Special Thanks to dear Ekaterina016 for their immense help in Beta-reading and editing this chapter as well as helping with the brainstorming of the plot.
This story would not be possible without you.
I don't own Magi or Type-Moon content.
The skies seemed to rumble as a child gazed through the window, his eyes widening in wonder when he spotted the golden glow atop the Ziggurat, accompanied by occasional bursts of light or two. "Mom! Dad! Come look!" The child excitedly called out, his cheerful voice attracting the attention of his parents.
"What is it, darling?" His mother approached with a smile, her eyes immediately widening following the direction his finger was pointing to, as a soft smile appeared on her face. "That is our King's light, little one."
"It's so shiny!" The child spoke with glee, his eyes sparkling as the light brightened and colors sprang from it.
"Yes, it is. His light protects us, and watches over us as His Majesty does." Her voice carried an undeniable reverence as she held her child close to her, while they watched the golden light in silence.
Sindbad frowned as he dodged yet another barrage of spells, Valefor's ice blocking the brunt of the ceaseless attacks coming from the golden portals behind the man floating in front of him. It'd be simple to dodge or block if they all came in the same direction; alas, every single one not only was fired omnidirectionally, but also trickily curving around any half-baked defenses he hurriedly set up.
His instincts flared once more, and he immediately ducked under a windblade aiming for his neck, which still managed to cut tufts of his hair. The eyes on his palms flared with an ominous crimson light, the molecules around Gilgamesh continuing to slow down even more since the start of this battle.
"Vajra."
Yet still, a bolt of lightning almost pierced through his chest, the crimson eyes of the King of Heroes never once losing track of him despite his best attempts.
"Do you believe this half-baked trick you used against that woman would work on me, mongrel?" Gilgamesh's face remained completely devoid of the slightest distress, as golden glyphs circulated in the stone tablet in his hand, two new portals opening next to him. The staves appeared rather swiftly, glowing an ominous red as Valefor's magic was countered.
"It is the first time I've seen Valefor's forte being countered, King Gilgamesh. It's an impressive feat." Sindbad's voice was the same as always, unaffected by his unsuccessful attempt at subjugating the king peacefully. Ice spears met spells as he ducked and weaved under the staves appearing in his blindspots. The question of how the man in front of him could perform such feats remained in his mind still, the information he's gathering from this confrontation worth the price paid in diplomatic setbacks.
The King of Sindria grunted as a powerful blast of magical energy slammed against his protective layer of ice, the momentary halt in movement bringing him face-to-face with even stronger spells. Valefor's stagnation flared once more, slowing down the momentum of the incoming attacks enough for him to escape it.
Sensing the shift in the wind behind him, Sindbad fired a spell to push himself out of the way of the twirling axe aiming for his head, its sharp blade breaking one of his earrings before it was caught by Gilgamesh.
Sindbad frowned, switching his strategy by creating a layer of thick mist around them in an effort to hinder Gilgamesh's field of vision. The cover did not last long, violent winds making quick work of his magic, but still serving its purpose of allowing him to shift to Focalor.
"Foraz Zora." Wasting not a moment, octagrams shone on his palms as two powerful hurricanes targeted the king of Uruk and disrupted the portals near him.
Gilgamesh reached out, pulling out a mace from a portal. His fluttering clothes settled down despite the approaching hurricanes, the weapon in his hand humming with a power Sindbad couldn't completely understand.
The Rukh became disordered and in disarray, trying and failing to flutter to them as an unknown authority pushed against their advance.
The wind would not be controlled by Rukh, not whilst the mace remained in the king's hand. Such was the might of the divine construct.
Gilgamesh held the mace casually and reared it back, his strike swift and merciless against the incoming attack.
"Roar, Enlil."
A violent gale collided against the raging storms at breakneck speed, sharp wind blades missing Sindbad solely by virtue of the warning the unnatural shift in the Rukh's flow provided. The turbulent storm pierced through the clouds before exploding, a deafening bang resounding across the city and making way for the moon's light to shine through. Even the seas in the distance seemed to rumble and the earth quaked under the weapon's power as Gilgamesh threw the mace away.
Sindbad had no time to enjoy the sight, his wind shielding him from the ever-encroaching omnidirectional barrage bombarding him endlessly. Focalor proved more useful in redirecting the attacks, be it weapons or spells, away from him. However, his magoi would eventually run out, while his opponent looked far from being winded by his continuous onslaught.
"The next attack will spell your defeat if you keep boring me, mongrel." Gilgamesh's voice was monotone, as portals opened faster than the king of Sindria could disperse. The collision between the violent winds and the myriad of magical attacks illuminated the sky in different colors for all the denizens of the city to see.
As the minutes passed, Sindbad could tell he was getting nowhere. He could not push past the attacks to get to the man standing in front of him, and even some of the stronger spells under his belt failed to deliver a decisive blow. Focalor's Djinn Equip dissolved and the king of Sindria began to fall, his eyes shining brightly as he grinned challengingly at the composed man looking down at him.
Baal's octagram shone brightly on his sword, before the rumbling of thunder rang ominously. Once Baal's power coursed through his body, Sindbad immediately blitzed through the raining weapons and spells with blinding speed.
Gilgamesh didn't seem fazed by the sudden burst of agility, his trusty axe appearing in his hands as he walked on the air, slowly approaching the incoming warrior. "You have a fine amount of Magoi. Was it a gift from your jester?" He timed his swing perfectly, meeting his enemy's sword fearlessly.
Sparks and arcs of lighting filled their surroundings as they fought for dominance, a blast of lightning separating them however briefly. Quick to press on the attack, Sindbad was upon the King of Heroes again, his sword parrying the axe but unable to land a hit.
Gilgamesh's steps were composed and concise, one could almost mistake it for outright boredom. The Rukh coalesced under his feet, creating a platform upon his command as he weaved through the sword strikes before countering with blows of his own.
The two locked weapons once more, the fearsome lightning emanating from Sindbad's body and weapons did not sway him. The leader of the Alliance did not expect any less, his defying smile ever present as ever. "Your prowess is quite a wonder, King of Uruk." Leaning back to avoid a magical attack, Sindbad flawlessly turned and pointed his blade towards the man right in front of him. "Bararaq."
A beam of lighting instantly barreled towards Gilgamesh, which was simply dodged by a slight careless tilt of his head. Crimson eyes shone ominously as the attack exploded behind him, its light soon replaced by blinding golden glow. "And you are disappointing, mongrel. You dare touch my wealth with only such paltry tricks?" Spells illuminated the darkness behind him, covering Sindbad's vision in different colors.
Once more, the singularity was forced to distance himself out of the encirclement as he carefully observed Gilgamesh's formation for any breakthrough point.
"I shall have you dance for me, ruler of Sindria." Gilgamesh smirked as he sat down in the air, the Rukh taking the shape of a throne. A portal opened behind him, birthing out an unlikely weapon.
Sindbad frowned at the sight of the unusual ballista pointed at him, his body tensing and his instincts warning him of danger as the large construct's bolt glowed. Nine lasers shot out of it simultaneously, splitting into one hundred, bearing down on the singularity. Lightning fueled his speed as he weaved through the attacks, only for them to relentlessly chase after him with disturbing coordination. Catching sight of Gilgamesh watching him, Sindbad ducked under a laser and pointed in its direction before firing off Bararaq once more, the attacks canceling each other out with a large explosion.
Sindbad frowned as he continued to dodge the attacks, and the king of Sindria decided to end this fight with the next attack. His previous reservations cast aside, the man easily moved through the barrage and placed himself above the Ziggurat. Lightning coalesced around his sword, the intimidating rumbles of thunder heralding the impending attack.
Both men seemed to smirk at each other, Gilgamesh's confidence unaffected by the looming threat coming his way. The portals around him spread themselves out, the endless staves appearing from them creating a barrier which shielded the city.
Lightning coated the entirety of Sindbad's sword and arm, his heart racing with excitement as he gazed at the figure standing above him. The exhilarating thrill coursing through him as he faced a fellow singularity with his full force. His figure shone like a star illuminating the city below, his scales glowing as the Octagram beckoning the call of Extreme Magic formed behind him.
This will be the blow which will decide this bout.
"Bararaq Saiqa!"
The ensuing lightning blast strained the defensive barriers as it swallowed Gilgamesh's form in the blink of an eye, piercing through the sky before it gradually disappeared as quickly as it appeared.
Sindbad's eyes narrowed as he floated down to the roof of the Ziggurat, taking a deep breath as he observed the skies for his opponent. He was surprised to see the man standing in the same position, devoid of even a scratch. The King of Sindria immediately took note of the spear held lazily in the man's hand, the cackling of lightning over its edge and the aura reminiscent of the mace from earlier telling the singularity all he needed to know.
Sindbad barely blinked before chains grasped his limbs, neither his enhanced strength nor his lightning able to break their hold. His momentary struggle stopped dead in its tracks when pain flared in the man's abdomen, his eyes taking notice of the intricate knife piercing his flesh, before turning to the indifferent face of Gilgamesh who stood before him.
"Your performance is lacking, ruler of Sindria. It seems all of you are far from ready." The knife glowed and the Djinn Equip was forcefully dispelled, the chains preventing Sindbad from falling down when his legs grew strangely numb. Pulling the surprisingly clean knife, the King of Heroes stared intently at the man in front of him before a smirk made its way on his face. "You should abandon any notion of using the Kou princess as well. She has provided me with adequate entertainment, and I wish to see more of her performance."
Sindbad didn't seem fazed by Gilgamesh's words, a soft chuckle leaving his lips as he kept examining the chains binding him. "As expected, you were able to discover it. I shall consider it the price to pay for my defeat." He smiled despite the loss of his newly-acquired pawn, recent revelations changing his priorities drastically.
"As for daring to touch my retainer…" Gilgamesh snapped his fingers, the chain tying Sindbad's arm twisting.
Sindbad's eyes widened as his arm snapped, the pain bringing energy back to his legs. With a grunt, Sindbad remained composed and held his ground.
"Consider this the one and only mercy I shall show you. Now, begone from my sight." Snapping his fingers, Gilgamesh teleported the man back to his room. Closing his eyes and observing the inside of his fortress and temple, he saw Ningal handling herself quite well in the feast hall, as he expected.
Noting the worry she hid in her heart, he instantly moved back to the entrance and walked back to his throne under the eyes of his guests and retainers.
"Welcome back, Your Majesty." Ningal bowed before moving to stand beside him as usual, feeling rather nervous when his eyes stared at her.
"You've done your duty well, Ningal." Gilgamesh spoke calmly, propping his chin on his closed fist as if nothing ever happened. His words comforted Ningal, her worries dispelling as she busied herself serving him.
"We've heard terrible rumbling and explosions for a short while after you left, King Gilgamesh." Scheherazade broke the silence, asking the question on everyone's mind. "May I ask what happened?"
The King of Heroes nonchalantly sipped the ale. "I wished to see the power of the High King of the Seven Seas. He obliged." He hummed in approval as he enjoyed the sweet taste.
"And where is Sindbad?" Artemina asked, a rare frown on her face as she dreaded a war breaking out depending on Gilgamesh's response.
Turning to his Sindrian visitors, Gilgamesh smiled condescendingly. "He overexerted himself while entertaining me, and has retreated to his quarters." A glint of amusement flashed in his eyes as he took note of the growing discomfort in Masrur.
Observing the bustling city as the ship prepared to dock, a cold smirk appeared Ren Kouen as he took in what details he could spot. Whatever information his men gathered was lacking as he expected, descriptions from merchants and travelers could do little in giving him the details he wished to have.
His crimson eyes swept over the towering walls, analyzing every corner of it with the utmost focus. The sailors around the crown prince felt intimidated by his silent figure, subtly keeping their distance and staying out of his line of sight.
"Looks pretty average to me." Judar yawned, with his hands lazily placed behind his head. He rolled his eyes when his words were completely ignored by Kouen. "I don't even know why you're so bent out of shape over this tiny, backwater nation." The Magi snorted with open disdain as he watched the people around indifferently.
"A King who made a prospering nation out of nothing, with neither a Magi or a Djinn, is definitely worth our attention." Kouen's eyes briefly shifted to the grumbling young man before he shifted his sights to the veiled priests beside him. It was no surprise his dear mother succeeded in infiltrating her pawns in his mission, even if it displeased him greatly to be stuck with such pests during his work. However, their presence remains useful to him in its own way. If Uruk wasn't able to combat the vixen and her ilk, then they weren't worth any more of his time. Given the caliber of the Uruk envoys following them, Kouen was expecting a good show. He noticed the priests worryingly whisper to Judar and each other while glancing at the duo, no doubt due to some hurdle they are already facing. A good sign for Uruk's prowess, perhaps.
The two warriors were discussing with Shou En and Seishuu Ri in their corner whilst they gazed at their home. The younger of the two was smiling brightly as she tapped the pommel of her sword impatiently, her skimpy eastern armor, reminiscent of those worn in Kina, was nevertheless regal and imposing for her petite size. Her adjutant remained by her side, ever-vigilant, alert, and stony, betraying nothing of his inner thoughts. Although they didn't look like much, Kouen's instincts all-but-screamed at him to not underestimate them. It's safe to say the impression they left on him made him all the more adamant on making the most of this endeavor.
Kouen descended to the harbor as soon as he could, observing the populace and the work around him with intrigue, with the guides right beside him. He was slightly impressed by the efficiency and organization on display. The bustling harbor was a well-oiled machine, with ships coming and going at a steady pace, and workers loading and unloading cargo with impressive speed.
They scurried around the docks, hauling goods to and from as fast as they could. The prince could see a certain dedication in their eyes, a fire of a life with purpose pushing them to do more despite the workload. The entire operation was a symphony of movement and coordination, and Kouen couldn't help but be impressed by the level of skill and discipline on display.
Soon enough, he was joined by his companions, Shou En carrying their gifts whilst Seishuu stood dutifully next to him. As they made their way towards the city, Kouen continued to observe the port with a critical eye. He noted the attention to detail in the maintenance of the facilities, from the well-maintained docks to the clean, orderly warehouses.
Despite the hustle and bustle of the port, everything seemed to be in perfect order, with no signs of chaos or disarray. Even the sounds of the harbor, the clanging of metal against metal and the shouts of workers, seemed to blend together in a harmonious cacophony.
Kouen was satisfied to see his expectations being met, knowing this level of management was a testament to the skill and dedication of the workers, and he silently commended them for their efforts. "This place is certainly interesting. It speaks a lot of your King." He crossed his arms as he shifted his attention to Ushiwakamaru.
"Naturally. This is the result of everyone's hard work under our King's leadership." She gave the prince a prideful smile, all too happy to boast of Uruk's exploits. "However, there's much more to Uruk than its port, Your Highness."
"Then let's be off, I wish to see all this city has to offer." Kouen motioned for her to guide him, his steps measured and unhurried whilst he took in the sights and the people around them on the way.
The narrow streets of the city were bustling with activity–merchants haggling with customers, children playing games, and street vendors selling their wares. Kouen's eyes darted from one scene to another, taking in every detail with an analytical eye. He briefly lamented Koumei's absence–no doubt his brother would have gleaned much more from the experience than he would. He took note of the imposing tower standing tall some distance from the King's palace, noting the differing architectures and styles between them. The ziggurat's own style was unique and the term itself was unfamiliar to the prince, the novelty only fueling his curiosity further.
"Man, this is so lame." Judar yawned, scoffing at his surroundings. He was still sour about the failed attack against Sindria a while back, not to mention being forced by Gyokouen to join this visit. He initially hoped some of the delegates could be entertaining enough to be worth his time, but they were almost painfully steadfast with no crack for him to even exploit. Nevertheless, Judar found antagonizing them to be a sufficient distraction from his boredom. After all, what could an infant nation possibly do? "Is everyone in your Kingdom this poor?" He pointed to the citizens passing by, their garbs, while far from being inadequate, remained a far cry from the luxurious silks of Kou.
His words did certainly have their effects on the mother and her child, the woman frowning as she ushered the saddened kid forward. The little girl held her flower close to her chest without a word as her parent tried to soothe her.
Ushiwakamaru stopped, turning her head slowly to stare straight into the Magi's eyes. Judar smirked in response, amused by the immediate reaction.
"Enough, Judar." Kouen's voice cut through the mounting tension, his eyes staring down the younger man. The Magi snorted and chose to remain silent, unwilling to suffer Kouen's scolding. "Our High Priest's words were out of line." He threw in a bow just to show his sincerity.
"My lord." Benkei's hand grasped the furious rider's shoulder, shaking his head when his eyes met hers.
Taking a deep breath, Ushiwakamaru calmed herself and continued to guide them in the ziggurat. Stepping through the entrance of the fortress, two gut-wrenching screams snapped Kouen out of his focus. Looking behind him, the prince's eyes narrowed when he bore witness to the sight of the vixen's minions set ablaze as they flailed helplessly. In mere moments, the priests were reduced to ashes. Kouen's attention moved to Judar, finding him leaning against the wall as he visibly struggled to remain standing.
"The unworthy will not be able to enter the palace." Ushiwakamaru scoffed as a servant came to sweep the ashes away, her eyes turning to the struggling Magi with a predatory glint. "If you are this burdened at the entrance, I recommend you stay in the garden outside, Magi. I would hate it if you inconvenienced our servants by vomiting in the hallways."
"Intriguing." Kouen ignored the stumbling man and turned his sights to the walls around them, searching for any details or magical mechanisms. His piercing eyes ceaselessly searched with a burning passion, the lack of results only mounting his drive further.
Judar bit the inside of his cheek as he pushed himself back to his feet with a heave. He was visibly shaken, beads of sweat flowing down his face as he felt an imminent sense of danger from all directions in this place. A pressure bore down on him, alarm bells ringing in his head and urging him to get as far away from the ziggurat as possible.
The sheer volume of the Rukh flooding his senses sickened him, a stabbing pain in his head making him flinch as he fought for balance. His crimson eyes glared hatefully at the swordswoman. "Don't test me." Each word required visible effort, the threat falling flat when the man himself needed Seishuu's help to remain standing.
Benkei hummed in thought as he observed the prince, somewhat lost in his analysis of the surroundings. "Foreign Magi and magicians tend to fare much worse than ordinary people. The ziggurat is even less accommodating to those who bear ill intent." Sensing his curiosity, the man offered some information as his eyes shifted to Judar's sorry figure. "I hope you do not find any issue with it."
A glint shone in Kouen's eyes, the scholarly thirst for knowledge becoming harder to suppress. "It is of no concern. On the contrary, in fact, I find such novelty quite refreshing and certainly worth our visit." Nodding towards his adjutant, Kouen ignored the indignant shouts of their High Priest as he was carried by the bigger soldier. "Let us continue."
Ushiwakamaru nodded, guiding the group through the hallways towards the throne room. The spacious hall was devoid of people save for the King and his assistant, who were taking a short break between the unending reports and audiences. Gilgamesh's head was propped on his fist whilst he savored the sweet taste of different delicacies, along with some wine under Ningal's watchful gaze. The woman sat to the side while she munched on a piece of bread and some dates with a happy smile on her face.
Ushiwakamaru cleared her throat as they entered, making their presence known. "Your Majesty, I bring you the Crown Prince of Kou, Kouen Ren."
Gilgamesh nodded indifferently, slowly placing his cup on the table. His gaze bore down on the group, focusing on their leader.
Kouen didn't flinch under the scrutiny, his own gaze observing the King of this mysterious nation with great intrigue. Tension permeated in the silent throne room, neither of the two speaking whilst the others began to grow apprehensive. Neither Kouen's smile nor Gilgamesh's piercing stare relented, despite the uncomfortable circumstances, as each measured the other heedless of the company.
Kouen was the one to end the silence. "You have a fine nation, King of Uruk. It suits you." Giving a courteous nod, the prince gestured for Seishuu to place their gifts next to him. "I bring a token of Kou's appreciation for accepting our request." He observed Gilgamesh all the while, gouging the man's response to his every word.
Not sparing so much as a glance towards the gifts, Gilgamesh continued to gaze at the group with mild disinterest. "Do not waste my time. What is it you seek, mongrel?" His tone was sharp and biting.
Kouen raised his hand before his two guards could speak, face calm and unperturbed. "I have heard many tales about Uruk and was intrigued by its potential. I came here… intending to judge this kingdom with my own eyes and determine if it was worth Kou's interest." The prince's words were as direct and blunt as the King he was facing, the two already understanding each other's disposition. There's no need for pleasantries between men of their level.
Gilgamesh snorted in disdain, an amused smirk appearing on his face. "You will find your strength inadequate for what you hope to achieve, then. Uruk is not a place either you or his ilk can overcome." His confidence overflowed from his figure, his flawless charisma making his subordinates smile with pride as his eyes trailed to the weakened Judar.
Kouen found himself pleasantly surprised, not expecting the ruler of a small nation to be able to lock onto their High Priest's affiliation. His interest visibly grew as the mystery of the man in front of him remained unsolved. "We shall see." Hiding his many questions behind a calm look, Kouen crossed his arms whilst he observed the place around him. "However, this is simply a gesture of goodwill. I have no intention of starting any hostilities between us."
"Yet there stands your Magi, who insulted my people." Gilgamesh's voice was low, a murderous glint in his eyes as he finally stood up from his throne. An unbearable weight bore down on Judar, the already-staggering young man falling to his knees in an instant as he fought to keep from keeling over. The pressure grew with each step the king took towards them, all but forcing Judar on all fours despite his best efforts to resist. "Tell me, mongrel. How does Kou judge such an act?" Standing before Kouen, Gilgamesh crossed his arms and awaited his response.
"Harshly." The prince immediately responded, his calculative mind analyzing his adversary seamlessly despite the abrupt shift in the atmosphere. 'It appears we were being watched. Yet none of us sensed anything.' "However, I have already expressed our regret for Judar's behavior at the time. Judar is also Kou's High Priest, and thus will only be judged by Kou." The prince's eyes narrowed, meeting Gilgamesh's gaze unflinchingly.
Gilgamesh scoffed, his eyes ignoring the prince and focusing on the Magi. "I was expecting the harlot to appear, yet she sends a mere child and a few dolls? It's a shame I couldn't see her indignation." The King chuckled with disdain, his handsome face filled with mirth.
Time seemed to stretch on painfully for the kneeling Judar, anger and hatred twisting his features as he continued to resist ceaselessly. His every attempt was met with failure, the pressure growing in response and bringing him all the closer to the hard marble floor. "You-" He attempted to speak, only for the pressure to force a pained groan out of him as he was driven further down.
Within this temple, the Magi found himself helpless before its master.
"Do not speak unless I grant you permission to do so, mongrel!" Ignoring the people around him, Gilgamesh approached the Magi. Their crimson eyes met, a fear festering in Judar's heart when faced with the King of Heores's emotionless stare. "If not for the child's forgiveness, you would have died the moment you entered this room. If you so much as look at any of my subjects wrong, none would save you from my punishment." Gilgamesh returned to his seat, the power bearing down on Judar disappearing without a trace.
Entirely spent, the Magi couldn't muster a word as he fell to the ground. Seishuu hurried to the young man's side, sighing in relief when he noticed Judar's steady breath.
Kouen didn't seem perturbed as he focused on trying to analyze the source of Gilgamesh's power, the lack of clues only making the experience more interesting. "It appears today is not ideal for further talks. Let us continue our discussion tomorrow, after we are rested." The prince proposed, knowing his day would be better served elsewhere after Judar's blunder, even if it offered valuable insight into the leader of this nation.
Gilgamesh didn't show any reaction as he sat down. "Ushiwakamaru and Benkei shall see to your rooms." His words were final and brokered no argument, as the King picked up the tablet in front of him and began reading through it.
Kouen's eyes shone with scholarly determination, as he turned almost instantly to the shorter woman. "Guide me to Uruk's library." His intimidating disposition seemed to grow even scarier as he urged the swordswoman, a hint of impatience under his decorum.
"Of course, Your Highness. Benkei will guide the others to your rooms in the meantime." She nodded with a casual smile, entirely ignoring his ego-filled intent, before the group exited the room, leaving the King with his assistant.
Ningal sighed once the Kou envoys were finally out, her attention immediately shifting to her King. "It appears Kou's prince is very enthusiastic about the library." She quipped.
"Naturally. All scholars would covet the priceless knowledge I possess." He waved his hand dismissively, already discarding any thoughts of the prince. "An entertaining mongrel, if an eyesore. I imagine he is the reason the vixen didn't show up." The King of Heroes snickered, his seriousness replaced with an amusement as he gestured for the reports near her. "We have lost enough time with this nonsense. Let us continue."
"I'm afraid not, my King." Ningal shook her head, unaffected by the stern glare leveled her way. "You have an appointment with Lady Scheherazade now—we are to head to the garden immediately." She smiled gently despite the frown on Gilgamesh's face.
"That hard-headed woman doesn't know when to cease her folly." Standing up, Gilgamesh walked unhurriedly towards the garden behind his throne, awaiting Scheherazade's arrival.
"She is leaving today, so please bear with it, my King." Placing a fruit basket on the table, Ningal chuckled while watching Gilgamesh absentmindedly observing the lavish gardens. "I shall leave you in peace and await Her Ladyship in the throne room. Call upon me whenever you wish." With a respectful bow, she left.
Left on his own, Gilgamesh sat in silence whilst he partook in the delicacies before him. His eyes observed the clear skies disinterestedly as he chewed down on an apple, contemplating the latest developments in Uruk. While those he met exceeded his initial expectations, their current power plays presented an issue to his goals.
One the King of Heroes had little interest in humoring, nor enough time to amuse himself with. His eyes narrowed once he spotted the Rukh gathering around him, the fluttering lights morphing into a dazzling golden light by his will. His sight peered across vast distances into the faraway lands beyond the Great Rift, examining them for any shifts.
His observation was noticed, a familiar warm presence greeting him with a loving gaze and a reassuring smile. A ghost of a smile appeared on Gilgamesh's face, before he turned his attention to the presence approaching him.
"Greetings, King Gilgamesh." Scheherazade's soft voice washed over the tranquil garden, the petite lady giving a courteous nod before she sat facing the King of Uruk. "I pray the day finds you well."
"It always does, priestess." He waved off the formalities, calmly watching the flora around them. "It appears your time here has been fruitful." He gave the Magi an amused smirk, mirth seeping from his chiseled features.
"Indeed. Uruk's knowledge was exciting to study. If I had the time, I would've loved to learn from it further." Sheherazade smiled gently, having made the most of her time spent in this peculiar Kingdom as short as it was. "I met with Prince Kouen of Kou on my way here, so I have no doubt the task of examining the knowledge in your grasp is in capable hands now." She quipped, the soft gaze observing Gilgamesh hiding her real thoughts.
"He would be a fool not to, yet I think he should spend more of his time taming the wild mongrel with them." Distaste rang clear in his voice, his mood souring slightly at the thought of Judar. He stood up and peered into her eyes. "Walk with me. You should behold my garden before you leave."
With a nod, Scheherazade walked alongside the King of Uruk through the lush gardens, taking in the sights and fragrances around her. Her eyes observed the flowers, the trees and the pond at the center of it all.
"Mu and his comrades have grown very fond of Uruk. I find myself sharing the same sentiment." The Magi broke the silence, finding herself at peace within the small haven. "It's been a long time since I had a refreshing experience like this, and I am grateful for Uruk's warm hospitality. I hope to welcome Your Majesty in Reim as you did for us should the day come. You will not find us lacking."
"A bold claim to make, Magi. I shall see your nation's worth for myself when the time comes." Crossing his arms, Gilgamesh scoffed and turned his attention towards her as his eyes took in her form. "In any case, I humored this form of yours because it's your first time, but my grace will not be granted a second time."
Scheherazade's entire body tensed in an instant, her grip tightening with narrowed eyes. "I don't quite understand what you mean, Your Majesty." Her voice lacked the usual gentle tone, a fearsome coldness coating her every word.
A portal opened next to Gilgamesh, a little glass bottle filled with a crimson liquid landing in his grasp. "Know that I am capable of all things, so a simple inferior homunculus is all too easy to distinguish. It can't even display a shred of your real self, which is exactly the part of you I'm looking forward to appreciating most." He shrugged, tossing her the strange bottle casually. "Unfortunately, I am disappointed, as am I towards most things these days."
Catching the item, Scheherazade scrutinized the clear content inside with visible skepticism. Her silent gaze bore didn't hide the unspoken questions, to which the King's smile only widened in response.
"Take it and use it to rejuvenate yourself. I have no wish to waste my time with a mediocre copy or a withered husk the next time we meet." For the first time since they met, Gilgamesh's words bore a somber and final tone. It was clear any further interactions would necessitate the fulfillment of this condition. The Magi felt exposed and caught completely off guard, her earlier skepticism turning into genuine concern as her secrets were laid before her so casually.
If this man had access to such confidential information, what else did he know? More importantly, howdid he get this information?
"You strike a hard bargain, Your Majesty. What guarantees do I have this gift won't do something else?" Eyes narrowing, Scheherazade prepared herself for the worst.
Gilgamesh laughed heartily, his merry voice echoing throughout the entire garden. "Hilarious of you to believe I would need such methods to deal with a simple puppet." For a moment, his eyes shone ominously with a clear intent. "You overestimate yourself, magician."
Scheherazade felt the Rukh pressuring her small body, a great weight smashing against her shoulders and forcing a pained groan out of her. She couldn't fathom how a man who could display such control over the Rukh with ease despite not being a Magi.
The King's power faded as quickly as it came, the man smirking condescendingly in response to her glare. "Your concerns are irrelevant to me. I'm capable of all things, and thus have no need for such things." His eyes narrowed as the smile on his face grew, making the petite woman tense. "In any case, your container is hardly going to last for much longer."
The ensuing silence only made Scheherazade more apprehensive, her mind in disarray as her weaknesses were laid bare in such a carefree manner. Although she expected him to be far more dangerous as a singularity, she didn't imagine finding herself in such a precarious situation. "Then why do you offer such a precious item? What do you seek in return?" Quickly composing herself, Scheherazade demanded with a stern gaze.
"Much like how a tree cannot be judged by a dying leaf, I have no interest in judging your worth from such a mediocre manifestation." In contrast to his earlier menacing stance, he approached closely and lifted her chin delicately with his fingers, eyes running all over her form, though what should be plain amusement was actually simple indifference instead. "Only after I judge the real you will I consider investing further into this…cooperation you seek."
Scheherazade resisted the urge to grit her teeth and threw her head back, her irritation diminished somewhat as she weighed her options. Uruk's value as an ally was apparent for all the delegates to see, and the King's knowledge of her only made her all the more intent on having such a man on her side rather than an enemy.
After all, if he succeeded in obtaining such highly confidential information with her forces being none the wiser, surely his capabilities would prove invaluable to Reim's continued prosperity.
With her mind settled, and with him releasing his touch, Scheherazade examined the bottle in her possession as she contemplated the possibilities it offered. She knew the risks this attempt posed, given the lack of knowledge pertaining to whatever elixir she held. Rejuvenation should be impossible for a body as old as her real one, already pushed beyond its limits as it is. Additionally, her soul, too, had weathered across the ages. The Magi's mind found it hard to believe this previously unknown man would have such miraculous solutions at his disposal in the first place, nevermind handing it out to others so carelessly. Even so, her intuition encouraged her to believe in this man and to trust his words. With a reluctant nod, the lady's body visibly relaxed as her weariness began to show. "Very well, King Gilgamesh. I shall hold you to those words." Turning around, she walked away to the entrance, only to stop for a few brief moments to gaze one final time at the enigmatic figure observing the skies, having already dismissed her presence. "We shall see each other very soon, King of Uruk." Saying her final words, biting her lower lip, Scheherazade left the gardens.
Gilgamesh didn't pay her statement any heed, choosing to focus on observing the heavens with intrigue. "Two mongrels remain, now."
Watching the Magi of Reim as she and her bodyguards left the ziggurat, Sindbad wondered how much of an advantage his competitor had as the first to experience Uruk. Her expression was odd—something he'd never seen on the ancient Magi's face before. He rubbed his tired eyes, holding in a yawn as he examined the notes he and Jafar compiled so far.
The King demonstrated prowess unheard of in the whole world with abilities and weapons different from anything they had ever seen, the limits of which Sindbad was sure he did not see in their short bout. Not to mention the impressive popularity and fervor the people had for their leader, his name never going without praise during toasts in the taverns around the city.
'I should ask around for the recipe of their ale.' Dismissing the distracting thought, Sindbad began to write down more of his thoughts. He frowned for a brief moment as pain flared in his broken arm, sighing as he regretted Yamuraiha's absence. She would have been ecstatic to visit their magic institute, and her expertise would have been a great boon to furthering their understanding of Uruk.
"I don't like anything about this land." Jafar broke the peaceful silence, the serious assassin behaving exceptionally carefully ever since his failed infiltration. "Their strength, their insight and their advancement doesn't match the kingdom's age. It's almost as if it has already achieved perfect growth since its founding." His eyes narrowed, keeping a strict focus on their surroundings whilst he paced back and forth.
"I don't think it's weird, Jafar. Their leader is fearsome and very capable, with the strength to carry his ambition forward." Sindbad leaned against his chair, his focus shifting to the bustling city view from their window. "It's a shame we didn't meet them sooner."
"Their King's strength is another mystery. I never heard of weapons capable of facing Djinn Equip magic, nevermind Extreme Magic." Irritation bled into Jafar's tone, the utter lack of useful intel making the pragmatic man anxious.
"I couldn't make sense of it either when we fought for the first time. Unfortunately, I came up empty-handed." Artemina took a sip of her drink, entertained by the assassin's growing anxiety and frustration. then offered her own input, "I have theorized his power could either be either an ancient boon, older than even the dungeons themselves, lost to history. Or it could be related to his bloodline."
"It's not only the King. His subordinates are also strangely powerful." Masrur chipped in, his mind drifting back to Kingu and his confrontation with Sharrkan. "That green-haired man, and the people we met in Balbadd, aren't ordinary either."
"I've heard a lot of praise for other notable people as well. Uruk has no shortage of exceptional individuals." Sindbad hummed in thought, unsatisfied with their current understanding of the kingdom. He sighed, deciding to shelve the topic for another time. "In other news, it appears Kou's first contact with King Gilgamesh went poorly. With Reim leaving, we can't afford to waste such a valuable opportunity to bring Uruk into our fold."
"His subordinates knocked Jafar out and stole his Household Vessel." Masrur immediately remarked, quite dryly for the usually stoic guard.
"Their King literally broke your arm." Jafar mimicked his comrade, their combined gaze made Sindbad's smile falter as he scratched his cheek awkwardly.
"This isn't our first time dealing with difficulties in establishing friendships." Sindbad stood up and rolled his free shoulder. "I'm sure you remember the hurdles we overcame in Artemyra before Her Majesty acknowledged us, Jafar." His smile faltered at the memory of their time in the valley, when a familiar redheaded figure crossed his mind.
"This is different from Artemyra! We are more than a simple company looking for investors here!" Jafar began shaking his friend, his indignation getting the best of him. "Can't you take this seriously, for once?!"
"Can't… breathe… Arm… injured." Sindbad attempted to free himself from the assassin's iron grip, eyes pleading Masrur to save him.
Unfortunately, the stoic man seemed unwilling to interfere with the fuming Jafar's tantrum. Calmly meeting Sindbad's gaze, Masrur emotionlessly observed as his comrade attempted to beat some sense into their king… as usual.
"Enough." Artemina slammed her fist on the table and put a stop to their argument. All three of the men turned to the Queen, her murderous glare stunning them into silence. "If you are done playing around, I shall be looking for Gilgamesh in order to begin our negotiations. We have little time to lose." Artemina stood up and left the room, a subtle glint in her eyes.
Straightening his clothes, Sindbad looked forward to the discussions they're going to have with Gilgamesh. He wondered what surprises the fellow Singularity had in store for them, the challenge lighting a fire in him.
Approaching the Library, the last thing Shirou expected to see was their librarian tired and scared. The usually cheerful and energetic man looked every bit as haggard as a man decades his senior, the burden of fatigue and stress evident in his wobbling legs and sweaty face.
"Is something the matter, Argos?" The priest came up to him, his presence akin to a radiant lifeline to the exhausted man.
He let out a long sigh, eyes tiredly turning to the table at the far corner. "I'm fine for the most part, Lord Shirou. His Highness Prince Kouen has been occupying this place for the better part of the day now, and his frightening fervor for knowledge has been quite arduous to satisfy." The weary librarian rubbed his neck as he examined the shelves in front of him, stacking one book after another with impressive dexterity.
Shirou smiled and shifted his attention to the prince, taking note of the substantial mound of books, scrolls and tablets around him. The priest chuckled when he noted the struggling Argos trying to balance the miniature tower of books he was carrying, taking a portion of it to ease his burden. "Allow me to aid you."
Argos nodded gratefully, Shirou's help doing wonders for his aching arms. As the two put the books next to the prince, Kouen finally took note of Shirou's presence.
Placing his hand on his chest, Shirou gave a respectful bow. "Greetings, Your Highness. I hope you're having a pleasant day."
"I am. Uruk's library is very intriguing." Putting down the book in his hands, Kouen's eyes narrowed as he scrutinized the unassuming man. "You are Shirou, I presume? One of the envoys Uruk sent to Balbadd."
"That is correct, Your Highness." Shirou smiled warmly, his eyes casually shifting through the many scrolls and the titles of the books next to him. 'It seems our guest is a fan of history.' Musing over the information, the priest continued, "I'm relieved to hear the Kingdom began its journey to recovery."
"I have you and your companions to thank for lessening my burden by taking care of the illegal slavers." Propping his chin on his palm, Kouen gave the priest a condescending smirk. "What brings you here?"
"It is a habit of mine to pass my free time reading here." Observing the transcripts Kouen was reading, Shirou smiled and pulled one of the books from the pile they brought. "If you are looking for help in translations, I suggest you start with this. If you'll excuse me, I shall leave you to your studies." Giving a respectful bow, the priest silently moved to the nearby table with a book of his own.
The Prince's eyes followed him all the way, noting the steps and posture. It didn't take him more than a brief moment to recognize the priest as a fellow fighter, fueling his curiosity about his background further.
"Brother?" A voice cut through his thoughts and halted his contemplation instantly. Kouen's eyes widened, however briefly, as he spotted his Kougyoku at the entrance of the library, equally surprised by his presence.
Why would she be here? She should've been on her way home by now…
Kouen's eyes narrowed minutely when he spotted her holding hands with a handsome green-haired man who looked particularly annoyed for some reason. Kouen's gaze never left the unknown man, even after his sister let go of him, sizing up the stranger unreservedly.
"Brother! I'm happy to see you." Kougyoku clasped her hands and bowed her head with a smile, the receding redness in her cheeks noted by the silent prince.
"What are you doing here?" Kouen inquired, his attention finally turning to his sibling. "I was under the impression you were returning home."
"T-That was the plan, Brother. However, when I met Sir Kingu in Sindria, I grew curious about Uruk and wished to see it with my own eyes." Smiling nervously, Kougyoku shyly gestured to Kingu. "This is Sir Kingu, the envoy Uruk sent to Sindria and my guide around the city." She turned to him with an excited smile, gesturing to her big brother with pride. "Sir Kingu, this is my eldest brother and the crown prince of the Kou Empire, Ren Kouen."
Processing the new information with a solemn nod, Kouen reevaluated his assessment of the man in front of him. He suppressed the smile threatening to show when he noticed his sibling's bashful glances.
It appears luck was on their side.
Both men silently nodded to one another, and Kingu couldn't quite understand the reason behind the growing discomfort in his heart the more the prince looked at him. It felt eerily similar to the insufferably smug looks Gilgamesh would throw his way every time he saw him with the troublesome princess. Looking around, Kingu's frown deepened when he saw Shirou observing them with an amused smile. Kingu turned around and walked out with haste.
Flustered, Kougyoku bowed to her brother. "I-I apologize for his behavior. I guarantee Sir Kingu is a man of virtue despite his silence. I'll leave you to your studies, Brother." With a spring in her step, the princess followed after the man.
Seeing the smile on her face, Kouen's stoic face softened imperceptibly. His own happiness for the shift in the Balbadd situation and the annulment of her planned betrothal to the then-ruler of a dilapidated kingdom was a secret he kept to himself, and to know she is enjoying herself to such a degree was great to see. The prince knew his sister too well to miss the obvious affection she held for the green-haired man.
Perhaps he could help grant her desire?
"Priest." Kouen turned to Shirou, his eyes burning with determination. "What can you tell me of the man accompanying my sister?"
Expecting the question, Shirou's smile remained serene as he set down his book. "Kingu is our King's friend, and the only one to rival his strength. Although solitary and distant from most people, he is a decent and reliable man." The priest observed the prince's reaction with intrigue and amusement, feeling satisfied once he noted the chilling glint in the latter's eyes.
"Is that so?" Kouen chuckled, sending chills down the nearby Argos's spine. "Interesting." Saying nothing else, Kouen returned to the pile of documents waiting for him.
Shirou pondered on the potential plans the prince is planning, wondering what kind of proposals he'd come up with the next time he'd meet King Gilgamesh. 'I wonder if he'd be amused enough to humor him.' Shaking his head, the priest felt optimistic about the upcoming events.
Kingu spent the remainder of the day looking over his shoulder, unable to shake off the feeling he was slighted somehow, whilst Kougyoku treated him to some deserts.
Perhaps he was simply too paranoid lately.
Omake: The King's Blessing
Walking home, Asta couldn't help but think back to the words the mean guy said about her and her mom when they passed by. She held her lilies close to her chest as she glanced at her mother's saddened face. Her mom never backed down before mean kids or adults before, and Asta wondered why there was a difference in this case.
Maybe she would understand when she got older? It wasn't necessary anyways.
"Mom." Tugging on her mother's hand, Asta smiled. "Please don't be sad. King Gilgamesh will beat that meanie." She puffed her cheeks innocently, eyes filled with childish confidence.
Her mother chuckled, patting her child affectionately. "Of course, dear. I'm just hoping His Majesty will not be bothered by them. They are…very big meanies." Choosing her words carefully, she attempted to explain her worries to the little girl.
"Don't worry, Mom! King Gilgamesh is the strongest!" Asta beamed with absolute certainty, her joyful enthusiasm infectious.
"That he is, child. It's always a joy to see the faith children have in their heroes." A familiar white-haired magician with a staff approached the two, his charming signature smile and stunning features easily recognizable.
"It's an honor to meet you, Lord Merlin." The woman bowed her head as she greeted the magus, her daughter following suit with a sloppy mimicry of her parent. "I hope the day finds you well."
"It does, my lady." The Magus of Flowers nodded his head, giving a jovial grin to the young girl. "I couldn't help but notice the altercation you unfortunately got caught up in with the Kou Empire's High Priest. It is my duty to report such an act to His Majesty… and I would like you to accompany me to the Ziggurat." He turned to the adult, his welcoming tone reassuring the apprehensive matron.
"Are we going to see King Gilgamesh, Mister?" Asta asked, her excitement palpable as she waited for the answer with bated breath. She gasped when the pretty man nodded, quickly squeezing her mother's hand and hopping eagerly. "Let's go, Mom! Please! I want to see the King!"
Reluctant as she was, the woman could only relent when faced with her child's earnest plea. "Okay, darling. But you have to promise to behave, ok?" She sighed, casting a stern look which promised a lecture should her daughter cause trouble.
Both gasped as flower petals gathered around them, a sweet mixture of fragrance filling the air as their surroundings blurred in a sea of vibrant colors.
Asta could hardly keep still when they found themselves in the Ziggurat's throne room with the King sitting there alone, his head propped by his hand as he rested. Gilgamesh's eyes opened as soon as they stepped in, narrowing when he saw Merlin. "What have you done this time?" He questioned, voice low and sharp.
Chuckling nervously, Merlin smiled as the two people accompanying him bowed their heads. "I'm not sure what you're talking about, Your Majesty. I am here to report an act of misconduct done by the newly arrived High Priest of Kou against this fair lady and their child."
Gilgamesh remained silent as he placed his hands on the armrests, his intentions unreadable as he observed the mother and her child. The adult didn't meet his gaze, her head low as she felt pressured by his overwhelming presence.
The child held no such hesitation.
"Come here, child." He ordered.
Asta hesitated, unsure of what to do. With an encouraging nod from her mother, she found the courage to step up the stairs one by one, until she stood in front of the man she always heard adults talk about. Although she felt nervous, she didn't shy away from his gaze.
Her mom always said King Gilgamesh was a nice person, so why should she be afraid?
Gilgamesh nodded with approval, already anticipating such courage from one of his loyal subjects. "Tell me, what did the man say to you?" The King of Heroes leaned forward, placing his forearm on his thighs to meet the child's gaze.
"The mean man said we were poor. He made Mom sad," she answered without hesitation. Her eyes sparkled with innocent wonder as they admired the magnificent gems and exquisite ornaments adorning Gilgamesh. "Mom called them big meanies, but you are even bigger!" She pointed out, cradling her flower with both hands.
"Indeed. Not even Gugalanna could withstand my might." Gilgamesh acknowledged with satisfaction, reaching a resolution. "Fear not, the mongrel from Kou will not live to see another day." He noticed the girl frowning at his words, her curiosity evident on her face. "Do you not agree?"
"Yes. Mom says only bad people kill." Asta shook her head with a pout, pointing at the King, much to her mother's concern. "But you're not a bad person!"
All three adults blinked in astonishment at the young girl, her mother growing increasingly worried about her daughter's audacity. "Asta, you—" she began to scold, but Gilgamesh raised his hand to stop her.
"If that is your wish, then I shall grant it." He smirked at the little one, nodding in approval.
Content and proud, Asta nodded and beamed. She extended her flower towards him, silently conveying her trust and admiration. "...this is my flower. I want to give it to you."
Gilgamesh watched the girl and her flower in silence, Asta's figure overlapping with one of a young girl her age. For a moment, the King of Heroes saw a young Fanalis, smiling despite being drenched head-to-toe, a similar flower held dearly in her embrace as she offered it to him. He laughed, his booming voice ringing loud and clear in the spacious hall as he took the plant. "Rejoice! I shall generously accept your tribute." A golden portal opened beside him, and he took out a silver pendant from the treasury. "Consider this a reward for your dedication."
Asta stood completely still as the King put the pendant on, gently holding the tiny ruby encrusted in it with glee as she ran to her mother. "Mother! Look, look! I got a gift from the King!" She hopped and skipped about without a care.
With a fond smile on her face, the young woman bowed to her King. "Your Majesty, I cannot express my gratitude enough for your benevolence." She patted her daughter's head, the bitterness of Judar's insult washed away by Asta's joyful grin.
Gilgamesh nodded silently before he sat on his throne once again. "It is a simple matter. The magician will see you off." He stared at Merlin with a knowing smile, making the Incubus uncomfortable for some reason. "Dismissed."
"Goodbye, King!" Asta waved at him as the three disappeared in the midst of a shower of petals.
Left alone, Gilgamesh placed the flower on the table beside him. It didn't take long before Ningal came back, blinking in confusion once she saw the amused smile on his face.
"You seem to be in a good mood, Your Majesty." She smiled as she stood by his side, taking note of the lone flower beside him.
Gilgamesh did not reply, keeping the events his assistant missed to himself. None save for him and Merlin would know how the singular unassuming flower made its way into the King of Heroes' throne room.
I hope you enjoyed this chapter, sorry for the lacking update speed.
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