Kish entered a state of full-scale war preparation.

  The scent of earth hung over the entire city, and stone dust piled up

  everywhere.

  In one place, the collapsed walls were being rebuilt; in another, food and

  military supplies were being transported and stockpiled.

  Large catapults were being constructed or repaired, and soldiers gathered in

  open grounds devoted themselves to training in anticipation of fierce battles.

  The four kings of the allied forces gathered additional troops and supplies

  from their respective nations and concentrated them in Kish.

  Once they arrived, the advance on Uruk would begin.

  Elaton and Eshiel each served as training officers.

  The soldiers, thrilled at the chance to receive instruction directly from

  heroes, trained with shining eyes.

  “Keeping calm is what matters most. Every arrow you fire is worth your life.

  Control your breathing, don’t hesitate, and shoot.”

  As a demonstration, Eshiel loosed an arrow at a wooden target.

  The arrow struck, and the target shattered outright—there was no question of

  accuracy anymore.

  “…Damn.”

  Elaton, though known for his brute strength, was also highly skilled in

  martial discipline, making him well suited to instruction.

  He corrected stances and taught basic tactics.

  “Attack and defense are one. In chaotic combat, forming three-man units to

  deal with a single enemy greatly increases survival. Now, hold your shield at

  this angle…”

  Tamar seemed to have found genuine enjoyment in training Ella, dragging her

  into practice every single day.

  Ella followed Tamar’s instruction without complaint.

  “Real combat is the fastest teacher, but you can’t ignore basic stamina.

  Your lower body matters—your legs matter. Hey, slowing down already? That means

  ten more laps.”

  Meanwhile, Azael visited Shara’s apothecary.

  The promised day had arrived.

  As he approached the workshop, a foul stench filled the air.

  Opening the door, he saw Shara hard at work, drenched in sweat.

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  “Ah… you’re here? It’s almost finished. Sit for a moment.”

  Shara opened additional shutters to ventilate the room, then stretched both

  hands toward a violently boiling pot and poured his power into it.

  From the green liquid inside, noxious fumes rose and dispersed through the air.

  “I’m stripping away the poison and leaving only the medicinal essence. The

  formula itself is already complete—this is the final step.”

  While Shara focused, Azael took out a black dagger from his robes and

  examined it.

  He had already deciphered the inscriptions from the box in which it had been

  sealed and understood how to use it.

  The Anubis Dagger, imbued with Egyptian esoteric arts.

  It possessed the power to bind the souls of five dead beings and temporarily

  resurrect them as spirit bodies under the wielder’s control.

  He had already sealed the souls of Neragalsu and Marbala within it.

  If he could obtain the remaining generals’ souls, it would become a formidable

  force.

  With a final shout, Shara poured in his last strength.

  The liquid in the pot volatilized all remaining toxicity at once.

  The stench gradually thinned and vanished.

  Completely exhausted, Shara collapsed into a seat and wiped away his sweat.

  “It’s… it’s done. A success, haha…”

  Azael smiled softly and offered his hand to help him up.

  Seated again, Shara wiped his face with a towel and began to explain.

  “You were right. That orb had extraordinary medicinal potential. It can

  significantly extend lifespan. Once it cools and is filtered, we should get

  about ten bottles. Each one should add ten years of life.”

  “How… how can I ever repay you…”

  Azael looked as though he might burst into tears.

  Shara waved both hands dismissively.

  “Repayment? Nonsense. You’re people meant for great deeds—it’s only natural

  to help. Besides, this was good research for me. We’re even.”

  Lowering his voice, Shara added,

  “This medicine must remain secret. There are too many powerful people who

  would covet it. Come back this evening. I’ll have it packaged and ready.”

  Azael stood and grasped Shara’s hand with both of his.

  At last, tears spilled from his reddened eyes.

  “Thank you, Lord Shara.”

  Meanwhile, in Uruk’s massive black palace—at the highest obsidian tower—a

  young woman stood on a balcony, gazing at the sky.

  She bore the same face as Marbala.

  Her eyes were rolled white, and as her hands clawed at the air, sacred light

  poured forth.

  “Five… the five are coming… Uruk’s walls will fall… a god falls from heaven

  to earth…”

  “Thalia.”

  A man over two meters tall called out to her.

  He had pale skin, neatly kept black hair, and wore a crown.

  At his voice, Thalia’s eyes snapped back into focus, red tears streaming down

  her face.

  “The time for war has come. Prepare.”

  Thalia bowed deeply and accepted the command.

  After the man left, she wiped away her bloody tears and murmured,

  “A great storm will rise, my king… Gilgamesh…”

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  Patreon is now open. You can enjoy the next episode and illustrations there.