitated, her face showing some doubt, recalling Arkhan's warning.
"You should know me best; I'm not that kind of fairy." Cyrine said while winking one of her eyes, her smile seemingly ambiguous as she looked at Guinevere.
A hint of confusion flashed in Guinevere's eyes, and then she seemed to understand something and nodded.
"Well... Kay, wait here for a moment. We'll be right back." Guinevere said with an unsure tone and then turned to enter the door.
"W-Wait! Don't leave me behind, I want to go too...!"
Kay struggled hard and finally managed to break free, but in front of him was only an empty flower field, with no sign of the stone door.
His face turned pale, and a look of despair filled his eyes.
Suddenly, a warm, soft body pressed against his back, and a sweet fragrance filled his senses.
"A stiff knight can't win a noble lady's heart you know~ Let me show you the joy of freedom~"