51 Teacher

Artorius, in the end, reached a 'contract' with Scathach. It was a 'Geis', an unbreakable oath in Celtic magecraft.

Scathach agreed to teach Artorius everything she knew. She would teach him as much as he could learn.

That was the 'price' Artorius had to pay.

As for Scathach, her 'price' was to 'seriously discuss with Artorius,' to engage in a 'matter that concerned the fate of the world.' And as long as Artorius proposed a viable plan, she would 'provide him with sufficient assistance.'

Thus, this Geis, this oath, was sealed. This wicked and unequal treaty was established under Scathach's coercion...

Originally, she only intended to teach, not to assist in his matters. But Artorius Pendragon remained steadfast. He shamelessly declared that his learning was not for sale. He wouldn't be her disciple unless he was paid enough.

In the end, Scathach had to compromise.

Then, looking at this kid before her, whining as if greatly wronged, Scathach realized she had been deceived.

Damn it.

She had to be his teacher and teach him skills. She had to help him tirelessly with significant tasks... It seemed like she was being taken advantage of inside and out?

What's more, this kid even looked at her with a resentful gaze. Then, Artorius spoke, "I am prepared, Teacher."

He stood up, facing Scathach's gloomy and angry gaze, and firmly declared, "Although this contract was signed by your coercion and intimidation, as a knight, a leader, and a good person who keeps promises, I will fulfill our contract without compromise."

"It's best if you think that way."

"Teacher, your smile is so wicked. Did you eat something wrong?"

"Not really. Teacher has contracted a strange illness. It's called 'Can't resist bullying a cute and troublesome pretty boy.'"

"Teacher, please don't joke around. Such a funny illness doesn't exist in this world... Teacher, what's wrong with you, Teacher?! Please don't come closer with that terrifying face! No, no, Teacher, What are you doing—!"

After ruthlessly tormenting Artorius's adorable, handsome face for a gruesome half hour, Scathach finally regained her cold and tranquil demeanor. Like a brilliant mandrake flower from the land of the dead, enchanting and untouchable.

At the same time, Artorius rubbed his reddish face, looking at his future teacher with a resentful gaze.

Although he occasionally still pretended to be a pure and innocent boy, he was actually sixteen years old, goddammit! Being treated like a child and having his face pinched ruthlessly, it was really...

"Alright, stop pretending."

Once again, Scathach spoke these words, "I'm delighted that you're cooperating with my torment. But it's a bit much to put on such a pitiful expression."

"No, this time I'm not pretending."

Artorius continued to look at her with a pitiful gaze, "Teacher, you really hurt me, a fragile and pure-hearted youth with wounded pride."

"You..."

Hearing Artorius say this, Scathach shook her head in resignation, "Always smiling and lying, I don't even know which of your words to believe."

"Then believe them all." Artorius had a confident demeanor, "As your disciple, I would never deceive my teacher, right?"

Scathach chuckled.

The purple-haired beauty stretched her slender and graceful figure, pleasing Artorius's eyes.

Scathach had no comment on his pervert's gaze. She had already had her fill today. And she didn't dislike Artorius, who was so cunning and calculating little devil.

Because she knew that the more Artorius used words, thoughts, and ideas, the more he gained advantages.

A clever, sly, handsome, and exceptional little devil like him, she genuinely didn't dislike at all.

"Starting tomorrow, embrace your own hell." Scathach said to Artorius, "I'll train you well, Artorius."

After saying these words, she turned around and disappeared without a trace. Perhaps she had returned to the Land of Shadows.

At the same time, Artorius waited a while but realized he still hadn't woken up from the dream.

"Isn't it time yet? Where can I go next?"

He muttered to himself.

In the 'Dreamland' within the 'Reverse Side', one could theoretically go anywhere, yet it felt like one couldn't go anywhere at all. The only two reliable options were Avalon and the holy spring, the two landmarks etched in memory.

"Should I go and settle things with that pink-haired woman, the things we didn't finish yesterday? Or should I comfort my big sister Vivian's injured heart? It's really difficult to decide."

Artorius pondered over this matter. Then he decided that going to Avalon was indeed more important. After all, big sister Vivian was so 'soft' and easily fooled. It would be too mean if he didn't treat her well.

With that thought in mind, Artorius appeared next to the holy spring.

Then he undressed and began bathing.

The water in the spring was cool. All the mental trauma from his brawl with Scathach had vanished.

But why had he ended up here instead of heading to Avalon? Could it be that deep down he was actually a worthless scumbag?

'No, that's definitely not it. I just got lost, that's all. Tomorrow, I'll reach the real Avalon, definitely.'

Artorius immersed his whole body in the holy spring and blew bubbles. That's what he thought in his heart.

At the same time, in the woods beside the holy spring, the treetops rustled slightly, shifting position.

===

The next morning, despite getting his head bashed by Scathach, Artorius considered himself fortunate, thanks to the healing properties of the holy spring.

So when Artorius woke up the next day, he felt refreshed. His mind was clear, and his efficiency in doing things had greatly improved.

'The effect of that spring is really quite impressive. I should visit it often in the future,' Artorius thought happily, completely unaware that something interesting had happened at the holy spring after he left.

"Damn it!"

It was Medb, the one Artorius had been searching for all day yesterday, but couldn't find anywhere.

After Artorius had left, the joy she had felt from secretly watching the handsome youth bathe vanished, leaving only embarrassment and regret.

She gritted her teeth and walked toward the holy spring.

"This spring belongs to me, and yet he dared to bathe in it..."

Muttering these words, Medb suddenly felt her mouth becoming dry and parched.

She was thirsty.

She needed to quench her thirst. So...

*Glug, Glug, Glug, Glug*