Their Respective Missions

"Is there even a question? Of course, we'll make a wish on the Holy Grail. How can we guarantee Tiamat will be attracted if we don't make some preparations?"

Rovey Wei asked casually in return.

Upon hearing this, and looking at the cup in his hand that was emitting a golden light, Roman on the other side of the screen broke out in a cold sweat and couldn't help but ask, "You didn't actually intend to use the Holy Grail from the beginning, did you?"

"Isn't this obvious? After all, if it's just my divinity, then it's still lacking something to successfully attract Tiamat. But if I use the Holy Grail specialization and make a prayer, I'm sure I can succeed."

Rovey spoke up naturally, "No matter how powerful Tiamat is, she will be weakened when she wakes up. In addition, she just consumed so much magic power, so both her desire for divinity and the need to replenish her magic power will drive her to chase after us. So this is my plan."

"..."

Upon hearing this, Roman nodded. He naturally had nothing to say about Rovey's well-thought-out plan.

But--

"That..."

Roman still seemed somewhat puzzled when the Holy Grail and wishing were mentioned.

Although the Holy Grail is linked to wish-granting machines, and the Holy Grail War is fought for the legendary wish-granting machines, and the Holy Grail is often described as omnipotent in mythology, it is the Grail of God, or the Holy Grail created by Heroic Spirit and the Third Magic, not the ordinary Holy Grail they possess.

When Goetia created the Holy Grail, although he imitated the Holy Grail from the original mythological texts, his abilities were undoubtedly insufficient to create a true divine Grail, and therefore, it could not grant wishes. Its essence was merely a massive aggregate of magical energy, a fact that Rovey could certainly see. But knowing this, why would he still make a wish...?

Before Roman could finish speaking, Rovey raised his palm, then cut it, letting his blood flow from his fingertips into the golden cup.

"This is...?"

Upon seeing this, Roman's eyes widened slightly, for he saw the golden cup emitting a strange radiance. Moreover, that radiance was not merely the light of condensed magic, but a unique, almost miraculous radiance. Even the appearance of the Holy Grail underwent subtle changes when it was soaked in blood.

"Are you making a real Holy Grail?"

Roman immediately understood what Rovey was doing and couldn't help but ask.

"... Yes, holy blood, magical artifacts, and the most sincere blessings—these are the conditions for the true Holy Grail, the Cup of Miracles, to be born, and that is exactly what I need to do."

"How is this possible? Even you couldn't do something like this...!"

Roman subconsciously changed how he addressed her.

"Yes, that's right. If we only consider the concept of the Child of God, it's indeed difficult to create a true Cup of Miracles. But if we extend it with a higher concept and meaning, perhaps the situation will be different."

Rovey held the Holy Grail in his hand and gave Roman a meaningful smile.

Although the words weren't clearly stated, some things don't need to be explicitly said to a wise person; both can understand each other. Rovey said nothing more, but continued to release his blood to soak the Holy Grail.

Soon, each of the Holy Grail scattered on the ground was filled with a crimson liquid, like red wine, emitting a strange aroma and magic. Then, under the influence of an invisible force, they began to slowly merge, and the outline of a new, huge, and more powerful chalice gradually emerged in the room.

Seeing the scene of countless drops of blood flowing across the ground without making a sound, and instead meticulously drawing patterns on the ground and walls with their fingers, working in conjunction with materials taken from the treasury to construct the ritual, Roman felt a complex mix of emotions. He swallowed hard, his heart filled with mixed feelings.

Should we shoulder the responsibility, bear the guilt, and respond to expectations and emotions...?

In just a moment, he understood many things.

Whether as a wise king or a compassionate doctor, he was not foolish. Rather, he was incredibly perceptive, always able to think more than others, see deeper, and often reflect on himself.

Upon seeing this, Roman couldn't help but think about his own behavior and situation, and he couldn't help but ask himself a question.

Does his current choice and actions constitute escapism? Should he take responsibility?

The answer is obviously beyond doubt.

But just as he was about to speak, the only reply he received was from Rovey.

"Roman, you don't need to blame yourself, and you don't need to worry. As I said, Solomon owes you something; it's the higher-ups who owe you. You don't owe him anything. On the contrary, you've done very well. And since you've already decided to move forward, then just go for it. There's no need to regret it."

"Now that I have accepted your gift, I should take responsibility for your remaining merits and demerits. Although this is not much compensation, it is something I can do for you. All you need to do now is to be yourself."

Without any embellishment, Rovey turned to look at Roman on the screen and said matter-of-factly.

Seeing that calm smile, Roman was momentarily stunned. In a daze, his thoughts once again recalled a figure that had appeared in his mind in a dream thousands of years ago.

Calm, serene, and sublime, yet it doesn't feel distant; it's so noble, yet feels almost within reach.

"No wonder that person chose you, you really are exactly the same..."

Roman muttered to himself, having understood everything.

At this moment, Rovey also completed the drawing, continuously fusing the Holy Grail into one.

He asked, "So, Dr. Roman, can you help me?"

"As you wish..."

Roman nodded slightly, and then accepted without any hesitation.

--

--

Meanwhile, those outside remained completely unaware of what had transpired between Rovey and Roman.

But everyone knows very well that what Rovey is trying to do is not about building walls, joking, or childish games.

Only he dared to take on the task of luring Tiamat out, and indeed, he was the most suitable one.

There are still three days until the illusion is broken and Tiamat awakens...

No, it should be said that it's at most three days.

This also means that Tiamat could wake up at any time.

Therefore, whatever plans they have, they must resolve them all within these three days.

This is also why Gilgamesh entrusted the key to his treasure vault, along with his strongest Noble Phantasm, Ea, to Rovey.

In any case, to fight against the Primal Mother of the Sumerian civilization, it is ultimately necessary to use the same primordial power, which is the power of Ea that opened up the world.

For an ordinary person, who is neither a god nor Heaven's Wedge, to want to use the Ea is undoubtedly a delusion. However, given Rovey's status and the original owner's consent, he can use this sword to create its effect at crucial moments.

Originally, Gilgamesh was supposed to carry out this plan himself, but there was a more important position that required him. So Gilgamesh chose to stay in Uruk in the last moments and use his trump card, which was also the best preparation he had made so far, to deal with the disaster.

Ea.

This key to victory should be entrusted to those who need it more, so that it can be put to good use at specific times.

However, while the people of Uruk were preparing for the upcoming battle, on the other side, although Tiamat had fallen into a deep sleep, the monsters that had gathered together were not waiting idly. Instead, they took advantage of this time to carry out their own actions and continued their operations without stopping.

A dark fog shrouded the sky, primordial lightning flashed incessantly, and piercing sounds occasionally rang out overhead, sounding as if the sky itself had been torn open.

However, those dark clouds were not natural weather phenomena, but rather a dense mass of hundreds of millions of Lahmu. The howling wind in the sky was a composite of the sounds emitted by the Lahmu from their flapping wings and mouthparts. They themselves had now completely transformed into a natural disaster, and began to frantically sweep away everything in their path.

Driven by their rage against humanity, Tiamat spared only a few of its Eleven Children to protect it, while the rest led their own forces, guiding the countless Lahmu towards Uruk.

Wherever they pass, it's like a locust plague: trees wither, flowers fade, life is devoured, and there is only lamentation and destruction everywhere.

They are Tiamat's tentacles, and messengers of natural disasters. Their purpose and meaning are to seek revenge, cleanse the world, and help Tiamat rewrite and recombine all the genes and all the creatures on this planet, pushing them to a new evolutionary end and creating a new Genesis.

As messengers of natural disasters, their first task is naturally to eliminate the last remaining resistance forces and erase this city that defied their mother's will.

This refers to Uruk.

However, although the Lahmu came in overwhelming numbers this time, it did not cause panic among the people of Uruk.

After all, they were all people who had experienced death and had long known that Uruk would perish. They accepted this fact calmly and took up arms to continue fighting against fate, expressing the will and roar of humanity against the destiny of destruction.

Now, everyone who wants to stay here holds this view.

If they were afraid of death, they would have already entered the Underworld.

However, since the king has not left and Gilgamesh is still leading them in these final moments, they will naturally not let Gilgamesh down; this is their promise to Gilgamesh.

Even if their strength is weak and their role in the war is insignificant, as long as they choose to fight, they will make the world a better place. Although their efforts have a negligible impact on the world, they still exist.

This time, Gilgamesh led them personally.

And seemingly to boost morale, Kingu, who had been resisting Enkidu's identity and deliberately hiding, actually showed up on his own initiative, joining Siduri to further invigorate Uruk.

The news of Enkidu's resurrection was undoubtedly a great relief to Uruk. With the two kings of Uruk, Gilgamesh and Enkidu, back there, they naturally had nothing to fear.

Of course, this wasn't something Kingu did voluntarily.

Although there's a saying that "many ants can kill an elephant," he didn't think ordinary humans could be of much help. However, Gilgamesh asked her to do this because of his gratitude for helping Tiamat, so Kingu had no choice but to do it.

But when he saw with his own eyes how these humans still rekindled their hope and resisted, and how he could see the color of the soul in the Kingu, he couldn't help but sigh, and his heart gained a new perspective and understanding of the people in this city.

Later--

Because Rovey was still preparing for Tiamat, the Lahmu would naturally not allow them to easily interfere with Rovey's actions, so Gilgamesh was put in charge of the counterattack in Uruk.

Fortunately, the long period of internal affairs work did not dull his mind; on the contrary, it made him even more clear-headed. He was even somewhat excited about the arrival of such a war?

So one order after another was relayed down through the Uruk palace. Gilgamesh sent two Artoria to the front lines to hold them off, while instructing Ushiwakamaru, Leonidas, and others to bury the cultural heritage of Uruk, as well as the crucial Tablet of Destiny, underground.

The so-called "Tablet of Destiny" are actually a special type of clay tablet, and also a highly significant act. They record the indomitable will and enduring legacy of the Sumerian civilization, ensuring that the cultural flame of Sumerian civilization can be passed on forever. No matter what disasters occur, as long as the clay tablets see the light of day again in the future, Sumerian civilization can continue to exist and will never perish.

"Has everything been resolved?"

"In response to your question, Your Majesty, everyone is ready, but Rovey needs some more time."

Siduri replied.

"Alright! Then I'll buy him some time." Gilgamesh clenched his fist and nodded: "Next—"

"Siduri, quickly send someone to bring up my King's Cannon!"

Chapter 295 Each Person's Mission

"King Gilgamesh! Lahmu has suddenly appeared in Uruk!"

A priest hurriedly pushed open the palace doors and reported in a panic.

However, Gilgamesh was not sitting on his throne dealing with the numerous clay tablets as usual. Instead, he opened the door to the Gate of Babylon and carefully examined something with the catalog of the clay tablet in his hand. Judging from the expression on his face, Gilgamesh seemed somewhat hesitant at this moment.

"Um..."

Hearing the priest's frantic cries, Gilgamesh regained his composure, looked at him, and slowly said, "Has Lahmu appeared inside? I understand. Then let Quetzalcoatl and that black goddess suppress him. At the same time, continue to inspect the underground of Uruk and every corner of the city; don't let the enemy hide under your noses. Then have all those who remain and are still capable of fighting gather at the northern defensive line. The wounded and clerical staff should be gathered here. There is no need for me to remain here any longer; the next battlefield is not here."

Upon hearing the news, Gilgamesh made arrangements as quickly as possible, but the priest who came to report was somewhat bewildered by the meticulous plan.

Seeing this, Gilgamesh also somewhat puzzled. He asked, "Didn't you hear me? What are you still standing here for?"

"No, no, it's just... didn't High Priestess Siduri say you weren't allowed to go to the battlefield and risk your life? You should stay here, shouldn't you? There must still be places where you need to lead the troops personally, right?"

"Hmm? I've already made plans to deal with Lahmu internally, as well as arrangements for the goddesses and Servant' combat strength, haven't I? My previous trip was too short, and I even ran into Tiamat, so I didn't get to fully enjoy myself. Now I'm definitely skipping work to go to the front lines and show off my skills."

"That being said, but what about High Priestess Siduri..."

"How incredibly nagging, Siduri! Didn't she go to the Underworld? Besides, it's the final moment; I can do whatever I want!"

Since Siduri, who had been abducted by Lahmu, was brought back by Kingu this time, Gilgamesh was originally saddened by Siduri's disappearance, felt much better.

Although many things have changed the future and destiny that the Clairvoyance originally saw, and Siduri is one of them, in order to prevent fate from converging and Siduri from encountering danger again, Gilgamesh knocked Siduri unconscious under the pretext of summoning her to arrange work last night. He then entrusted Kingu to put Siduri in the Underworld and asked Ereshkigal to hide her and not release her until everything was over.

After all, the upcoming battles were no longer a place where civilian personnel could play a role. Although Gilgamesh had dismissed these priests and housekeepers, they were still unwilling to leave, so they were left in the palace to continue taking care of the wounded.

Although Siduri was unwilling to leave and wanted to stay and take care of the wounded, Gilgamesh believed he had done everything he should and had done right by all the people of Uruk. However, people are ultimately selfish, and arranging for Siduri to leave so that she could live safely was Gilgamesh's selfish desire.

"No, the High Priestess is still in Uruk. She's currently helping to dispel the evil spirits within Uruk, and it was she who sent me here."

"Huh? She's still in Uruk?"

Gilgamesh was somewhat surprised upon hearing this news.

Just at that moment--

Bang!

With a loud bang as the door was pushed open, a familiar voice came in.

"No need to think about it, I'm the one who brought her back."

Hearing that familiar voice, Gilgamesh turned his head and saw that it was Kingu had walked in, with Siduri's familiar figure beside her.

"What are you doing...?"

Before Gilgamesh could ask, Siduri bowed slightly and then pleaded with him, "Please don't be surprised, Your Majesty. It was I who begged the goddess Ereshkigal and Lady Ishtar to let me return. It has nothing to do with Lord Kingu."

At this moment, Kingu slowly spoke to Gilgamesh, saying, "Your strength was far too light. I had just set off on my journey to the Underworld with this woman when she woke up. She even prayed to that useless goddess Ishtar, which stalled me halfway. Even the goddess who lives in the Underworld sent me back after learning of her intentions."

At this point, Kingu couldn't help but feel a little resentful.

"Honestly, you humans shouldn't be so arrogant. You're always ordering me around. Do you really think I'm your babysitter?"

"Those guys..."

After hearing Kingu's explanation, Gilgamesh's tightly furrowed brows relaxed slightly. He glanced at Siduri in front of him and sighed helplessly.

Siduri met his gaze and returned his smile as always.