"It's... the core of Gugalanna!"
Sensing the familiar aura, Ishtar sprang to her feet, snatched the tiny beast, and pressed it against her cheek with a radiant smile.
After indulging in a moment of affection, she noticed the amused gaze fixed on her. The great goddess blushed, straightened her posture with a dry cough, and spoke in a slightly nasal tone.
"Um... did you do this?"
"Well, it was your pet, raised for such a long time. I thought you'd be sad if it simply vanished."
"So, I wondered how to recover the core of Gugalanna, the Bull of Heaven, and see if I could use the authority of the Mother of Genesis to revive it in a new form."
Samael sat back down beside the goddess, his smile calm and gentle.
"Though, removing Apsu's divine control and stripping away the original body cost us quite a bit of effort."
"It was thanks to Ere, Ana, and Kukulkan that we managed it..."
Ishtar's eyes flickered. Warmth welled up in her chest, and she turned her face aside, muttering under her breath.
"Well... I forgive you..."
"What was that?"
Samael caught the whisper and leaned closer.
Confronted with his cheek so close to hers, Ishtar's body went rigid. Her face flushed crimson, and in flustered indignation she shoved him away, one hand on her hip.
"Honestly! Did you really have to say it out loud?"
"Hmph! Anyway... thank you!"
From her lips, a word of gratitude came out sounding like a reprimand.
Bathed in the pale moonlight, the ancient serpent watched the rosy blush coloring Ishtar's cheeks and her proud, evasive tone. The corners of his lips curved faintly upward.
He leaned back, gazing silently at the bustle of the city below and the fresh greenery spreading beyond its walls.
After a moment's hesitation, Ishtar moved to sit beside him again, quietly sharing in the stillness of the night.
For a time, neither spoke. Then, stroking the little beast in her arms, the great goddess bit her lip, her voice soft and uncertain.
"Hey... I can't go back..."
"Isn't that better?"
Samael gently clasped her hand, smiling as he turned toward her.
"The realm of the gods has already rotted, bound under Marduk's control."
"Mother has secured your existence and Ere's, and restored your full authority over heaven and earth."
"Stay here. It is their shared wish, Lady Goddess."
The ancient serpent lifted his hand in a slight wave. Below, those still celebrating stood one after another, bowing deeply to the shepherd king and the goddess of Uruk, their eyes filled with reverence.
Feeling the warmth of their respect, Ishtar lifted her chin proudly, her lips curving into a delighted smile.
Yes... this feeling wasn't bad at all.
"By the way, there's something I want to ask of you."
Samael's expression grew solemn as he turned to her.
"Ahem... considering how hard you worked before, I'll do my best. Say it."
Ishtar spun around quickly, then caught herself, coughing to mask her fluster as she struck a haughty pose.
"I'd like to borrow something from you..."
Samael reached into his robe and drew out the golden Holy Grail, his eyes gleaming with depth.
...
A few days later, outside the gates of Uruk, the streets were packed with people. Countless eyes, filled with reluctance, lingered on the five departing figures.
"Are you truly not staying?"
"The Mother Goddess has already granted you the trait of [Independent Manifestation] here in Mesopotamia."
At the roadside, Samael tried once more to hold them back.
"Humanity no longer needs the guidance of gods. Besides, Tezcatlipoca and I still have important matters to attend to."
Kukulkan smiled softly and shook her head, gentle yet resolute.
Because of... the Mayan world?
Samael lowered his gaze with a thoughtful sigh, then nodded.
According to the prophecies of the Aztec civilization, in the era of the Fifth Sun, the great Feathered Serpent would return, guiding her people into prosperity once more.
She too had her own people—her own duty to fulfill.
"Ara Ara, are you sad to see your big sister go?"
Kukulkan covered her mouth with a light laugh, joy brightening her pretty face. Catching the fleeting trace of sadness in Samael's eyes, her lips curved gently upward.
"Don't worry. Mother has already left us divine roots in Mesopotamia."
"If needed, Tezcatlipoca and I can always return."
"A simple farewell is just for a better reunion later. The future is worth looking forward to, isn't it?"
"Come now, no tears. Before I leave, give your big sister a proper hug."
With cheerful warmth, the Feathered Serpent pulled Samael into her embrace, her soft lips brushing against the ancient serpent's forehead.
Ishtar and Ereshkigal's expressions immediately darkened, their gazes turning heavy and grim.
"This is a farewell kiss. Remember to return it the next time we meet."
"Your big sister will be waiting."
Before either goddess could speak, Kukulkan laughed, letting go of the dazed Samael and flicking his forehead with her finger.
"A farewell kiss? How could the Jaguar be left out of something this fun!"
The Jaguar Warrior leaned in with a grin, slapped Samael's shoulder hard, and hopped with anticipation.
That overfamiliar energy, coupled with the fiery blood surging in his chest, gave Samael the bizarre impression of being greeted by a rowdy brother.
Bang!
But before the Jaguar Warrior could lunge forward, Kukulkan's fist came down on her head. Smiling brightly, she dragged her away half-conscious.
As petals rained down, everyone waved their farewells, holding solemn expressions yet leaving their most dazzling smiles to the two exuberant Mayan goddesses.
Golden motes shimmered faintly, then scattered skyward, leaving behind only their lingering warmth and legends to drift across Mesopotamia.
"Ah, just like dreams, always different each time... I love meeting new people, experiencing new things."
"Then, I'll go and witness new stories, read the fresh patterns woven into human history."
"Now, let us enjoy the last of the Magus of Flowers's art..."
The great sage Merlin, eyes half-lidded with a carefree glint, placed his right hand to his chest. He bowed gracefully, and his form dissolved into countless pink and white petals spiraling upward, painting a breathtaking scene.
...
At that moment, only Leonidas and Ana remained in the open square.
Under the eyes of all, the young goddess fidgeted nervously, hands twisting at the corner of her robes.
"Don't look at me. I'm just a Heroic Spirit summoned from a possible future. Now that my mission is over, of course I must leave."
Leonidas shrugged, breaking the awkward, sentimental air. Casting Ana a brief glance, he let his form begin to fade, preparing to depart first.
Bang! Bang bang!
"Roar! Sparta!"
On the city walls, soldiers gathered in perfect ranks, their spears pounding the ground in rhythm. It was both a farewell to their comrade and the sounding of a war drum for their general's expedition.
These men...
Leonidas pressed his forehead with a wry smile, but the corners of his mouth lifted nonetheless.
...Well done.
...
(50 Chapters Ahead)
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