The Stone Door

Gilgamesh gently touched the stone door. This place had experienced many things unknown to all, but he could sense something that had likely occurred here. In fact, this place appeared to be a temple similar to the one Elaine had talked to him about.

If this was a place where a God was worshipped, buried, or rested, Gilgamesh wanted to know if it had any connection to the Human God that seemed to be wherever he went. Of course, all this searching was merely an effort, as he knew he would eventually find the answers.

"Have you ever heard of a God called Hitogami?" Gilgamesh finally removed his hand from the stone door and asked Roxy, who stood beside him.

Roxy cast a calm glance at Gilgamesh. She remembered that expression he wore when he wanted to ask something about which he probably already knew the answer. Everything was under the control of his eyes; he could always perceive much more than met the eye.

"I'm aware of the existence of many gods, but none of them with the name you just mentioned."

Many adventurers paid attention to Gilgamesh as he gazed at the stone door, and there was also a focus on Roxy, who was standing beside him. After her standout performance in the battle above, she had drawn much attention, and some believed she was exceptionally attractive.

"Are you looking for a God named Hitogami?"

The question Gilgamesh had posed was echoed by a person behind him, who stepped out from the crowd and approached slowly. He introduced himself as Anton. His expression seemed serious, and his body appeared somewhat reticent as he said, "I've heard about him. My father was a Blackwater adventurer, mainly dealing with seafaring. One day, he encountered a mysterious man who told him that if my father wanted to seek wealth, he should head to the lost island beyond the known continents."

Gilgamesh turned his head toward the young man standing before him. Anton didn't stand out much, but he had courage deep within. "What more do you know?"

Anton continued, "My father, when he visited that island, was the only one out of the two hundred adventurers who returned alive. He kept talking about shadow soldiers, repeatedly mentioning that no one should challenge the authority of a certain Dark God, or else we would all die. At the time, I thought he had gone mad. However, on his deathbed, he spoke only one sentence to me: 'Don't trust Hitogami,' the deceitful God."

There were a few islands separated from the continents, but all of them were desolate. Nobody would be crazy enough to live on an island when they could live in a populous city where everything was more convenient, provided they had the money.

Upon hearing this, many people exchanged glances, and except for Anton, nobody knew about this Dark God, let alone Hitogami. If a God with that name indeed existed, they were sure everyone would think twice before trusting him.

"You have words that interest me. If you know exactly where this island is located, you can mark it on a map and give it to me. I can give you anything you desire," Gilgamesh waited for Anton's response.

Anton quickly requested a map, marked the location, and handed it to Gilgamesh. He then said, "If you can give me something, it would be the strength to avenge my father against those who did that to him."

Gilgamesh examined the location marked on the map and then handed it to Eris for her to inspect. "If you're looking for power, head to any Tower of Uruk. If you have the determination and talent, you can become a God of the Sword. If you can reach that level, you'll be one of my most valuable soldiers. In that case, you'll receive a valuable treasure from me and can accompany me in the battle I'll unleash against that God."

"The same goes for all of you. If you want to seek more power than you currently possess, you can go to any Tower of Uruk in the central continent. You're all welcome."

Those who heard Gilgamesh's words clenched their fists. Who wouldn't want to be strong in this day and age? If they hadn't witnessed Eris's strength, no one would have believed these words, but they knew they were far from untrue. Consequently, some decided to return, as their lives were currently more valuable than any objects they might find in this place.

"Alright, I'll open this door, so prepare yourselves!" Gilgamesh said, looking at Eris and Roxy, who immediately stepped back.

Omm!

Gilgamesh's body emitted a powerful golden aura, and some barely visible red lines appeared on his body. He took a step back and, with a single strike, the entire cave rumbled as his fist struck the stone door. One blow was enough to crack and shatter the door entirely.

Boom!

Gilgamesh's powerful punch obliterated the door's strength and sent debris flying forward, creating a large-scale destruction that left everyone breathless. Even the God of Combat couldn't throw a punch of such magnitude casually, especially considering that Gilgamesh still had the body of a developing child.

Gilgamesh smiled and said, "Alright, it's up to you whether you want to come or not. Remember that once you enter this cave, you'll be on your own. Let's go, Eris, Roxy, it's time to explore this mysterious place."

"Let's go, Eris!" Roxy took a step forward, her eyes filled with admiration for the interior of the stone door.

Boom!

The moment Gilgamesh stepped through the stone door, a change occurred. The inside of the door began to emit various lights. Layers of light intertwined and formed magical loops, creating three stone passageways.

"I guess things are much more interesting than I imagined," Gilgamesh remarked as he faced the three passageways, contemplating which one to choose.

"If we make a wrong choice, we might fall into a very troublesome trap," Roxy pointed out without any doubt that they couldn't escape it.

Eris crossed her arms and suggested, "Let's go through this one. In the end, all the passageways might lead to the same place."

The sudden opening of the door had made Gilgamesh's expression serious. When he entered this place, he had tried to look into the future, but there was nothing to show him. This was strange, as his ability was almost comparable to one that even certain gods didn't possess. So whatever lay inside was truly unpredictable.

"I suppose I should get a bit serious," Gilgamesh said as he took out a long, white sword with exposed feathers. His gaze turned cold and calculating. After taking a step forward, he reminded them, "Follow behind me. Things don't seem to be quite normal."

Despite having all his power, he knew from the last war that it was unwise to be overly confident when dealing with unknown entities, especially when he had two weaker individuals accompanying him on this expedition.

"We must go; this is a unique opportunity!"

"Yes, we should form three larger groups. As for the rest, they should stay at the camp and watch to ensure no enemies come out of these passages."

The moment Gilgamesh brandished a mighty sword, Eris also raised her guard, and Roxy was ready to launch an attack at any moment. She could defend herself, so she would never be a burden to the others.

"Don't worry. As long as you're with me, there's no need for you to make a move," Gilgamesh's words reached the ears of Roxy and Eris, who seemed nervous.