"Thank you, Mordred."

Merlin said, bowing her head to me. I was quite surprised. Merlin rarely bows her head to anyone.

She raised her head and her face brightened.

"Ah yes.", she clapped her hands, "How about this? If you survive three years against the Tear. I will guarantee a seat for you in Avalon."

I stared at her, dumbfounded. This girl switched moods in mere seconds.

What the heck?

"Are you serious?"

She nodded, "Surviving the Tear for three years is more than enough to get you into the elite classes."

"I don't have to do the entrance examinations?", I asked incredulously. She shook her head, "Nope. Just enter the gates and you're in."

I can't believe what I am hearing.

According to Mordred's memories, Avalon is the most prestigious organization in the entire world for training warlocks and Merlin is the High Chancellor.

It is difficult to enter but those who do enter the hallowed grounds of Avalon are considered to be among the best warlocks in the world.

And yes, Morgan is one of the top students in the Avalon despite her being a second-year student.

Considering how weak I am now, There is no way I will be able to enter but if what Merlin said about me getting stronger after three years is true, there is a chance.

I will live a life that will be very different from my past and for that, I must become stronger.

"That sounds good.", I replied.

Merlin shrugged, "Well. I do hope that you will die."

Oh, you little.

"But if you manage to survive, the gates of Avalon will be open for you.", she said with a smug smile, as if she was sure of my impending demise.

No way I am going down like that, you damn witch.

I sighed and continued on my search, "Yeah yeah. Whatever you say, Merlin."

She followed me, "By the way. Aren't you supposed to be ready?"

"I am looking for a suitcase. Thanks to Morgan, I don't have servants to get one for me. So I'm searching for the storage room."

"Oh that's all?", Merlin chuckled and snapped her fingers. I heard a door in the Dawn Palace open and a minute later I saw a suitcase flying at me in a gust of wind.

I yelped and dodged out of the way as the flying suitcase stopped midair right where I stood and dropped to the ground.

"Um. Thanks?", I said, picking it up.

"Speaking of Morgan.", Merlin spoke, "Today was the first time I saw her look so shaken. And you brought the stubborn and proud Elaine to tears."

She looked at me in wonder, "You have changed a lot, Mordred. Just what happened to you?"

This was the third time she asked me that question.

I just shrugged and turned to go to my room.

"I woke up, Merlin."

*******

Packing up was quicker than I thought. Mordred didn't have that many possessions in the first place.

I glanced at the laptop on my table and contemplated whether to take it.

Sure, it is a fascinating piece of technology, one that I had never seen. The information of the world, everything in that clamshell device.

Plus I can watch moving pictures called videos and play curious games in it.

But I will be going to a place where I might not get time to even sit down so maybe it's for the best I don't take it. Plus it was a gift from Gawain so I don't want it to get damaged in any way.

So I packed adequate clothes, my toothbrush, and other necessary stuff.

Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

"There, Done.", I closed the suitcase and looked around. All the memories I have of this room belonged to the Mordred of this world, so I don't have a special connection to it.

But this room is a witness to his life and I feel gratitude towards it.

Yeah. I am thanking a literal room. I'm cracked.

I stretched a bit, picked up my suitcase, and took one last look at my room before closing the door.

I do not know if I will return to this place.

Merlin was waiting for me outside the room. She leaned against the wall and was checking her phone. Her eyebrows perked up when she read something and then saw me.

"Ah. Ready to go?", she asked with a smile.

"You're acting like we're going on a vacation.", I said with a frown.

"Yeah. Consider this your last trip."

"Oh, I hate you, Merlin."

We walked side by side to the entrance hall. I stopped at the portrait of Morgause at the atrium and said goodbye.

"Please watch over me.", I said these words and followed Merlin.

She looked at me, "Oh yeah. I forgot to tell you this but Gawain has just returned from his mission."

A cold lump formed in my stomach.

Gawain.

The only person who was always with Mordred. He was not only his brother but Mordred's only friend in this world.

I was hoping to leave during his absence but now that he has returned, how do I face him? Will he notice that I am not his younger brother anymore?

These thoughts were answered when I and Merlin reached the main entrance of the Dawn Palace. There, standing at the central fountain of the courtyard was my brother.

He is three years older than me and he is a very handsome guy with a tall athletic figure, black raven hair tied in a ponytail, and emerald green eyes like Morgause.

As he had just returned from his mission, he was wearing a brown long coat over a silver and gold futuristic sleek armor that complimented well with his tanned complexion.

He is a cheerful guy who cares for his family, especially Mordred. He is quite supportive and would train and play with the youngest prince during his free time.

He is a gifted swordmaster and has all the qualities of a commander and adventurer. So the High King would usually send him on missions to hone his combat abilities.

In the past, he and Morgan would go on adventures but now since the latter has joined Avalon, Gawain has been doing his missions solo.

He also has a good reputation outside the royal palace and is set to join Avalon next year.

Gawain has a kind smile on his face most of the time but I cannot see it now. Now he looked visibly upset.

His face lit up when he saw me and ran over to me.

"Red!", he called out as he reached and hugged me.

His voice hit me hard.

Red.

That is the name Gawain uses to call Mordred.

"Hey there, Wain.", I greeted him with a smile, using the name Mordred used to call his brother.

"Is it true?", he asked me, "I just returned from my mission and the first thing I hear is that you are getting sent off to the north!"

I avoided his gaze and nodded, "Yeah. It is the truth."

How can I bring myself to look at him in the eyes? Even in my previous life, he was a model of knightly perfection and chivalry.

He grabbed my shoulders and looked at me, his face filled with concern, "This punishment is too harsh. Let me talk to Father."

I shook my head, "No need, Wain. Don't bother yourself with it and besides, His Majesty's orders are absolute."

"But fighting against the Tear is a death sentence! You will die! And even if you survive, you will be traumatized!"

I smiled and shrugged off his hold, "It's fine Wain. I am merely receiving appropriate punishment for my actions."

"And who knows? Maybe I will emerge stronger after three years on the battlefield.", I tried to reassure him.

"But you will be a changed person.", Gawain said in a worried tone.

"Change is inevitable, Wain. This is my chance to prove my worth to His Majesty. So no need to worry about me.", I said, keeping my smile.

He was quite surprised by my calm answer. It is different from how the Mordred of this world would answer.

Both of us looked into each other's eyes for a minute before he sighed. He understood that my mind was set on going.

"Very well."

He then hugged me more tightly than before and I was surprised. No one has given me this much affection except for Gawain, in my previous life and this.

Tears welled up in my eyes and I blurted out my inner feelings, "I'm scared, brother."

"It's okay to be scared. You just have to pick yourself up and strive to become braver.", he comforted me and looked at me again, "Promise me Mordred, that you will return alive and well."

I wiped my tears and nodded with a confident smile, "Of course! It's a promise."

He gave me a sad smile, "Forget returning from the Tear. You have already changed, brother."

I froze at his words.

"You were right about the inevitability of change. You're not the Red I know anymore."

Has he realized that I am no longer his dear brother? Is that why he suddenly stopped calling me Red?

I can feel my heart clenching with pain. He comforted me despite knowing that.

This guy. He really is like my brother in my previous life.

Gawain turned to Merlin who I forgot was even there.

"Please take care of him when he is with you.", he requested the warlock.

She nodded with a bow, "Do not worry, Gawain. Mordred will be safe as long as he is with me."

"Thank you.", Gawain nodded back and gave me one last hug, "Be safe, Mordred."

I nodded.

"I will. Goodbye, Gawain."