"The King’s Paranoia: The Fall of Camelot" [Part 22] Wukong's Path - An Infinity Kingdom Story

🔷 Introduction

Welcome to part 22 of my Wukong series. We are following three famous fire immortals and their ally Wukong, who is currently training in the arts of fire. They have had a tough journey as of late, and their adventure is only going to get harder. This story is a continuation of King Arthur Part 16. If you have not read it and want to keep continuity, please read that first and enjoy!

📄 Recap of Part 21: “Fire Within Camelot”

The four heroes arrive in Camelot to find a city overwhelmed by uncontrolled magic, with fear and corruption spreading under the rule of a dark mage and the former prince. Determined to uncover the source of the city's decay, they decide to gather information and bide their time, knowing that confronting the dark forces within will be a dangerous and complex challenge.

🔷 Part 22: “The King’s Paranoia: The Fall of Camelot”

The night had fallen, and Camelot’s towering spires loomed above the heroes as they made their way back to the castle. They had spent days talking to the people—gathering their concerns, their hopes, and their fears. What they had learned was not easy to process. The streets were alive with magic, yes, but there was a bitter undercurrent to it all. Power had shifted, and with it, so had the social order. Those who wielded magic were no longer just practitioners—they were kings in their own right, above the common folk. But for now, they had chosen to hold back that truth.

Instead, as they entered the grand hall once more, the four heroes crafted a tale more palatable for Arthur—a version of events that would steer his focus away from the cracks in his rule and toward the use of magic as a tool for progress. Wukong stepped forward, his expression calm and collected, while the others remained still, their thoughts veiled.

“Your Majesty,” Wukong began, bowing slightly, “we have gathered much from the people. They are adjusting to the changes, as you intended. Most have embraced magic, incorporating it into their daily lives to ease their burdens. It is being used in ways that help farmers with crops, craftsmen with their work, and even in healing.”

Arthur’s expression remained neutral, but his brow furrowed ever so slightly. “So, you’re saying they’ve accepted the magic?”

“Indeed,” Wukong continued, his tone steady, “they’ve taken to it with varying degrees of enthusiasm. The fear, though still present, seems to have lessened. There is a sense of… adaptation.” He glanced at the others, who nodded in silent agreement. “The people are finding ways to live with magic, rather than be afraid of it. They see it as a necessary tool.”

Arthur let out a slow breath, considering this. “And how do they feel about the governance of Camelot? About my leadership?”

Seondeok took a step forward, her voice soft but direct. “They are… uncertain. They understand that change takes time, but they are willing to give it a chance. They seem content with the idea of using magic as a means to improve their lives.” She kept her tone measured, hiding the truth that many resented Arthur for allowing magic to disrupt the traditional power structures. They did not mention the way the magical elite had started to hold more sway, their power growing as they kept the common people in a state of submission, nor the whispers of rebellion that had started to spread like wildfire beneath the surface.

Arthur's eyes narrowed slightly. He appeared to sense that something was being left unsaid, but he did not press further. Morgana, standing just behind him, watched the group with an unreadable expression, her lips pursed as if she too were evaluating the heroes’ words. The tension in the room thickened, but Arthur, ever the strategist, nodded slowly, as though digesting the information.

“I see,” Arthur said finally, his voice distant. “This change is not easy. But it is necessary for the future of Camelot. Magic must be a part of that future, whether the people are ready for it or not.” He met Wukong’s eyes. “You have done well to bring back this report. You have my thanks.”

The heroes exchanged subtle glances. Their words had done their work, but the weight of what they had concealed sat heavily on their shoulders. They had not told Arthur the full story. They had left out the deep unrest simmering just below the surface—the resentment that had begun to take root in the hearts of those who now found themselves powerless against the magic-users. Nor had they mentioned how the balance of power had shifted so drastically that Camelot no longer felt like Camelot at all.

But it wasn’t just about keeping their secrets—it was about what they hoped would happen next. They wanted Arthur to feel the pressure, to realize the depth of the problem. And they knew that if they fed him half-truths, he would eventually spiral into paranoia and fear.

Their plan was already beginning to unfold.

Wukong took a step back, his eyes meeting Arthur’s with feigned respect. “We will remain vigilant, Your Majesty. The people are not all in agreement, but they are adjusting. There are still those who fear the changes, but as time passes, they will see the benefits of magic.”

Arthur nodded, his lips pressing into a thin line. “I will keep a close eye on them,” he muttered. “If even one spark of rebellion ignites…”

“We will handle it,” Wukong interrupted, his voice calm. “In time, the people will see that this is the path forward.”

Arthur’s eyes hardened, his expression tightening with growing anxiety. “Yes. Yes, they will. But if they turn on me—if they turn on Camelot—everything will fall apart. The people will never accept this change if we do not control it. If I am not in control, they will rip it all to pieces. I cannot lose control.”

The heroes held their breath as the tension shifted. Arthur’s voice had grown unsteady, and his eyes were wild with a fear they hadn’t expected. His panic was growing, despite the calm facade he had worked to maintain. Morgana, sensing his unraveling, placed a hand gently on his shoulder, but Arthur seemed to shake her off, his thoughts now consumed by the mounting pressure.

“If the people begin to question me,” Arthur muttered, almost to himself, “if they think I’m weak, they will rebel. I must stop them before it’s too late.” His eyes flicked toward the four heroes, a dangerous glint in them. “What if they all rise up? What if they believe that magic should be their master, not me?”

The heroes exchanged knowing glances. Their plan was working even better than they’d hoped. Arthur was already second-guessing everything, consumed by the thought that the people might turn against him. He was unraveling in front of them, and all they had to do was let his paranoia grow unchecked.

“We’ll make sure it doesn’t happen, Arthur,” Wukong said, his voice smooth. “But you must stay calm. You cannot let fear control you.”

Arthur’s eyes darted between the heroes, his mind racing. “Yes. Yes, I will control them. I must.”

Morgana, who had been watching the interaction with increasing concern, stepped forward, her voice low. “Your Majesty, perhaps we should consider tightening control over the people. We cannot allow any dissent to grow.”

Arthur's eyes locked onto hers, his panic now merging with a rising fury. “You’re right, Morgana. We cannot let them see weakness. We’ll show them that Camelot is strong. That I am strong.”

As the tension continued to build, the heroes realized they had achieved what they set out to do—Arthur was now consumed by the very fear they had carefully nurtured. He had become a king on the edge, one whose irrational actions would soon shape the fate of Camelot in ways even he couldn’t anticipate.

📄 Recap Questions

Now that they have planted the seed of doubt in Arthur's mind, what will they do next to finish the job?

Why go through all the trouble of deceiving the king when they could most likely defeat him in battle without all the games? 

🔷 Conclusion

Our team of heroes has mastered their hearts and all things combat, but now they are taking strides to master something else, manipulation. This was not planned, but it is something they will find useful in understanding people and how they work. This will play a significant role for them as time goes on. 

See you next week!

🔷 Hades, Press Officer.

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