I Died And Reincarnated Into Marvel as Goddess Artoria

Chapter 23: Chapter 23



POV: Artoria Pendragon

Camelot

The bright midday sun bathed Camelot's plaza in golden light, its rays reflecting off the intricate mosaics that adorned the ground. The plaza was vast, its beauty a testament to the divine craftsmanship of Rhongomyniad.

Surrounding it were buildings of immaculate design, ivory walls, golden domes, and stained-glass windows that cast colorful patterns on the streets below.

Cherry blossoms, remnants of the Japanese-themed gardens, added a soft, natural elegance as their petals danced in the gentle breeze. A fountain stood at the plaza's center, its cascading water catching the sunlight like scattered jewels.

I stood within the grand hall just inside the castle's gates, my fingers grazing the hilt of Rhongomyniad as I regarded my reflection in an ornate mirror.

Gone was the relaxed Avalon attire. In its place, my regal Goddess Armor gleamed, a shining white and gold ensemble, accented with a flowing cape that seemed to ripple like liquid starlight. Rhongomyniad rested in my hand, a symbol of power and protection.

My helmet sat nearby, but I left it aside for now. I wanted the people to see me not just the armor of a king. 

"It's important they see a ruler, not a stranger. Yet, I wonder..." I sighed, adjusting the gauntlet on my arm.

"Will they accept what I offer? Or will they only see the weight of the past?"

I inhaled deeply, steadying myself. I was no stranger to speeches, but this was a new world, a new people. Yet, my resolve remained firm.

"Time to meet them," I murmured, gripping Rhongomyniad tightly.

"They deserve a leader who will meet them not as a tyrant, but as a protector."

With a nod to my assembled Enforcement Knights, I stepped into the light. The sound of my armored boots against the stone echoed through the passageway.

The crowd, gathered in the plaza below, came into view through the windows as I traveled the hall to the royal podium, a large, circular platform at the plaza's edge, elevated enough to command attention without towering over the civilians.

With a wave of my hand the knight, Dave, standing guard, the great doors swung open to the entrance of the podium, revealing me to the crowd.

A collective gasp rippled through the plaza as I stepped out, my presence undeniable. I strode forward with regal grace, my golden hair catching the sunlight like a halo.

As I ascended the steps to the royal podium at the plaza's end, my piercing light green eyes scanned the crowd.

I saw farmers with weathered hands, children clutching their parents, and even young adults with smartphones pointed at me, recording every moment. A faint smile tugged at my lips.

The Enforcement Knights, clad in their imposing silver armor, stood in disciplined lines around the perimeter, ensuring safety and order.

"This is humanity," I thought. "Resilient, curious, hopeful. They are worth protecting."

As I emerged onto the podium, the murmurs among the crowd hushed, replaced by awe-struck silence.

Hundreds of faces turned toward me: men, women, children, their expressions a mixture of curiosity, apprehension, and hope.

Most appeared British, I could tell from their accents and attire, but there were a few from different backgrounds, hinting at the diversity of this new era.

Reaching the center podium, I turned to face the gathered crowd.

Rhongomyniad glowed faintly in my hand, its light soft yet commanding. I raised it slightly, and the murmurs among the people quieted.

"People of this land," I began, my voice clear and resonant, carrying across the plaza.

"I am Artoria Pendragon. Once, I ruled a kingdom called Camelot, a place of hope, justice, and unity."

I paused, letting my words settle over the crowd. A young boy near the front stared up at me with wide eyes, his small hand clutching a wooden toy sword. I offered him a soft smile before continuing.

"Perhaps you have heard the stories, of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. Tales of valor, but also of failure. I am no stranger to the mistakes of the past. Yet, it is those very mistakes that guide me now."

A ripple of murmurs spread through the crowd. Some nodded in understanding, while others exchanged wary glances.

"I did not summon this Camelot to rule over you as a perfect king," I said, my voice gaining warmth.

"I know now that perfection is not the duty of a king. My role is to serve, to guide, and to protect. This city, these walls, they are not meant to divide us. They are meant to shelter all who seek peace."

The crowd was silent, hanging on my every word. I continued, my tone softening slightly.

"I will not claim to be perfect. I have made mistakes, as all leaders do. But I have learned from them. And here, in this world that is unfamiliar yet full of potential, I wish to build a Camelot that belongs not to me, but to you, to all of humanity."

A young boy, perhaps no older than ten, whispered loudly to his mother, "Is she a superhero?"

The comment brought a wave of light chuckles from the crowd. I allowed herself a small smile.

"I am no superhero," i said, addressing the boy directly, my gaze warm.

"I am simply a King who wishes to serve her people. But if you wish for a protector, then yes, I shall be that as well."

My gaze swept over the civilians, my Fairy Eyes shimmering faintly as I read their emotions: fear, hope, doubt. I raised Rhongomyniad slightly, its brilliance casting a soft glow over the plaza.

"Let this Camelot be a sanctuary for all humanity, a place where you can live without fear, where your children can dream without limit. I do not ask for your worship or your blind loyalty. I only ask that you give me a chance to prove my resolve."

A middle-aged man in the crowd stepped forward, his voice shaking but determined.

"And... what happens if we refuse? If we choose to leave?"

I met his gaze, my expression calm. "You are free to go, as you are free to stay. Camelot is not a prison. It is a home for those who seek one."

My response seemed to ease the tension. A woman stepped forward next, her hands clasped together.

"You said... you're Artoria Pendragon? King Arthur? But you're... a woman....a goddess?"

I chuckled softly, the sound both light and self-aware. "A title given, not one I sought. What I am now is less important than what I wish to do."

The crowd murmured again, but this time, the tone was softer, less apprehensive. I allowed herself a moment of relief, then continued.

"From this day forward, Camelot's gates will remain open to all who wish to join us. Food, shelter, and protection will be offered freely. My Enforcement Knights will ensure your safety. But know this: this city's foundation is built on trust and unity. Let us uphold that together."

My expression turned serious as I raised Rhongomyniad slightly, the lance shining like a beacon.

"This lance, Rhongomyniad, is a symbol of my oath. With it, I forged this city, this Camelot. It stands as a testament to what we can achieve together, a sanctuary for those who seek peace, a stronghold for those who fight for justice, and a home for all who wish to belong."

The crowd erupted in applause, a mix of cheers and tears. I felt a lump in my throat, but I maintained my composure. I continued, my voice carrying both strength and vulnerability.

"I do not promise perfection, but I do promise this: I will stand by you. I will lead you with honor, and together, we shall build a future where no one is left behind. This is my vow as your King."

The applause grew louder, and even some of the Enforcement Knights, usually stoic, exchanged approving glances. I lowered Rhongomyniad, my gaze sweeping across the crowd once more.

"This is but the beginning," I said, rising and addressing the crowd once more.

"Together, we can build a future worthy of the name Camelot. One where no one stands alone."

As the applause continued, I stepped back, the weight of my words settling in. For now, the people had hope, and that was enough.

"Come," I said, my tone inviting.

"Explore the city, make it your own. Camelot is no longer just a dream, it is our reality."

As the people began to disperse, exploring the exquisite buildings and gardens, I descended from the podium, my heart lighter than it had been in years.

I knew the road ahead would be challenging, but for the first time in a long while, I felt something I hadn't allowed myself to feel: hope. 

Well Raphael, if I am going to be rule this new Camelot, I am going to need so help. I guess it's finally time to summon some help.

Next chapter will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Tip: You can use left, right, A and D keyboard keys to browse between chapters.