Chapter 37: The Blood Temple
At this moment, Quetzalcoatl finally noticed Ereshkigal. Upon seeing the "Goddess of the Underworld," she immediately displayed an expression of utter disbelief.
"Oh my~ Ereshkigal, you're actually able to come to the surface? How did this happen?"
Gudako spoke up then to explain to Quetzalcoatl: "Shirou helped Ereshkigal-san break free from the Underworld. Now, she is able to move about freely in the outside world."
"You can actually do something like that... how amazing!" Quetzalcoatl looked at Shirou, her eyes glowing. "As expected of the man capable of defeating me; you are excellent in every possible way."
As she spoke, Quetzalcoatl began to edge closer to Shirou, taking the opportunity to link her arm with his.
"What are you sneakily doing? You shameless idiot goddess!" Ereshkigal immediately scolded Quetzalcoatl for her behavior, feeling deep disdain for her actions.
"What are you two...?" Siduri, who had walked over, looked curiously at Shirou, who was being tugged back and forth between the two goddesses. "King Gilgamesh has summoned you all for a matter. Please, come with me."
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In the great hall at the top of the God Tower, Gilgamesh was already standing before the sand table used for tactical planning. Siduri stood beside him and spoke to the group first.
"Everyone, please allow me to confirm and report the current situation." She pointed to the city walls erected on the sand table. "Currently, to defend against a large-scale invasion by Gorgon's true body, we have concentrated our forces at the North Wall of Uruk. Fortunately, because Orihara-sama severely wounded her previously, we have temporarily faced no disturbances."
At this, Gilgamesh smiled at Shirou and continued, "On the other hand, the Demonic Beasts are gathered within the Cedar Forest, and their numbers are over ten times our own."
Gilgamesh pondered for a moment. "Indeed, under these circumstances, humanity has no chance of winning. Given this, our only choice is to find a way to launch a surprise attack on the enemy's main base."
Gudako spoke up: "So, we plan to attack head-on this time, right?"
"Correct. All of us in Uruk will mobilize to stall them at the North Wall for half a day. During those twelve hours, you are to strike directly at Gorgon's stronghold: the Blood Temple."
Ishtar nodded. "In this way, we can defeat Gorgon's true body. But, will things really go so smoothly?"
"I leave the Blood Temple to Quetzalcoatl's axe. That weapon should be capable of destroying the Blood Temple and opening a path to the interior," Gilgamesh said. "That should be doable, yes?"
"Hmm... it's about 30 kilometers from the North Wall to the temple. It is indeed doable, but I am bound by the 'Three Goddess Alliance' contract. If I violate that contract and attack another goddess, I will be annihilated instantly," Quetzalcoatl said, somewhat helplessly.
Mash remembered something at this moment. "By the way, that power Orihara-senpai used earlier on Ereshkigal-san—the one that severed both destiny and the contract—could it also be used on Quetzalcoatl?"
"That's impossible, right? Such powerful energy... how could it be used so casually?" Merlin expressed his pessimism regarding the idea.
"As for that..." Shirou shrugged and said, "It actually can be used casually."
He immediately looked at Quetzalcoatl. The Goddess of Venus, upon being met with his gaze, seemed to recall the moment she had been pinned to the ground by him and couldn't help but swallow hard.
"That... what do I need to do...?" Quetzalcoatl asked, hesitant.
"Like this." The moment Shirou spoke, everyone saw a golden sword manifest and swing down, cutting toward Quetzalcoatl's body. As if some invisible connection had been severed, Quetzalcoatl's expression shifted slightly, a hint of joy bubbling to the surface.
"The contract... has been lifted!?"
Gilgamesh also turned his gaze toward Shirou, slightly surprised, before scanning everyone's faces. "Then... everyone, the mission parameters are clear, are they not? Quetzalcoatl will break open the Blood Temple, then we will all rush in together and crush Gorgon!"
After the group left the God Tower, Merlin looked at Gilgamesh's back as the King walked toward his throne.
"Then, we shall part ways here, King Gilgamesh."
Gilgamesh stiffened, turning his head in confusion to look at Merlin, who continued speaking.
"Once Gorgon is defeated and the Holy Grail of the Mage King is recovered, this era will no longer collapse, and the mission you entrusted to me will come to an end."
Hearing Merlin's words, Gilgamesh said with a hint of regret, "Hmm, you are right. Thanks to you, we have managed to endure these days. Take care of yourself until the end of this planet, Magus of Flowers."
After speaking, Gilgamesh turned and continued up the steps. Watching the King's back, Merlin bowed deeply to him.
"If your legend is passed down to future generations, then let us meet again in the distant future."
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After returning to their lodging, Shirou and the others happened to meet an elderly woman with gray hair. She told them about how Ana had helped her and brought out a wreath she wished to give Ana as a token of thanks. Since Ana was not present, she handed it to Shirou, hoping he could pass it on to her.
"Very well, I understand," Shirou nodded.
Under the bright stars of the night, the group set off in a donkey cart.
"Merlin, you must be tired, right? Let me swap with you so you can sleep for a while?" Gudako pulled back the curtain and said to Merlin, who was driving.
"You're trying to ask if I can't sleep, aren't you?" Merlin smiled. "Oh right, come to think of it, I haven't explained that to you yet."
"It's not just one thing, is it?" Gudako said. "When it comes down to it, I don't know much about you, Merlin."
"Telling stories about oneself is a troublesome affair; I usually manage to muddle through with lies and silence. Well, let's treat this as passing the time. You may ask me one question, and this time, I will answer you sincerely," Merlin said.
"Then..." Gudako thought for a moment and asked: "Why do you obey King Gilgamesh?"
"That..." Merlin paused for a moment.
"To be honest, it is because King Gilgamesh and I are very similar. Both he and I have no real feelings for humanity itself. He is an arbiter who judges humanity impartially; therefore, while he will protect humanity, he does not show special care for individuals."
"On the other hand, I am merely an observer. I have absolutely no intention of siding with humanity. Whether it is humanity as a whole or an individual, ultimately, none of it has anything to do with me."
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