The Last of the Busywork

"Who are you..."

Hearing the familiar voice, Gorgon turned his head slightly, his gaze falling on Black Lancer Artoria, his eyes suddenly narrowing. "Yes, it's you! But why... is the color different?"

She saw the Holy Lance in Black Lancer Artoria's hand, and that face that had recently pinned her to the ground and rubbed her against the ground. If it weren't for her immortality and Kingu's timely rescue, she probably would have been killed. Gorgon was completely traumatized.

Although the aura and color are slightly different—the one that stabbed me was white, but the one in front of me is black—the Holy Lance will not change. I've confirmed it with my eyes; it's an opponent I can't defeat.

But...

Didn't Kingu hold her back? And tell her to escape first and not seek revenge on humans, so how did she end up here? Could something have happened to Kingu?!

Gorgon's pupils suddenly contracted.

"Hmm, you actually know me?"

Sensing that Gorgon seemed to recognize him, Black Lancer Artoria, who had never met the snake before, frowned and was about to ask what was going on when Gorgon suddenly twisted its body and began to coil at an incredible speed. This bizarre scene made Black Lancer Artoria's expression turn serious. Similarly, even Ushiwakamaru, Leonidas, Scáthach thought that this Beast Goddess was about to use some kind of trump card and were on guard. But in the next moment, without saying a word, the creature burrowed into the ground and disappeared.

"..."

"???"

This scene completely stunned Scáthach and Black Lancer Artoria, who had originally planned to capture her here. The two stood there dumbfounded for a long time.

Yes, she ran away without hesitation after realizing that Black Lancer Artoria and Artoria were the same person.

Not to mention them, even Ushiwakamaru Leonidas, who had just been tormented to the point of death by Gorgon, were completely dumbfounded.

Not only that, when the Demonic Beast below saw that their leader had run away, they naturally followed without hesitation, running back to the wasteland, and even circling around Black Lancer Artoria.

No matter how you look at it, this situation is incredibly absurd, yet also undeniably real.

After all, not long ago, the white Artoria directly invaded their homeland and humiliated the arrogant Gorgon. It was truly a case of the Holy Lance shattering the goddess's soul. Gorgon immediately remembered this aura and was terrified.

The difference was too great. Although she was highly immortal, Gorgon had seen Artoria standing on Avalon, wielding Holy Lance in her left hand, and how her attacks couldn't penetrate Artoria's defenses while Artoria's attacks hurt her terribly. She didn't want to fight Artoria anymore, whether she was white or black. This made her have no intention of fighting her and she would run away as soon as she saw her.

Black Lancer Artoria was seeing someone escape so swiftly for the first time, so she didn't react immediately. If it were Lion King, he would have wiped her out with his full-power Holy Lance on their first meeting without being stunned. This can only be described as the difference between the two.

'This guy is even more pathetic Ishtar.'

Seeing that the guy had really run away, Black Lancer Artoria's face turned ugly.

Even Ishtar fought me for several days before fleeing, which was shameful. Gorgon, on the other hand, fled without a fight, so her shamefulness far surpasses that of Ishtar.

However, since Gorgon was no longer a significant enemy—she and Scáthach could both defeat her alone— Black Lancer Artoria did not pursue her. Instead, she dismounted on her black horse and went to the top of the city wall.

Seeing that Black Lancer Artoria returned, Ushiwakamaru knew that Rovey and the others must have come back.

She first expressed her gratitude for Black Lancer Artoria's help, and then asked Merlin and Rovey where they were.

"It's nothing, it's just what I should do."

To this, Black Lancer Artoria simply replied, "They're nearby, they should be back soon."

"I see... I understand."

Ushiwakamaru nodded slightly, then looked at Scáthach and asked, "And who is this?"

"I am the Master's first Master, and the one with whom he made a promise to support each other for life. You can just call me Scáthach."

"Ah? Are you also Rovey's wife?" Ushiwakamaru was slightly taken aback.

Because Ushiwakamaru used the word "also" so cleverly, even the Black Lancer Artoria felt troubled that Scáthach could say such a thing without any attempt at concealment.

As expected, I'm not on the same level as my other self; I'm definitely a formidable opponent!

However, realizing that this was not a topic he should be discussing, Ushiwakamaru did not dwell on the matter for too long and instead told the two to return to the city first.

The city walls here will be repaired soon, and since the Beast Goddess has been driven back, she shouldn't be coming back.

——

——

"Damn it, damn it, damn it!!"

"That damned Holy Lance, it has stopped me again, and again! I won't let them get away with this!"

Inside the Blood Shrine.

At this moment, Gorgon's enormous body hovered over the rock, constantly uttering curses and roars.

Because she was so angry, every roar she let out caused the entire cave to shake violently, and the Demonic Beast below began to tremble in fear.

"--call out!"

Just then, a green streak of light flew in from the cave entrance. Kingu, wearing a mask, then slowly descended, controlling his slender body.

Gorgon's volatile temper subsided somewhat after seeing Kingu return safely.

"Kingu, my child! Are you alright?!"

Because he mistook the black Lion King for Artoria, Gorgon thought Kingu had met with misfortune. Now that he saw her safe and sound, his brow finally relaxed.

"I'm fine..."

Kingu shook his head, then gave his answer.

With the Chains of Heaven and the Holy Grail as her source of magic, she wouldn't be easily defeated even when facing the white Holy Lance wielder. Furthermore, because of the surprise attack that severed the pterosaurs that Quetzalcoatl was responsible for transporting Gorgon, the rescue plan went very smoothly.

Only--

She squinted at the wounded Gorgon and the bloodstains on his body, and Kingu questioned him with some displeasure, "Gorgon, did you just go to attack humans? Didn't I already tell you to hurry back here, abandon your divine office, and not to seek revenge on humans?"

"Give up my divine office? Impossible, impossible! How could I possibly abandon those damned humans? I must kill them, I must kill them!"

Upon hearing Kingu's words, Gorgon shouted angrily, "How could I so easily let go of my hatred? Impossible! Impossible!"

Indeed, after rescuing her, Kingu immediately made her return to the Blood Shrine to relinquish her divine duties and cease her revenge against humanity.

However, she didn't listen to any of that. Instead, while Kingu was holding off Artoria, she led all the Demonic Beast in the wasteland in a general offensive against the Demonic Beast Front, until she was interrupted by Black Lancer Artoria.

Now, hearing Kingu tell her to give up her revenge once again, Gorgon's anger burned even more fiercely. She would never stop seeking revenge against humanity, and even Kingu could not stop her.

"..."

Seeing Gorgon's increasingly angry and confused expression, Kingu sighed helplessly. In the end, he didn't offer any more advice, but simply said, "You'd better take care of yourself," before flying away.

She is now going to apologize to her mother.

Because of her feelings for Gorgon, and the attachment she had when she was confused and regarded Gorgon as her mother and a pawn, she disobeyed her mother's orders this time. Due to her momentary oversight, Gorgon harmed those humans. This was her mistake, and she had to bear the consequences.

And the rest...

She has now repaid Gorgon's kindness. After saving her life, she has said what needed to be said and conveyed her mother's wishes. If she continues to bring trouble upon herself, it only proves that she deserves it.

Thinking this, Kingu's figure in the sky flew faster and faster until it disappeared.

Gorgon was left watching her departing figure, then lowered his head and let out a series of extremely painful sounds.

"Kingu!!"

"My child, why did you leave me?!"

But all she received in response was endless madness.

——

The perspective shifts to a relatively unfamiliar area.

In the command center of Chaldea, Romani Archaman was extremely busy.

He was initially quite happy after conquering the Sixth Singularity, with a bright future ahead, only needing to conquer the Seventh Singularity to finish everything.

As a result, while he was eating cake and enjoying what might be the last moments of his life, suddenly, his ring disappeared, and Goetia was in the Seventh Singularity. Moreover, he mistook someone else for himself, truly a masterpiece combining the attributes of a blind Demon God Pillars.

Furthermore, they met Merlin and their idol, Merry, and learned that besides Goetia, there was another Beast in the Seventh Singularity, and that they had all started other instances there, while they had only just located the exact location of the Seventh Singularity.

Moreover, because the Human Order Foundation Value at the Seventh Singularity had changed drastically compared to expectations, the original Rayshift had become extremely unstable, forcing them to spend another week having Da Vinci come up with a solution.

Roman was in a real bind. He couldn't be sure what the situation at the Seventh Singularity had become, and he was also wondering if it was really a good idea to send Mash and Ritsuka there.

Looking at the final coordinates displayed on the screen, he silently loosened his clenched fist and let out a helpless sigh.

"I hope all the preparations I made for Ritsuka will come in handy..."

Chapter 260 The Final Busy Moments

"So—you mongrel, you've only just returned, and what kind of big mess have you gotten me into this time?!"

In the temple of Uruk, Gilgamesh had only crawled out of the Underworld in the early hours of this morning, suddenly performed a sit-up in front of Siduri from his coffin. Before he could even recover his composure, he sat back on his throne. Upon hearing this news, Gilgamesh couldn't help but cough up a mouthful of blood, almost being sent back to the Underworld once again.

"Wait a minute, let's explain things one by one."

Looking at Rovey below, Gilgamesh didn't know what to say.

"Yes, King Gilgamesh, no problem, King Gilgamesh!"

"Get lost, and don't call me by that stupid nickname! First, let's talk about what you just said about seeing Gorgon attacking the defensive line on the way back with that good-for-nothing Merlin, and sensing a familiar aura. You went to Ur, saying it was to investigate the situation there and try your best to get the Holy Grail back. That's what you mean, am I right?"

"Um."

"Very well, very well. Since that's the case, tell me about these 13,000 people from various city-states! That's more than four times the number of refugees you brought back last time, and even together they exceed the entire population of Uruk! What exactly are you trying to do?! I suspect you're trying to build a country within a country in Uruk, pushing ahead from a city-state system to a state system? Are you deliberately trying to cause trouble?!"

Gilgamesh felt like he was having a stroke looking at the massive, ever-growing army that had already been settling outside the city. He already missed the short time he spent in the Underworld. Although it was empty and there was nothing there, at least he could sit there and not have to worry about anything. Unlike now, when he returned, the management pressure was about to explode.

"No... It's mainly because we sensed a familiar aura heading towards Uruk, and there were signs of battle there, so we went to check it out, and that's how we happened to run into them. Besides, Ur and his group were already planning to come here, because it's the closest place to the Arabian Sea. If Tiamat starts moving, that's the area that will suffer the most damage and be the most dangerous. For safety reasons, it's not surprising that they migrated here. Apart from the Underworld, everyone in Mesopotamia knows that Uruk is the safest place, so they all came here."

"Hmph, the safest place, huh?"

Gilgamesh snorted coldly upon hearing this, then shook his head and let out a long sigh, "Perhaps... but how do we solve the food problem? With the population suddenly more than doubled, Uruk's accommodation and food supply definitely can't keep up. Have you thought about that?"

"You don't need to worry about that, because the goddess over there anticipated the situation here, so they all brought their own food. Now everyone in the team has more than a week's worth of rations, they just need lodging and accommodation. I think this period of time is enough for them to survive the apocalypse, right?"

"You rascal, though you always act like a fool who doesn't care whether I live or die, and you love to annoy me, you actually do have a talent for being an internal affairs officer in certain areas. With some training, you might even have the potential to become a king. If I had met you decades ago—well, never mind now, since things are already settled. Alright, time is of the essence. I'll send people to arrange things for these miscellaneous cultivators. The final Tiamat will definitely be heading this way, so the elderly, women, and children in the city—the seeds of civilization—can be moved out. If they want to stay, they need to be prepared. After all, Uruk isn't a safe haven where anyone can be sheltered. You understand that, right?"

When Gilgamesh said this, he didn't forget to glance at Rovey. Now that they were familiar with each other's personalities and how they addressed each other, their conversation had a more relaxed and casual feel to it.

He had collected both Tablet of Destiny, and he had seen most of what he wanted to see. Although the contents were strange, if they were as recorded, it might not necessarily be a bad ending.

"You mean Ereshkigal's side, right? Don't worry, I've already made arrangements. She will open the gates of the Underworld near Uruk, and then we can send the elderly, weak, women, and children who are unable to fight into the gates for refuge. No matter what the outcome is, we can ensure that the flame of Uruk will be passed down."

"You've arranged this very well, and it has indeed relieved my worries."

Gilgamesh nodded, then glanced at the spot next to Rovey and slowly said, "So, regarding the second point—what's with that strange guy next to you, covered in feathers, holding up a sign that says 'Manifestation of the Supreme God,' and accompanied by some weird beatbox music?!"

"Yo ho, Wise King Gilgamesh of Uruk, seeing is believing! Let us confirm each other's beliefs through the clash of bodies and minds!"

"I refuse! Who wants to wrestle with a weirdo like you? You should just go to Merlin; he's much more resilient. Speaking of Merlin, where is he? He disappeared after handing me the clay tablet when he returned. Is he hiding somewhere slacking off again?"

"No, he's probably being ganged up on by two Artoria because he's been openly being cheeky again. But given how good people don't live long and bad people live long in this world, I think that guy is probably enjoying it right now."

Gilgamesh was speechless. "..."

—Damn it, that idiot!

He was increasingly speechless at the character of these Britannia.

"By the way, let me introduce you first. King Gilgamesh. This is actually one of the Three Goddess Alliance, Quetzalcoatl. She is the conscience of the gods, the pinnacle of benevolent gods, and the opposite of Ishtar. You can trust her."

"Wow, this is the first time anyone has ever described me like that! It's really pleasing, little bro!"

"Yeah?"

"That's right. Before, those guys all called me the one who forced others to wrestle and kidnapped them, the perverted muscle goddess, and they couldn't even remember my name. You're the first person to remember my name on the very first time."

Upon hearing Rovey call out his name and refer to himself as a benevolent deity, Quetzal, whose personality was naturally forthright and generous, immediately wrapped his arms around Loew's neck and gave him a loving hug.

"Don't strangle me too hard, you're really strong... And I called you by your name because I know a lot about mythology from all over the world, so even the Quetzalcoatl in Aztec mythology, I know a lot about him."

Rovey forcefully pried open Quetzalcoatl's arm, then answered in a low voice.

"Haha, isn't this my fan? And your body is so perfect, you're so strong, I never would have guessed. By the way, which pantheon are you from? How about a friendly wrestling match? If I win, I can give you my autograph~"

"Who wants to wrestle with you? Go find Merlin, he's the best wrestler in Uruk."

"Really? You guys are really praising him so much, Merlin must be a wrestling master! I'm really looking forward to it!"

"Hey, if you two want to exchange wrestling tips, then get out of here and finish your wrestling before you come back. Don't get in my way."

Gilgamesh rubbed his head, watching these two oddballs perform a skit in front of him, looking utterly bewildered.

"Speaking of which—aren't you also a member of the Three Goddess Alliance? You even kidnapped quite a few people from my side. I was originally planning to send this kid over to punish you, so what exactly are you trying to do by suddenly coming here?"

Quetzal blinked. "Of course, I'd be a traitor!"