[3rd POV]
[You've heard that Gilgamesh met a very strong opponent, and through battle, they became friends without truly knowing each other.]
[You realize that Gilgamesh's power is increasing rapidly, and recently, Ishtar has been unusually obedient. She hasn't complained when using Gugalanna and seems even more loyal to you.]
[With the help of Gugalanna and the continuous rise of your power, the longer you wait, the more advantageous it will be for you. So…]
"Take the initiative?"
Ishtar originally planned to persuade Kyouya to take the initiative to attack.
"The people's faith in me is nearly at its limit. Dragging this out any further would only put us at a disadvantage. It's better to strike now and catch Gilgamesh off guard. This time, I'll need to use Gugalanna."
At this moment, Kyouya didn't seem open to any discussion and spoke more like he was giving an order.
"I understand. I will fight alongside you."
She bowed with resentment, waiting for the moment they would win and take revenge.
"You leave for now. I will let someone know when I need you."
With a casual wave, Kyouya dismissed her. He didn't feel special about speaking to a goddess like that.
The lifespan of gods far exceeded that of humans. Even if Gilgamesh and Kyouya managed to suppress the gods by joining forces, what would happen after their deaths?
Of course, Kyouya and Gilgamesh could try to pursue immortality, but that would mean they'd inevitably become gods ruling over humanity.
He didn't like the story of being the dragon-slayer becoming a dragon themselves.
"Gilgamesh, do you understand what we need to do next?"
He didn't have clairvoyance, but standing at this height made it seem his gaze met Gilgamesh's in the distance.
The future of humanity rested in their hands.
...
"Gil, what are you looking at?"
Enkidu looked at Gilgamesh, standing on the mountain top, lost in thought.
It was rare to see the King of Heroes like this.
"This king is contemplating... what exactly is 'death'?"
"Death?"
Enkidu couldn't grasp the concept of "death."
As a creation of the gods, he could continue to exist forever as long as the gods did not choose to discard him.
"This king possesses the power and wisdom of the gods. If I were to gain their immortality as well, what would I become?"
"Probably a god."
"Really?"
"Of course!"
After receiving Enkidu's answer, Gilgamesh abandoned the idea of becoming a god. Although death was terrifying, his pride wouldn't allow him to bow to it.
"Enkidu, you may leave now."
Surprisingly, Gilgamesh chose to dismiss such a formidable ally right before the approaching battle.
"Why?"
"Because you didn't come here because of your own will, did you?"
Gilgamesh had calmed down slightly, but his clairvoyance hadn't returned.
However, that didn't stop him from guessing Enkidu's identity and the purpose behind his arrival.
"My own will?"
"My friend, this king knows the purpose behind your arrival and understands the intentions of those who sent you. Yet, I still consider you as my friend because you possess a pure heart. You are different from the others."
Gilgamesh was not someone who easily called others his friend. It wasn't merely about strength but having a noble soul.
He had seen such a soul in Enkidu and... Shadow.
"You may accompany this king into battle, but I hope it will be a decision from your heart, not under someone else's command."
He patted Enkidu on the shoulder before descending the mountain to return to the city and gather his forces.
They all were waiting for this inevitable battle.
Gilgamesh and Shadow would determine who truly ruled this land while the gods waited for their opportunity to strike when both sides were weakened.
'Anu will not miss this opportunity. This time is different from the last. He will undoubtedly bring enough power. This king's choice is critical.'
After abandoning the idea of becoming a god, Gilgamesh knew that severing the ties between humanity and the gods couldn't be achieved by him alone.
He still needed Kyouya's help.
"Bastard, are you thinking the same thing as this king?"
...
The flames of war were ignited.
It came suddenly, but everyone was prepared for it.
There can only be one sun in the sky.
The Mesopotamian region was small, and now it was time for the two kings to divide it between them.
The battle between them had begun.
On one side was the suddenly risen Holy King of the Moonlight, who lived simply and compassionately toward the people.
On the other side stood Gilgamesh, who had found his way back. Once arrogant, cruel, and carefree, he possessed a unique charm that naturally drew people to his side.
If these two had lived in different times, it would have been a blessing for the people of their respective eras.
However, their misfortune lay in being born at the same age, both kings, destined to fight against each other to the death.
[Your sleep is poor. The moment you close your eyes, you can feel the people's thirst for war. They wish to prove to everyone that their king is unmatched in the world. "Benevolent Hidden Emperor" effect increased.]
[You observe the soldiers' training. Even if some are injured, they push themselves to keep training, all for your sake, to show they're ready to give their lives. "Benevolent Hidden Emperor" effect increased.]
[You stop a regular person and ask them a question.]
"Expecting war? We don't expect war at all."
The person chosen by Kyouya unexpectedly shook his head. He knew very well how terrifying war could be. If he went to the battlefield, he might die but...
"However, war is already upon us. If we don't fight, we will die. I don't want to die, but at the same time, I believe that under the Holy King's leadership, more people can live happy lives under your rule."
He was just an ordinary person, but his eyes were filled with such sincerity that Kyouya couldn't help but memorize his face clearly.
"Holy King, no matter the outcome, please make sure to win and lead more people to better lives."
"I understand."
He stood and left, his face expressionless, as if nothing mattered to him, but in reality, those words stuck in his mind and wouldn't go away.
He had come to this land with no mission, no burdens to bear. As for the fate of the "Wedge of Heaven" bestowed upon him by the gods, he couldn't care less about it.
However, he wouldn't intentionally ignore it just because he didn't care.
No matter how fate, destiny, or chance played out, Kyouya would only do what he wanted to do.
If he wanted to lead, he would lead; if he wanted to fight, he would fight; if he wanted to fall in love with someone, he would do so.
As long as it brought peace and prosperity to the people and satisfied him, then I, the Benevolent Hidden Emperor...
I, Holy King of the Moonlight...
I, Shadow...
I, Lloyd...
I, Fujimaru Kyouya...
I...
I...
I...
I...
'No matter who the enemy is, I'll damn well fight.'
To be continued...
...
Thank you for taking the time to read my work! If you're enjoying it, I'd greatly appreciate it if you could drop some powerstones and share your honest review to show your support. Thank you so much!
https://www.patreon.com/Abyssuit
If you want to read more, you can find up to 15 advance chapters at my patreon