Merlin, now visibly more relaxed, led the group through Mesopotamia's rugged outskirts. The journey was scenic but far from peaceful—wandering monsters lurked in every shadow. Mash Kyrielight had prepared to defend the group, but Amber, still in Fu Hua's form, dispatched the threats with swift, surgical precision.
"Legend says the Red Kite Immortal protects Shenzhou and subdues demons," Merlin mused, watching Amber cleave through a beast with effortless grace. "Even as the world collapses, China remains a land of peace and prosperity."
"Woah that sounds awesome…" Fujimaru and Mash whispered.
"Not only that," Merlin continued, "Shenzhou's martial arts evolved from her movements. Even the use of Zhenqi was passed down from her teachings."
Amber returned, brushing off her sleeves. "It's just a story. So don't take it too seriously."
In truth, Fu Hua had only taught her seven disciples. The rest was myth. But Fujimaru and Mash didn't question it—they simply looked at her with deeper admiration. Ana, however, silently pulled her hood lower, subtly distancing herself.
Amber felt shy under their gaze. Thankfully, navigation helped manage her expressions, keeping her composed. Still, she refused to rely entirely on it. As she fought, she began to understand the flow of Zhenqi—how to channel it, how to move with it.
Taixu was no beginner's art. Its five aggregates weren't a linear path but a web of mutual reinforcement. The Sword Heart—Kenshin—was the most elusive, second only to the Divine Aggregate.
Unlike conventional martial arts, Taixu Sword Qi didn't draw from internal Honkai Energy, but from the ambient energy around the user. Mastering the Sword Heart meant learning to tap into that external flow—a habit that defied instinct and required early training.
Amber had none of that. But with navigation's guidance, she was learning.
Thanks to her efficient monster-clearing, the group reached Uruk far earlier than expected. The city's silhouette appeared just after noon, its towering walls gleaming under the sun.
At the gate, guards were interrogating newcomers. One spotted Merlin and rushed over.
"You're the messengers Lord mentioned. May I see your seal?"
Merlin produced a carved mahogany token. "A temporary pass from the temple. I'm escorting these guests for refuge. Is there any formalities we need to complete?"
"No need the journey must've been hard! Welcome to Uruk!" the guard said warmly. "Refugees can head to the shop in West City. The second-floor warehouse is open to all."
With the seal accepted, the group entered smoothly.
Amber had expected a city on the brink—chaos, despair, desperation. But Uruk defied expectations. The streets bustled with life. Merchants shouted, children played, and citizens moved with purpose.
"This is…" Fujimaru murmured.
"Yes," Merlin said proudly. "Uruk—the oldest fortress city of mankind."
"With a scene like this," Amber added, "it's hard to imagine the king here is a tyrant."
Fujimaru and Mash nodded, glancing at Merlin.
He smirked. "Haha, the current king is in his virtuous phase. After reclaiming the elixir of immortality, he governs with clarity and fairness. The people's resilience is strong—but it's Gilgamesh's leadership that fuels it."
"What fills this city isn't despair," Romani added, "but the will to live."
Eager to understand the situation and locate the Holy Grail, the Chaldeans headed straight to the Tower of God—Gilgamesh's residence and command center.
Thanks to Merlin and Siduri's seal, they reached the throne hall without delay. Before entering, they heard a commanding voice from within:
"Update intervals for frontline reports must be shortened. Clay tablet entries every hour. Next."
"Supplies are delayed. And there are monsters nesting in the streets…"
"Deploy twenty soldiers from the East Gate barracks. Tim will lead."
"Understood!"
"Also, Tabardo's daughter gave birth. Send a witch with fruit and transfer Tabardo from the north wall. Let him rest three days. Seeing his grandson will lift his spirit."
The king was buried in logistics, issuing orders without pause.
Fujimaru hesitated. Merlin, sensing his nerves, grabbed his wrist and stepped forward.
"King Gilgamesh," he announced, "the magician Merlin returns with guests. Though you're clearly busy, I bring good news worthy of interruption."
Siduri smiled. "Thank you for your efforts. Did you retrieve the Destiny Slate?"
Merlin shrugged. "It was chaotic. If His Majesty remembered where he left it, we wouldn't be searching."
Gilgamesh didn't respond. He didn't even look at Merlin. His gaze was fixed on Amber.
Amber met his eyes, unflinching.
"I understand the situation," Gilgamesh said suddenly. He rose from his throne, golden eyes sharp. "I have no time for lengthy explanations. I will judge your worth through combat."