Imp to Demon King: A Journey of Conquest-Chapter 345: Friend Karna, Teacher Karna

Gawain’s mouth opened to retort, but he cut him off immediately. "Excalibur will refuse to submit to him, but the scabbard—the embodiment of protection and justice—acknowledged his pure soul. Are you a better judge than it is?"

Gawain closed his mouth, the question striking the core of his beliefs. No matter what, he didn’t believe chivalry was incorrect. It was a set of rules ensuring fair battles to grant victory to the most skilled side. But he couldn’t dismiss Merlin’s words, either.

How many kids, their eyes filled with dreams, charged against hordes of barbarian tribes valiantly never to return? How many weeping mothers and widows had he seen after returning to Camelot? They were uncountable...

No. It was even worse, making him see a glaring inconsistency at the heart of their system. How did it make sense for knights to protect the orphans and widows when they created them?

And to upturn his understanding a little more, the scabbard recognised his vile methods. Just thinking about it caused his heart to throb as if spectral fingers squeezed it.

Everything was too different. As Merlin said, times have changed. He had to adapt or continue on this flawed path, eternally doomed to watch innocents suffer because of their misled beliefs.

His lips quivered in hesitation, the surreal words about to leave them weighing on his guts like one of the Stonehenge stones. With a headshake, he gathered his courage and leapt, hoping for a brighter future. "I’ll join him. What does he need me to do?"

"You made the right choice." Merlin smiled, then covered his lips and glanced sideways. "Before anything, I forgot to tell you something, a detail, next to nothing, really..."

"I doubt you can tell me anything worse than poising enemies." Gawain half-joked. Yet, Merlin’s answer almost made him choke on his saliva.

"Our lord, Adam... He’s not human. He’s half demon, half dragon. Many of his subjects are demons, too. That’s why I teleported us."

"And you only mention this now?!" Gawain slammed his fist on the table, veins bulging on his red face. "You know I’m a firm believer. I searched for the holy grail not because you asked me to but because it was part of my faith. But you... you..."

Merlin waved his hand, dismissing the accusations. "So what? Is someone good because he’s born human? Is someone evil because he’s a demon? I won’t deny the general trend, but please, don’t judge people on their lineages. That’s what nobles did with commoners."

Gawain clenched his jaw, his words sharp. "Your head would roll on the ground if Galahad was here."

Merlin shrugged. "I wouldn’t have summoned him. On the other hand, you have the determination to question your beliefs and move forward. You also already have the answer, but that’s something I’ll let you remember on your own."

"The green knight?"

Merlin nodded. "Indeed. It was an amusing misadventure that taught you how misleading appearances can be. Now, take the day to observe humans, elves, and demons live in peace here. Tomorrow, we depart to find the grail."

Gawain rose, nodding reluctantly. "Won’t I meet the lord, this Adam, first?"

"He’s not in the city." Merlin shook his head and pointed down. "He’s travelling the underworld, and we must find the grail before he reaches Tartarus."

Gawain glared at Merlin for a second. "Where did you even summon me? The more you talk, the more it feels like poor pleasantry."

"Yet, everything is true. You can even meet the legendary Gilgamesh if you head to the castle. Ozymandias should be around, too. Oh! You should definitely befriend Karna. He’s a model of compassion and a fiercely loyal warrior. Just like you, he’s attuned to the sun."

Intrigued by the mention of Karna, Gawain’s brow rose. "He must be as just as me, then. Is he a demon, too?"

"He’s human. Walk ten kilometers east, and you’ll meet him." Merlin handed him his golden identification badge and a pouch filled with gold coins. "The guards will let you in if you show it. Stop by the city later and enjoy the territory’s delicacies."

Gawain strapped them to his green belt, lowering his head in gratitude. "I won’t impose on you any longer." He walked to the door before he turned. "Merlin... Thank you for bringing me back. This short discussion showed me how much I have to learn. I don’t know if you’re right, but I should at least give your words a chance."

As Merlin smiled, he strode out of the tower, eager to expand his worldview.

After traversing the lush forest and appreciating its musty scent, the grand academy’s gates greeted his eyes. He paused, observing the people entering and leaving.

Indeed, humans were present, smiling alongside demons as if they were no different. Even the guards were from different species, yet cooperated to check the students’ identifications. Was he dreaming?

Even in Camelot, humans didn’t seem as close to each other. And this was just the academy, making him wonder what he’d see in the city.

With determined steps, he walked to the guards, showed them the golden badge, then entered after thanking them.

In the colorful garden, his eyes widened, the same harmonious sight striking him. But his eyes couldn’t help but lock on a white-haired man.

The sturdy muscles hidden beneath his dark and gold clothes didn’t fool him. It was a warrior—a powerful one at that.

Yet, his gentle smile as he played with the younger children and the encouraging words he heard during his approach contrasted with the ever-stern knightly image he knew about. It felt more like this man didn’t care about his rank or prestige and was like a big brother to those children of different species.

Passing through the kids, he nodded and asked. "I’m sir Gawain. Are you by any chance, sir Karna?"

"Mhh?" Karna observed him, his red eyes sparkling. "Give me a moment, children." He stretched his hand toward Gawain, a soft smile tugging at his lips. "Nice to meet you. But please, don’t call me sir. I’m just a teacher. How can I help you, friend?"

Gawain frowned. He had expected a more ceremonial first meeting. But Karna already called him a friend?

He coughed, a little lost by the cultural difference. Still, he felt strangely at ease. "Nothing much. I just arrived, and honestly, I have a few reservations about the... diversity."

Karna slapped his pauldron with an amused smile, surprising him. "We all had, but you’ll understand they’re useless after a day or two. I have no more classes today, so I can help you tour the city if you want."

"I’ll be in your care, Karna. But tell me, are you that kind to everyone, or is it because of my armor?" Gawain asked, a sliver of suspicion gnawing at him.

However, Karna didn’t need to answer; the children did it for him.

"Teacher Karna is the kindest human in the world!" A young succubus chirped, tugging at Karna’s pants with a bright smile.

A human boy crossed his arms, annoyed that his role model would leave. "Tsk. Does this man think he’s special?"

Karna clapped his hands. "Alright, children. Don’t offend our guests over a question, and don’t forget: everyone has different opinions. We must accept them even if we don’t always agree."

He waved the reluctant kids goodbye and gestured for Gawain to follow him.

Meanwhile, Gawain frowned so much that ravines seemed to dig into his forehead. Accept others’ opinions? Inconceivable with Camelot’s narrow-minded views. There was only a single code everyone had to follow. Disobedience was a sin, rejecting a heresy.

So, why did Karna’s approach feel fresh and worth studying? Conflicted yet eager, he ventured into the city, bonding with Karna and discovering the marvels built by a diverse society emphasising freedom and personal achievements over rigid rules.

Meanwhile, the wind blew a flamboyant cape at the opposite end of the universe, causing brown fur to rustle in front of an ancient cave.

---

AN: Any guess on who it is? :D