Boom────
With a thunderous crash, the makeshift stone wall shattered under the impact of the magic cannon. Hundreds of soldiers, clad in outdated but sophisticated armor, surged in and quickly suppressed the remaining resistance.
"You... How could you... Aren't you afraid of God's punishment?"
After kicking the city lord, who lay trembling and disheveled on the ground, Ophis surveyed the area.
"All buildings have been demolished, and the people have been relocated to Uruk for temporary resettlement."
"Yes!"
The priestess, who had recently been promoted from a priest to an apprentice high priest, spoke somewhat uneasily.
Since Lord Enkidu's disappearance, the king's behavior had become peculiar. Ophis often wore a strange smile and, contrary to her usual demeanor, had expanded Uruk, armed the army, and launched large-scale invasions of nearby cities. The abandoned cities were either used as building materials for Uruk's expansion or stored away.
"What did you say last time?"
Ignoring the girl's question, Ophis asked directly.
"Yes! All the best craftsmen in Uruk have been gathered and are waiting for your instructions. Additionally, young and strong men who meet the requirements have been recruited into the new army for training!"
Respectfully, the priestess answered without hesitation. Despite being a priestess, it felt like she was acting as a secretary. Moreover, Uruk's army was already quite strong. Expanding it further seemed like a waste of resources.
"Once you are done, you will lead the team back to Uruk."
Ophis didn't intend to explain anything. After leaving these instructions, she turned and walked away.
...So she's moonlighting as a general again?
The priestess, who had to juggle multiple roles because someone was too lazy to think of new characters, was in tears. She still didn't have a name...
[How should I put it... Even though she didn't think he would succeed, she tried her best to keep a promise to her friend. Should I laugh at her or admire her?]
"I love humanity and the world."
Ophis looked up at the sky, indifferent.
"So, I will protect it."
[Really? Then keep going. You should be able to see something now, right?]
Ophis nodded.
The visions that had once appeared occasionally in her mind were now becoming more frequent. Fragments of these visions appeared almost constantly: a shattered city and a tide of monsters.
"Why?"
Seeing the future... Where does this ability come from?
[Just as you thought, this is not clairvoyance. As for the details... Please set this question aside for now. I'll explain later.]
Ophis accepted this answer. Now was not the time to delve into such matters.
Although the visions were incomplete, Ophis knew they were significant. No matter how many monsters appeared, they wouldn't be her match alone. The real threat must possess combat power that could counter her.
She needed to prepare Uruk to withstand the tide of monsters even without her. Strong walls, perfect logistics, and excellent soldiers were all essential. None of these could be missing.
Fortunately, she had plenty of time.
Build city walls, store supplies, train soldiers—everything had to proceed step by step.
[Pay attention. The real opponent is the gods... I can only see three of them clearly. Including the mediator, there are four in total, with one shrouded in heavy fog. The status of the fourth is too high.]
"Four, who are they?"
[…You'll find out when the time comes.]
Ophis wasn't concerned about Qi's reluctance to answer; she was accustomed to dealing with mysterious matters. However...
"Can't you tell me first?"
For once, Ophis asked a question she usually wouldn't. After all, understanding the enemy was crucial to planning a strategy.
But Qi still didn't provide a direct answer.
[The only one you should be wary of is the one you can't see clearly. If someone can evade my observation despite my current weakened state, they must be at least a higher level than the God King.]
Ophis remained silent, contemplating.
Higher than the God King... In other words, this being is likely at the level of a 'Creator God'?
...That's quite troubling.
[Finally, I'll tell you one more thing.]
"?"
[I can no longer make further predictions. Although I have observed the general situation, it's impossible to get more in-depth information or real-time updates.]
"Power, exhausted?"
[…It's not exactly exhaustion. Perhaps lost or… Never mind, you can say that.]
"I understand. Please get some rest."
During their conversation, Ophis had returned to Uruk.
The area of Uruk was now twice its original size, but the new section was filled with makeshift, shabby houses. Many people looked at Ophis with fear.
Determined to protect as many people as possible, Ophis focused on gathering and sheltering them.
Despite the migration losses, the suffering and resistance of the people, and the impending catastrophe, Ophis ignored it all.
But...
"This is the limit."
[Yes, considering the number of people migrating from the recently conquered city, Uruk can no longer accommodate more. We must also leave enough resources for those seeking refuge from the catastrophe.]
That's it, then.
At least Ophis had done her best to manage several nearby areas.
[Calm the new residents and prevent any trouble during this chaotic time.]
Ophis nodded.
Though she could make general decisions based on her knowledge, Qi handled most of the details.
[Although I don't know everything, I'm definitely more adept than you.]
The advice was usually sound, so Ophis followed it, much like she used to follow Enkidu's counsel.
Even with the Ouroboros's self-contained and isolated nature, it had the ability to absorb strengths or characteristics from what it encountered. This was a way for the Ouroboros to become stronger.
In reality, as long as it lived, the Ouroboros would continuously grow stronger.
As for dealing with people, Ophis had been influenced by this ability and had begun to heed valuable advice.
(Priestess Girl: …)