Episode 237: As long as the spark of civilization can still be preserved, it is not considered true destruction!!
『 However, just at that moment, the water level suddenly began to rise. The seawater instantly surged to the height at which everyone was flying, and the situation became extremely critical.
A massive figure slowly appeared before everyone's eyes, and Tiamat's true face was revealed along with it.
Compared to her previous appearance, her body size was now at least five times larger and far more terrifying.
The giant horns atop Tiamat's head tore through the entire surface of the water at this moment;
Her legs also regained their freedom.
At the same time, that pair of eyes filled with murderous intent slowly opened.
Accompanying her appearance, the black mud spreading continuously beneath her feet was rapidly eroding the surrounding seawater, a truly horrifying sight.
Witnessing such a terrifying scene, Fujimaru Ritsuka and the group instantly felt a strong wave of despair welling up in their hearts.
BANG—!
Fujimaru Ritsuka slammed a fist heavily onto his own thigh, then stared dumbfounded at the behemoth before him.
"That… Is this the true main body? How can it be so huge…"
The entire team fell into a deathly silence; no one could utter a single word. 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Kiryu Sento (Kamen Rider): "Is, is this the true opponent?" ]
[ Daigo Madoka (Ultraman): "Such a powerful existence, it's too terrifying." ]
[ Tetsuo Shinjoh (Ultraman): "?? Daigo, how did you learn to talk like that, too?" ]
[ Daigo Madoka (Ultraman): "Oh, right." ]
[ Ryuga Banjou (Kamen Rider): "We fought so hard before, and as a result, at this moment, we're back to square one." ]
[ Ryuga Banjou (Kamen Rider): "No, compared to the previous situation, this is even more difficult." ]
[ The Herta (Honkai: Star Rail): "A God… of this form, is far more terrifying than any enemy that has appeared before." ]
[ Fujimaru Ritsuka (Type-Moon): "Is this our true enemy this time?" ]
[ .....]
『 After a brief and hurried discussion, the group finally decided to retreat to the city of Uruk first to prepare for battle and reorganize their military forces for the confrontation.
After all, given their current strength, wanting to defeat such a despairingly powerful enemy was as impossible as a fantasy;
It was as reckless as striking a rock with an egg.
Just as Quetzalcoatl had warned… even if all the precious Noble Phantasms in the Mesopotamia region were concentrated to attack Tiamat, it might not necessarily cause her any substantial damage.
This moment… was when true despair shrouded their hearts.
"Report the latest situation…"
Gilgamesh maintained his usual composed attitude as he sat upon the throne, but the soldiers beneath him had already formed a long queue, anxiously awaiting instructions.
"According to the scouts, the black mud has already begun to swallow the city of Lagash and is spreading rapidly towards Umma and Uruk!"
"That churning black mud, like black flames, will easily breach Umma's sturdy defensive walls… That city definitely won't be able to hold out for long!"
"According to the current speed prediction… There are roughly… only a few hours left before it reaches here!"
Voices filled with extreme terror rang out one after another in the great hall, but at this moment… 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "The soldiers all look so scared." ]
[ March 7th (Honkai: Star Rail): "This is quite normal, right? After all, they are facing such an enemy now." ]
[ March 7th (Honkai: Star Rail): "If I ran into an enemy like this, I would definitely run as far away as possible." ]
[ Himeko (Honkai: Star Rail): "Little March, would you really do something like that?" ]
[ March 7th (Honkai: Star Rail): "Hehehe." ]
[ Eriri Spencer Sawamura (Saekano): "Anyway, for us ordinary people, encountering this kind of situation, naturally we have to run as far as we can." ]
[ Utaha Kasumigaoka (Saekano): "Fortunately, our world is an ordinary world, otherwise we would have encountered these strange things too." ]
[ March 7th (Honkai: Star Rail): "We still have to believe in science." ]
[ Eriri Spencer Sawamura (Saekano): "Still have to believe in Ke-xue (Conan-science)." ]
[ Haibara Ai (Detective Conan): "…" ]
[ .....]
『 Gilgamesh was seen gently raising his hand, interrupting the soldiers' speeches.
"Understood…" Gilgamesh remained as confident and composed as ever, as if he had finally waited for this moment, slowly standing up from the throne.
He straightened his lapels, his expression grave yet full of confidence, and spoke in a steady and powerful voice:
"Weigh anchor!"
In this situation that seemed hopeless and was indeed without retreat, Gilgamesh still maintained a very calm and self-possessed attitude.
He knew that if he panicked first, Uruk would fall into an irreversible predicament and might even march towards destruction because of it.
So no matter what, he could not lose his composure at this time.
Regardless of what challenges lay ahead, he had to remain calm to find the best countermeasures.
It was precisely because of the existence of such a leader that Uruk was able to survive tenaciously through the long years, and even at the brink of this apocalypse, it was no exception—this city still retained a final trace of counterattack power, allowing people to see a glimmer of light.
All the viewers, seeing this through the big screen, were deeply shaken by the aura radiating from Gilgamesh.
For a true king, he undoubtedly gave the people a great sense of comfort and confidence—although usually high and mighty, whenever facing a crisis, he could always lead Uruk successfully through danger.
Merely relying on this ability was enough to prove that he was a great king worthy of trust and respect.
Gilgamesh's victory in that battle of the three kings was by no means accidental, but a result of his strength.
"Fang of Napishtim! Deploy!"
Following his command, the entire earth immediately began to tremble violently.
Countless sharp, massive earthen walls rose instantly from the ground like blades, forming an impregnable defensive net that blocked the surging black mud flow.
When the soldiers witnessed this spectacular scene before them, the flames of fighting spirit ignited in everyone's heart, and they let out deafening shouts.
As long as there was a way to resist the enemy's attack, it meant there was hope to continue fighting!
Right now, all the warriors of Uruk were filled with incomparable conviction, ready to face the even more arduous battles to follow.
"Managed to hold it back…"
Gilgamesh turned his back to the crowd, walking towards the tower corridor step by step, exceptionally slowly and firmly.
Every step seemed unusually heavy, as if preparing for the impending great war.
He gazed at the situation beneath Uruk, his heart filled with deep worry for this land.
"So… have we finally reached this difficult step…"
Gilgamesh stopped his footsteps, standing outside the tower corridor.
His eyes were very firm, looking towards the direction where Tiamat was constantly approaching, as if he could pierce through time and space.
As his vision gradually focused, his voice also became more impassioned, seemingly preparing his entire body and mind for this arrival.
"For this past half-year… This King has been swallowing insults… silently guarding the safety of this city and its people."
"Mother of Demonic Beasts, Tiamat! Just how terrifying is that power of yours that devours everything?!"
"The events about to happen next… a mythological war that perhaps even I, the King of Heroes, have never encountered, is about to unfold…"
Gilgamesh paused slightly, raised his hand high, and pointed towards the location of that figure that struck fear into countless hearts.
"Is it you who will continue to ruthlessly devour the entire world… or will I prove to humanity that humanity possesses the power sufficient to pioneer a new world…"
"IT IS TIME… TO GIVE A CLEAR AND DEFINITE ANSWER TO ALL DOUBTS!!"
"LET US… BEGIN THIS FINAL EPIC BATTLE SYMBOLIZING THE END OF THE AGE OF GODS!!"
Just as his voice fell, Gilgamesh saw several figures flying quickly in the sky; it turned out to be Fujimaru Ritsuka and the group riding on pterosaurs, rushing back urgently into the temple.
"KING GILGAMESH!!" Fujimaru Ritsuka called out loudly and impatiently as soon as he landed. Although he was still gasping for breath, judging by his expression, it seemed he had extremely important news he was eager to report to everyone.
However, after a moment, the young man was still unable to speak smoothly, seeming somewhat hesitant.
"Returned at just the right time…" Gilgamesh was already well aware of everything happening before him. Through his previous mental connection with the boy, he knew many details of the events, so at this moment, he appeared particularly calm and composed.
"Since that is the case, then… the important meeting regarding how to meet and overcome this ultimate test… officially begins!"
After a brief rest, the two goddesses Ishtar and Quetzalcoatl, as well as the brave Jaguar Warrior, plus Fujimaru Ritsuka and Mash, all gathered together, discussing countermeasures within the temple, shrouded in a solemn atmosphere.
But… the subsequent information took them by surprise.
"There are only five hundred people left? How can this be… This is truly unbelievable!"
The group received this bad news as soon as they returned to Uruk.
After experiencing the invasion of the black mud and two attacks by the Lahmu, the Uruk dynasty they had once been so proud of… could no longer be maintained. All of this seemed so inconceivable. 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Umaru Doma (Himouto): "No, no way?" ]
[ Umaru Doma (Himouto): "Here, there are actually only this many people left?" ]
[ Oyama Mahiro (Onimai): "After this crisis, only a few people remain?" ]
[ Kiryu Sento (Kamen Rider): "With just these few people, the Sumerian civilization at that time was pretty much equivalent to being extinct." ]
[ Keqing (Genshin Impact): "Um, does that Sumerian civilization you mentioned have any connection to this Uruk?" ]
[ Tokiwa Sougo (Kamen Rider): "This is one of the earliest civilizations of humanity, destroyed by an accident." ]
[ Shinomiya Kaguya (Love Is War): "In history, Uruk, or rather the Sumerian civilization, was indeed destroyed because of an accident." ]
[ Shinomiya Kaguya (Love Is War): "So, in another world, was this civilization ultimately destroyed because of this crisis?" ]
[ Keqing (Genshin Impact): "I see…" ]
[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "So scary." ]
[ .....]
『 Regarding this, looking at Gilgamesh before them, who remained calm and composed, seemingly not greatly affected, everyone present revealed a very chilled expression…
In their gazes, there was confusion, unwillingness, and even deeper worry for the future.
"Clearly… clearly not long ago this was still a place thriving and full of hope… why has it become like this now?" Mash said, her voice carrying obvious fatigue and a sense of powerlessness.
Her words made the hearts of the few people present even more sorrowful to the extreme.
If… if the final result was really like this, and Uruk was bound to march towards its end, then…
What was the meaning of the so-called efforts and counterattacks? Was all the hard work paid along this journey all turned into bubbles? It wasn't just the immediate predicament that was distressing, but doubts about the existential value of all humanity and human history began to slowly breed.
Could it be that all our struggles were actually unnecessary?
If the fate of humanity was truly so pessimistic—assuming that the Human Order would inevitably be destroyed in the end, then…
Seeing the light of complex emotions flickering in the eyes of the heroes, Gilgamesh roughly guessed the fluctuations in their hearts at this moment.
"If you feel disheartened because of such news, I can completely understand that mood…" When he said this, his tone carried a rare gentleness and tolerance.
After all, when a person is told that all the results achieved along the way are erased, and even every bit of effort in the process has lost its original value, it would be difficult for anyone to remain calm.
However, even so, did it mean that everything before was in vain?
NO!!
"Even if we win the final battle of this mythological war, we cannot save the dying Uruk," Gilgamesh said heavily, without a trace of lightness in his eyes.
His gaze immediately shifted to Fujimaru Ritsuka, a look mixed with inquiry and curiosity.
"Well… Fujimaru Ritsuka." Gilgamesh's voice was steady but carried some probing, "Knowing this, what do you think of Uruk at this moment?"
Fujimaru Ritsuka's body trembled slightly because of these words, and even the words he spoke were filled with uncontrollable tremors: "Uruk… is it…?"
A fierce ideological struggle seemed to be taking place in his heart.
Then, as if having to yield to some irresistible force, Fujimaru Ritsuka shook his head helplessly.
"Did we ultimately… still fail to protect this era…?" This question was more like talking to himself, revealing deep powerlessness and regret.
Surprisingly, regarding such a desperate situation, Gilgamesh behaved quite calmly and waved his hand indifferently.
"No need to worry." His words sounded calm but firm.
"Even if we are destroyed, as long as the spark of the Sumerian civilization can be preserved, I believe that before long, successors will definitely appear." Gilgamesh's words revealed a trace of optimistic expectation for the future, as if this was not an end but the beginning of a new life. 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Keqing (Genshin Impact): "Well said. As long as the spark of civilization remains, the civilization is not considered completely destroyed." ]
[ Aventurine (Honkai: Star Rail): "As long as there is a spark of civilization, it is not true destruction?" ]
[ Aventurine (Honkai: Star Rail): "That's nice." ]
[ Topaz (Honkai: Star Rail): "?" ]
[ Aventurine (Honkai: Star Rail): "Nothing, just sighing a little." ]
[ Vegeta (Dragon Ball): "Civilization's spark, huh." ]
[ .....]
『 "Sumerian… culture…" Fujimaru Ritsuka's heartstrings were touched by these words, and he stood there stunned for a moment.
But soon, like a drowning person finding a life-saving straw, a light suddenly flashed in his eyes, filled with the feeling of regaining hope.
But Mash, standing aside, seemed not to have understood Gilgamesh's meaning and frowned slightly. Ishtar also noticed this.
"In other words… Mash…"
Ishtar sighed softly and continued to explain, "What that guy means is… as long as Uruk, which symbolizes Sumerian culture, and that Goldie sitting on the throne can survive, then the entire Mesopotamian culture will be passed down forever."
"That's roughly what it means." She added a final sentence.
Hearing this, Gilgamesh huffed lightly, a clearly dissatisfied expression on his face, evidently unhappy with what Ishtar had just said. But in fact…
It was just a superficial phenomenon. At this moment, a fire of passion that could not be extinguished ignited in Gilgamesh's heart.
"In other words, if we want to protect human history from infringement, then we must stop Tiamat from attacking Uruk and do our best to ensure its safety."
When this sentence was clearly spoken, Mash, who had been in a state of confusion, suddenly felt as if she had been enlightened.
The despair that had been hovering in her mind instantly shattered, and an unprecedented hope welled up in her heart.
"Senpai…"
At this moment, Fujimaru Ritsuka and Mash looked at each other. 』
『 .....』
( Translator-kun: Fate Series is really popular in the CN Inventory(Reaction), as you can see, this is the third or fourth time? And it will still come in the future. )