Inside the City Drill Grounds
"How is the training progressing?"
Accompanied by Ur-Namu, Gilgamesh slowly ascended the high platform overlooking the sprawling drill grounds to inspect the rebel officers and soldiers. Below him, the precision of the Immortal Battalion was being imparted to the newer recruits, their movements synchronized in a rhythmic clatter of plate and spear.
"The latest batch is promising, Lord. Their ability to accept and execute orders is excellent. Once their conditioning is complete, the vacancies in our various units will be nearly filled," Ur-Namu reported quickly, his voice brimming with satisfaction. "We have fully recovered from the wounds of our retreat. We are no longer a remnant; we are an army."
"Hmm..." Gilgamesh nodded slightly, his rubicund eyes scanning the horizon. "Very well. Now that the realm is in chaos and the Imperial Palace is locked in combat with uprisings across the Alluvium, it is the perfect time for us to 'store grain widely, build high walls, and delay claiming the throne.' When the time is ripe, we shall lead our host north and return to the heart of Babylonia!"
Under the training regimen designed by the King, the Auric Reclamation had achieved a rhythm of minor drills every three days and major maneuvers every five. During this period of recuperation in the Southwest, the army's combat proficiency was steadily evolving.
Since allying with the Faunus, the rebel army had captured over a dozen imperial county seats across the mountains. For the government troops, who had previously viewed the "mountain people" as their only threat, the sudden arrival of the battle-hardened Reclamation was like throwing a spark into a powder keg. Against the King's tactical genius, the local garrisons were peerless in their failure.
Meanwhile, in the Central Alluvium, years of continuous drought and neglect had sparked uprisings everywhere. Although Gilgamesh's main force had withdrawn, their initial defiance served as a beacon. Consequently, reinforcing the Southwest became a very low priority for the Imperial Court. In their eyes, the mountain regions could be temporarily abandoned; they would deal with the "Golden King" once the heartland was secured.
Thus, after successfully taking the regional capital, Gilgamesh established the "Sovereign's Mansion for the Restoration of the Way," serving as the shadow government for the territories now under his control.
Once his rule was established, Gilgamesh began to levy taxes—but with a fairness that felt like a blessing compared to the old regime. There were no petty officials engaging in extortion.
Consequently, the people of the Southwest choose to follow Gilgamesh without hesitation, and countless strong young men, both human and Faunus, flocked to join his ranks. The "roving bandits" had become a "settled state"—a far more dangerous existence for the Empire.
As Gilgamesh and Ur-Namu stood on the platform, Siduri slowly ascended the stairs. Behind her were several dust-covered men dressed as merchants; the scouts had returned from the long road north.
"Father, I am here," Siduri said, bowing with cupped fists. "The scouts you sent to investigate the situation in the Alluvium have returned with news of the world."
"Good! Excellent!" Gilgamesh turned to her, his posture radiating an intense, kingly energy. "Have them see me at once! I must know the state of the fire in the heartland!"
Siduri nodded and signaled the men. "The King wishes to see you. Step forward and report!"
The scouts knelt on one knee before Gilgamesh, their clothes stained with the red dust of the northern plains.
"Lord, by your order, we have traversed the Alluvium," the lead scout reported gravely. "Our team has returned, but we bring heavy tidings."
"Speak quickly, I have been waiting!" Gilgamesh urged, his hand resting on the hilt of his blade.
The leader began: "The Alluvium is currently a thousand miles of scorched earth. We witnessed ghost towns where once there were markets. The roads are choked with refugees fleeing famine. The situation is even worse than when we first took up arms. The Imperial troops have lost their minds—they slaughter refugees indiscriminately to 'quell the unrest.'
"Nearly every province has its own uprising now. However, because of the Court's constant mopping-up operations, no group has been able to establish a base. They are 'roving bandits,' doomed to burn out. My conclusion... the Court's days are numbered. They are simply waiting for a stable, organized power to emerge from these mountains and strike. Even if we were to lose a battle, we now have a home to retreat to."
Gilgamesh listened, rubbing his chin thoughtfully, a trace of strategic hesitation in his eyes.
"Lord, you must act decisively!" Ur-Namu urged anxiously. "The brothers only follow you because they hope to fight their way back home. If you hesitate further, the fire in their hearts will wane!"
Siduri also cast an expectant gaze toward her father, her hand tightening on her own sword.
"Hmm..." After a brief moment of reflection, Gilgamesh spoke with the stern resolve of a man who had finally seen the shape of his destiny. "Very well. Prepare yourselves. I am going to make an announcement to the host regarding this matter."
Ur-Namu and Siduri's faces lit up with joy. "As you command, King!"
"Good. Get to it," Gilgamesh nodded, his gaze already far beyond the mountains, looking toward the golden gates of the capital he intended to claim.