Paradise Lost 4/4

Once Samael and Enkidu separated the two adversaries, the process of reshaping the Underworld Shiki began.

Because Ereshkigal and Ishtar possessed nearly complete powers of creation and death, heaven and earth, similar to those of the Mother Goddess Tiamat.

Therefore, the task of manipulating the land, raising or lowering it, and closing and blocking each other, proceeded very smoothly.

Furthermore, based on Samael's additional suggestion, Hades was divided into three parts: upper, middle, and lower.

The upper level is the original site close to the ground, responsible for judging and guiding the dead. It is the existence of the Seven Gates of the Underworld, which divide it into seven areas.

The middle layer is formed by the abyss where Apsu was originally imprisoned, surrounded by the River Styx, to bind the sinful and evil spirits. There are nine layers in total.

As for those plots of land brimming with life and about to bloom, they were hidden at the very bottom by Ereshkigal, who used her powers to reinforce them multiple times.

"By the way, now that the new house is built, let's change the name too. Everything needs to be original!"

Ishtar, brimming with confidence after being praised so highly, couldn't help but offer more suggestions.

After experiencing Third Storm and the Seven-Day Calamity, Ishtar and her sister Ereshkigal became increasingly close. The Underworld Goddess also shed her former gloom, and the two grew much closer.

"Since it was Lord Samael who came up with the design, why not listen to his thoughts?"

High Priestess Siduri noticed the ancient serpent's thoughtful expression, smiled, and everyone agreed.

"If we divide it into three parts, upper, middle, and lower, how about purgatory, hell, and heaven respectively?"

Samael hesitated for a moment, then raised his head slightly, a wicked smile playing on his lips.

"Testing hearts, judging souls... the abyss of the earth, a prison for evil..."

Gilgamesh stroked his chin, his brows furrowing slightly as he pondered.

"As for the last one, Heaven? This image doesn't quite fit the situation in the third area."

Ishtar, who usually liked to contradict her old rival, nodded repeatedly, unusually agreeing with the Heroic King's point of view.

"Yes, yes, let's change it!"

Seeing that his attempt to replicate the perverse tastes of Eugène Divine Comedy had failed, Samael scratched his head and muttered helplessly.

"If Heaven won't do, what about Eden? Paradise Lost?"

"Wait! This is it! Paradise Lost! I think it's great!"

Ishtar patted Samael on the shoulder with satisfaction and nodded with a grin.

"The Lost Land, Paradise on Earth! Sounds amazing!"

Shamhat nodded slightly, his eyes filled with approval and anticipation.

"Yes, just hearing that makes me want to watch the flowers and plants grow every day, and to live inside them forever."

Ereshkigal grasped Shamhat's hand, her smile gentle and full of joy.

"Of course! This place is so big, with so many flowers and plants, I can't possibly take care of everything by myself."

"I'd be overjoyed if you were willing to stay here long-term and help take care of these little creatures!"

Gilgamesh was standing next to him, also became interested and stroked his chin in response.

"Gang Yi, King Wu and my friend also want to reserve a spot here."

"Yes, I'll listen to Gilles. Besides, having the opportunity to be with my mother (Shamhat) is something to look forward to."

Enkidu gently brushed a strand of emerald green hair behind his ear, looked up, and exchanged a smile with his best friend and the Holy Prostitute.

Siduri, left standing to the side, had a slight change in expression and spoke in a dry tone.

"But Your Majesty, what will happen to Uruk if you leave?"

Gilgamesh responded casually, then pointed at someone opposite him.

"The king's mission has ended. The country has been led by a single ruler for too long, and it is time to inject fresh blood."

"Besides, isn't there that guy?"

Samael, caught in the crossfire, looked embarrassed and waved his hand helplessly.

"I already told Siduri I was going to resign..."

When Gu She caught a glimpse of the frantic, clawing figure behind him out of the corner of his eye, his expression turned serious, and his tone became solemn.

"Besides, I want to spend more time with Ereshkigal and Ishtar during this period. They've been through so much hardship and loneliness all this time..."

Stay with... stay with me?

Ishtar froze on the spot, immediately straightened her body, retracted her outstretched claws, and adopted a ladylike demeanor.

The goddess's pretty face flushed with heat, her hands fidgeting nervously around the hem of her dress, her gaze wandering aimlessly.

The High Priestess Siduri, awkwardly opened her mouth to ask, her eyes filled with expectation.

"Then what do you think, Your Majesty..."

"Fool! Did the King really have to say it out loud?"

Gilgamesh rolled his eyes, gave a soft snort, and looked displeased.

"Having been in this position for over 500 years, King Er is long tired of it!"

"Even the king needs rest! Even the king needs his own private space!"

"In any case, divine will can no longer control the destiny of Mesopotamia, so you should learn to walk on your own!"

"In short, go find whoever you want, just pretend that King 2 is dead."

Upon hearing that the Wise King and the Shepherd Priest had both abandoned their duties, the High Priestess Siduri was filled with bitterness and felt utterly exhausted, both physically and mentally.

"Here's what we'll do: you go back and hold a vote, a search among the people, a secret assessment—use any method you can to elect a New King."

"In the early stages, Gilgamesh, Enkidu, and Shamhat will be responsible for teaching him basic political affairs. Once things are completely on track, they will then let go of the reins."

In the end, Samael came up with a compromise to extricate the High Priestess Siduri.

However, something bad naturally pulled the person out of the task of guiding the New King's assessment.

After all, it was their own country and their own people. Gilgamesh, Shamhat, and Enkidu, the iron triangle of their former era, could only nod in agreement.

After the happy ending, Siduri's face darkened, and she snorted in a huff.

"Once things get back on track, I'll resign and come here to recuperate."

"Welcome, welcome! Everyone is welcome!"

Eager for more life and vibrant Ereshkigal in the Underworld, she immediately agreed to reserve a spot for High Priestess Siduri in Paradise Lost.

Looking at the group of hardworking old comrades who were all clamoring to retire, Gu She suddenly had a brilliant idea and a slight smile appeared on his lips.

"How about we open Paradise Lost, and let the meritorious and the innocent, whether in life or in death, all enter?"

"This will be a perfect country, a country without regrets."

Ereshkigal's eyes lit up, and she nodded in agreement.

Now, she has an even better way to deal with the souls who bravely sacrificed themselves in the Battle of Uruk.

"It's so lively? Me too! Me too!"

Not to be outdone, Ishtar, now in high spirits, clamored to join the house selection line.

"The goddess has decided, I will be the manager of Lost Paradise!"

"Hmph, my life power can maintain the stability and operation of this zone, so that death and life will be in balance!"

Since ruling the earth is hopeless, why not take control of Paradise Lost? That doesn't seem so bad.

Since everything had to be new, the goddess rested her chin on her hand, paced back and forth, and murmured to herself, brainstorming her new title, and finally settled on the general content.

"Star of the Morning, Queen of the Cosmos!"

"Morning Star? You seem to be the goddess who controls Venus, right?"

Samael's expression was strange, and he asked in a low voice.

Venus is often regarded as the morning star because it is very bright in the twilight.

"Yeah, what's wrong?"

Ishtar, not understanding what he meant, nodded readily.

"It's nothing, I just think this title suits you very well..."

The ancient snake remained calm, responded with a smile, and offered its praise.

However, in the instant he turned around, Samael's eyes flashed, and the corner of his mouth twitched violently.

Venus, the brightest star, son of the dawn!

Seven Great Purgatory... Nine Hells... Paradise Lost...

Could it be such a coincidence?