Merry's identity proved unexpectedly useful. Rei only needed to stand there with the group and casually spin a story about their nonexistent origins, claiming they were refugees, and the gatekeeper soldiers easily let them all pass.
During the journey through the Singularities for over five months, Ritsuka had seen many cities.
Despite differences in era and region, against the backdrop of the Human Order Incineration, no matter the city, the scenes within them lacked much vitality.
But this time, as soon as they entered the city of Uruk—
"Wooah~~~~~"
What appeared before Ritsuka's eyes was a bustling main street, brimming with life and energy. Every person's face was adorned with smiles, as if there were faint traces of modernity.
Merchants along the roadside enthusiastically called out to buyers, and children playing and laughing could be seen in the alleys… It was truly a harmonious scene rarely witnessed.
Walking while observing the lively streets around her, Ritsuka's eyes gradually sparkled. "A city before the Common Era… I thought it'd be very backward, but this situation looks…"
"Besides the outward appearance, it's basically no different from the modern era." Naoki continued her sentence. "Well, King Gilgamesh himself has 'Clairvoyance' that can see the future. Perhaps when managing the city, he applied some things from the future, though I think even without that, this city would still be very prosperous."
"Even so, this place is too prosperous. It's still 2600 BCE."
Hinako furrowed her brow.
At this time, she had already appeared in the land of China, but even China, at its level of civilization development back then, couldn't compare to this fortified city.
Beside Hinako, Xiang Yu's calm face also showed an expression that could be described as deeply satisfied. "This is truly a scene of peace and prosperity. 'Peace under heaven' couldn't be better than this."
"Not quite."
Naoki pointed to a blacksmith's workshop crafting weapons by the roadside. "They're making weapons in there. A time of true peace and prosperity wouldn't need such things. Besides, this place is now a Singularity, a place completely unrelated to peace."
"Hm, true." Xiang Yu nodded slightly. "Then, Your Excellency, where are the pioneers you mentioned now?"
"Follow me, this way."
Naoki said, walking in a certain direction.
He had already sensed a familiar presence in that direction.
Following Naoki's footsteps, after traversing several streets and alleys in Uruk, the group arrived at the residential area of the city.
Compared to the bustling streets near the city gate, this area was much quieter. Most of the residents here were children and the elderly, all showing curious expressions as they watched the large group approach.
"Should we change our clothes to blend in with the local setting in the future?" Mash looked at her armor. "I feel it's quite conspicuous."
Hearing Mash say that, Rei glanced at the clothing of the local women around them, silently storing it in her wardrobe database. Based on her understanding of her master, such clothing, with slight modifications, would instantly become sacred attire that would excite him for battle.
"!"
Naoki suddenly shivered for no reason.
(Why does my back feel cold… Is someone talking about me?)
At that moment, Ritsuka suddenly pointed ahead. "I say… Department Head, could it be over there?"
"Hm?"
They all looked in the direction Ritsuka pointed. Ahead, on the outer wall of a house not far away, hung a simple wooden sign. A line of words was carved on it.
"Chaldea Embassy in Uruk…?"
The entire line was marked with red paint, and in the corner of the sign was a miniature carving of Merry.
No matter how you looked at it…
"It can only be here." Naoki gave a wry smile, then took the lead, walking toward the embassy, lifting the door curtain, and entering.
"Ah…"
Merry, Merlin, and Morgan, who were sitting around a long wooden table eating bread with wheat beer, turned around at the sound from behind. They all froze when they saw the six people entering the house one after another.
A few seconds later—
Merry swallowed the last of the bread in her hand, licked the crumbs off her fingers, and stood up with a smile. "You're finally here, my dear King. I've been waiting so long. The flowers in my heart have almost wilted, you know~~~"
"But you have plenty of flowers in your heart." Naoki glared at her. "Also, you said you wanted me to come earlier, but weren't you the one who trapped me in the Tokyo Singularity for over five months? I'll give you a smack on the head later. Remember that."
"Ah~~~ that~~~ Morgan, help me! A head-smack from the King will split my head open!"
Merry immediately crashed into Morgan beside her, but Morgan just kicked her away in disgust. "If it splits, let it. You need a solid hit like that more than Merlin does."
"Mmm, I completely agree." Merlin, without hesitation, piled on while Merry was down. "Natsukawa, when you hit her, make sure to hit her for me too—"
"Fou (Merlin deserves to die)!"
Before Merlin could finish speaking, Fou suddenly leapt out from Ritsuka's clothes. His eyes sharpened instantly, and he spun and charged, delivering a blow to Merlin before Naoki could even hit Merry!
*SMACK!*
Merlin fell backward with his chair. After landing on Merlin's face, Fou, feeling one hit wasn't enough, continued stomping on him several times in succession.
(The battle between Beast IV and a Grand Servant… truly intense~~~)
Naoki, watching the scene from the side, couldn't help but laugh, then looked at Morgan. "By the way… I'm surprised you're here. Thanks for your help in the sixth Singularity. How have you been? Morgan, Mordred must've caused you a lot of trouble."
"It's not exactly trouble. As a mother, you have to be more tolerant of your child." Morgan, crossing her legs and revealing a bit of her white skin, said with a smile. "If we're talking about trouble, you're the bigger troublemaker."
"Not really. While a peaceful life is nice, sometimes we need a bit of excitement—I'll go over that part with you later. I also have some things I want to ask you, but before that—"
Pressing down on Merry's head, who was trying to hide her presence and slip into stealth mode, Naoki approached her with a completely friendly face. "Ready, Merry?"
"Haha…"
*WHAM!*
The human trash was sent crashing into the ceiling by Naoki's uppercut in the next second.