Seven Days, Seven Nights

Since matters had come to this, no matter how shaken Rovi was, he couldn't change the current situation.

Although he didn't quite understand how things had developed so strangely.

Nevertheless, the reality was that the 'Saint Maiden' spoken of in later epics had not appeared; instead, Enkidu had become this way because of Rovi.

If future generations were to record an epic about Gilgamesh... would he himself become that 'Saint Maiden'?

Rovi looked at the Enkidu before him, whose feminine traits outweighed the masculine, and suddenly felt... this wasn't so bad?

No, what was he thinking?

He quickly stopped his inexplicable fantasies.

Over there, Enkidu was still babbling softly like a toddler learning to speak. The trees were lush, but as time passed, the forest shadows shifted. The originally blazing sunlight began to soften gradually, tinged with orange-red hues of sunset spreading over the slender figure, as if draped in a crimson feathered cloak.

Rovi thought for a moment, then stepped forward—as the chains hanging from the 'Gate of Babylon' swayed, they pulled him in front of Enkidu.

Then he slowly took off his linen robe, revealing the black garments underneath, and draped the removed robe over Enkidu.

"Ah-ah-ah—!?" A crisp voice emerged from Enkidu's vermilion lips. They struggled a little, then poked their head out through the robe's neck opening.

"Wear it properly." Rovi looked at the robe, slightly oversized compared to Enkidu, and bent down a little to gauge their height.

About up to his shoulder... Well, a very maidenly figure. This was also his doing.

But hearing his words, Enkidu stopped struggling.

Because they could clearly sense that there was no rejection in Rovi's tone.

The newborn Divine Construct felt a little reassured.

Then they heard Rovi continue: "They all obey your commands—right?"

Enkidu tilted their head, then slightly opened their mouth, letting out a soft, song-like response.

This was clearly an affirmation of Rovi's words.

"Then have them kill me?" Rovi said, full of hope.

"Ah-ah-ah!" Enkidu shook their head like a rattle-drum.

Of course, that wouldn't work.

Rovi wasn't discouraged either. Having failed so many attempts, one more didn't matter.

He considered himself quite patient.

"Then have them leave!" Rovi reached out and patted Enkidu's head: "And for the next few days, I'll be the one guiding you."

He intended to follow the legend passed down through later ages.

In this forest, he would accompany Enkidu for seven days.

Of course, not to do anything unspeakable.

But to teach them human knowledge.

To instruct them in combat techniques and awareness.

If Rovi remembered correctly... soon, Gilgamesh would sense the existence of the Lock of Heaven and come here.

He would break out into a battle with Enkidu.

The battle between the Keystone of Heaven and the Lock of Heaven would surely shake heaven and earth. At that time, as a 'direct subject' under Gilgamesh's rule, and with deep emotional ties to Enkidu, wanting to stop their fight was very reasonable.

Barging into their battle for that reason was even more reasonable.

And in terms of raw strength, he was no match for the Demigod Hero Gilgamesh or the Divine Construct Enkidu.

Dying in the crossfire of their battle was even more reasonable—after all, once 'dead', he could immediately return from the Throne of Heroes, without worrying about any major deviations in consequences.

It was a win-win strategy.

Rovi felt the soft touch of Enkidu's smooth, long hair under his palm, gazed at the perfect form and features of this exquisite being, and the curve of his lips grew more and more pronounced.

As he stroked them like this, Enkidu's face also showed an inexplicably comfortable expression.

"From now on, you'll be called... Enkidu!" he said.

"I'll call you Little En, how about that?"

"En... ki... du..." Enkidu opened their mouth. Though their pronunciation was a bit unclear, they still accurately uttered the three syllables.

After all, they were a Divine Construct.

Given a little conditions, growth was still fast.

"Let's go!" Rovi withdrew his hand and straightened up.

"Mmm..." Enkidu stared at Rovi's hand, somewhat reluctant, but didn't show it too much.

They tugged at the robe on their body and quickly adjusted.

Then—

Under those emerald-green eyes, the beasts below swiftly dispersed.

Only a moment later, nothing remained in the forest but countless standing trees and their shade, trembling young leaves shimmering faintly under the distant setting sun.

"From now on, I'll teach you some common knowledge about humans—habits necessary for survival and daily life."

"Of course, I'll also teach you how to fight."

"..."

Rovi tugged at the iron chain rope, sliding down from the tree as he spoke, unconcerned whether Enkidu could understand him or not.

He knew that even if Enkidu could not grasp his words now, she would absolutely memorize them accurately.

Memorize, then gradually understand, bit by bit.

That was how the process of learning worked.

Enkidu followed closely behind, listening to his words, her delicate features focused and earnest.

Newborn as she was, she felt a sense of curiosity toward everything in the world.

Not to mention, she very much liked the sound of Rovi's voice, liked his scent, and liked even more the rhythm of following close behind him.

A gentle breeze passed through the forest, lifting Little En's thick, silky hair.

Through the swaying strands, her eyes fixed on the figure before her—she seemed to see the future, to hear the wind blowing in from days yet to come—

'The Sage lifted the Spring of Wisdom, And taught knowledge to Her who was like a savage.

As if the primordial chaos of heaven and earth were severed, Bringing light into the darkness.

In those seven days, it was the King of Heroes' friend, Enkidu's enlightenment into life—the meeting of the King's friend and a friend, and also a beautiful culmination.

—"Epic of Gilgamesh"'

"My King." In Uruk, within the Royal Palace Hall, Siduri—who had been intently reading reports from the lower levels concerning the state of the nation—was interrupted by a sudden sound.

The young, fair-faced female officer looked hesitantly at the King, who had abruptly sat upright.

"Have You... sensed something?"

She watched the serpentine pupils contract slightly within Gilgamesh's crimson eyes, and her heart grew solemn.

"Ah... This King has 'seen' a very interesting piece of trash, setting foot on This King's territory without This King's permission!" Gilgamesh bared his teeth, anger flickering in his eyes.

"That fellow... hasn't returned yet. Has he?"

"Yes." Siduri lowered her gaze, as if to conceal something, her hands trembling slightly... a trace of weariness there, but she did not voice it.

Siduri knew that Gilgamesh was speaking of Rovi: "The riot in the Monster Forest was completely quelled seven days ago, but since that day, Officer Rovi has vanished without a trace."

"Hmph, at least he's someone This King has acknowledged. Without This King's permission... whoever dares to act rashly will face the judgment of the honored King!"

Gilgamesh rose abruptly: "Leave this place to you."

"This King is going to meet that piece of trash sent down by the gods!"

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