Time passed quickly, and Uruk had become the only city-state in the region—and the most prosperous city in all of Mesopotamia.
The army had received top-notch training, and their equipment, though originally from Ophis's treasure, was now mass-produced. Even if it wasn't exactly "treasure," it was certainly the most luxurious standard equipment available.
The city was well-organized, with every area meticulously planned. Bumper harvests and secure trade allowed everyone to live a prosperous life.
Even the people who had been forcibly relocated had grown accustomed to, and most had even come to like, life in Uruk.
It was a pity that this peace was destined to be broken one day.
"King, the scouts you sent to the north have reported that countless unfamiliar monsters have appeared from nowhere and attacked numerous city-states in a very short time... The people in those city-states... have not confirmed any survivors!"
On the observatory of the temple, Ophis looked at the stone tablet in her hand and nodded without looking up.
"What about the south?"
"Nothing unusual at the moment."
"Don't let your guard down. Keep monitoring."
"Yes!"
After the messenger left, Ophis rubbed her brow in frustration.
[Ah, it seems that even our little Ophis finds the work of being 'King' annoying.]
"Well, the direction of the monsters' attack hasn't been fully confirmed yet... but it's very likely to be from the north."
According to Qi's prophecy, the monsters would attack from the north. But if defenses were set up too early in the north, it might lead the enemy to change their direction.
It reminded her of a country called France that had done something similar.
Since Qi was currently unable to update the prophecy, Ophis had no way of knowing if there were any changes.
Ophis decided to set up simple fortifications both in the north and south and wait for the enemy's attack.
The enemy is in the dark, and we are in the light, so this is the only way.
That said, Ophis had placed most of her logistical resources in the south. In her opinion, the proud goddess wouldn't change her attack plan just because of this. Even if she did, there would still be a chance to compensate.
Although the monsters had appeared in the north, and while it was not 100% certain they were the main force and not a diversion, considering the goddess's personality, the probability of the attack coming from the north was more than 80%.
She gathered magical energy on her index finger and drew a line on the stone slab beside her: "Have the craftsmen build the city wall in the north." Ophis then refocused on the stone slab in her hand.
She now had enough knowledge of necromancy for this era.
[I think I have enough knowledge now. I can probably start preparing for the summoning... If I wait a few more days, it might be difficult to find time for it.]
"Well, that's all we can do."
Looking up at the halo belt that had appeared high in the sky a few days ago, Ophis set the stone slab aside, touched the chain around her neck, returned to the treasury, and stood up.
"Let's start preparing..."
Ever since the halo belt appeared, the suppression force that had been slowly returning to normal had dropped drastically again... It seemed the anomaly was approaching.
[You probably don't have the ability to freely control future sight right now?]
At this moment, Qi asked in Ophis's mind.
Ophis shook her head. She didn't even understand that ability, let alone how to use it.
[It really can't be complete... Ophis, do you trust me?]
"Well, if you pray, I believe it."
After spending some time together, although Ophis still didn't know Qi very well, she felt confident that Qi was dedicated to her.
[Well... let's get started quickly. We don't have much time left.]
Yes... If she didn't seize the opportunity now... there might not be another chance...
After Ishtar disappeared, Ophis had moved to the most magnificent pyramid temple in Uruk, relocating all offices there.
At this time, in the center of the temple, dozens of priests gathered and bowed to Ophis.
"King, all the materials you requested have been placed. Do you have any instructions?"
"That's all. Everyone, retreat and seal off this place. No one is allowed to enter until I leave."
"Your will."
After sending the priests away, Ophis began to arrange the materials from the Age of Gods in a specific order and carved a complex magic circle on the ground with the blood of the fantasy species.
According to Qi's theory, even with the assistance of the Holy Grail, magic circles were still crucial. A certain magician killer who didn't believe this ended up summoning a servant with significantly reduced intelligence.
As Ophis prepared, Qi explained in her consciousness.
[Wait, I will perform a "synchronization" with you, forcibly drawing upon the special power in your body to affect the summoning. This way, the summoned being should be able to provide the greatest help for both the current situation and the future, and won't be useless or uncontrollable.]
Ophis nodded. As Qi said, the summoning circle they were using this time was special.
It was a summoning technique that connected to the Seat of Heroic Spirits and used 'soul materialization' to summon ancient... or at this point, future heroes—the clones of Heroic Spirits, or Servants, to collaborate.
There was a significant strength gap between Heroic Spirits and Servants. To compare, a combat-type Heroic Spirit's Normal Attack is roughly equivalent to a Servant's lower- to middle-tier Noble Phantasm Release—but this is just a general comparison.
The summoning circle set up by Ophis under Qi's guidance completely abandoned constraints on the summoned servants. Even the memories of the original Heroic Spirits were only retained with necessary knowledge, focusing all energy on preserving the servants' strength.
With Ophis's immense energy, although it was still impossible to fully retain the terrifying power of the Heroic Spirit, the summoned servants would be much stronger.
However, if the summoned individual were someone who followed their own desires or was even an anti-hero... they could end up being a significant problem. That's why Qi needed to borrow Ophis's power for summoning and guidance.
Summoning a Servant who could help.
Yet, handing over one's own power for others to control wasn't reassuring. Nevertheless, Ophis nodded without hesitation and agreed to Qi.
[Haha... You're such a naive little thing. But it doesn't matter. With a bit of time, this weakness will be completely addressed.]
Not understanding Qi's meaning, Ophis didn't dwell on it and placed the Uruk Holy Grail from the treasury in the center of the magic circle.
"Let's begin, Qi."
[Okay, this may feel a bit strange, but don't resist.]
Closing her eyes, Ophis nodded.
[So...]
When she opened her eyes again, Ophis's right eye had changed from its original silver-gray color to a pure silver that shone with brilliance. A tremendous amount of magic power swept through the closed temple space, and the magic circle under the Holy Grail began to glow.
[Summoning begins!]