Where's Your Shame? Don't Need It!

By noon, after undergoing two rounds of examinations by priests and witches, Samael was confirmed to be fully recovered and allowed to get out of bed and go out.

Although, as a human capable of transforming into a magical beast, he is indeed somewhat peculiar.

Anna, Merlin, Leonidas, and a group of other "outsiders" have repeatedly challenged our understanding of the mysterious forces in Uruk.

Compared to those truly perverted individuals, this Sumerians, who was known as the "heroic soldier of the ruined Babylon" and the "Slaughterhouse Butcher," seems less unacceptable.

Of course, all the priestesses and priests knew about Samael was his "beastification" and his "rapid recovery from exhaustion."

Because the ancient serpent and Anna had secretly coordinated their statements, the horrifying scene of him being torn in two by the Beast Goddess yet still alive and kicking had been quietly concealed.

After the routine check-up was completed, Samael received a large basket of follow-up healing supplies such as Magic Potion and Rune Stone.

He had just exchanged a few pleasantries with the Head Shrine Maiden when the soldier who had come to his door brought the expected summons.

It came from the High Priestess Siduri and King Gilgamesh.

Phew! The most crucial moment has arrived!

By the God Tiamat, may Your radiance protect me as I pass this test.

Samael breathed a sigh of relief, prayed silently for a moment to calm himself, then pulled Anna up and followed the messenger onto the road leading to the Royal Palace Divine Tower.

Along the way, many houses on both sides were damaged to varying degrees. Uruk's neighbors, who were busy repairing their homes, stopped what they were doing when they saw two familiar figures on the street and greeted them in a friendly manner.

"Haha, good morning, Samael! I knew this fine young man who escaped from Babylon wouldn't die so easily!"

"Hey, little Anna, you've come out too. Haven't eaten yet? Come and try my baked pie, it's fresh out of the oven."

"Hey, old Parker, you woke up in three days! Odd number! You owe me a beer!"

"Hey, you up north, why didn't you leave a day earlier? I'm missing out big time, you know that!"

"No way! After meeting the Queen, you're paying for tonight's drinks!"

Samael nodded repeatedly, responding with a mix of laughter and playful criticism.

Anna, who was well-liked by the older women, had her arms piled high with wheat cakes, small cakes, and dried fruit given to her by her neighbors in Uruk after crossing the long street.

Samael was also fortunate enough to receive snacks and fruits for both meals.

The ancient serpent lowered its eyes, looking at the gift in its hand that carried a delicate fragrance and sweet taste. A slight smile appeared on its lips, and a warm feeling flowed through its heart.

As intelligent as he is, he naturally understands that this is a signal, meaning that he has been recognized by the city.

Even though he transformed into a terrifying monster, he was still admired and trusted.

Even though his city-state was destroyed and he drifted here, he was still accepted by this place.

What he was before is not important.

Many people remember what he did for this place.

Therefore, these people are willing to believe that King Gilgamesh's summons should not be seen as an accountability, but rather as a reward for saving Uruk.

Those who carry firewood for the masses should not be left to freeze to death in the wind and snow.

Those who pave the way for freedom should not be made to be trapped in thorns.

Those who work for the benefit of the people should not be left to fight alone.

Those who are willing to sacrifice their lives for their country should not be left without a responsibilities to fulfill.

Here, it doesn't matter if you come from Eridu, Cusa, Nippur, Babylon, or even faraway Greece, Avalon, or Sparta.

Once you enter this land and accept the king's leadership, you will have only one common title— Uruk!

Perhaps this is why Anna likes this place.

The ancient snake took a bite of the sweet fruit, a faint smile spreading across its face. It looked up at the clear sky, its lips moving as it murmured to itself.

Those who treat the people of the mortal realm with gentleness will surely be treated with gentleness by the mortal realm in return.

Mother Goddess, this is also an honor you should enjoy.

But don't rush, wait a little longer.

The clear, low hum of the thread in my mind seemed to respond.

Samael threw the gnawed fruit pit into the grass and followed the messenger who had been waiting for a moment.

Of course, the journey from the embassy to the Royal Palace Divine Tower is not all about tender feelings.

Even though the stone bricks have been replaced and the floor has been cleaned, the bloodstains in the cracks, the mountain of monster corpses in the sacrificial ground, the large crater being filled in the east gate barracks, and the soldiers and Magecraft climbing up and down the North Wall to repair the damage...

All of this indicates that the aftershocks of that brutal battle are still lingering.

Uruk is licking his wounds, hoping to regain his ability to defend himself as soon as possible.

In addition, Samael witnessed strange scenes as he passed by the Shrine Maiden's Office and temple.

A group of clergymen were deftly scraping gold dust off the walls, prying gemstones off the pillars, and casually knocking coins of different materials out of the donation box.

"You lot, hurry up! Hurry up! Bring up anything else of value!"

Amidst the urgent urging, a dark-haired figure wearing a dazzling crown and Sumer kilt squatted in front of the box.

The outstretched fingers of that lotus-like arm inserted themselves into the pile of coins and gems, excitedly repeating the motion of tossing and scattering them.

As the gems and coins slipped through her fingers and fell into the box with a pleasant clinking sound, the beautiful black-haired girl listened intently, completely captivated.

Her stunningly beautiful face, partially revealed, curved into a sly smile like a lucky cat, clearly indicating she was thoroughly enjoying herself, as if the sound was the most beautiful music in the world.

"We're rich! We're rich! After working so hard for so long, we can finally recoup some of our losses and make up for our expenses."

Amidst excited murmurs, the black-haired figure held a Gilgamesh gemstone, rubbing it up and down against one cheek, her smiling lips widening even further.

"Lady Ishtar... that's all..."

A slender priestess struggled to drag the treasure chests full of goods behind the goddess. She looked back at the empty temple, which looked as if it had been ransacked by bandits, and felt a strange pang of sorrow in her heart.

Inside the half-open box, apart from a few coins and gems, the main items were bowls, plates, candlesticks, and statues of gods made of gold and silver.

It can be said that these objects are essentially the faces stripped off from the Subordinate God.

Once Uruk's most luxurious and elegant landmark, besides the Royal Palace Divine Tower, it has now become a dilapidated, leaky building slated for demolition.

"Well, not bad, looks like you guys worked really hard."

The black-haired goddess raised her hand and patted the witch on the shoulder, smiling with satisfied narrowed eyes in praise.

Just as she was about to stuff these spoils into the space of the Sky Ark Ma'anna, the sorrowful-looking witch mustered up her courage and grabbed the goddess's arm.

"Lord Ishtar, if you take everything with you, what will become of the temple..."

"What does it have to do with me? Anyway, no one in Uruk is offering sacrifices to me right now."

"It's such a waste to build such a beautiful temple."

Ishtar tossed the treasure chest into the Sky Ark Ma'anna with an air of complete nonchalance.

The priestess's breath hitched, and she suddenly felt her faith crumble.

I'm all better. jpg