Why Be a Dog When You Can Be a Decent Person?

Finally, the sacrificial grounds controlled the transport and distribution of supplies.

It leaned more toward logistics and administrative assistance. High Priestess Siduri coordinated the implementation of countless policies, from military rewards and punishments to the livelihoods of ordinary people. Nothing escaped her attention.

This institution's original function had been to represent the people, offering game and harvested grain to the gods in exchange for blessings.

After the gods symbolically consumed the faith generated by the game and grain, the remaining offerings were often distributed among the people to avoid waste.

Now, with gods and humans divided, the sacrificial grounds had gradually become an executive body responsible for transporting supplies and implementing policies.

In addition, the mage Merlin had subtly taken control of the Astrology Platform, commanding those native Sumerian mages.

Leonidas I, Guardian of the Flaming Gate, had also firmly seized military authority through his exceptional defensive and command abilities.

Thus, looking across the situation in all of Mesopotamia—

The sacrificial grounds' political authority and supplies, the Astrology Platform's technology and mysteries, and the Absolute Demonic Beast Front's military power and defenses had all become pillars supporting the royal authority. They extended the influence of the Royal Palace Divine Tower outward, forming thick roots that spread into every corner of Mesopotamia.

The only ones who dared to sing a different tune, the Shrine Maiden's Office, had ended up crippling themselves along with their priests.

And while the blood and fire of war tested the rough steel of Uruk, they also repeatedly hammered out its impurities, forging the sharpest sword and strongest shield.

With the people's hearts as the blade, and united resolve as the city walls!

Even if the Third Storm struck, Uruk's royal authority was now more secure than at any other time.

That was precisely why, when the Black Tide descended in the near future, annihilating all things and bringing down the stars, Uruk would still endure.

Setting aside his personal feelings, Samael had to admit that Gilgamesh's methods and governing ability were beyond question.

He had once been a cruel Tyrant, and he was now a wise ruler.

With tangled thoughts in mind, the ancient serpent followed Merlin up the steps and into the Royal Palace Divine Tower. He stood off to one side, observing his surroundings as he waited for Gilgamesh to finish handling state affairs.

"The information from the front is being updated too slowly! Too slowly! How many times have I said it?"

"Even if the demonic beasts have slowed their offensive, we cannot stop if we want to win! Order the secretaries to reduce the time it takes to make clay tablets to one hour!"

"Hm? What is this idiotic arrangement? Has the poisonous dragon's corpse still not been transported away? What are those scholars slacking off for?"

"It's time those not-too-bright heads of theirs started turning. Get to work immediately!"

"...!"

"The Head Shrine Maiden of Eresh City is playing dumb again! I have already seen through the fact that the temple still has reserves! Tell her to cough all of it up and hand it over to the front line!"

"If the city walls are destroyed, the world is finished! Do you intend to take the food on the ground with you into the Underworld?"

From his throne, Gilgamesh coldly rebuked every policy and report that displeased him, his tone sharp and severe.

The soldiers being scolded could only obediently comply and speed up their work.

Yet beneath the Heroic King's forceful and domineering manner, there was occasionally a trace of considerate concern for his subordinates.

"Come to think of it, I heard Tabad's daughter gave birth? Have one of the shrine maidens send over some nutritious fruit."

"And have Tabad come down from the northern front. Give him three days off. Seeing his grandchild should help him recover his strength properly."

While the ruler of Uruk was flipping through clay tablets, the white-haired dream demon led Anna and Samael forward to bow.

"Your Majesty, the mage Merlin has returned to report!"

"I found the location of the Temple of Blood, and fortunately managed to use a few small tricks to cause that Beast Goddess some trouble."

"The demonic beast tide along Babylonia's defensive line should ease up somewhat in the near future."

The High Priestess responsible for coordinating the implementation of state affairs below the throne nodded slightly and showed Merlin a hint of respect.

"Thank you for your efforts. His Majesty is also very glad that you returned safely."

However, Gilgamesh's cold expression did not change. He waved a hand casually, impatiently cutting off his subordinate's pleasantries.

"Siduri, there is no need to be polite with this fellow!"

Then the decisive Heroic King turned to Merlin. The furrow between his brows eased slightly, revealing a trace of satisfaction.

"I know about the Temple of Blood!"

"The demonic beast tide beyond the North Wall has indeed quieted down considerably lately. You did well!"

Next, Gilgamesh's gaze sharpened as his eyes swept over the two figures behind Merlin.

"Then are they your other gains from this trip?"

Merlin smiled slightly and stepped aside, leaving the space to Samael and Anna.

"King Gilgamesh, this is important battle intelligence brought from Babylon, along with information gathered regarding the demonic beasts."

"By General Tal's order, I have come to hand it over to Uruk. I hope it can be of some help to the situation here."

The ancient serpent slowed his breathing and calmly took the clay tablet from his bundle. He handed it to High Priestess Siduri, who then presented it to Gilgamesh.

After entering Uruk, Merlin had already revealed his identity as a court mage. If Samael continued to hide things, it would have seemed too deliberate.

Therefore, as early as last night, he had roughly explained his origins and mission to Merlin.

Otherwise, Gilgamesh, who was busy with state affairs and war, would have had neither reason, time, nor inclination to meet two refugee "outsiders."

After carefully reading the contents of the clay tablet, the Heroic King's arrogant expression gradually turned serious. His right hand rested against the side of the throne, tapping rhythmically.

"The Beast Goddess actually uses captured humans as breeding beds for demonic beasts? What disgusting heresy!"

"It seems relocating the people of Nippur and the surrounding cities is imperative."

"During battlefield cleanup, the corpses must be thoroughly burned. We cannot leave these things for the Beast Goddess to use."

Gilgamesh then reviewed the next entry and could not help frowning slightly.

"The magical energy veins of the Temple of Blood have already spread throughout the Fir Forest and are even beginning to extend across all of Mesopotamia."

"The demonic beasts created there are actually poisoning the upper reaches of the two rivers and nearby water sources?"

"No wonder the cities beyond the North Wall collapsed so quickly."

"Immediately order the mages at the Astrology Platform to investigate and collect water samples from the surrounding area, then prepare Magic Potions to neutralize the poison!"

The monarch on the throne issued his orders decisively. Then, after roughly finishing the clay tablet, he set it aside behind him and turned to look darkly at the heroic soldier who had escaped the ruins of Babylon to deliver the message.

"Was Babylon not the gods' most loyal lapdog? Why come to curry favor with me, a blasphemer?"

"Why be a dog when you can be a decent person?"

"Besides, those dogs were slaughtered like livestock!"

The ancient serpent calmly raised his head, disdainfully dismissing the shrine maiden priests in the north who had surrendered and then been wiped out by the Beast Goddess.

"Babylon is already gone. The general said Uruk is the last spark."

"If there is a chance, you must win!"

Gilgamesh fell silent for a moment, his voice slow and heavy.

"You are quite good..."

"Tell me whatever you desire. The treasures in my treasury are yours to choose from!"

Samael gave a self-mocking smile, his expression somber and grave.

"There is no need. The heroes are buried in the earth. I am merely a deserter who happened to survive, unqualified to enjoy such things."

"If you wish to reward me, then please treat the descendants of those who died in battle, whose names are written on the back of the clay tablet, well. Search for their relatives and friends."

"Also, if you, King of Uruk, do not disdain my identity and cowardice, let me begin with miscellaneous duties assisting in the defense of the North Wall."

"Once I become familiar with the defenses, I will do my part to hold this line."

Gilgamesh nodded solemnly, greatly satisfied.

"Very well. I permit it!"

Phew! He had made it through!

Samael let out a long breath, then stepped back and left the space to the little girl behind him, who stood with her head lowered uneasily.

"This child is called Anna. I found her near the Fir Forest."

Merlin introduced her at the right moment. Understanding dawned in Gilgamesh's eyes as he propped his chin on one hand and asked mildly.

"Then, outsider, what do you seek?"

"I will help you fight the Beast Goddess and completely eradicate the source of this disaster!"

Anna clenched her fists and abruptly raised her head, her eyes filled with indescribable resolve and determination.

"Ha ha ha ha!"

Yet Gilgamesh froze for a moment on his throne before bursting into wild laughter. Then he slowly rose, his cold scarlet eyes looking down from above.

"By you?"