Heaven in One Thought, Hell in Another 1/4

As evening fell and the noise subsided, Samael bid farewell to the familiar ghosts of the underworld and embarked on his journey back to the Temple of Heat.

However, upon glancing down unintentionally, the ancient snake stopped in its tracks and turned to greet the figure standing in the deep valley.

"Grandpa, you're here too?"

Ziusudra turned around, nodded slightly, and looked at Samael with a disapproving gaze.

"Yes, I specifically waited for you here..."

"Wait for me?"

Samael was puzzled and somewhat flattered.

This long-lived being, who came from the Golden Age of mankind and survived the Great Flood in West Asia, possessed a wealth of knowledge and could be considered a treasure.

Previously, the three Noah's Ark that saved the lives of tens of thousands of Sumerians were built under the direct command of Ziusudra.

The plan to break free from the Chains of Destiny was able to proceed smoothly precisely because it received the old man's repeated assistance.

For some reason, Samael had a vague feeling that Ziusudra seemed to grant his every request and had an inexplicable fondness for him.

"That's right, the mission of this body has come to an end, and the Spirit Origin that it is attached to will bid you a final farewell."

Ziusudra approached slowly, his tone solemn and low.

Spirit Origin? So this old man really fused with that person?

Samael's gaze sharpened, and he tentatively uttered the name of the last hidden Heroic Spirit besides Merlin, Leonidas, and others.

"The Old Man of the Mountain — Hassan Sabah?"

The term "assassin" comes from the "Assassins' Order" in the Middle East.

Hassan al-Sabah, the "Old Man of the Mountain," was the original founder of the Assassins' Order.

Hassan al-Sabah can be said to be the embodiment of the assassin profession, and therefore he is qualified to be Grand Assassin.

Furthermore, judging from the old man's performance in the battle at the Temple of Ea, he was able to shield Marduk's senses with "Presence Concealment," and the timing of his attacks was impeccable.

These facts prove that he was the most outstanding unparalleled assassin, and together with Samael, he accomplished the great feat of breaking the Chains of Destiny.

At this moment, as the true name was uttered from the ancient serpent's mouth, a black aura of death, like smoke and mist, swirled around Ziusudra, and then the ghostly blue flames ignited.

A figure wearing a double-horned skull mask and a black armor cloak emerged from the illusion, leaning on a sword before him.

"As you can see, I come rushing from the depths of the valley, from the darkness and death, I am the Mountain Hermit!"

Samael stared at the dark and obscure figure, his pupils contracting as he realized that Ziusudra was indeed possessed by that Grand Assassin.

However, recalling the connections between those familiar figures, doubts arose in the ancient snake's mind.

At the beginning of the Third Storm, Gilgamesh summoned the Shrine Maiden Priestess to perform a large-scale séance. The helpers he summoned were all closely related to this disaster.

For example, Merlin is Grand- rank Magecraft and, like Gilgamesh, possesses the "Thousand-Mile Eye" that allows him to see through the world.

Anna is the Young Goddess Form of Gorgon, and has a deep connection with the fallen Beast Goddess.

Leonidas was a descendant of Zeus and Hercules. She not only subdued the Gorgon Sisters, who were of Typhon blood, but also had a significant connection with King of Gods Zeus Beast Goddess, who was banished and persecuted.

But what was the foundation upon which this Old Man of the Mountain was able to descend upon Mesopotamia?

Suddenly, Samael seemed to realize something, slowly lowered his head, looked at himself, and looked surprised.

At this moment, the Old Man of the Mountain slowly bowed, his voice low and somber.

"The Grand Master is not what I desire; the proof of being the strongest master only requires a single strike to sever the Chains of Destiny. Everything is as you wish..."

In the ethereal voice, the illusory image of the skeletal swordsman that resided in Ziusudra gradually faded into a few points of pale blue light and dissipated, leaving only a wisp of advice echoing in Samael's ears.

"Remember, there is destruction before construction, and there is no life without death!"

"One thought can lead to heaven, another to hell!"

As evening fell, the radiance of the Temple of Heat gradually faded, and the Underworld returned to silence and darkness.

Samael, leaning against a pillar, kept pondering the advice he had received during the day, his eyes thoughtful.

"Eeya..."

A moment later, the stone door was pushed open by a delicate hand, and Ereshkigal, draped in a bath towel, gracefully emerged from the bathroom. Her fingertips lightly touched the ancient snake's furrowed brow as she inquired with concern.

"What are you thinking about?"

Samael smiled slightly, his brow relaxing.

"I just feel there's a real need to further refine Purgatory, Hell, and Lost Paradise."

"Isn't Gilgamesh sitting around doing nothing? The Seven Gates of the Underworld's judgment is too simplistic. Why not just make this guy the chief judge?"

"Moreover, Shamhat, Enkidu, Siduri can all help manage the Underworld, which will make things easier for you."

"As for Lost Paradise, let Ishtar do whatever he wants with it."

Ereshkigal listened attentively, nodding frequently, but in the end, she still had some doubts.

Why are you suddenly thinking about these things? Are you really alright?

Samael raised his hand and stroked his chin, his expression somewhat meaningful.

"There's nothing wrong now, but who knows what will happen in the future."

"Marduk is still alive after all. The god of the underworld has exiled himself, and it's hard to guarantee that he won't be targeted by those with ulterior motives."

"Therefore, we need to at least retain some ability to protect ourselves, and have alternative options."

Without hesitation, Ereshkigal nodded, choosing to give her full support.

Having received the promise from the Goddess of the Underworld, the ancient serpent's somewhat uneasy mind finally calmed down. Its wandering gaze swept around and then settled on the large bed behind it.

"It's late, shall we go to sleep?"

"Um..."

"Wait a minute, I'll transform right away."

Samael noticed his owner's awkward expression and the blush on her pretty face, and gave her an "I understand" look, decisively preparing to transform into a beast.

However, before he could even make a move, his fingers were firmly gripped by Ereshkigal's soft hand.

Immediately, the murmur, as soft as a mosquito's buzz, reached Samael's ears.

"Tonight... tonight nothing will change..."

"That's true, it's been a long time since we've had a proper chat together."

Upon hearing this, the ancient snake's expression shifted, and it turned around, its gaze serene and calm.

"Yes, that's right! Speak... Hehe, speak..."

Ereshkigal nodded with relief, feeling much more relaxed. Her tense face blossomed into a soothing smile.

As night fell, two figures nestled together, growing ever closer.

In the darkness, a silence filled the air. Ereshkigal, her face glowing with beauty, broke the stillness by speaking first.

"Samael ..."

"Yes, I'm listening..."

Your hand...

"Oh, you mean this? I'm sorry, we used to be too close, and we would unconsciously get into close contact, it was a habitual action."

Samael, without changing his expression, slightly withdrew the paw that had "accidentally" landed on his owner's thigh.

However, the goddess turned her head away, her cheeks flushed like ripe apples, her pearly teeth biting her cherry lips, her expression one of shame, indignation and embarrassment, staring wide-eyed at the curves behind her.

"I meant the other one..."