The fire was controlled by the tribe members on the first night, but the damage was extensive. More than half of the tribe's initial structures were reduced to ashes and needed to be rebuilt from scratch. Gilgamesh, displaying exceptional leadership, united the tribe to rebuild the destroyed homes using different, more resilient materials. He instructed the people to construct the new buildings with clay bricks baked in kilns, making the structures significantly more durable. This method was revolutionary to the tribe, and they were amazed by Gilgamesh's profound knowledge.
Everyone, even those whose homes remained intact, was required to contribute to the rebuilding effort. With maximum effort, the priority was to construct the kilns. People worked tirelessly, preparing the clay bricks in an assembly line-like fashion. Some fetched water from the nearby river, while others mixed the water with soil to create the bricks. The large, cubic bricks took shape under their skilled hands. Meanwhile, a group was tasked with starting a large fire to bake the bricks, ensuring they hardened properly. With these bricks, they constructed the kilns themselves, which would play a crucial role in their future construction.
Soon, the kilns were operational, effectively containing the fires and mitigating the risk of another devastating blaze. The tribe produced clay bricks in large quantities, and the speed of construction increased dramatically. The new structures were far stronger and more advanced than the ones destroyed by the fire. According to Gilgamesh's plan, which he shared with the tribe's leaders, the new buildings were no longer scattered haphazardly. Instead, they were arranged in an orderly fashion, reflecting a more sophisticated and strategic approach to urban planning.
This progress did not go unnoticed. Representatives from other tribes visited, curious about the advancements taking place. Gilgamesh's knowledge was building a civilization that seemed far more advanced than anything they had seen before. The representatives returned to their tribes with tales of the magnificent structures, sparking interest and admiration. Although the buildings were still primitive by future standards, they were so impressive for the time that everyone wanted to live in them.
Edward, like all tribe members, participated in the reconstruction. As he worked, his mind was a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. He reflected on the tragic death of Gail and wondered if Gail's essence had somehow merged with Gilgamesh's. Edward pondered his future, the duty entrusted to him by the tribe's deceased chief, and what path he should take. He felt mentally at a crossroads, torn between continuing to serve under Gilgamesh's command or finally embarking on the quest dictated by the system after years of delay.
After several days, the tribe was fully rebuilt and now resembled a burgeoning village. Gilgamesh called for the people to gather in the village center. Edward sensed that an important speech was imminent. As everyone assembled before Gilgamesh's tent, anticipation hung in the air. Gilgamesh emerged, holding a magical sword, his presence commanding and authoritative. He began to speak:
"Now we have managed to rebuild the initial structures of our tribe, which were mostly destroyed by fire, with buildings never before seen by humanity. This is the first step towards becoming the most advanced civilization ever to exist in the land between the two rivers and beyond. But it is not fitting for a demigod like me to lead from a mere tent. Therefore, a grand and magnificent building must be constructed for me to reside in. We will establish a city, and from now on, our civilization will be called Uruk."
The villagers were captivated by Gilgamesh's vision and grandeur. His presence was mesmerizing, as if he had descended from another world, bringing with him the wisdom of the gods. His knowledge was vast, encompassing architecture, leadership, and spirituality, which made him seem almost divine. Every word he spoke carried weight, and his plans for the future were so grand and ambitious that they left the people in awe.
Though the villagers often reminisced about Gail, the former chief, and the simpler times they had known, they couldn't deny the magnetism of Gilgamesh's leadership. Gail had been a beloved leader, remembered for his kindness and fairness, but he had never inspired the same level of awe and ambition. Stories of Gail's deeds and the respect he commanded were shared around evening fires, but these tales were beginning to feel like legends from a distant past. The reality was that Gilgamesh was here and now, leading them through a period of profound transformation.
Gilgamesh's promises of a grand future, filled with architectural marvels and a thriving, advanced civilization, were far more compelling than the nostalgia for the past. His vision extended beyond mere survival; he spoke of prosperity, innovation, and a civilization that would be remembered for ages. Under his guidance, the tribe was not just rebuilding what was lost but was creating something entirely new and magnificent.
The contrast between the past and the future was palpable. The villagers saw in Gilgamesh a leader who was not content with mediocrity. He sought excellence and inspired the same desire in his people. His plans included not just the reconstruction of their homes but the creation of monumental structures that would stand as a testament to their resilience and ingenuity.
In this light, discussions about the past became less relevant. The villagers were now part of an exciting and dynamic journey, one that promised to elevate their tribe to unprecedented heights. Gilgamesh's leadership was not just about rebuilding; it was about redefining their identity and place in the world. The allure of his vision was irresistible, drawing everyone into a shared dream of greatness. Even those who had been skeptical at first found themselves swept up in the enthusiasm and determination that Gilgamesh instilled in the tribe.
As they labored together, crafting bricks and constructing kilns, the villagers felt a renewed sense of purpose. Gilgamesh's plans were not just about physical structures; they were about building a community united by a common goal. This unity and shared ambition made the daily toil easier and the future brighter. Under Gilgamesh's charismatic and visionary leadership, the tribe was no longer just surviving—they were thriving, and the world was beginning to take notice.