Although the temple of Uruk appears to be of a normal size from the outside, special spells have been cast on the square in front and in many of the rooms inside, making the actual space much larger than it seems.
Currently, Ophis stood in one of these magically expanded rooms. Behind her, five hundred and six soldiers were lined up in neat rows.
Calling it a "room" might be an understatement; from the inside, it was almost one-third the size of a sports field.
After Ophis ordered the selection of elite troops from the army, she had also asked the magicians of Uruk to expand the space.
Now, a huge pool sat in the center of the room, with two smaller pools beside it.
"The strongest soldier will go in there," Ophis instructed, pointing to the pool at the far end of the room.
The leader saluted and immediately immersed himself in the pool Ophis had indicated.
"The next five, go in there."
The five soldiers standing in the front row saluted and entered the second pool.
"Everyone else, enter this one," Ophis directed, gesturing toward the largest pool.
Five hundred soldiers walked directly into the largest pool.
"Help each other remove your armor," Ophis finally ordered.
Though it was a cumbersome task, it was the king's command, so all the soldiers complied without complaint.
"King, what are you planning?" Siduri asked, watching with some confusion.
Ophis had previously conveyed her instructions to Siduri, who then relayed them to the others. As far as Siduri knew, the water in these pools was used for rituals and had undergone special purification, but it was still just ordinary water. At most, it had absorbed a trace of divine power or magic from being in the temple for so long, but it had no significant properties.
Ophis did not answer, instead raising her right hand. Purple magic began to gather in her palm, growing thicker and thicker until it formed a magic circle before Siduri's astonished eyes.
The only difference from ordinary magic circles was that the center of this one contained a symbol representing infinity.
The magic circle pulsed like a beating heart, and gradually, three drops of bright red blood condensed within it.
But the magic didn't stop there. The three drops of blood began to change, slowly turning into a dazzling gold, like the light of the sun.
Finally, the magic circle dissolved back into purple smoke, leaving behind only the three drops of golden blood.
By this time, all the soldiers had removed their armor. Ophis waved her hand, and the three drops of blood floated into the three pools, causing them to instantly emit a golden light.
"Submerge your entire body in the water and absorb as much as you can. How much you gain depends on your luck. I'll be back in a day."
Taking a deep breath, Ophis spoke these words to the soldiers before turning to leave.
As soon as Ophis's blood touched the water, the soldiers felt a powerful energy surge into their bodies.
But with it came excruciating pain.
The squad leaders, who shared a pool with only five others, and the captain, who had a pool to himself, suffered even more. Though they were strong, the pain was so intense that they fainted almost immediately.
After all, their suffering was a hundredfold—or even five hundredfold—greater than the others.
[I didn't expect you to actually go through with this.]
Walking down the corridor, a voice echoed in Ophis's mind.
"It's necessary for the war..."
[In that case, you'll have to avoid intense combat yourself from now on, right?]
"It's fine. I had no intention of fighting since I was summoned."
[Is that so? Yes, if you leave Uruk to fight, others would take advantage of your absence. So, you're staying here.]
"Yes, which is why I must strengthen the army as much as possible."
[Oh, you're becoming more and more like a king. It's just a pity...]
No matter how well she did, her kingdom would eventually fall.
"Yes... what a pity..." Ophis nodded slightly, her thoughts drifting elsewhere.
A day later, Ophis returned to the room.
Siduri had been sent ahead to deliver the message. By the time Ophis arrived, the 506 soldiers had re-equipped and were standing in formation before her.
"How do you feel?" Ophis asked.
The soldiers exchanged glances before the captain, looking healthy and exuding a strong presence with no signs of the previous day's pain, stepped forward and saluted Ophis solemnly.
"Thank you, King, for bestowing us with such power."
"Thank you for the gift, King!" the soldiers echoed, their voices shaking the temple.
"Good..."
Ophis nodded, then withdrew a long sword from the golden ripples beside her and slashed at the captain.
Despite Ophis's deliberate slowness, the captain made no move to dodge and simply allowed Ophis to strike him.
Clang—
The result was that only the tip of the sword broke off.
The sword wasn't one of the most valuable treasures from the treasury, but it had a sharpness rated at E-level. However, a weapon that could be considered a treasure shattered after striking the captain.
Ophis looked at the broken sword in her hand, nodded, and let it dissolve into golden light and disappear.
"Do you understand? This is your current strength. Although others might not be as powerful as this man, ordinary weapons can no longer harm you."
Turning her gaze to the soldiers, Ophis continued, "However, I didn't give you this power for you to become complacent or reckless. It is to give you the ability to protect Uruk. The challenges you face from now on will be hundreds or thousands of times greater than what others endure. Do you have the determination and courage to face them?"
The 506 soldiers didn't reply verbally. Instead, they saluted firmly once again.
"I'm pleased. Remember, your power exists for the sake of Uruk."
Ophis smiled and turned to leave.
"For Uruk!" The deafening roar of the soldiers continued to echo behind her.