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The capital of Reim towered before them like a fortress carved from the bones of giants. Crimson banners snapped in the wind, their golden emblems gleaming beneath the sun. Soldiers marched in disciplined rows, their armor clanking in time with the rumble of hoofbeats.
Merlin stood at the gates accompanied by Nabu, and Constance perched on his shoulder. He wore the transformed version of his cape Emrys.
"Reim," he muttered. "Land of Warriors."
The Reim marketplace bustled with noise, carts creaking and coins clinking as bartering citizens wandered between stalls. The group of three continued trekking through the town seeking commendations first. After settling down Merlin and Nabu separated to complete tasks. Constance stayed behind sleeping.
Merlin walked alone—hood up, soaking in the seemingly everlasting sunlight.
Acknowledging his lack of information Merlin's plan was simple. 'Inn = Wine + Information.'
Nodding at his brilliance he quickly set off throughout the vast country.
After arriving at a populated inn—Merlin placed a few gold coins on the counter, he ordered a glass of wine and asked about the Reim Empire.
The bartender placed a glass infront of Merlin and began mixing the wine with ice. He began recounting the history of Reim.
The Reim empire was established around 750 years ago by Emperor Remus. Reim is the world's largest country with impressive military might. It is protected by the grand priest, Scheherazade. She is the first identified Magi of the current era. She has lead Reim for countless decades and even centuries. Although Reim is currently at war with countries like Kou and Parthevia, the former and the latter can not afford to send out alll of their forces when dealing with this powerful country.
Merlin whistled in understanding and acknowledgment.
"Damn….."
The bartender smirked.
"When it comes to countries… it is a common held belief that no one can match the Reim empire's prowess."
Merlin simply nodded and began thinking while drinking his now prepared refreshment.
'I don't remember the anime ever expanding on the vastness that Reim's Empire influences. Perhaps, it was less influential due to the immergence of the seven seas alliance. This is a time where the conqueror of the seven seas is still in his infancy. It will be more difficult than I imagined to establish Camelot as greater than any other. That's what makes it fun I suppose.'
"Time to really lock in."
After Merlin finished his internal debate he decided to ask the bartender another question.
"Say…. have you perchance, any information on an adventurer that goes by the name of Sinbad?" Merlin finished by placing the story book on the counter.
The bartender instantly smiled brightly reminiscing.
"That brings back memories. A few months ago. The great Sinbad came here and performed inside of this here establishment. He displayed his powers and left the men wanting to join him and the women wanting to date him."
A man sitting nearby interrupted the conversation.
"Your talking about Sinbad? He is an incredible fella."
"I wished I was there to see his performance in person," said another dejectedly.
"I haven't seen him since then. I wonder if he's still in Reim." Finished a women moving in between tables.
The bartender looked around at the familiar faces and then turned back to Merlin.
"Well, I think that answers your questions."
Merlin nodded and thanked the bartender before leaving.
Merlin exited the inn calmly, but inside, his thoughts raced, plans formulated, so much so that he shared a resemblance with a certain brooding caped crusader.
'This is just the beginning of his story and he has this many fans. Just how big was his influence in the original story…. Am I charismatic enough to beat him? Morgana would think so, right? I know Constance would instantly agree. I miss my little buddy.'
With those thoughts intruding into his mind Merlin began heading back home.
On the way home he brought pastries for his little buddy.
The day ended with Merlin petting Constance as Nabu and Jim discussed their respective days.
The next Day
Merlin awoke with the weight of Constance resting on the side of it's beloved master. Merlin thought back on his discussion with Nabu last night. He came to learn that Nabu succeeded in establishing himself as a member of the merchant guild. The fee of 100 gold was easily paid using the numerous treasures that Merlin found himself with after conquering Zagan's dungeon.
Speaking about Zagan.
The djinn of life has been in a state of inactivity. After the capturing of Zagan Merlin gained new magical properties, however it came at the expense of being seemingly disconnected from his Djinn. Despite the surplus amount of magoi that Merlin channeled into the vessel everyday he still haven't spoken a word.
Merlin grimaced at the thought of possibly breaking his metal vessel.
Merlin began his daily routien to strengthen his body. In the warm glow of the beautiful morning sun—he began his workout.
100 Push-ups.
100 Squats.
100 Sit-ups.
10km run
And finally, finishing with the exhaustion of his mana.
He felt like an idiot for just now adopting this new strategy towards building physical strength. (He only focused on his magic abilities for the few months that he stayed in Agrabad.)
After completing his morning routine he began his plans for that day. Which were: joining the colosseum and finding a proficient teacher.
As he walked through the streets hoodless he failed to notice the numerous glances and murmurs surrounding his appearance, especially from women.
He entered the colosseum's main lobby and began signing up to be a gladiator. After providing the credentials that Nabu provided him with he left to complete the second part of his goal for today.
He travelled to a specific casino that he remembered from the series.
After entering the casino he began searching. After a while of searching he finally stumbled across an older man and a young child that stood at a table. The man was involved in a poker game that appeared life or death.
After taking a closer look at the two he noticed the absurdity infront of him. The older man was naked with nothing except his trousers preparing to take them off. On the table stood his chips and his golden tooth. The man was utterly beaten and looked to be lifeless.
The young girl stared at him with clear disdain and consistently shook her head in disbelief. Despite the scene of the two characters being very comedic Merlin decided it was his time to act.
Shambal stood there looking at the faces surrounding him with contempt. He lost everything to this stupid new game called poker. At first he won twice in a row by sheer luck. He believed that he was the chosen one and became emboldened by his victories. He continued betting vigorously until he was stripped of everything.
The young girl finally spoke up with a sigh.
"Old man… I told you not to keep playing."
The old man glanced at her ashamed trying to find the words to respond.
"Let's leave now. While you still have your dignity." She stated quickly before he could make any excuse.
A fat man across the table laughed and pointed his greasy finger at him.
"Hahahaha. Old fool. Don't tell me your finished. I thought you were the chosen one.
How did you say it again?"
Another voice beside the fat man joined in sneering at him.
"I am the honored one, I am the strongest…"
He paused dramatically mimicking the old man's earlier declaration.
"I am the "Magi" of poker." He finished laughing clutching his stomach.
Everyone laughed at the recreation of the old man's statement.
"TO HELL WITH DIGNITY!" The old man exclaimed furious at the mockery.
"You Lose." Said the host with a slight smirk.
The old man was frozen. He stood looking at his hand, a straight flush. He thought he had a guaranteed win and glanced back at the fat man's hand.
A royal flush…..
The table erupted into more mockery aimed towards the old man.The young girl sighed and shook her head. Despite the mockery and disappointment in himself he began to honor the bet. As his hands approached his trousers there was a sudden voice that joined in on the conversation.
"Wow. Talk about unlucky." Said a voice that seemed to echo in the old man's mind.
The table instantly quieted down. Everyone turned towards the handsome stranger.
The fatman glanced wearily at the handsome man's face.
"Can we help you? Your interrupting."
"Unfortunately for you lot I can't allow him to strip any further." Merlin responded coolly.
Another voice chimed in.
"On what grounds?"
Merlin glance at the man holding the cards.
"This."
A large pouch of gold seemed to appear out of nowhere as Merlin dropped it onto the table.
Everyone glanced at the money and than the man and back to the money.
"I wanna wager. One round. All of this gold for the old man's belongings back and each of you in turn stripping completely." Merlin finished with an arrogant smirk.
Greed instantly rushed to the fatman's face.
"This is Reim. Those who don't respect bets will be instantly reported to the Empire and sent to the colosseum to face punishment." The fat man quickly stated.
"Stop!"
"Sir, thanks for trying to help my foolish mentor, but it's of no use. These guys are cheaters. My mentor is just stupid enough to be tricked each time." The young girl who Merlin recognized as a young Toto quickly interrupted.
"Silence! You little wrench. That is defamation. I can have you arrested for that." Spoke the fat man.
The girl's eyes instantly landed onto her sword, but was quickly stopped by her mentor. She quickly glanced at him and was momentarily stunned. He was taken out of his gambling mode, where he couldn't focus on anything besides gambling. His eyes were serious and focused completely on the man who intervened. She in turn gazed back towards the man, she found herself met with his charming violet eyes staring directly into hers.
Merlin nodded and smiled gratefully at her.
"Thanks for the warning."
Blush spread across the young girl's face calling her to quickly look away.
Merlin turned back towards the fat man.
"Let's start."
Game Start.
Both players placed there bets into the center of the table.
The crowd leaned in as the dealer—a narrow-eyed man with slow, steady hands—began shuffling the deck with hypnotic precision. The soft slap of cards hitting the table echoed like a war drum.
The fat man leaned back, wiping sweat from his brow with a silk handkerchief.
"You've got quite the look of confidence. Think you can back it up?"
Merlin smiled faintly.
"I don't bluff. I win."
Cards were dealt. Two down. One up.
The fat man's face twitched—he had a king of Diamonds face-up. Merlin's card showed a Jack of Spades.
The crowd whispered.
The first round of betting began.
Merlin slid his gold forward—casually matching the pot.
The fat man grunted and called, throwing in another handful of chips and flashing a crooked grin.
'I hope you know what you're doing.' Thought Toto.
The dealer dealt the second face-up card: a Ten of Spades for Merlin, and a Four of Hearts for the fat man.
Merlin tapped the table once.
"Check."
"Check?" The fat man mimicked mockingly. "Cold feet?"
Merlin simply smiled at the man, which unreversed him to no end.
He turned towards the dealer.
"Hurry up!"
"Sorry." Mumbled the dealer.
Round three—Queen of Spades for Merlin.
The table froze.
A pattern was forming. Toto's eyes widened.
"He's… going for a straight flush?"
The fat man glanced between Merlin's face and the cards. Sweat started to pool under his arms.
His own card was a King of Clubs—two kings on the board.
He exchanged a glance nodding slightly towards the dealer.
Merlin leaned forward slowly.
"I'll raise. All in."
The table gasped.
The gold was now all on Merlin's side of the table.
The fat man hesitated. He glanced at his two down cards, then at the two kings on the table.
"I… I'll match it," he growled through clenched teeth.
The dealer dealt the final cards.
Merlin's final face-up card: Nine of Spades.
The fat man's final face-up card: Seven of Hearts.
The tension in the air was incredibly thick. The fat man's eye twitched violently.
"Reveal," the dealer announced.
Merlin flipped his two hidden cards:
Eight of Spades, Queen of Clubs.
Straight Flush.
The crowed erupted in shock. Some in disbelief and others in cheers. The fat man's eyes bulged as he slowly revealed his cards…
King of Hearts, Three of Diamonds.
Three of a Kind.
Silence.
Utter, deafening silence.
Toto's jaw dropped.
Her mentor's face slowly contorted from disbelief to elation.
"YES! HAHAHAHAHA! YOU BEAUTIFUL, MYSTERIOUS SON OF A—!"
Merlin smirked at the fat man and dealer.
"AHHHHHHHHH!"
"You fucking dumbass!"
"How the fuck did he win!"
"It was clearly rigged why did he get those cards." The fat man too caught up in yelling completely disregarded what he was saying.
Everyone froze and stared at the fat man. Realizing his mistake he slowly blinked and suddenly…"
He took off running towards the exit.
Tota quickly grabbed her sword preparing to give chase only for Merlin to place a hand on her shoulder. She looked at him confused.
He simply glanced towards the fat man and vines shot out of the ground immobilizing the fat man.
Everyone glanced at Merlin in shock yet again.
'Wow.' Thought the women looking at Merlin's magnificent figure that seemed to be glowing.
The old man and young girl both blurted out at the same time.
"What's your name?"
Merlin smiled at the both of them and spoke calmly.
"Merlin."