Several Hours Later
Council of Elders, Underworld
The Underworld was a vast place, nearly as large as the Human Realm, so a strong government was necessary to maintain peace and order.
Most of the Devil population knew that the highest social title one could achieve was that of Satan, which was largely true. However, while the Satans held the highest rank and answered to no one, they still had to report to the Council of Elders for major decisions, such as starting a war or forming alliances.
Though the term "Maou" implied absolute authority over the Underworld, the reality was far different. It was the Bael clan, along with a few other clans and individuals, who truly controlled the Underworld through politics and connections. The four Maou had some influence, but they were more like celebrities.
In human terms, the four Maou were powerful and revered generals, while the elder demons were cunning and resourceful senators.
The Council of Elders functioned similarly to the United States Supreme Court but with a system of 32 judges, one for each of the remaining 32 Pillars. Originally, the Council's purpose was to settle disputes between clans or individuals and to punish criminals like Stray Devils.
At times, the Council of Elders convened during major crises to discuss next steps with the Four Great Satans, which was precisely what they were doing now.
Inside a large, medieval-looking tower made of black stone, the 32 Elders were gathered. The room was completely dark, with thirty-two thrones arranged in a circular pattern. Behind the thirty-second throne were four more ornate, regal thrones. No light was needed, as demons could see in the dark.
Each of the smaller thrones held the elders of the 32 remaining clans that founded the Underworld, all with serious expressions. Behind them sat the Four Great Satans: Sirzechs Lucifer, Serafall Leviathan, Ajuka Beelzebub, and Falbium Asmodeus.
All bore grave expressions, as what had happened recently had shaken every faction.
The Realm of the Dead, ruled by the Greek God Hades, along with Hades himself, Erebus, and Tartarus, had been wiped off the map.
Hades, listed among the "Top 10 Strongest Beings in the World," had been killed, and his entire realm annihilated.
All factions were in absolute shock. Even those who disliked Hades couldn't deny his power and position.
The news that not only he but his entire Realm of the Dead had been erased was staggering, as the Realm was vital to the world's balance.
This news was especially shocking to the Greek Faction.
Though the Greeks and Hades were not on good terms, the death of one of their three major gods was something they could not ignore.
As a result, the Greek Pantheon was mobilizing to seek vengeance against the one responsible.
Moreover, the Demon Realm itself had suffered damage, with ten percent of the Underworld destroyed by the absolute power that eradicated the Realm of the Dead, causing widespread panic and death.
This was why the Elders and Maou had gathered to meet with the one responsible for this catastrophe.
"Bring him in," Sirzechs Lucifer's voice, the leader of the Four Maou, snapped everyone out of their thoughts.
The grand doors of the hall opened as several demons escorted someone inside.
Walking among them, bound by special cuffs designed to restrain him and covered in numerous magical seals to block most of his magical powers, was a man with golden hair and blazing crimson eyes.
"Accused of the death of Hades, the God of the Dead, for destroying the Realm of the Dead and part of the Underworld, the Leader of the Avalon Faction, the King of Heroes, the defendant Gilgamesh," a demon announced.
Bound and restrained by the Underworld's best, Gilgamesh stood, facing all the demons before him.
Immediately after using Ea against Hades, killing him and annihilating the Realm of the Dead, Gilgamesh had returned home to check on Valerie.
The Dhampir was fine, though missing one of the Holy Grails from her Sacred Gear.
This was clearly affecting her, as Valerie still suffered from the loss of a fragment of her soul. However, thanks to Raphael and the abilities of others, she could function normally, albeit weakened.
There were only two ways to permanently help Valerie: recover the stolen Holy Grail or find someone capable of healing her soul, something beyond Gilgamesh's current abilities.
Before he could discuss this with Meredith and Cao Cao, the Four Maou had arrived at his home.
It seemed that due to Gilgamesh's actions and the partial destruction of the Underworld, the Elders were baying for his head—literally.
Sirzechs had asked Gilgamesh to come to the Underworld to address everyone.
However, it appeared that, except for the Four Maou, the other demons believed the Demon Kings had captured Gilgamesh and were preparing his execution.
Normally, Gilgamesh would have erupted, forcing everyone to kneel and know their place, but with everything weighing on his mind, he accepted this patiently.
And that led to the current moment.
"I'm surprised you let them put those cuffs on you," Sirzechs said with amusement.
It was obvious that if Gilgamesh didn't allow it, no one could have restrained him.
"If it makes them feel safer," Gilgamesh said, scoffing, as Sirzechs chuckled.
"Please don't treat them so lightly," Ajuka said, huffing. "I created those cuffs so even someone like Sirzechs or me couldn't escape easily. With the multiple magical seals on your body, you shouldn't be able to remove them," he added with a hint of pride.
Gilgamesh said nothing, merely flexing his arms and then…
*Crack*
Every demon's eyes widened as the cuffs shattered and fell to the ground, broken by sheer physical strength, and the magical seals on his body crumbled, unable to withstand the immense pressure.
"You were saying, Ajuka?" Gilgamesh asked, flexing his arms.
Ajuka opened his mouth to speak but closed it, unable to express his shock.
Sirzechs and Serafall laughed at their fellow Maou's stunned expression, a rare sight from Ajuka.
"How about we get started, Lord Lucifer?" one of the Elders called, drawing attention as the laughter ceased.
Sirzechs composed himself and looked at Gilgamesh.
"So, Gilgamesh, care to explain what happened?" Sirzechs asked, though he knew the answer; the other demons did not.
Gilgamesh sighed. If not for his current state of mind, he wouldn't even be here, but he accepted because he was an "ally" of the Underworld and had unintentionally destroyed part of it.
"It's simple. Hades tried to kidnap a member of my faction, so I decided to eradicate him," Gilgamesh said casually.
"And the entire Realm of the Dead and part of the Underworld along with it?" Ajuka asked, narrowing his eyes.
"I admit the Realm of the Dead was my target, but I may have gotten carried away in my anger and overdone it. My apologies," Gilgamesh said, sighing.
"Apologies?! You think that's enough for all the damage caused?" one of the demons fumed.
In the past, every demon present would have attacked Gilgamesh or ordered his death, regardless of the Maou's opinions.
But they all knew the power of Gilgamesh and his group, and they feared and respected it.
To demons, power was everything—it determined all, and the powerful were respected.
Thus, nothing drastic had occurred because they feared and respected Gilgamesh.
Still, this didn't erase the hatred they felt, as many demons had died and much property was lost because Gilgamesh "got carried away," as he put it.
Gilgamesh's eyes turned to the demon, who froze under his piercing gaze.
"That's the most you'll get from me," Gilgamesh said coldly.
Seeing the rising tension, Sirzechs coughed to draw everyone's attention.
"Out of curiosity, how did you do it?" Sirzechs asked, intrigued.
"With the most powerful weapon in my treasury: Ea, created before life and death existed. There was nothing—no man, no gods, no demons, no monsters. Just a purposeless void. That's where Ea was born, before all that would come to be. Ea is a sword of the beginning and the end, created before the idea of concepts formed. The first and most powerful weapon to exist. With its power, the entire world can be destroyed, and even existences like Ophis and Great Red are meaningless before it," Gilgamesh explained calmly.
He didn't care if his enemies knew about it; the outcome of a confrontation would never change, as only he could wield Ea.
In fact, it was better that his enemies knew, as it would make them more cautious.
Sirzechs and the demons swallowed hard, imagining how terrifying this "Ea" must be.
"I understand, Gilgamesh, but while you acted to protect a comrade, the damage caused…" Sirzechs began, unsure how to proceed.
"A moment, Lord Lucifer," a voice interrupted, drawing everyone's attention.
An elderly man with gray hair and purple eyes stepped forward from the crowd.
It was Zekram Bael, the Great King Bael, his voice commanding attention.
"Bael," Ajuka said, looking at the old man. "Do you have an opinion to share?"
Everyone was surprised by the old man's intervention, as he usually remained silent.
"Yes, I believe we shouldn't punish Gilgamesh," Zekram said, shocking everyone.
The man who had openly challenged the King of Heroes was now defending him? What was happening?
"Could you elaborate?" Sirzechs asked calmly.
"The King of Heroes acted to protect a comrade, and as allies, we should support him. He's done much for our faction, like stopping Kokabiel's attack and protecting the younger sisters of Lord Lucifer and Lady Leviathan. I think we should let this incident slide. The Underworld can easily recover, especially with Gilgamesh's support. Besides, he'll have to deal with the Greek Faction," Zekram explained calmly, to everyone's astonishment.
The demons' eyes widened in shock. Someone like Zekram, who only cared about himself, was helping someone? What nonsense was this?!
"I see, that's a good point, Zekram," Sirzechs said, visibly surprised.
"I agree with old Zekram! We should let Gilgamesh go unpunished and even help him! We're allies, after all!" Serafall said cheerfully.
She was deeply grateful to Gilgamesh for saving her little sister multiple times and admired his use of [Ice Magic].
"Well, given Zekram's statement, I think we should agree. Gilgamesh has helped us greatly," Ajuka said reluctantly.
"He also saved Rias-tan and aided the Underworld several times," Sirzechs added calmly.
Though most demons disagreed, with Serafall's and especially Zekram's support, they had to stay silent and consent. No one wanted to cross Zekram Bael.
"If that's all, I'll be going," Gilgamesh said, sighing.
"Before you go, Gilgamesh," Sirzechs called, making the King of Heroes turn to him. "What do you plan to do about the Realm of the Dead now that Hades is gone?"
It was no secret that most souls of the deceased went to Hades' Realm of the Dead, with few going to other mythological underworlds.
With the Realm destroyed and its god dead, souls could flood the earth, causing unparalleled disasters.
"Don't worry, Sirzechs. I already have a good idea of what to do," Gilgamesh said, smiling.
"Alright, let me know if you need anything," Sirzechs said, still trying to understand why Zekram was helping Gilgamesh.
Gilgamesh turned, activating his [Spatial Domination] to return home.
But out of the corner of his eye, he saw Zekram smiling at him, giving a slight bow.
Even the King of Heroes couldn't help but smile as he vanished.
**Some Time Later**
**Gilgamesh's House**
After his meeting with the Underworld's leaders, the King of Heroes returned home to address pressing matters.
Walking through a corridor toward a room, Gilgamesh was accompanied by Valerie.
"Are you okay, Valerie?" Gilgamesh asked, glancing at the girl beside him.
He couldn't describe how worried he was about her, or how angry he was at himself for failing to protect her.
Above all, for not yet recovering the fragment of her soul.
Valerie smiled at her boyfriend's concern.
"Don't worry, Gil. I'm feeling much better. You don't need to be so concerned," she said with a gentle smile.
Gilgamesh sighed and smiled.
"Alright, so how's our guest doing?" he asked curiously.
"You'll see," Valerie said, smiling.
They walked a few more seconds and reached a room's door.
"Excuse me," Valerie said, opening the door.
Inside, they were greeted by a beautiful girl with a foreign face, lovely and cute, with reddish-brown hair braided like a rope, blue eyes, and appearing two years younger than Gilgamesh.
This was Meredith Ordinton, wielder of the Sacred Gear [Alphecca Tyrant], one of the Holy Relics.
The girl's eyes widened slightly.
"Lord Gilgamesh," she said, surprised, before bowing. "Thank you so much for saving me!"
"No need to thank me. I only did what was right," Gilgamesh said calmly. "I hope you're feeling well."
"Yes, thanks to you, I feel much better. I'm very grateful to you and Lord Achilles for saving me," she said with a smile.
Gilgamesh found it amusing, noticing a slight blush when she mentioned Achilles and the joy in her voice when speaking of the Greek demigod.