Fate: No One Plays the Villain Like I Do

Lastly, the sacrificial grounds were responsible for the transportation and distribution of resources.

It primarily served in logistics and administrative support. Head Priestess Siduri coordinated the execution of various state policies—everything from military rewards and punishments to the daily lives of common folk, covering matters large and small.

Originally, this institution represented the people, offering game and harvested grain to the gods in prayer for divine blessings.

After symbolically accepting the faith infused in those offerings, the gods left the remaining goods to be distributed by the sacrificial grounds to prevent waste.

But with the growing divide between gods and humans, the sacrificial grounds gradually transformed into a central agency overseeing resource allocation and policy implementation.

Meanwhile, the Magus Merlin had quietly taken control of the Astrology Tower, exerting authority over the native Sumerian Magi.

Leonidas I, Guardian of Thermopylae, held firm command of the military thanks to his superb leadership and defensive capabilities.

So, when looking at the overall state of Mesopotamia:

The political power and resources of the sacrificial grounds, the technological knowledge and Mystery of the Astrology Tower, and the military strength and defenses of the Absolute Demonic Front—all had become pillars that upheld royal authority.

Together, they projected the influence of the Royal Palace and the Divine Tower outward, forming a deep-rooted system that stretched into every corner of the Mesopotamian world.

The only group that dared to rebel—the priestesses of the shrine—ended up destroying themselves, along with the priests who stood with them.

Through blood and fire, the crude foundation that was Uruk was tempered. With each blow, its impurities were purged, forging the sharpest swords and the sturdiest shields.

With the will of the people as its blade, and unity as its fortress—

Even with the return of the Three Storms, Uruk's royal power stood firmer than ever.

And that is why, when the black tide comes crashing down in the near future—when all creation is extinguished and the stars fall from the sky—Uruk will still endure.

Putting aside personal bias, Samael had to admit: Gilgamesh's finesse and ruling ability were beyond doubt.

He was once a cruel tyrant. Now, he was a wise and capable king.

Lost in his complex thoughts, the ancient snake followed in Merlin's footsteps, ascending the steps one by one into the Royal Palace's Divine Tower.

He waited quietly in a corner, watching the surroundings, biding his time until Gilgamesh finished his affairs of state.

"The frontline updates are far too slow! How many times must I repeat myself?"

"Even if the magical beasts are easing their assault, we can't afford to stop! Have the scribe adjust the clay tablet update interval to one hour!"

"What is this ridiculous arrangement? The Poison Dragon's corpse still hasn't been cleared? What are those scholars slacking off for!"

"Get their slow brains moving and put them to work, now!"

"...!"

"And that High Priestess of Eresh is playing dumb again! I know the temple still has hidden reserves! Tell her to cough up everything for the frontlines!"

"If the city walls fall, the world is finished! Or does she plan to carry all the food to the Underworld herself?!"

Seated atop his throne, Gilgamesh fired off commands and scathing critiques, coldly rebuking every delay and misstep that displeased him.

The soldiers on the receiving end had no choice but to bow their heads and scramble to carry out his orders.

Still, beneath the iron will of the King of Heroes, there was the occasional glimpse of concern for his people.

"By the way, I heard Tabbad's daughter gave birth? Have a priestess bring her some nourishing fruit."

"And pull Tabbad off the northern front for three days. Let him rest and enjoy time with his grandson—he'll be more refreshed for it."

As the King of Uruk flipped through another clay tablet, the white-haired Incubus stepped forward with Ana and Samael, pausing before speaking.

"Your Majesty, Magus Merlin reports in!"

"I've located the Blood Temple and, with a bit of luck and trickery, managed to cause some trouble for the Goddess of Demonic Beasts."

"With any luck, the recent magical beast offensives along the Babylonian line should ease up a bit."

Siduri, the Head Priestess responsible for overseeing administrative implementation, gave a slight nod, showing a hint of respect to Merlin.

"Thank you for your efforts. The king is pleased to see you return safely."

Gilgamesh, face stern, waved his hand dismissively, brushing off the formalities with impatience.

"Siduri, don't bother with niceties for this one."

Then, this sharp and decisive king turned his gaze toward Merlin, his brow loosening just slightly, revealing a trace of approval.

"So, the matter of the Blood Temple—I've heard of it."

"Indeed, the magical beast tide beyond the northern wall has quieted considerably. Well done."

His eyes narrowed suddenly, sweeping past Merlin to the two figures behind him.

"So, these two are the other fruits of your journey?"

Merlin offered a knowing smile, stepping aside to give space to Samael and Ana.

"King Gilgamesh, I bring urgent military reports from Babylon, along with intelligence on the magical beasts."

"By order of General Tareel, I've come to deliver this to Uruk. We hope it will aid your efforts in the war."

Samael steadied his breath and calmly pulled a clay tablet from his satchel. He passed it to Siduri, who then handed it to Gilgamesh.

Since entering Uruk, Merlin had already revealed his status as court Magus. Continuing to hide now would have seemed suspicious. So the previous night, Samael had given Merlin a rough account of his background and mission.

Without that, Gilgamesh—busy with war and governance—would've had no reason, time, or interest to meet two foreign refugees.

After reading through the tablet, the Hero King's once-proud expression turned grave. His right hand rested on the throne's arm, fingers tapping in steady rhythm.

"The Goddess of Demonic Beasts is using captured humans as breeding grounds for magical beasts? What vile heresy."

"It seems we must evacuate the people from Nippur and the surrounding regions immediately."

"When clearing battlefields, burn all remains completely. Leave nothing for that wretched goddess to use."

Then, as he moved to the next line, Gilgamesh's brows knit together in a faint frown.

"The ley lines from the Blood Temple have already spread across the Cedar Forest—and now they're beginning to seep into all of Mesopotamia."

"The magical beasts are actually poisoning the upper Tigris and Euphrates, along with nearby water sources?"

"No wonder the northern cities collapsed so quickly."

"Immediately order the Magi at the Astrology Tower to collect water samples from the surrounding area and begin preparing antidotal potions!"

The king on the throne issued the command without hesitation. Then, placing the reviewed clay tablet behind him, he turned slowly, his gaze settling on the soldier who had escaped the ruins of Babylon to deliver the report.

"Wasn't Babylon supposed to be the gods' most loyal lapdog? What's it doing trying to curry favor with me, the so-called blasphemer?"

"Why lower yourself to be a dog at all?"

"And worse—those who did, were butchered like beasts."

The ancient snake looked up calmly, sneering at the priestesses and clergy of the northern cities who defected and were wiped out by the Goddess of Demonic Beasts.

"Babylon is gone. The general said Uruk is the last surviving flame."

"If there's even a chance, you must win."

Gilgamesh fell silent for a moment. His voice, when he finally spoke, was steady and low.

"You… are not bad."

"If you have any requests, speak. You may choose anything from my treasury."

Samael gave a bitter, self-mocking smile, his tone solemn.

"There's no need. The heroes lie buried in the soil—I'm just a coward who managed to survive. I don't deserve such rewards."

"If Your Majesty truly wishes to reward me, then take care of the descendants of the fallen named on the back of that tablet. Help them find what family they have left."

"And if you, the King of Uruk, do not mind my origin or my cowardice, then allow me to start with menial duties in the defense of the northern wall."

"Once I'm familiar with the line, I'll do what I can to hold it."

Gilgamesh gave a firm nod, clearly pleased.

"Very well. I grant it."

Phew—cleared that hurdle.

Samael let out a quiet breath and stepped back, giving the floor to the small, hesitant girl standing behind him.

"This child is Ana. I found her near the Cedar Forest."

Merlin spoke at just the right moment. Gilgamesh's eyes sharpened with recognition. Resting his chin on one hand, he asked calmly,

"So, outsider—what is it you seek?"

"I'll help you fight the Goddess of Demonic Beasts. I'll wipe out the source of this disaster, completely!"

Ana's small fists clenched tightly. She lifted her head, eyes blazing with fierce, unspoken determination.

"Hahahaha!"

Gilgamesh was silent for a beat—then burst into booming laughter. Rising slowly from his throne, his cold, crimson gaze swept downward in disdain.

"Just you?"

...

(40 Chapters Ahead)

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