Chapter 8: Bearing Everything, Then Becoming the White Dragon's Minion

Vortigern's words were far from as amiable as they seemed; this was an extremely vicious tactic.

You realized that if you followed his instructions, the rumors spread by Morgan would become reality in another way, and you would immediately become King Uther's enemy.

Although you had long anticipated such a situation, when truly faced with it, you still showed a hint of hesitation.

Vortigern noticed this hint of hesitation in you.

He spoke to you once more.

"Young man, it seems your resolve to seek my protection isn't quite sufficient."

Vortigern stood up, turning his back to Ian.

The light from outside slanted through the tent flap, as if drawing a path before Ian.

"Leave, young man. Since you are unwilling to be their enemy, then return to where you belong and accept the punishment you deserve."

Ian knew that at this moment, he wasn't facing the question of whether to leave or not.

Rather, it was whether he should temporarily become Vortigern's minion and strike at his former colleagues, in order to fulfill his promise to Morgan.

—What is there to think about?

The person he swore allegiance to would always be Morgan.

"King of Betrayal, I understand."

"From this day forth, I shall bear all of this and begin slaying the enemy."

Vortigern smiled.

"A wise choice."

"Go wreak havoc in Britain for me. When your achievements are outstanding, I shall tell you a secret."

Talent [White Dragon's Minion] acquired: You are active on the front lines, fighting against the former Royal Knights to carry out Morgan's mission. They call you the White Dragon's minion.

Talent [Affinity · Evil] has been strengthened to [Affinity · Extreme Evil]: You display your intentions with the most extreme violence. Only this way can you temporarily forget the pain of striking at your comrades.

Talent [Battle Continuation+] has been strengthened to [Battle Continuation++]: Morgan has become the sole support for your soul's progress. You often hear her voice in hallucinations, and before completing her commission, no matter what injury you suffer, you will surely rise again.

You actually played a little trick.

You never swore loyalty to Vortigern, nor did you accept rewards from him.

You refused to betray Morgan.

However, no one questioned your loyalty, because even Vortigern's former confidants were never as brave as you, able to counter Britain's army with overwhelming force.

You struggled in the pain of killing your former comrades, only able to barely fall asleep by repeatedly calling Morgan's name in your heart late at night.

You began to have hallucinations, often seeing Morgan standing before you, demanding that you kneel and submit.

On this day, Vortigern called you to the mountaintop.

"Well done, young man."

The aged Vortigern gazed into the distance, his imposing presence undiminished.

"It has been a long time since I've seen someone as brave as you."

Ian did not reply to Vortigern, but merely nodded silently.

He did not acknowledge Vortigern as his king, but was merely following him temporarily for Morgan's plan.

"Young man, you are still the same as before."

Vortigern held his sword and looked back at Ian.

"Ian, answer me one question: that day, did you truly intend to leave me?"

Knowing that Vortigern was referring to the day he woke up and Vortigern personally came to visit, Ian answered directly without hesitation:

"I had no such intention."

Ian did not lie.

No matter how many times he recalled that moment, he clearly knew he would not choose to leave.

The mission Morgan had entrusted to him was not yet complete, and even if it meant enduring more infamy, he had to bear it.

"Actually, it wouldn't have mattered if you left."

Vortigern looked directly at Ian.

"Because I always make two preparations. You would not have been able to leave here alive that day."

"..."

Ian always felt there was a hidden meaning in Vortigern's words.

However, he couldn't think of a good answer, so he could only echo Vortigern's statement.

"King of Betrayal, perhaps this proves that my luck occasionally works wonders."

"Is that so? Hahaha," Vortigern let out a rare hearty laugh, "I hope so."

"Young man, you have achieved great military feats for me. I shall tell you a secret."

Although Vortigern was the King of Betrayal, he possessed the magnanimity that a true king should have.

He told you the truth of the decline of the Age of Gods, and that Britain was facing unprecedented upheaval.

You realized that what Vortigern carried might far exceed imagination.

But at the same time, you thought of a possibility that should have existed.

"Why not tell King Uther about these matters...?"

Ian asked Vortigern his first, and last, question since joining his ranks.

"If Britain is facing such turmoil, we should rightfully join hands."

"Heh, do you think he doesn't know?" Vortigern's smile faded, "Young man, if he truly had that intention, you and I wouldn't be here now."

"..."

Vortigern was right.

King Uther had no intention of negotiating peace with Vortigern.

The so-called joining of hands was impossible from the start.

There could only be one true King of Britain, always and everywhere.

Vortigern did not tell you anything more. His war with King Uther continued.

The scope of the conflict grew wider and wider, and every inch of Britain seemed to echo with the roar of hooves and the clash of swords.

You knew that many of these actions were at your hand, yet you were powerless to change them.

Your hallucinations grew more severe; occasionally, people would see you talking to yourself in an empty space.

But only you knew that this was the only way you could see Morgan now.

However, no one paid attention to these things, because your performance on the battlefield remained heroic, and you never accepted Vortigern's rewards, instead transferring them to others, taking nothing for yourself.

As the White Dragon's minion, you gradually became the commander of one of Vortigern's armies.

Finally, the moment of the decisive battle arrived.

You knew you were about to face Britain's truly powerful forces.

You would fight against the Knights of Britain.

The horn sounded, and the great battle was on the verge of breaking out, with both armies charging like a tide from two sides.

But you, usually so brave, were distracted at this moment.

Because on the opposing side, you saw a familiar figure who should not have been there.

Morgan, the Princess, had come to the very front line of the battlefield!