The Hero's Demonic Return

Gawain and Arthur

There are twelve kingdoms ruled over by twelve monarchs. Ten of these high-status individuals are the former allies of Mordred who fought alongside him before later betraying him. Then there are two more whom the ten monarchs chose for themselves to rule over smaller kingdoms and meager populations.

As for the ones that are ruled over by they who have been dubbed as “Knight Heroes”, they have things better for them. Larger kingdom. Better populations. Safer locations. They also have people who help them take care of the kingdom. All they have to do is appear to the populace and make a couple of waves while the money of their people are siphoned by these bastards.

One of these ten is the knight named Gawain. The man who stands as the vanguard of the group and stayed in the frontline during the battle against the forces of the Great Demon Lord. Now that this has passed, he is the ruler of the Felsen Kingdom.

The man has aged well within the ten years that passed after the war against the demons. Even without having to work out or train, his body remained in top shape because of a particular skill that he owns that’s called [Herculean Body].

This passive skill ensures that he will always have a bulky and strong physique, with his muscles being chiseled to the point that he looks like a masterpiece of a sculpture. More than this, the same skill is the source of his strength – making him both strong and sturdy.

Other than this there is the clear change of his appearance from the time that he was still actively fighting demons and monsters. His youthfulness has vanished – replaced by fine lines and graying hair. Making him look elegant as he dons his black coat mixed with ash gray lines and golden buttons which stands out from his clothing as much as his blue eyes does.

This man is currently standing in front of a portal gate. One that is specifically designed to only allow the ten knight heroes to pass through. This is basically an instant teleportation that allows the heroes to jump from one kingdom to the next. Though they cannot do so without the permission of the ruler of the kingdom in question.

Gawain received the notification through the ring he’s wearing. The same one that the other heroes wear. From this, depending on the color that would come out, Gawain will know which ruler wishes to pass through. He can then grant permission by going to the portal and placing his ring on it. Activating the path which allows another hero to pass.

That being said, the one who passe through the portal at that moment is none other than the leader of the knights. The man whose strength is only second to Mordred. Arthur Pendragon.

Wearing a coat of pure white, he is the complete opposite of Gawain. This knight has a slender figure with his body still being in top shape. Arthur has long golden hair that’s tied to a high pony, with some streaks of these being silver. Glowing and shinning whenever the hero basks in sunlight.

His clothing is mixed with golden lines, with the symbol of a dragon being placed on the top left of his chest. Made as a pin that’s crafted using nothing less but the finest of gems. Just like Gawain, his eyes are crystal blue, the same color as the eyes of every other hero who participated in the war against the demon lord – eyes that are now directed towards Gawain.

“You sure took your sweet time.” Arthur said as soon as he’s through. A smile slowly grew on his lips.

“You could’ve sent a letter first if you wanted to get through quickly.” Gawain commented.

“There’s no time for that. I’m in a bit of a hurry. My kingdom isn’t going to run itself after all.” Arthur stated as a matter of fact.

“Yeah? Well don’t you think the same is true with me?” Gawain commented. “We are lords over the land now Arthur. You can’t just force my time out of my busy schedule. I thought we’ve cleared that out by now.”

“Well yes. But this is urgent. That’s why I wasn’t able to go through the formalities and such.” Arthur’s eyes remained staring at Gawain’s. Their eyes locked with neither backing away; allowing the later to notice the change in Arthur’s expression.

“What have you done about the matter that we discussed?” Arthur asked.

“You mean the opening of the portals? Don’t worry about it.” Gawain replied. “There are already a couple of hunting groups that went to the forest.”

As he went to this portal, Gawain already had an idea of what it is that Arthur would be coming for. He isn’t dumb. There are certain things that the ten heroes share in terms of thinking. Their time together in the battlefield strengthened this further. That’s why Gawain already knows what Arthur came for and, that’s why he already has the answer. Giving it right away.

“Hunting groups?” Arthur raised an eyebrow. “Do you take this for a joke? What if…”

“What? A new demon lord is born?” Gawain finished, knowing exactly what it is that’s going through Arthur’s mind.

“That’s not gonna happen. The prophecy clearly stated that Dantes is the final demon lord. That’s why he’s the strongest and that’s why he has the title of “Great Demon Lord.” We were all there Arthur. We all saw how he died. We all saw how he burned alongside that bastard.”

Gawain didn’t bother mentioning the name of Mordred. Almost as if the mention of it would kill him or curse him. Almost as if there are pairs of ears that are listening on them from these thick soundproof walls.

“You’re downplaying this too much Gawain.” Arthur commented. “Even if Dantes is dead, there’s a chance for a new demon general to step up to the plate and take up the role of demon lord. If we keep the monsters and demons unchecked, then we may be setting ourselves up for another war.”

“Please, we’re already actively killing monsters by using the hunting guild system right? Any kind of danger are handled by those suicidal idiots who want to earn a living by killing monsters.” Gawain commented.

“If anything bad comes out of this, I’d like you to know that the fault and blame goes on you. Do you understand that at least?” Arthur suddenly blurted.

“You think you have the right to speak down to me like that?” Gawain answered back in a sharp tone. “Who do you think you are?”

The two stared dangerously at each other at that point. One can see the brows of Gawain furrowing while Arthus is also giving back a sharp glare. Neither is backing down because of who they are. The rulers of their respective kingdoms and, the absolute authority as far as that is concerned.

But more than these things, they both have inferiority complex. Just like the rest of the heroes, they don’t want to feel weaker than anyone else. They don’t want to go back to the same feeling of incompetence that they experienced when they watched Mordred singlehandedly fight the great demon lord Dantes…but neither of them knows this or, rather, neither of them acknowledges it.

“You dare?” Arthur replied.

“This is the best decision that can be made by my kingdom.” Gawain added. “As it stands, my soldiers are already busy with their drills. They can’t be bothered with a meager task with dangers that aren’t even guaranteed. Who do you think would look like a fool if I send them out and all they have to take care of are goblins huh?”

“What? You’re now scared of a bit of rumor and gossiping among your constituents? You’ve really fallen lower and lower haven’t you?” Arthur proudly asked.

“It’s easy for you to be this cocky and arrogant because this isn’t your kingdom. You aren’t he one that’s going to be affected if bad decisions or calls are made. That’s me. I’m the one who’s going to take the full blunt of all that.” Gawain said in reply.

There isn’t any kind of response that Arthur can make to this because, anyone with a single braincell can understand that it is Gawain who is right. The things that Gawain are saying are as true as can be. Arthur is not the monarch of this kingdom and so, he won’t be affected by any bad decisions. That’s why he can order Gawain around so cockily and confidently like this.

“I will take care of everything that’s within my kingdom’s jurisdiction. You have no right telling me how I’m going to do that.” Gawain added.

Things continued heating up and, a proof of that is the aura of the King of Felsen that’s slowly becoming hostile. Arthur can feel this of course, it’s easy enough to do so when Gawain isn’t holding it back.

A single movement of Arthur’s hand to the hilt of his weapon, that’s all it would take for things to escalate beyond proportion. The two will probably fight and, in the wake of their wrath, the whole of Gawain’s kingdom will be the one affected. But that’s not happening.

“You’re right. This is your kingdom Gawain so, I will leave everything in your hands.” These are the words that Arthur suddenly uttered. His voice lowering and the hostility in it disappearing as well.

“I just want you to know that I wish for nothing more but the best for all of us. That’s why I’m concerned about the progress on the task you’re left with.”

“Stop babbling Arthur. I know who you are already.” Gawain simply replied. “Now get out of my kingdom before I force you to.”

Arthur didn’t give any reply anymore. The only thing that this person offered is a deep sigh as he turned his back at Gawain and walked back towards the portal. The inscription on the wall began to glow at that moment, starting up Arthur’s teleportation back to his kingdom and as this happened, the hot-headed Gawain can only think of one thing.

That he doesn’t want to be lectured nor bothered any further. For this to happen, there’s only a single decision that he needs to make. Gawain will go to the Forest of the Lost himself. Gawain, one of the ten heroes, will finish the search with his own hands.