On the way back to Uruk, everyone's mood remained high.
Especially Mash, who couldn't help but sigh for what must have been the umpteenth time.
"Back then, I never would have imagined it. Not only did Miss Ereshkigal join us, but even Miss Quetzalcoatl broke away from the Goddess Alliance to fight at our side—and even Miss Ishtar, too. When we first arrived at this Singularity, I could never have believed something like this would happen."
Thinking back, when Rozen's group had just arrived at this Singularity and learned of the Three Goddess Alliance, they had been troubled over how to deal with such a formidable threat.
Uruk had already been fighting desperately just to withstand the army of a single Beast Goddess, and yet they were besieged on three fronts. The situation could not have been more dire.
But as it turned out, Ishtar was not truly part of the Three Goddess Alliance. Ereshkigal and Quetzalcoatl both deeply loved humanity, and had only joined the alliance for humanity's sake.
In truth, the only goddess who ever truly regarded mankind as something to be annihilated was Gorgon.
And thinking about it carefully, that did make sense.
"Three goddesses may have descended, but the Holy Grail happened to be with Gorgon. That's no coincidence."
"The Holy Grail was placed in this era by the Mage King himself. Naturally, it would end up in the hands of the goddess most intent on wiping out humanity."
"Of course. The King of Magic used the Holy Grail to summon Gorgon precisely for that reason, and then used the Grail's power to bestow upon her Tiamat's Authority to spawn Demonic Beasts. That turned Gorgon into a composite divinity. It should be said, the Grail came first—Gorgon having it was merely the inevitable result."
So Olga Marie, Da Vinci, and Roman discussed the matter one after another.
For this Singularity, Quetzalcoatl, Ishtar, and Ereshkigal were all more like incidental additions. The true source of disaster was always Gorgon.
And now, Quetzalcoatl and Ereshkigal had abandoned the Goddess Alliance and joined humanity's side. Even Ishtar had come over. The situation truly was looking bright.
"You all had better be grateful, you know? To receive my help, free of charge—such a thing has never once occurred across the whole of Mesopotamian myth. That stupid King of Uruk even offended me, occupying my Uruk. You all treated me rudely too, assuming I was part of the Three Goddess Alliance. And yet, I never held it against you, and even lent you my aid. Thinking about it now, it's really unlike me! You should be thanking me profusely."
Ishtar had repeated words like these more than once, leaving the group smiling wryly.
But in truth, Ishtar had always been innocent.
She had only been manipulated by Kingu, then captured by Rozen, tormented miserably in Uruk, later helping the group in the Cedar Forest, even coming personally to stop Rozen from making trouble in Kutha City.
She then led them down to the Underworld, and now had even formed a contract with Rozen to serve him. Thinking back on it all, it was almost comical.
In any case, the results were what mattered.
"All that remains now is the Beast Goddess, isn't it?"
Ryougi Shiki spoke casually, drawing nods from the others.
Yes—once Gorgon was defeated, everything would be complete.
At that point, the final Holy Grail would also be retrieved, and the seventh Singularity would at last be completely restored.
"Let's go report to King Gilgamesh, and begin preparing the assault on Gorgon."
Mash was already unable to contain her eagerness.
Everyone smiled, unconsciously quickening their pace toward Uruk.
By the time they returned, it was already evening.
Outside the southern gate, the battlefield lay in ruins—the war there had already ended.
Quetzalcoatl's army had retreated. Uruk had seized a major victory at the southern gate, ensuring it would no longer fall.
But…
"Where did all the soldiers go?"
Ishtar voiced her surprise.
Indeed, when they arrived at Uruk's southern gate, the soldiers were nowhere to be seen. Merlin and Anna were absent as well.
Only laborers remained, carrying away the bodies of the fallen and clearing the battlefield of discarded weapons, along with a few gatekeepers.
And on all their faces was the same shadow of grief, with no sign of joy from the victory.
"Something seems… wrong."
Ryougi Shiki's casual expression hardened.
"Could something have happened again?"
Mash froze.
Rozen frowned, gazing toward Uruk. Using his Wise Eye, he observed the state of its spiritual energy.
Compared to earlier that day, Uruk's leyline state had improved considerably. Yet for some reason, it radiated a sense of twilight and sorrow.
"Senpai…"
Mash's excitement evaporated, replaced with unease.
Rozen also realized—something serious must have occurred.
"Come on. We're heading to the Divine Tower."
Without further ado, Rozen led the group quickly toward the ziggurat.
At the gate, the guards greeted them with relief, and also explained what had happened.
The truth was simple.
"The northern wall battle has ended. Lord Nobunaga successfully held the line, preventing it from collapsing."
"But the casualties were enormous. More than half the soldiers were lost, and even several Servants were killed."
"Lord Ushiwakamaru sacrificed herself to confront the Beast Goddess."
"Lord Okita was also slain by the one calling himself Enkidu."
"Afterward, Lord Benkei's fate became unknown. Only Lord Nobunaga returned to Uruk."
…
Inside the Tower, in the throne room.
When Rozen's group arrived, only a few figures remained.
Gilgamesh sat upon his throne, eyes closed, arms folded, his face betraying neither joy nor sorrow.
Siduri stood beside him, holding a clay tablet, her expression grave.
And then there was Nobunaga.
"Yo, you've made it back."
She turned, looking at the group. Her voice still carried its usual energy as she greeted them casually.
But her military uniform was covered in dust, and unlike before, she no longer burst into carefree laughter.
Merlin and Anna were also present, their heavy gazes settling on Rozen and the others.
Seeing them, Rozen remained silent. Mash and the rest lowered their heads, weighed down with grief.
Gilgamesh opened his eyes.
"So you've returned."
The king spoke as if nothing had happened.
"First, report your situation."
That was all Gilgamesh said.
For now, that was all anyone could do.