Standing on the streets of Kuta, Ishtar stared at Ophis in disbelief.
"So you didn't know? The location of the underworld is right below Kuta. It's not a metaphor; it's literally underground."
"…"
Ophis remained silent.
The underworld is underground? So we could just find some strong men from the Age of Gods to dig into it? …Is that really possible?
Lost in thought, Ophis realized she had been clueless most of the time, and Enkidu had never taught her about the divine world. How could she have known where the underworld was? She only guessed that since Ereshkigal was the patron goddess of Kuta, she might find a way there in this city.
Had she known it was this simple, she wouldn't have bothered calling Ishtar for help.
"Sure, if you dig deep enough, you can reach the underworld. But no matter where you start, the entry point is controlled by Ereshkigal. It's usually fixed, but if you're planning to cause trouble, who knows where she'll send you?"
Noticing Ophis deep in thought, Ishtar hesitated before adding, "Well, since you like me, if you beg, I might consider going in with you."
"…No."
The abrupt refusal made Ishtar's expression twitch.
"You really don't understand what the underworld is like, do you? It's Ereshkigal's domain. Unless you're on the level of a god king, even a high-ranking god would struggle to survive there. Without this goddess guiding you, you'd be killed by whatever lurks in the depths."
"Is that how Ishtar was killed last time?"
"Huh!?"
Ishtar froze, recalling how she had ventured into the underworld before the gods were isolated.
The outcome was clear: Ereshkigal had utterly defeated her sister. In fact, Ishtar had really died once. If not for her strong connections, she might not have been resurrected.
"I was just careless back then. I've learned from my mistakes. I'll definitely get that guy this time!"
"…"
Ophis remained unconvinced.
According to myth, Ishtar had brought many divine tools during her last attempt, exhausting their power before reaching Ereshkigal. Now, with no divine tools at her disposal, if Ishtar insisted on going…
It would be just as Ereshkigal had warned—Ishtar wouldn't even be worthy of a challenge.
If Ophis took Ishtar to the underworld, she'd likely have to protect her.
And…
"I have something important to give to Ishtar."
Seeing Ophis's serious expression, Ishtar's interest piqued.
"Well, tell me about it."
Keng────
The sound of metal clashing echoed as a flesh-eater collided with a giant axe.
The area where Kingu and Hercules fought had become a dead zone that no monster dared enter. The surrounding creatures, terrified by the sheer power of the two combatants, skirted around them and continued toward the north wall.
In the next moment, Kingu transformed into golden light and retreated, unleashing a barrage of weapons that assaulted Hercules with no time to react. Yet, each weapon shattered into golden dust, falling harmlessly to the ground.
Kingu's emerald green eyes, tinged with gold, narrowed.
Even though it's B rank when converted into a Noble Phantasm, it's still not enough?
Enkidu's clay could simulate any weapon she understood—anything at all. But the more powerful the weapon, the greater the drain on her energy and spirit. If possible, she preferred to minimize her losses.
Defeating the enemy with minimal effort was the essence of a true weapon.
"Roar!!!"
Hercules roared furiously and charged once more.
Kingu formed a golden spear in her hand, launching it toward the approaching demigod.
Hercules deftly dodged the spear and continued his relentless advance toward Kingu.
She frowned.
It's really not that easy…
Whether it was E-level or EX-level, Hercules instinctively tried to evade or deflect all attacks when he had the strength to do so. The previous dodge hadn't revealed any openings.
However, based on Kingu's analysis, A-level might be his limit.
The reason was simple: If even an A-level Noble Phantasm couldn't harm him, then this "mountain of muscle" was absurdly durable.
Raising one hand, Kingu caused the earth within dozens of meters to erupt in golden light, enveloping both herself and Hercules.
The golden light ascended, coalescing into an array of sharp weapons aimed at Hercules from every angle.
In the instant they formed, the weapons shot toward Hercules with deadly precision!
Due to his current lack of rationality, Hercules couldn't react to the sudden onslaught. In mere moments, he was impaled by countless weapons, his life force fading rapidly.
But Kingu, eyes closed, could sense another life force rapidly expanding within Hercules, about to reignite.
"Roar!!!"
Within seconds, the weapons lodged in Hercules's body were shattered by an extraordinary force, and Hercules regained his vitality, roaring once more.
At this moment, Kingu opened her eyes and smirked.
"It's expected that the weapon will work against divinity, but... will it also work against heroes?"
Observing Hercules, Kingu murmured calmly.
"A demigod, a hero, and he can even be resurrected. I see…"
Weapons once again manifested, launching themselves at Hercules.
Armed with prior experience, Hercules managed to deflect most of the weapons, though he sustained some damage. But then…
Six spears erupted from the ground, striking Hercules in critical areas.
Once more, Hercules fell.
"Hercules, the great Greek hero who survived the Twelve Labors?"
In the first wave of attacks, the weapons that had killed Hercules lost their effectiveness. Did that mean he had become immune to the weapons that had previously slain him?
Regarding the regenerating Hercules, Kingu indulged in the typical villainous banter, walking forward with a chuckle.
"Your abilities are certainly impressive. Against most opponents, your power would be overwhelming."
Even a top-tier Heroic Spirit like Sun wukong would struggle to devise twelve different ways to kill you in such a desperate situation.
But unfortunately…
"What a pity! While you may have reached the pinnacle of strength, I have mastered the pinnacle of suppression that is nearly limitless! From this perspective, you are completely outmatched."
To kill Hercules, twelve… or perhaps thirteen different methods were required, and each one had to wield the power of a B-level attack!
However, Kingu could command far more than twelve types of A-level weapons!
Moreover, what Kingu found most intriguing…
"If my observations are correct, your body has been transformed into a Noble Phantasm—a weapon honed by the Twelve Labors… But your body is still just a weapon."
Spreading her hands wide, Kingu spoke with pride.
"Unlike you, I am a perfect new human. My body, my mind, my soul—everything that makes me who I am is a complete weapon… In other words…"
With that, the weapons once again encircled Hercules, leaving no escape.
"You're just a half-baked, defective product. As a weapon, you're no match for me!!!"
A golden rain of weapons descended upon Hercules once more.