Annanu, stripped of his vitality seven times over, stood before Ereshkigal.
It was an unimaginably enormous gallu spirit. Its blue skull was wreathed in unusual crimson energy, and atop its head sat a great black crown.
Annanu stood there with a somewhat listless expression. He raised his head and looked at the enormous red gallu spirit.
Ereshkigal was also examining Annanu.
"Disgusting living creature."
Two enormous claws slammed down beside Annanu. Ereshkigal lowered herself, staring at Annanu through her hollow eye sockets.
"Why have you disturbed my underworld? Why have you entered my dwelling?"
"You clearly know that this is forbidden ground for the living."
Terrifying cold radiated from Ereshkigal's body. Even a being like Annanu could not help feeling as though he were about to freeze solid.
The underworld was cold to begin with, the harshest and most frigid place in the world. This was especially apparent around Ereshkigal.
But Annanu paid no heed to the piercing pain in his body, because he knew Enkidu was suffering the same agony as him. He was beside himself with worry.
The oppressive force emanating from Ereshkigal made Annanu understand that leaving the underworld would likely not be so simple.
With magical energy output of this level, it was no wonder even the great god Enlil had needed to pay the price of his own child to escape the underworld. Within the underworld, no being could be certain of defeating this terrifying Queen of the Underworld. Even if Annanu possessed his full strength, he might not manage it, despite having high-grade anti-Divinity abilities.
"I will explain my circumstances to you, and why I came alone to the underworld."
Annanu spoke weakly.
"But now, I ask that you have your gatekeeper return my vitality to me."
Upon hearing Annanu's words, Ereshkigal's aura and