44 Human Potential

""True and chivalrous knights...""

Kay and Artoria muttered simultaneously and exchanged glances, their eyes showing a hint of curiosity.

Although chivalry was still highly regarded in Britain, in reality, those who embodied the true spirit of knighthood were few and far between.

Most people merely wore the title of a knight, concealing their vile deeds behind closed doors, no better than common thugs on the streets.

The Prince of Ganna was a prime example of such a character.

Kay and Artoria had received the most orthodox knightly education since childhood, so they naturally felt disgusted by those vile individuals who donned the cloak of knighthood.

Thus, Artoria had made a solemn vow that once she ascended to the throne, she would correct this situation and rekindle the true spirit of knighthood in the land.

Although she had not yet taken the throne herself, it seemed her teacher held similar ideals?

This realization filled her azure eyes with excitement and anticipation.

"A boring game. You could easily eliminate these fellows on your own, yet you insist on nurturing these 'true knights' bullshit. It seems you have too much time on your hands huh..."

A disdainful voice echoed in Arkhan's mind, courtesy of Nidhogg.

"Never underestimate the capability of humans, Nidhogg..."

Arkhan responded with a faint and mysterious smile.

"I understand that in the eyes of beings like you, humans may indeed appear small and insignificant. But even the tiniest firefly can illuminate the darkest corners. When countless fireflies come together, not even the stars in the sky can obscure their radiance. Even in the face of a long and arduous journey, the radiance of humanity will always shine through. With this light, we can forge a path to the future, accomplishing feats that even the gods cannot achieve. This is the boundless potential of humanity."

"Nice words, but who's to say if what you're saying is true or not." Nidhogg scoffed.

She never believed in the radiance of humanity. To her, it was a grand joke that these uncivilized monkeys thought they could achieve what even the gods couldn't.

If not for the decline of the Age of Gods, these humans would still be servants and playthings of the gods.

Nidhogg looked down upon not only the gods but also humanity itself.

Hearing Nidhogg's words, Arkhan remained unfazed, and calmly suggested, "Well then, how about we make a bet?"

Nidhogg's wariness instantly surged. Her previous experiences of being outwitted by him had taught her well, and she knew this man was both cunning and crafty.

At this point, Arkhan ranked second in terms of danger in her mind, closely trailing the old rogue, Odin.

Now, she scrutinized every word Arkhan spoke, searching for hidden traps.

"What do you propose we bet on?"

"Let's bet on... human potential."

Arkhan's smile remained gentle and warm, yet every word he uttered carried the weight of thunderbolts.

"I will personally create an army capable of slaying gods." 

"Huh!? Are you joking with me?" Nidhogg couldn't believe her ears. "I advise you not to be so impulsive. You've never even seen gods, you don't know how powerful they are—though, apart from those few main gods, the rest of the gods are just trash that I can easily crush underfoot. But the gap between mortals and gods is not something you can imagine."

"I believe in the potential of humanity—that's enough." Arkhan smiled.

"Hmph! Since you are so eager to lose, I'll grant your wish!" Nidhogg snorted disdainfully. "If you lose, after I'm free from this confinement, you must serve as my servant for ten years!"

"Since that's the case, I won't take advantage of you. If I end up winning, we'll go by your words, and you'll be my servant for ten years. No problem, right?" Arkhan grinned.

"Of course, no problem!" Nidhogg agreed quickly, as if afraid that Arkhan might change his mind.

Joking aside, in such a gamble, Nidhogg didn't even know how she would lose!

Ordinary humans dared to think of killing gods? This was the most absurd joke she had ever heard in her life.

Thinking she had already won, she had already begun to imagine the scenes of tormenting Arkhan.

By then, she would pay back all the bitterness and grievances she had suffered over the years from him, down to the last detail!

Although Arkhan and Nidhogg had communicated with their consciousness for a long time, in the real world, only an instant had passed.

"Sir Lamorak."

"Here!"

Lamorak knelt on one knee, his long spear resting aside, and bowed his head toward Arkhan.

"You will follow them in secret. If anyone is in mortal danger, rescue them. Understand?" Arkhan spoke with a solemn tone.

Although according to his estimation, there shouldn't be any major problems on this journey, plans on paper were still plans on paper after all, and reality often defied logic.

So, Arkhan intended to send Lamorak to be responsible for secret protection.

Originally, Arkhan had considered having Merlin handle this, but with that peculiar and capricious character of his, who knew what kind of trouble he might cause?

"Yes, I understand." Lamorak replied solemnly.

"Also, keep an eye on those people."

Arkhan pointed out a few knights who had been present earlier. Since he didn't know their names, he could only describe their characteristics.

"If those people also participate in the trial, find an opportunity to eliminate them."

Although those people hid their intentions well, their strong malice stood out like a beacon in front of someone who possessed Fenghuang Down and Jizo Mitama.

Arkhan didn't know their backgrounds and had no interest in distinguishing them one by one. If those people harbored ill intentions, he would not hesitate to act.

It was also an opportunity to give those lurking behind a warning.

Only when they felt pain would they understand that reaching too far would lead to consequences.

"Understood." Lamorak nodded again.

Arkhan couldn't help but sigh for a moment. If all his subordinates were like Lamorak, it would be perfect.

Powerful in combat, loyal, unquestioningly obedient to his orders, and not even asking for reasons.

There couldn't be a more perfect subordinate.

Arkhan contemplated for a moment and placed his hand on Lamorak's head, using the power of Fenghuang Down to transfer all the spear techniques he had learned from Scathach over the past sixteen years into Lamorak's consciousness.

A hint of emotion appeared on Lamorak's otherwise stoic face.

"Study these well. I look forward to the day you display them on the battlefield, my knight." Arkhan smiled and patted Lamorak's shoulder.

Lamorak lowered his head deeply and patted his chest with his hand.

"Your will is my mission!"