Fate: The Rise of Shikama Douji

In a vast and mysterious forest, three people were walking: a handsome man with silver hair and a playful smile on his lips, a beautiful girl with captivating eyes, and a good-looking young man. These three were Merlin, Artoria, and Kay. Merlin had taken Artoria on a journey to gain experience and see Britain. Of course, during this journey, Merlin had caused a lot of trouble for Artoria and Kay due to his mischievousness. Time and again, Artoria and Kay had found themselves in dangerous situations because of Merlin's antics.

As they walked through the forest, they suddenly heard footsteps. Artoria and Kay quickly placed their hands on the hilts of their swords, ready for any attack. At that moment, a young man with black hair and dark eyes, dressed in the classic attire of a wizard, emerged from among the trees. When Merlin and Artoria saw him, they felt a strange and unfamiliar sensation. Merlin, in particular, felt as though he should kneel and worship this man. This feeling was very peculiar for him, as Merlin was an emotionless and logical being.

Sweat dripping from his forehead, Merlin thought to himself: *This man is definitely not human. He must be a mythical creature or, more likely, a god.* But the question was, why would a god remain in this world? Hadn't all the gods gone to the reverse world or the world of dreams? Artoria also felt a similar sensation. The dragon blood within her body was intensely excited, as if it wanted to escape her body and be drawn toward this man. Her dragon heart was beating at an abnormal pace. Only Kay, being an ordinary human, couldn't understand these feelings, but his knightly instincts warned him that this man was dangerous.

Suddenly, the young man said in a playful tone, "Excuse me, I'm lost. Can you help me?" His acting was so good that it seemed he was genuinely lost. Merlin quickly concluded that this man must be hiding his true identity. He was certain that this man couldn't be an ordinary human. Perhaps he was a powerful god disguised as a mortal.

Merlin raised his hand and signaled Artoria and Kay to sheathe their swords. He was certain that defeating this man was impossible, and even escape would be out of the question. Therefore, he decided to pretend for now that he knew nothing. Even an emotionless being like Merlin felt a deep fear of Shikama Doji, a fear he had never experienced before.

Merlin said with a kind smile, "Of course, we'll help. It must have been tough getting lost in this monster-filled forest." If we were to say who the best actor in the world is, without a doubt, it would be Merlin. This emotionless incubus, who played his role as if he truly had feelings, was like the parasites that feed on human dreams and emotions.

Shikama Doji joined Merlin, Kay, and Artoria. Of course, they weren't very pleased, but they had no choice. As they walked, they remained ready to attack at any moment. The sky gradually darkened, and Kay lit a fire. In this group, only Kay had such skills. If he hadn't been on this journey, the trip would likely have ended on the very first day. If someone hadn't managed the supplies, Artoria would have eaten all the food!

As they gathered around the fire, Artoria stared at Shikama Doji with curiosity and caution. Shikama Doji also looked at her with a gentle smile and asked, "Do you have a question, young lady?"

Artoria cautiously replied, "We haven't introduced ourselves. My name is Artoria, and this young man is my brother Kay. And this scoundrel here is Merlin." When Merlin heard Artoria call him a scoundrel, he placed his hand on his chest and pretended to be genuinely upset. He thought to himself that this must be the rebellious phase of adolescence.

Shikama Doji, with the same playful smile, said, "Oh, it's a pleasure to meet you. My name is Sigama, a wandering wizard." As Merlin looked at Shikama Doji, he thought to himself that he didn't know such a person. He must have come from outside the island. Merlin was certain that his name and identity were also lies. He was likely a powerful god disguised as a mortal, playing a role.

At this moment, Merlin felt more danger than ever. He knew that this man was not only a threat to them but might also have greater plans in mind. But for now, he had no choice but to continue the act and wait for the right opportunity.