Chapter 3: The Summoning of Twisted Heroic Spirits

Let's rewind to seven days earlier. 

Since that morning's unsettling encounter with the sprawled-out Enochius, Gilgamesh had been plagued by unease. He lost his appetite, couldn't focus on his duties, and grew increasingly frustrated. Finally, in his annoyance, he summoned the Sword Saint of Avalon, who had been happily enjoying breakfast. 

*If I can't eat, neither can you!* 

So thought Gilgamesh, his mood as dark as ever. 

"What the hell, I'd just spotted a gorgeous young lady and hadn't even gotten a chance to strike up a conversation before you ruined it!" Merlin complained loudly, flailing his arms so wildly he could've been mistaken for performing some sort of tribal dance. 

"Hmph, then it seems this king has done right again—once more saving the citizens of Uruk from disaster," Gilgamesh sneered. He knew this guy was never up to anything productive. 

"That's so unfair! How could you say that? I was clearly alleviating her loneliness and soothing her soul! In other words, I was helping you maintain public morale. This is critical work, and I do it every day! You should be thanking me!" 

Shameless. That was Merlin in a nutshell. 

"I have no interest in discussing your sexual harassment," Gilgamesh replied, redirecting the conversation. "My vision has been 'blocked,' which is why I called you here. Surely, you can still see? Don't tell me you've gone blind too!" 

"Ehhhh…" 

Merlin shrugged helplessly. "Even if you put it that way, what's gone is gone. No amount of frustration will change that. Whenever I try to look, my gaze gets completely distorted. There's no way to observe it." 

"But…" Merlin's expression suddenly turned serious. "I can still see other areas, which makes this even more terrifying." 

"More terrifying? What do you mean?" Siduri asked nervously. 

"Well, how should I put it? Explaining in detail would be pointless, so let me get straight to the conclusion," Merlin said. "This world—or rather, this singularity—has experienced a massive slowdown in time's flow. While it's gradually returning to normal, at this rate, Chaldea's crew, who would have arrived in a year and a half, will likely reach us in just one or two months. 

"This isn't a huge problem for us and won't have irreversible consequences. The real concern is whether the culprit behind this phenomenon is friend or foe, and what they're doing right now." 

Gilgamesh nodded thoughtfully. 

"Whoever caused this, whether intentionally or accidentally, whether they possess terrifying power or created this incident by chance, they're not someone to be trifled with," he said, glancing at Merlin. "This king has declared that Uruk is fated to fall, but it is to fall at the hands of the Beast Goddess Tiamat. If some random nobody beats her to it, that would be laughable!" 

"I had originally planned to summon a few useful yet mana-efficient Heroic Spirits. After all, maintaining the barrier surrounding all of Uruk already drains considerable mana, and this perverted magician's consumption is outrageous. The more we conserve, the better." 

"But the situation has changed. Never mind the potential enemy in the shadows; just the northern Beast Goddess's extraordinarily powerful beasts are enough to make one sweat. If we stick to the original plan, who knows when the northern wall might suddenly collapse?" 

Gilgamesh pulled out a golden chalice. 

"We need more commanders, more leaders for the frontlines, and stronger warriors. This isn't a request; it's an order! Flower Magician, squeeze every bit of value out of the food you've consumed in Uruk, or I'll strip you naked and hang you at the city gates for all to see!" 

He glared, tossing the golden Uruk chalice to Merlin. 

"Whoa, whoa, don't be so unreasonable, King Gilgamesh!" Merlin calmly caught the chalice, pouting. "Honestly, where did the understanding King Gilgamesh of old go? Bring him back!" 

"Enough nonsense. You have half a day to prepare. Get this done, and do it right. This king has no desire to be summoned to the battlefield unprepared again." 

Gilgamesh waved dismissively, his face momentarily betraying a hint of exhaustion. 

"All right, all right, leave it to me. Serious Mode Merlin is here!" Merlin promised, clutching the chalice as he headed off to "research" (or more likely, flirt). 

---

Half a day passed quickly. By midday, Merlin returned confidently with the Uruk chalice, presenting it to Gilgamesh. 

"Behold my masterpiece! Shower me with praise!" Merlin exclaimed, holding out the chalice proudly. 

"..." 

Gilgamesh's face darkened instantly. 

"If you want this king to beat you to a pulp, just say so." 

The previously smooth chalice was now covered in bizarre abstract patterns and inexplicable inscriptions—beyond human comprehension. Gilgamesh could tell that the outer design was purely for Merlin's amusement. The real spellwork was inside the chalice. 

Too tired to argue, Gilgamesh snatched the chalice from Merlin and began the summoning ritual. 

"..." Gilgamesh glared at Merlin, who was winking exaggeratedly. "What's with your face? Do you have a twitch, you perverted magician?" 

Merlin, of course, was unfazed. 

"It's the summoning incantation! You can't skip the super-cool chant, right?" he said, gesturing dramatically. 

"Hah..." 

Gilgamesh clenched his fists, resisting the urge to punch him, and recited reluctantly: 

*"Thy body rests under my command, and my fate is thy sword; in the name of the Holy Grail, answer my call. Shouldst thou accept, follow my will and reason; by this oath, I swear: I am the one who embodies all good in the world; I am the one who transmits all evil in the world; thou art the vessel of the three great words of power. Come forth, Guardian of the Scales!"* 

With the incantation complete, a massive blue magic circle appeared in the hall. The mana flow generated a fierce wind that forced Siduri to shield her face with her hands. 

The circle glowed brightly, and six figures emerged within. 

"Another Saber? What's the meaning of this? Never mind, I am Caesar. Are you my Master?" A handsome but stout man spoke first. 

"Caesar?! Lord Caesar?!" 

"Ah, Cleopatra! Still as beautiful as ever!" 

"Cleopatra?! Could it be Cleopatra VII?!" a golden-clad woman exclaimed, visibly flustered. 

"Haha, a touching reunion. I am Alexander, also known as Alexander III. Of course, I have other names. Oh, you're here too." The red-haired youth smiled, though it looked slightly strained. 

"Lord Iskandar?!" *x2* 

"■■■■■——!!!" 

A towering black figure over three meters tall roared, flashing a chilling smile. 

The hall descended into chaos. 

Gilgamesh's vision darkened, and he stumbled forward, unable to keep his footing. 

"King Gilgamesh?!" 

"King Gilgamesh————!" 

Siduri's sharp cry echoed through the hall.