Annanu's consciousness was extremely unclear now. Gilgamesh knew that.
But when he heard Annanu tremble in a voice weakened to the utmost as he asked, "How much longer until we find Enkidu?", he still could not control his emotions.
He could not help lowering his head. He suddenly staggered, his powerless body swaying before he finally managed to steady himself.
Tap.
He had stepped on a stone.
His unfocused gaze settled on it.
It was a pebble beach.
A pebble beach by the sea.
He froze for a moment, then straightened up and looked into the distance.
What met his eyes was a blue-gray sea.
Massive waves surged wildly, white surf crashed against the shore, and the sea wind and currents roared together.
This was the sorrow of the Mother Goddess, the wrath of the Mother Goddess.
Mother Tiamat had been slain by the gods of the Anunnaki, but her very existence would never be erased. She was the saltwater, forever existing within the boundless sea.
Gilgamesh looked at his mother, his legs gave way, and he fell to his knees before Tiamat.
But he would not press his head to the ground and kiss the Mother Goddess.
Because on his back, he still carried his sole remaining dear friend.
But now, a tremendous problem stood before Gilgamesh.
How was he supposed to reach the gate of the underworld across the sea?
If he had been alone, he would have felled trees along the shore, built a raft, and crossed the sea amid the towering waves.
But now, he would not let go of Annanu, nor could he let go of Annanu.
Enkidu had entrusted the complete Chains of Heaven to him. Enkidu's aura still lingered upon him, and if Annanu had not still clung to that trace of aura,