Chapter 19: Chapter 19: Gates and heroes

    Odette''s expression shifted to one of slight concern. "Your Majesty, it almost sounds as if you''ve never heard of the heroes and the gates before."

    Arthur quickly composed himself, his tone calm and measured. "Of course, I know what they are. But I''d like to hear your perspective on them, starting from the basics. It''s always valuable to hear things explained through another''s eyes."

    In truth, Arthur''s mind was racing. He had tried countless times to recall those specific events from the memories of the original Arthur, but they always escaped him. Whenever he tried to recall them, a grey fog seemed to block the details, unable to penetrate it at all.

    Arthur knew he couldn''t afford to reveal this gap in his knowledge. The concept of heroes and gates was undoubtedly fundamental—something everyone in this world would know. If he acted as if he doesn''t know, it would surely raise suspicions about his identity.

    Since his transmigration, Arthur''s behavior had already diverged from the original Arthur Jr.''s reputation. While people might find these changes surprising, they could be explained as the king maturing or turning over a new leaf. However, forgetting something as crucial as the heroes and gates? That would cast doubt on his very existence.

    Thus, he chose his words carefully, masking his lack of knowledge under the guise of curiosity.

    Odette relaxed slightly and began her explanation. "Your Majesty, gates and heroes are phenomena that recur every fifty years. When the gates first appeared a thousand years ago, they seemed harmless at first—scattered across the Nova continent. For two years, they remained inactive, and people grew curious but wary.

    "Then the unimaginable happened. After 2 years, creatures began pouring out of the gates—goblins, orcs, minotaurs, and other monstrous beings, all driven by instinct to destroy. Villages were razed, and cities fell. Humanity fought back, but the attacks were relentless, and the waves of monsters only grew stronger.

    She continued, her tone more deliberate. "From what I''ve heard, the Final Gate is unlike any other. It only appears three years after the gates first manifest, around the time when powerful and intelligent species emerge from the regular gates. The Final Gate is enormous—ten times the size of a regular gate—and its appearance is strikingly different.

    "Regular gates resemble bluish-white circular portals, roughly the size of the castle''s main gates. But the Final Gate? It''s a deep, blood-red portal, pulsing with an ominous aura, and it towers over everything. Its sheer presence is enough to instill fear in anyone who sees it."

    Arthur absorbed the explanation, his mind racing with unasked questions: ''Why can only priests from the Caelvaris Kingdom summon heroes? What do these heroes even look like?'' Yet, he refrained from voicing them. Asking such fundamental questions might raise suspicion with Odette and Klein. Instead, Arthur chose to hold back his curiosity and said, "Thank you for sharing your perspective on the matter."

    Odette offered a polite nod and replied, "It''s my pleasure, Your Majesty."

    After a brief pause, Arthur turned to both Odette and Klein with a spark of interest. "Before I leave this area, would it be possible for the two of you to have a mock battle? I''d like to see how a mage and a knight fight against each other."

    The suggestion was met with a moment of silence as both Odette and Klein exchanged glances. Finally, Klein spoke, his tone measured. "If Ms. Odette is willing, I''d be happy to spar. Of course, I can offer her a handicap to ensure the fight is fair."

    Odette gave a small smile, her expression a mix of curiosity and determination. "I wouldn''t mind. Testing my skills against a strong knight like Captain Klein would be a valuable experience. This could be a good opportunity."

    Arthur''s face lit up with appreciation. "That''s wonderful. Thank you both for agreeing to my request."