Indeed, incubi have no fixed gender; calling them asexual creatures is no exaggeration.
However, through environmental cognition and personality simulation, they eventually adopt an appearance that allows them to walk the world and be perceived by others.
This is Merlin today.
Though casual and frivolous—doing whatever he pleases and causing annoyance—even within Camelot, rumors always swirled about his affairs with one or several women simultaneously. Yet, in truth, it was merely curiosity, not some raging hormone-fueled passion.
After all, Merlin sought only to taste the fruits of emotions and dreams that blossomed from these women under particular circumstances.
Whether with humans or fairies, Merlin never pursued anything beyond deceiving feelings. Any deeper relationship was trouble and absolutely forbidden.
Simply put: he was just a scoundrel with a bad temper who delighted in cheating hearts but never bodies.
Still, even a rogue like Merlin cannot be indifferent to his own gender.
Well, how to explain it? It's like an old tool you've gotten used to—not loved, but reluctant to swap out suddenly.
"You actually use my gender as a threat? That's dangerously vicious! So, my king, what's that in your hand?"
Cornered, Merlin suddenly felt the urge to cry.
If he cried and acted cute now, might he be spared?
Honestly, it was all his own fault.
Arthur's physical constitution was weak. Though his mental strength made him seem robust, he could still die from overwork at any moment.
Camelot needed a rational, wise king.
Neither Merlin nor the kingdom could survive without Arthur.
Thus, after analyzing the Godhead, Merlin, Morgan, and Manaka devised a plan in unison.
—The embodiment of faith.
Or, put simply:
The Godhead had become the core device powering Camelot City, fueled by the faith of its people. So what is the people's faith?
Singing about peace? A mysterious god?
Reality demanded something more concrete than vague ideals.
Yes: King Arthur.
Arthur, who defeated the Saxons, victorious in all battles, a king skilled in war.
A king tirelessly at work, possessing a strong body, close to God.
A king who could demolish castles and city walls with a single sword.
Such beliefs flourished in Camelot.
The question was simple:
Why couldn't the people's admiration and expectations of Arthur transform into tangible achievements and legends?
As you might expect, the mechanism was similar to that of a Heroic Spirit.
Legends, the impressions of heroes, became the power of heroic spirits.
Heroic Spirits are born through restraint, spiritual forms that heroes assume after death.
But with the collaboration of Merlin, Manaka, Morgan, and the Godhead—bypassing the usual Type-Moon restrictions—it was easy to do something similar:
Infuse a legend into a living person and convert it into power.
Arthur's physical fitness, charm, and leadership improved without altering his personality.
Not just Arthur—Camelot's famed knights also received varying degrees of enhancement.
For example, Skadi's achievements slaying hordes of monsters boosted her prowess against giant beasts. But too much power risks harm, making her arms excessively strong.
Arthur's case was unique.
This king, who preferred solving problems nonviolently or by delegation, didn't care for strength.
He considered himself a commander, not a warrior, and was busy with official duties, leaving little time to exercise or fight.
Arthur hadn't even realized his own growing power.
In short, Merlin—cornered—had no chance to escape before Arthur, now dramatically stronger.
You reap what you sow.
Sow seeds, reap fruit.
Merlin's comeuppance was Arthur.
What a sin!
Even Merlin's illusions lost their effect—people believed their King Arthur was so perceptive he could see through everything.
Rumors spread that their king might awaken clairvoyance without ever studying magic.
Merlin, the highest clairvoyant, began to feel jealous and panicked.
"Ohhh~! My king, please spare me. I'm just a kind little incubus demon who won't do any harm~!" Merlin tried to win mercy by acting cute.
No more concern for dignity!
"Oh my, what a cute little incubus," Arthur sneered. "Well, Mr. Cute Incubus, choose: complete death or wear this collar."
He didn't believe Merlin's lies.
Looking at Merlin's face, you could guess his thoughts:
"How can mere King Arthur harm Merlin? Do you dare kill me? Don't you know who has protected this country so far? If I escape today, you'll never have peace again!"
Haha, I've seen right through your stubbornness.
Only two fates await you today, Merlin: death or my dog.
"Choose, Mr. Whimpering incubus." Arthur raised the Holy Sword of the Stars.
By the way, that's not how you use the Holy Sword of the Stars!
I heard sobbing.
It was crying.
"Are you serious? I said I'll change. How about mercy?"
"No."
"Arthur, let me chop it down." Skadi said impatiently.
Miss Killer Whale preferred to get closer to Arthur than waste time on Merlin.
"How could a sweet and soft Arthur make Zai Meilin happy like this?"
"Okay, I'll wear it."
Forced, Merlin had no choice.
With trembling hands, he took the collar from Arthur, its scent unmistakably from Manaka and Morgan.
Before putting it on, he struggled symbolically.
"Could I take it off later to show my appreciation?"
Arthur never intended to give him that chance.
He grabbed Merlin's hand and forced the collar around his neck.
Then Arthur explained:
"Don't worry, it's just a prop to keep you in line. I believe changing your gender will help improve your overly lively and naughty personality."
"???"
That night, Camelot lost Merlin—and gained Merry.