Chapter 759: New Mission · Subduing Heavenly Rin
"You want me... to work until I die?"
Unexpectedly, when Gorgon heard this king's merciless, brazen words, her previously restless emotions suddenly calmed down.
Yes, just like this.
No need for pitying gazes, no need to speak to me in the same tone as you would with a friend.
Treat me as a villain.
Treat me as a guilty enemy, and command me as you please.
Only then can I continue to stay in this city with peace of mind.
If this is what they call "atonement"...
"You must be joking." Though she thought this, giving in easily wouldn't be like Gorgon. "As a goddess, why should I obey you? I can come and go as I please—"
"So, what will it be, Miss Gorgon?" Sakatsuki, the young man who had nearly killed her, spoke up. "We respect your will. If you choose to stay here, we won't refuse. Likewise, if you choose to leave, we won't force you to stay... We leave all the choices in your hands."
Having said that, he didn't even wait for the stunned Gorgon to recover before clapping his hands. "Alright, shopping time is over. Let's get back to business—Fujimaru, I recall you said you deciphered the Tablet of Destinies when you came out of the meditation room?"
"Ah... yeah." Caught off guard by the sudden mention, Fujimaru's face flickered with unease before he nodded firmly. "The Tablet of Destinies told me what we should do next."
"And the two ladies who triggered the apocalypse-level alert have settled down," Sakatsuki added with a smile. "No time to waste. Let's quickly draft a new plan and set off... After all, our time is precious."
No one would argue with Sakatsuki's words. Uruk's forces were already outmatched by the demonic beasts. To achieve victory, they would need to put in a thousand times more effort.
"This king shall return to the palace and await you all."
"As for me... I'll go fetch Merlin. Anna, coming with me?"
"Mhm."
"The frontlines have... Mother, and the children."
"Me? Tch... fine. Better than staying in this place."
After their brief gathering, the group dispersed once more, each heading their separate ways. But as he walked, Sakatsuki gradually slowed his pace before finally stopping and turning around helplessly.
"Tiamat."
Behind him, the beautiful girl hung her head low, clutching the hem of his clothes tightly as if afraid of losing him.
Though revered as a mother, she was more anxious and fearful than any child.
"Mother... doesn't understand," she whispered. "What is a world without gods like... Mother can't comprehend it, no matter what."
"It's not as difficult as you imagine."
Sakatsuki turned and crouched down, looking up at Tiamat with earnestness. "Even with only humans, the world can keep moving forward."
Yes, even if the stars fade, even if the earth dries up, even if the future world inevitably marches toward a lifeless "steel."
As long as people still exist, they will endure with resilience.
Guidance and companionship aren't necessary.
As long as hope remains.
"Why?" Tiamat asked, "Aren't you afraid?"
Sakatsuki shook his head: "No, because there will be a future."
Hearing this, Tiamat suddenly reached out and pulled the young man into her embrace.
So tightly.
As if giving warmth to a child, yet also as if yearning for affection.
"I really want to see it... the future you will create... the future you will reach..."
Surely there will be beautiful fruits preserved for you?
"You will see it," Sakatsuki replied gently, also raising his arms to embrace the lightly trembling 'mother.'
"Both you and we will see it."
"Sakatsuki."
"Hmm."
"I saw..." Tiamat closed her eyes, tears streaming down her face, "I saw something terrifying."
In that brief moment when the illusion shattered, how much information had she deciphered from the feedback of her true form?
A Beast, even if severely wounded and lying dormant—what magnitude of calamity could it nurture over such a long time?
Sakatsuki remained silent, lost in thought, but then felt a soft touch against his ear as someone leaned close, their breath fragrant like orchids.
"So, don't give in, my children."
With heartfelt wishes, she slowly closed her eyes.
And sank into a weary slumber.
"Sleep, Mother." Sakatsuki lifted her, gazing at her peaceful, girlish face, his eyes calm yet turbulent. "You've already done enough for us."
His white robes fluttering, the young man strode forward toward the place his duty guided him.
————
In the palace, the group reunited after what felt like a long absence.
Though only a few days had passed in reality, it seemed like an eternity in perception.
"I see... So the Tablet of Destinies' guidance hasn't changed? Then make it quick, Fujimaru. A mere foolish goddess should be easily dealt with by your team." At this point, Gilgamesh frowned. "Cook, what the hell are you playing?!"
"A heart-wrenching BGM. I thought it fit the mood."
"Turn it off this instant. It's unbearable." The King of Uruk grumbled. "Though I say that, don't let your guard down. That woman may belittle Mesopotamia, the land that belongs to her, but her divine authority is real. If you clash head-on, your team will inevitably suffer losses."
"So we should avoid direct confrontation." Fujimaru nodded seriously. "Understood."
"Hmph. Be grateful you brought back a reliable tool—otherwise, I'd never lend you the cook."
"Yes, thank you for your generosity, my king."
The matter should have been settled with this exchange, but there was still one completely out-of-sync individual in the palace.
"Wait, let me clarify something first." Merlin raised his hand. "I was dragged out of bed by Fujimaru while I was napping. Can someone explain what's going on?"
"You..." Gilgamesh's serpentine eyes locked onto the white-haired sage, his tone icy. "I was wondering what excuse you'd come up with for your inaction, but I didn't expect it to be this laughable."
"Merlin should just die already." Anna rolled her eyes, not mincing her words.
"Ugh, why is it still like this? Big brother is going to be heartbroken..."
"Enough of your nonsense, mongrel!" Gilgamesh slammed his hand on the throne, his tyrannical aura undeniable. "If this operation fails because of you, you'll be spending the rest of your days shoveling sheep dung at the western farms!"
"Eek! Please spare me from that, King Gilgamesh! That place is hell without even a drop of wine!"
Amidst the surrounding clamor, Sakatsuki in white robes turned his head and glanced at the dazed Fujimaru, suddenly asking, "What are you thinking about?"
Fujimaru snapped out of his reverie, looking at the scene before him as a smile tugged at his lips.
"I was thinking... how wonderful this is."
"Oh?"
"After everything we've been through, we can still gather together like this—as if none of the sacrifices ever happened..." Fujimaru said with a smile. "Sakatsuki, I don't want to see anyone else sacrifice themselves anymore—not with the power you've given me."
"Me?" Sakatsuki gave Fujimaru a meaningful look, unsure whether he was referring to the Third Magic mystic code or the Mooncell King card. But the young man had already turned away, shouting loudly:
"Everyone, it's time to go!"
With that, all the noise died down. Merlin raised his staff, cheering enthusiastically, while Anna nodded silently and followed behind them. The four of them left the palace together, setting off once more on their journey.
Their destination was the temple atop Mount Ebih—home to the city goddess of Uruk, the Mistress of Heaven, the lawless demonic goddess beloved by all the gods.
Her name—Ishtar!