Dodging the passing sickle, kingu expressionlessly grabbed the neck of the girl in the black robe and lifted her up.
"What a headache... When is this going to end?"
With a gentle squeeze, the sound of breaking bones echoed, and the surroundings began to collapse like a shattered mirror.
Kingu stood alone in the wilderness, unfazed by the sudden change. He rubbed his forehead with annoyance.
"I see... It must have been when the flash was emitted. The intention was not just to block our view but to divert our attention. But, considering his status as the best among first-class failures, this outcome was inevitable..."
Despite his vigilance since being struck by the Scorpion Man, he had been deceived by the illusion once again.
"Truly the world's top trickster... The second attempt also failed. So, the only one who can break through this is..."
Gazing toward Uruk, Kingu's smile turned wicked.
"Let's pause for now. There are more pressing matters than hunting down trash. Eliminating humans requires careful planning... Though she could finish it in a day if she took it seriously, that's not ideal. Killing must have proper reasons and themes... That's the duty of the new humans with superior intelligence..."
Kingu's mind then recalled Ophis's words, which he found even more foolish than Enkidu's.
He frowned at the thought of the girl, shook his head, and his smile grew darker.
"Moreover, if we get serious, the one on the other side might take advantage of her restraints to kill her. We've already failed, and it's clear that this approach won't work. So if we want to deal with her seriously... we really need to wait..."
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"We're here. This is King ophis's office~"
In front of the pyramid temple, Ritsuka, Merlin, and Anna stood together.
"How magnificent…"
Seeing the luxurious temple that represented the grandeur of Uruk, Ritsuka couldn't help but marvel.
She had seen King Arthur's Camelot and visited the Pyramids of the Sun King, both of which were as impressive as this pyramid temple, but each had its unique characteristics.
"But... King Ophis..."
On the way, Merlin had mentioned this name several times.
"Yes... Although the history of this parallel world differs from Chaldea's, on the bright side, compared to Gilgamesh, King Ophis is someone we've already met. And judging by the situation in Uruk, this king doesn't seem to be a tyrant or cruel."
Mash spoke seriously as she looked at the temple's gate.
Indeed, most of Uruk's residents had cheerful expressions, showing no sign of distress about the current situation.
"Indeed... She didn't seem like a tyrant at first, but She's still a difficult person to communicate with."
"Don't worry, Master. No matter what happens, I'll protect you with my life!"
"It's not necessary to risk your life..."
Ritsuka sighed, then her expression became resolute.
"Oh, you're truly the last Master of mankind and the savior who's faced six singularities. Have you adjusted your mood so quickly? Although it might have dampened your determination, King Ophis is actually a rather clumsy person who's easy to talk to. If you approach her and try to be friendly, she won't know how to handle you~"
"If the teacher doesn't speak, no one will think you're dumb."
"Fufu!"
Mash glanced at Merlin's former students and pets, then looked at Merlin with a somewhat puzzled expression.
"It seems... Mr. Merlin is not the best at being human."
As they talked, they pushed open the temple doors and entered. Thanks to Merlin, they weren't stopped.
"Although Mr. Merlin seems highly respected, it seems most people avoid him."
"Can you see clearly? That must be King Ophis."
Merlin, ignoring Mash's surprise, cheerfully pointed forward.
"Hmm... It's a bit different from what I expected."
Ritsuka observed Ophis surrounded by messengers and touched her chin.
"Yes... King Ophis now has a gloomy look and somewhat dull eyes. Even though she often smiles, the overall atmosphere seems rather dark."
Mash considered for a moment before responding.
The sight of Ophis, if placed in a gloomier setting, could easily fit the role of a final boss.
"Is it because of too many responsibilities?"
Lily's ahoge hair bounced as she seemed puzzled.
Having experienced many similar situations, Lily noticed that her expression rarely changed compared to Ophis's.
"She's different from what I imagined... I thought she would be some upstart."
After a long pause, Anna rarely voiced her opinion.
"What are you all standing around for? If you just watch without making an effort to speak to her, King Ophis will ignore you. Even if everyone else leaves and you're the only ones here, it will be the same."
"Well?"
Merlin pulled Ritsuka forward, ignoring her protests, and waved at Ophis while brushing past the few remaining people reporting.
"Hey, King Ophis, we're back."
"Let's handle this first, and report back if there are any issues later..."
Handing off the slate he was holding, Ophis glanced at Merlin and then focused on Ritsuka.
The atmosphere grew tense as everyone remained silent.
"Have you returned safely, Lord Merlin? Was this operation also successful?"
Siduri, standing by, bowed and greeted them, easing the awkward silence.
"Ah, we completed what needed to be done. There were some minor setbacks, but nothing significant. The exceptional Merlin handled them all effortlessly~"
"You smell like Enkidu... Did you run away from her again?"
With a soft sigh, Ophis turned her gaze back to Merlin.
"Your sense of smell is as sharp as ever, King Ophis."
Merlin laughed off the direct accusation.
"Compared to this, who are these people? They don't seem to be from Uruk at all..."
Seeing the tension rising again, Siduri quickly intervened.
"That's enough, Siduri. Please step aside."
At that moment, Ophis leaned on her staff and took a few steps forward.
"King?"
Then, as Siduri exclaimed, dozens of lasers shot from the staff toward the two Chaldea servants!