The sun's warm rays bathed the stunning ancient city.
Bustling streets and crowds stood in stark contrast to the chaos outside—Uruk's interior felt like a paradise.
Following Merlin through the thriving city, Fujimaru Ritsuka and Mash marveled at everything with wide-eyed curiosity.
Roman, too, praised Uruk's state.
A model city-state, every human fulfilled their role, living vibrantly in this last bastion, striving together for tomorrow's survival.
Despite the looming beast hordes, Uruk's residents showed no fear or despair—smiles graced every face.
They didn't crumble under fated doom or give in to hopelessness. With optimism, each shone brightly in their own way.
Witnessing this beautiful city-state and its lively streets lifted the Chaldea group's spirits.
Ever-energetic Ritsuka dragged Mash and Ana between stalls, eagerly soaking in Uruk's sights.
The locals, spotting these newcomers, naturally assumed them refugees.
Everyone mirrored the gate guard's warmth—welcoming them with open arms.
Some offered Ritsuka and Mash homemade rations; others asked if they'd stay at their homes, now half-empty after losing husbands or sons at the Beast Front.
Every stranger along the way showed pure, heartfelt kindness, free of malice.
As Ritsuka busied herself politely declining, icy blue glints flickered in Roy's eyes, a smile tugging his lips.
Such pure goodwill, pristine souls—radiating vivid colors in his gaze.
How could he not adore these humans?
Compared to most of modernity's lot, Uruk's people were unsullied.
No wonder Gilgamesh, ruling this gem, scorned modern humanity.
Weaving through Uruk en route to the divine tower, Merlin briefed Chaldea on the city, recounting tales of Gilgamesh and Enkidu.
He warned them: Gilgamesh was stern and prickly—mind your manners, keep it short when meeting him.
But with Roy and Enkidu's body in tow, Gilgamesh likely wouldn't hassle Chaldea.
Retrieving his friend's form, sparing it defilement—that debt would stick with Gilgamesh forever.
Chaldea's good girl Mash listened intently, while Ritsuka turned inquisitive, peppering Merlin with questions about Uruk and its king.
Merlin basked in being needed, nodding and answering eagerly.
Yet since entering Uruk, the usually stoic Karna seemed off.
"What's up, Karna?" Roy asked, sensing his unease.
"Master, I…"
Karna opened his mouth, glanced at Roy, then bowed his head silently, his face conflicted.
"Haha, what's wrong? Karna, you're acting all shy—pretty rare sight." Roy teased with a laugh.
"Didn't think you'd ever show this side."
"…"
Karna ducked his head, ashamed. "Sorry, Master… there's something nagging me. Can I step away to check it out?"
"Oh? Something bothering Karna?" Roy raised a brow, intrigued, but didn't pry. "If it's bugging you, go ahead."
"But, Master, you…"
Despite permission, Karna hesitated.
Stepping into Uruk, he'd caught that guy's annoying aura. He itched to zip to the Beast Front and clash with his brother again.
But no.
No matter how much he craved it, he couldn't ditch his Master for selfish whims.
As a Servant, his first duty was protection.
Reading Karna's indecision, Roy patted his shoulder. "It's fine. If there's something you want to do, do it. Like I promised—we're contracted, but not master and servant. We're comrades. Have your own will; you don't need to obey me blindly."
"You've seen my strength. Plus, Merlin and Ana are here—I'll be fine."
"…Yes. Thank you for your generosity."
Karna's tense face softened. After a moment, he followed his heart.
"If danger strikes, use a Command Spell. Wherever I am, I'll rush to you instantly."
"Got it. Thanks for worrying, Karna." Roy smiled, nodding.
"No thanks needed, Master. Being summoned by you is my fortune too."
With that, Karna leaped skyward, flames flaring, speeding toward the Beast Front.
Post-Karna, Merlin led them onward to Gilgamesh's tower.
At the entrance, a guard halted them.
"Who are you?"
"It's me—Merlin, your beloved court magus. These are travelers from Chaldea; I'm bringing them to the king."
Merlin doffed his hood, flashing a warm smile.
He'd lingered at the tower long enough—surely the guards knew him.
Unbeknownst to him, it was shift-change day.
The guard eyed Merlin, paused, then asked, "And you are?"
"Huh?"
Merlin froze.
"Hahahahaha! Useless Merlin, they don't even know you! Court magus for ages, and the guards blank—pathetic!" Roman cackled from Chaldea, clutching his stomach, delighting in Merlin's flustered face.
If Magi Mari was his favorite character, watching Merlin flounder was his favorite pastime.
"Idiot…" Ana muttered.
"So unreliable…"
Roy sidestepped the petrifying Merlin, patted his shoulder, and kicked him aside.
"Need to flash your face? Where's that talisman?"
Roy jabbed, stepping up to handle the visit himself.
The guard grew warier of these oddballs.
"Greetings, soldier." Roy said. "Ignore this fool. Tell King Gilgamesh, the King of Ur is here to visit, bearing a worthy gift."
King of Ur?
The title startled the guard—and the group behind.
"Wait, isn't Ur…" The guard frowned.
Ur fell to beasts long ago—a fact all Uruk knew.
This strange man claiming kingship—what was this?
"Not destroyed. Like Uruk, Ur stands. I'm its new king—here's my seal."
Roy handed over Quetzalcoatl's Ur seal.
Its heat and markings confirmed it. The guard's gaze sharpened.
"As you command, King of Ur, I'll announce—"
"No need. Let Merlin the sage, these far-off guests, and this King of Ur enter." A gentle female voice interrupted from the tower.
A figure emerged.
"High Priestess Siduri." The guard named her.
"Hey, Siduri, I'm back!" Merlin waved.
"Well done, Sage Merlin."
"Soldier, these are the king's awaited guests—let them in."
"Yes."
With Siduri's vouching, the guard relented, bowing as they passed.
Led by Siduri up long stairs past grand statues, Roy and Chaldea soon reached Gilgamesh's throne room.
As they entered, Gilgamesh's iconic, devilish laugh rang out.
"Fuhahahahahaha!!!"
___
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