No One Was Human?

After all that, you still haven't solved the defensive mechanism of "Underworld Protection" and the problem of its rebound?

Samael was speechless, and Anna and Merlin couldn't help but look strangely at Ishtar, who was rubbing her hands together and looking embarrassed.

"This thing bears the Divine Imprint, which cannot be erased. You can't blame me for that, can you?"

Immediately, the goddess, wanting to change the subject in the awkward atmosphere, rolled her eyes and, as was her usual tactic after causing trouble, shifted the blame to everyone.

"It's the Shrine Maiden's Office's fault! Who told them to summon that troublesome thing from underground!"

"It's Uruk's fault! If they had given me more faith and gems, and let me try a few more times, maybe I would have found a way!"

"It's that woman's fault! Why did she have to try to take it from me and then stab me in the back? She's shameless!"

"It's Father God's fault! Why did he give her such great power? It's practically cheating!"

"Yes..."

When Ishtar's gaze turned to Samael, the ancient serpent responded with a cold laugh.

"Is it my fault? I don't understand anything about you and her, but anyway, you're the one who carved both hands."

"What Shepherd Priest? I don't want to be one, but you insist on making me. Why don't you take all these things back?"

To be honest, he really didn't want to get involved in the love-hate relationship between the two sisters.

He thought he was too weak, and if these two started fighting, he might get trampled to death first.

Moreover, he has a long history of misdeeds in the underworld and many secrets about him.

If you have too much interaction with the goddesses Ishtar and Ereshkigal, it's easy to expose your flaws through subtle details.

Therefore, he really didn't want to do something that would easily attract attention and make him a target.

Snakes should hide in the dark and wait for their chance to strike.

If it's exposed to the sunlight and becomes the focus of everyone's attention, it's not so scary, because anyone can condemn it with a single blow.

Ishtar immediately forced a warm smile, conveying a sense of reassurance.

"How could it be your fault? Blame them!"

Now that this goddess has been dealt with, her desire to make money by hoarding goods has faded considerably.

Now, it's mostly because of that pent-up anger in her heart that she has to vent.

For the sake of dignity and to vent her anger, the more frustrated she became, the more she wanted to go against her sister in the underworld.

Erasing the divine mark to admit defeat? Impossible!

"Okay, you can figure out a solution on the way. We're not going to speed up!"

"Hands, hands, hands!"

As Ishtar saw the demonic claw approaching, her expression changed drastically. She immediately jumped away and waited until she was within a safe distance of ten meters before awkwardly responding.

"For safety's sake, you go first, I'll cover the rear."

The three nodded helplessly and led the way, leaving the suspicious Ishtar to follow behind.

On the road, without the constant chatter of a certain goddess, Samael found the journey somewhat boring.

Surrounded by only sprawling vines, swarming poisonous insects, and a humid climate, one can't help but feel irritable.

Because of the [Underworld Protection] situation after departing from Ur, some time was lost, and the rainforest leading to Eridu was even more lush and ancient.

Thus, it wasn't until nightfall that the four of them had only covered half the distance.

In this unfamiliar environment, to avoid any accidents, the four of them had no choice but to choose a gentle slope with good air circulation to set up camp and rest, in preparation for completing the rest of the journey the next day.

At night, a campfire was lit, meat soup simmered in a pot, and everyone ate the wheat cakes they had brought with them.

After eating, the travelers who had ventured into the dense forest either meditated or fell asleep.

As for Samael, who was on night watch, he felt a slight burning sensation on the back of his right hand and sighed as he looked at the figure walking through the bushes.

"Alone on night watch? Come and enjoy some treats."

The goddess, now noticeably more dignified and somber, gracefully sat down in front of the tree trunk and handed Samael a cup of hot tea laced with honey.

"Thanks..."

The ancient snake smiled and nodded, picked up the teacup, sipped carefully, and looked quietly at the night with a much gentler expression.

"That's... Divine Imprint?"

"That woman... cough cough... I... did I make things difficult for you again today?"

Ereshkigal, the Underworld Goddess, whose consciousness had risen, saw the crown-shaped mark on the back of Samael's left hand, her brows furrowed and her fingers, which were hanging on her lap, clenched tightly, showing great indignation.

Before the ancient serpent could gather his thoughts and organize his words to reply, Ereshkigal raised his right hand, examined it carefully for a moment, and slowly let out a sigh of relief.

"Thank you, I'm relieved to have this to protect you."

"Forget about that troublesome matter for now. Are you going to see Quetzalcoatl?"

Samael was more than happy to be able to avoid the topic of the two sisters' quarrel, and nodded tactfully, telling Ereshkigal about the origin of their trip to the dense forest.

"I see. I didn't expect that even after Uruk has come to this point, you still haven't given up on saving yourselves."

"Well, I don't dislike hardworking people."

The goddess turned her head, a hint of admiration in her eyes.

Unlike Anna, Merlin, and Ishtar, these three outcasts, this man is the true embodiment of the will of humanity.

In reality, Origin Goddess Tiamat, possesses supreme power and transcends physical boundaries; Ereshkigal cannot see the serpent within this human skin.

None of the four people in this group are human.

If we had to categorize it, Samael, who possessed a human soul, would be the closest to the truth.

"So, as compensation for what happened before, I'll give you a piece of advice."

"Quetzal Coyatt is Good God, representing the pinnacle of goodness, and above him is the supreme god."

"In other words, even kind-hearted creatures are no match for her."

"Therefore, whatever her purpose may be, do not waver, do not be influenced by her, and do not even agree with her actions."

"Once you lose your hostility and are swayed by the will of the supreme god, you will have absolutely no chance of winning!"

Samael nodded seriously at Ereshkigal's advice, which was more insightful than the answer he remembered and solidified his strategy.

After the kind reminder, the goddess was about to leave, but for some reason, the casual remark from the man next to her aroused her desire to sit down and chat.

Thus, the solitary life in the underground temple, the joy of having a snake as a pet, the confusion and awe about destiny, and the jealousy of a certain goddess who can freely enjoy the sunlight.

All sorts of emotions poured out unintentionally.

The man sitting on the crossbeam mostly listened quietly, occasionally interjecting to help her recall or changing the subject.

With such a perfect audience, Ereshkigal unknowingly talked for three or four hours.

Seeing that it was past midnight, the goddess suddenly realized what was happening behind her and smiled apologetically.

Will humanity win?

"That's your own destiny, don't always think about relying on gods!"

"So, do you want humanity to win?"

"What does this have to do with me? Just don't cause me any trouble!"

The goddess waved her hand, got up, and walked into the night.

The unspoken meaning of "not causing trouble for the God of the Underworld" is, of course, not to die.

You even have to guess this? When are you going to be honest with me, Master?

The ancient snake shook its head slightly, somewhat helpless about its owner's deeply ingrained arrogant personality.

Samael then snapped out of his reverie and turned his gaze to the swaying bushes.