From a recent conversation with Achilles, Gilgamesh could tell the demigod's enthusiasm for her indicated mutual feelings.
Especially from Meredith.
Out of the corner of his eye, Gilgamesh saw Valerie's red eyes glinting mischievously, a smile he knew well adorning her face.
Internally, Gilgamesh felt pity for Achilles and Meredith for what they'd face at Valerie's hands.
"I see. I'd like to know what was going on with you and why Hades kidnapped you," Gilgamesh said calmly.
Though he suspected it was likely due to her Sacred Gear, there could be other reasons.
Meredith was a magician formerly associated with the Golden Dawn, one of the magician associations. She enjoyed her duty of sealing and storing high-value magical treasures. She was also a friend of Le Fay from when Le Fay was part of the Golden Dawn.
According to her, when Meredith awakened her Sacred Gear, the English nobility tried to exploit her, prompting her to flee.
With nowhere to go, she contacted Le Fay, who was already part of Avalon and told Meredith to come to Kuoh to join the faction under Gilgamesh's protection.
However, Hades had discovered her Sacred Gear and captured her. She escaped but was pursued and recaptured by his Grim Reapers until Achilles saved her.
Gilgamesh listened attentively, analyzing everything. The girl had no one to turn to and sought help from the only person she trusted, Le Fay.
"I understand. Now that you're here, what do you plan to do? Stay with us and learn to control your Sacred Gear, or do you have other plans?" Gilgamesh asked.
Meredith's eyes met his with determination.
"I wish to stay here. I've already discussed it with Le Fay, and I hope you'll accept me," she said seriously.
Gilgamesh observed her for a few seconds before smiling.
"Alright, welcome to the Avalon Faction, then," he said, smiling, as the girl beamed.
Valerie, meanwhile, was thinking they'd probably need to expand the house with all the new members joining.
**Some Time Later**
After his conversation with Meredith, Gilgamesh decided it was time to address another matter.
He had a brief talk with Vali, Lavinia, and Crom Cruach after the battle.
Vali had said that the next time they met, they'd fight, but also that Gilgamesh could count on him if needed. His team would ally with Avalon if necessary, which surprised Gilgamesh.
Tobio and Lavinia similarly made it clear they'd always support Gilgamesh when he needed help.
Crom Cruach said they'd meet again on the battlefield, as it seemed Rizevim was mobilizing after learning of Hades' fate.
But Gilgamesh quickly pushed that from his mind as he walked through his house and descended the stairs to the living room, where he met his guest.
Sipping tea was one of the people who helped Gilgamesh against Hades, as calling what happened a "war" would be an exaggeration.
The Leader of the Hero Faction, descendant of a famous hero from the Records of the Three Kingdoms, wielder of the Supreme Longinus.
Cao Cao.
"I suppose we have a lot to talk about," Gilgamesh said, sitting on a sofa some distance from Cao Cao.
"Indeed," Cao Cao agreed with a smile.
"So, what changed? Last time, you were trying to kill me," Gilgamesh said with amusement.
"True," Cao Cao said, chuckling. "But first, I'd like to ask something."
Gilgamesh looked at him curiously.
"What?"
"…Being a hero, what do you think of it, Gilgamesh?" Cao Cao asked, staring at the floor.
Perhaps because the question exceeded his expectations, Gilgamesh was initially surprised.
"That's quite a surprising question," Gilgamesh said, looking at Cao Cao.
Cao Cao continued, eyes downcast.
"…I was born as the heir to a certain hero's blood. Moreover, I was chosen by the Holy Spear, and I used to believe… that these so-called [heroes] were the pinnacle of humanity, capable of defeating powerful supernatural beings. That's what I desired, thought, and lived for."
He raised his head, looking up.
"…But I lost to you. My way of life was completely stripped away before my eyes… Maybe you never considered it, but that defeat became my chance to reevaluate and change my lifestyle… Gilgamesh, you who are admired as a hero, I want you to tell me what a hero is."
For someone who not only inherited a hero's blood but also wielded the Holy Spear, born a genius, this was the first time he'd encountered a 'wall.' He naturally inherited his ancestor's lineage and, by fate, wielded the strongest spear capable of defeating gods.
Originally, he was an existence incompatible with humans—hunting the occult, defeating the occult, punishing the occult as a way of life, seeking strength as his reason for being.
But before the Red Dragon, even the spear he held rejected him.
*You're weak, just a child who obtained the power of the strongest spear,* it said.
To Cao Cao's surprise, Gilgamesh let out a soft laugh.
"By calling yourself a hero, you've deceived yourself," Gilgamesh stated.
"Those who determine heroes are the powerless. Lacking power, they yearn for it and thus seek heroes, deciding who they are. Cao Cao, are you playing the role of the people's hero?"
"…Well."
Cao Cao was speechless. He hadn't been chosen by anyone. Simply because he was a descendant, he thought it should be so. He took for granted the blood in his veins and the spear he wielded.
"Not being followed by the people, claiming to be a hero—that's nothing but a child's pretense. That's why you can't defeat me, Cao Cao, and never will," Gilgamesh said firmly.
"You're just a human. A young one at that. Your ancestors may have been heroes, but they were ordinary humans. So, you're still human. Don't these so-called heroes praise those who advance bravely?"
"Though I'm called a hero, I don't consider myself one. But as long as people look to me, I'll continue to be called a hero. I'm simply human. I live like any other human and will die like any other. That's enough. If people respect me as a hero, that's fine," Gilgamesh said calmly.
Cao Cao listened intently, his thoughts aligning with Gilgamesh's words.
He was never a true hero, just an impostor with a hero's blood and a powerful spear, nothing more.
Yet, Cao Cao still wanted to be a hero.
Not to prove himself against the supernatural, but to protect those close to him, to one day take pride in it.
"I see, you're right, Gilgamesh. That makes things simpler," Cao Cao said, sighing.
Gilgamesh watched closely as Cao Cao prepared to speak.
"I want to become a hero my friends can be proud of, and I'll take my first step now," Cao Cao said.
"The Hero Faction will withdraw from the Khaos Brigade," he declared, catching Gilgamesh off guard.
"And I'd like you to accept our loyalty. I want the Hero Faction to be affiliated and allied with the Avalon Faction," Cao Cao said, completely surprising Gilgamesh.
"I want to create a future where humans can be proud of what they've done, protecting them as you do. What do you say?" Cao Cao asked, smiling.
Gilgamesh couldn't describe his shock. Of all the things he expected, this wasn't one of them. He anticipated a brief conversation at most.
Yet, he couldn't help but smile.
"Very well, if that's what you wish, I accept. Let the world know that the Hero Faction and Avalon stand together to protect humanity," Gilgamesh said, smiling lightly.
Cao Cao's smile widened.
"I look forward to it, my friend," he said.
This was the beginning of a great friendship.
**Some Time Later**
After his conversation with Cao Cao, who declared the Hero Faction's alliance with Avalon, he left to handle some matters.
Gilgamesh sighed, leaning back on his sofa, his mind burdened with problems.
The fallout from Hades' death, the mystery of Valerie's Holy Grail, the movements of Angra Mainyu and Rizevim, and the Greek Pantheon.
Gilgamesh knew it wouldn't be long before they reached out.
But first, he needed to address the Realm of the Dead.
"Young Master."
Gilgamesh turned to see Sebas looking at him.
"Is something wrong, Sebas?" Gilgamesh asked, standing.
"Yes, I have some matters to attend to, so I'll be stepping out," Sebas said, looking at Gilgamesh.
Though surprised, Gilgamesh nodded, trusting Sebas completely.
As Sebas bowed and left, Gilgamesh decided to tackle his next task.
He activated his [Spatial Domination] and headed to his next destination.
**Some Time Later**
**With Sebas**
After speaking with his student, Gilgamesh's butler made his way to a large warehouse outside Kuoh, the same one once used by members of the Hero Faction that Sebas had killed.
The butler walked calmly into the warehouse, though he wasn't certain this was the right place.
Sebas was following a faint, suspicious aura.
"Are you going to reveal yourself?" Sebas asked loudly to ensure he was heard.
His instincts made him turn around quickly.
Appearing a few meters away, as if materializing from nothing, was a figure that even surprised Sebas, who hadn't sensed anyone.
It was a tall man, his appearance obscured by a large black cloak that Sebas realized was hiding his presence.
"Well, it seems the King of Heroes' lapdog has some guts," the figure said with a malicious voice.
He slightly lifted his hood, revealing a nineteen-year-old with night-black, slightly messy hair and glowing purple eyes.
"Who are you?" Sebas asked, his eyes narrowing.
The butler could feel the overwhelming power emanating from the being, so immense it felt like facing Gilgamesh himself.
The man grinned.
"My name is Alester Baltazar. A pleasure to meet you, puppet of the Goddesses," Alester said with a smile.
Sebas' eyes narrowed further at what he heard.
For this being to know about the Goddesses…
"How do you know about that?" Sebas asked, his stance growing serious.
In response, the man merely smiled, extending both hands.
Two lights appeared, one in each hand. In his right was a long katana with a blue hilt and silver blade; in his left, a katana with a crimson hilt and a faintly reddish blade.
"Don't get hung up on details, Sebastian. Just know I'm your enemy, and my target is your master," Alester said, grinning widely.
"That's enough," Sebas said gravely.
An intense purple aura erupted from Sebas as his power surged.
They locked eyes before charging at each other.
**Kur, Sumerian Underworld**
The ancient Mesopotamian underworld, known in Sumerian as Kur, Cur, Ircala, Cucu, Arali, or Quigal, and in Akkadian as Ersetu, was a dark, gloomy cave deep underground, where inhabitants lived "a shadowy version of life on Earth."
At least, that's what the ancient peoples of the region believed, and it was so until recently.
But now, anyone seeing it would think it was paradise.
Flowers of all kinds filled the once-lifeless world, now vibrant with color.
The Realm of the Dead could no longer be called that, given the life that filled it.
Seated among the flowers, tending to the souls, was a young woman with stunningly beautiful red eyes, rounded with a black outline. Her long blonde hair cascaded down, adorned with a dark crown secured by accessories. She wore a cape alternating in pink and gold, fastened with a skull-shaped clasp. Her attire resembled a dress in black and gold hues. Her legs bore a black anklet with yellow details and red jewels. Her long sleeves matched the black and gold theme, with intricate details on her anklet and a longer dress.
This was Ereshkigal, the Queen of Kur, the Goddess of the Underworld.
The Goddess smiled, gently stroking the flowers around her, a beautiful smile gracing her face.
For as long as she could remember, seeing her Underworld so full of life was her heart's deepest desire, and thanks to Gilgamesh, it had been granted.
Though initially wary of him, Ereshkigal couldn't help but be amazed by what the descendant of the King of Heroes had done.
"I really need to thank Gilgamesh next time…" Ereshkigal murmured, smiling.
"Why not do it now?"
Her eyes widened as a voice came from behind.
Turning and summoning her spear, Ereshkigal prepared for a confrontation but froze upon seeing who stood before her.
The same golden hair and crimson eyes as hers, but with a tall, masculine build exuding power.
"G-Gilgamesh," Ereshkigal stammered in surprise.
The King of Heroes smiled at the Goddess, chuckling.
"The one and only!"
"How did you get here?" Ereshkigal asked, shocked.
No one should be able to invade the Underworld, not even gods. By Ereshkigal's Authority, all beings were reduced to nothing there. No one should have entered undetected.
"A man's got to have his secrets," Gilgamesh said, smiling.
In truth, he had used his [Golden Sword] from his [Authority of Verethragna] to sever the Underworld's influence over him.
Ereshkigal blinked in surprise before nodding.
"So, what are you here for?" she asked.
Gilgamesh gave a slightly sheepish smile.
"I came to ask a favor."
"A favor?" Ereshkigal asked, raising an eyebrow.
"You must have heard what happened to Hades…"
"YOU!" Ereshkigal shouted, cutting him off. "Do you know how reckless it was to kill Hades?! The Realm of the Dead must be in absolute chaos! Even if I hated him, he had an important job! Now that he's gone, everything's falling apart!"
Gilgamesh sighed as the Goddess lectured him.
"That's exactly why I'm here. I want you to take Hades' place in the Realm of the Dead," Gilgamesh said, making Ereshkigal's eyes widen in shock.
"W-What?!"
"As you said, without a ruler, the Realm of the Dead will collapse. I want you to use your Authority to govern it as the Great Goddess of the Realm of the Dead," Gilgamesh explained calmly.
"M-M-My, my, God!" Ereshkigal stammered, hyperventilating in panic and surprise.
"You want me to take Hades' place?" she said nervously.
Gilgamesh nodded calmly.
"You want me to abandon my duties to the Sumerian people to take Hades' place? To anger the Greek gods who won't like a foreign goddess entering their former domain?! Are you insane?!" Ereshkigal declared as Gilgamesh sighed.
"I know it sounds crazy, but please!" Gilgamesh said simply.
Ereshkigal's eyes widened at his tone and the way he looked at her.
"You can link the Realm of the Dead to yours and rule both. The Sumerian gods won't mind, as it'll increase your influence," Gilgamesh said calmly. "Besides, I'll handle the Greek Pantheon, don't worry."
Ereshkigal stared at him for a few seconds before sighing.
"Fine, I can't promise anything, but I'll try," she said, sighing.
"Thank you so much, Ereshkigal," Gilgamesh said, beaming as he hugged the Goddess.
All the fearsome Underworld Goddess could do was blush furiously, trying to free herself from the embrace.
**Some Time Later**
After everything went well with Ereshkigal, the King of Heroes returned home, thinking about his next steps.
But one thing he noticed was that Sebas hadn't returned, which was unlike him.
Using Raphael's help to locate Sebas' coordinates, Gilgamesh activated his [Uriel, King of Pacts] to teleport there.
The sight that greeted him was something he neither expected nor would ever forget.
Sebas, his great friend and mentor, the person Gilgamesh trusted most, who had trained him and possessed power surpassing a Heavenly Dragon, was in a pitiful state.
His body was covered in severe wounds, his butler attire tattered—a state Gilgamesh never imagined seeing.
Kneeling beside Sebas, with a hand over his chest surrounded by a black aura, as if trying to rip out his heart, was a young man with black hair and purple eyes.
Seeing Gilgamesh appear a few meters away, the young man smiled.
"Well, you took your time, Gilgamesh," he said with a malicious grin.
Gilgamesh ignored the young man's voice, his focus locked on Sebas.
Pure, unadulterated fury consumed Gilgamesh's face.
And that was all he registered before his power erupted violently, propelling him toward his enemy with one purpose.
To annihilate the being before him.