In the past, because Enkidu and Gilgamesh together killed the Bull of Heaven, Enkidu's actions were seen by the gods as rebellion against them. As a result, the gods destroyed his body and soul.
Back then, Gilgamesh personally witnessed the death of his closest friend.
And now, though what he heard about wasn't the same person—just a fake occupying his friend's body—learning that the entity's soul was being eroded still brought back those past memories uncontrollably.
"Soul erosion… Huh? Your pair of Mystic Eyes has effects in that domain."
"Yes, I call them the Soul Eater Mystic Eyes." Naoki explained, adjusting his Mystic Eye Killer glasses. "With no limit on quantity, as long as a spirit or soul is within the range of these Mystic Eyes, they'll be eroded and turned into puppets or slaves that completely obey my commands. And so far, that erosion is irreversible—even I can't undo it."
"During the Holy Grail War ten years ago, I used these Mystic Eyes to send you, who had become a Servant, back to the Throne of Heroes."
Hearing Naoki's sudden additional explanation, a displeased expression briefly flashed across Gilgamesh's face.
But—
"As an example to explain the effects of your Mystic Eyes, couldn't you pick one that's easier for me to stomach?"
Naoki's Mystic Eyes had such a powerful effect that even many treasures in the Gate of Babylon couldn't fully withstand them.
Though Gilgamesh could understand this point, he still felt a bit annoyed.
Smiling, Naoki continued his explanation: "In my fight with Enkidu, my initial intent was to use these Mystic Eyes to completely erode his soul. It was the most direct method I could think of to destroy him."
Enkidu's body was a kind of immortality in a certain sense, and ordinary methods couldn't fully eliminate it.
Moreover—
"That's your friend's body. It wouldn't be good to completely destroy it again. Essentially, the current situation is a foreign pilot occupying an old unit, so all we need to do is remove the pilot. The unit itself can be preserved. Once everything's settled, it can be reburied in the Underworld."
"Meddling as you please."
Gilgamesh adjusted his collar: "Fine, I understand your point, but that fake Enkidu escaped, didn't he? Why didn't you chase him?"
"Well… I actually wanted to get your opinion first." Naoki laughed. "It's like a surgery requiring family approval—I wanted to ask your thoughts on my actions. After all, you and Enkidu are the closest of friends with the deepest emotional bond, and my actions, in a way, trample on your feelings."
Eroding his soul, controlling his body.
No matter how beautifully the words dressed it up, Naoki's actions clearly aimed to take over Enkidu.
This was something Gilgamesh absolutely couldn't tolerate.
After a brief silence on his throne, Gilgamesh nodded: "Hmm, do as you see fit, Holy Sword Bearer. Rather than letting some unknown mixed soul continue occupying Enkidu's body, it's better to free it as soon as possible."
"I understand. Since this is your decision, at our next encounter, I'll completely erode and destroy that Enkidu's soul."
"Hmm, thank you for your efforts… You may leave. Also, tell the ministers and soldiers outside that we'll resume handling state affairs in ten minutes. I need a short rest."
With that, Gilgamesh closed his eyes, resting his face on one hand.
Staying up for eight days straight and working nonstop for over seventy-two hours— no body, no matter how strong, could withstand that. Gilgamesh truly needed rest.
At the same time, he also needed to adjust his mood.
He was someone who didn't mix personal matters with work, but regarding the second death of his closest friend, even Gilgamesh needed time to process it.
After glancing at Gilgamesh, who had fallen asleep on his throne, Naoki turned and walked out of the Ziggurat.
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Chaldea Embassy.
Upon arriving, Naoki only saw Rei cleaning.
Seeing her Master return, Rei stopped her work and smiled: "Welcome back, Master. You've finally decided to return after more than four days out there."
"There were some things to take care of. Where are the others?"
"Morgan is still at the Northern Wall maintaining the shield. Merry took Fujimaru and Mash to the Northern Wall to handle a supply transport task issued by King Gilgamesh."
It had been about half a month since they arrived in this Singularity.
Through continuous civilian tasks, Ritsuka and Mash had earned some recognition from Gilgamesh and were given missions related to the Demon Beast Front Line, traveling back and forth to the Northern Wall.
After all, they were two fairly useful combat forces. It would be a shame to leave them doing farm work in Uruk.
With Hinako and Xiang Yu also at the Northern Wall and not yet back, almost everyone was now at the Demon Beast Front Line.
"Why didn't you go, Rei?"
"Because I had to wait for Master to return here."
Rei said while helping Naoki remove his coat: "This is our residence in Uruk, our 'home,' so to speak. If Master is busy working outside, as your servant and lover, it's only natural I stay here to await your return."
"It's only proper, my dear 'Prince'~~~"
Hearing Rei's sincere words, tinged with a playful hint reminiscent of Manaka, Naoki gave a small smile: "Sorry for always troubling you like this. Is there anything to eat? I'm starving. I haven't eaten since yesterday noon."
"Well then…"
Rei went to the kitchen and pulled a piece of butter cake from a simple homemade refrigerator: "I made this last night with Miss Tomoe. It's been sitting overnight, so the taste isn't at its best, but if Master doesn't mind—"
"Hmm, this'll do."
As his hand touched the butter cake, it instantly thawed. Naoki grabbed a piece and popped it into his mouth.
[If Master minds, I'll make a new one.]
Rei, who had intended to say that, could only smile and abandon the idea when she saw Naoki already eating with some goat milk—her Master could even accept day-old leftovers, a habit said to have formed from tough times in the past.
Thinking this, Rei couldn't help but say: "Just a piece of cake might not be enough, right? Please wait a moment, I'll prepare lunch right away."
"Oh, thanks a lot. Add plenty of meat."
"Understood."