After Karna chased off the irritating Ishtar from the plains, the group's journey continued without further bizarre interruptions.
Ritsuka even quipped rare, "No wyverns this time."
Roy and Mash couldn't help but chuckle.
With Merlin—the best guide to Uruk's roads—leading, they soon crossed a side path and reached Uruk's outer perimeter.
"So grand…"
At Uruk's outer wall, they craned their necks to see its majestic, beautiful gate.
Blue-glazed tiles, embedded gems, and inscribed praises—it was a true human marvel.
Quite the scale…
Even Roy, beholding the Seventh Singularity's last human stronghold, couldn't stifle a gasp of awe.
Such a vast city, militarized and unified ahead of time.
Worthy of King of Heroes Gilgamesh's rule—leagues beyond his cheaply won title in Ur.
"Senpai, is this Uruk?"
"It's incredible…"
"Yep, this is Gilgamesh's domain—Uruk," Merlin confirmed, patting his chest as their guide. "The last bastion of human life and civilization's flame in all Mesopotamia."
Hearing Ritsuka and Mash's marveling, he explained the final fortress of humanity.
"Idiot Merlin, do we just waltz through the gate? It's crowded…" Ana, who shied from bustle, cut in as Merlin waxed poetic at the entrance.
Too many passersby—and their pitying stares when they saw her—unsettled her.
"Oh? Ana's eager to get in?" Merlin asked, surprised.
"Yeah… straight through the gate?"
"Sounds smart," Roman's voice crackled from Ritsuka's comms. "Lots of guards, but the foot traffic shows Uruk doesn't restrict entry. We could blend in easy."
"Merlin's a pro at sneaking around—let him cast an illusion, and we stroll right in."
Before Merlin could reply, Roman offered a practical plan from Chaldea.
"Haha… Roman's got a point, but no need for tricks this time. I'm kinda a big deal to Gilgamesh—everyone's favorite Magus of Flowers, Merlin. I carry a pass."
Rarely, Merlin didn't argue. Smiling, he dug into his pocket, pulling out a brown stone talisman imbued with special mana.
Crafted by Gilgamesh for his Servants' tasks, it held decent privileges in Uruk.
"Let's go—I'll leading the way."
Talisman in hand, Merlin strode toward the gate.
The guards, spotting Gilgamesh's token, nodded and stepped aside.
They reached the inner gate. A guard took Merlin's talisman, inspected it per routine, and nodded.
"Yep, the king's seal. Welcome back, Uruk's warrior. These behind you—are they refugees you brought? Poor souls… even such young, lovely girls forced to wander?"
Confirming its authenticity, the guard returned the talisman.
Eyeing Ritsuka, Ana, and the rest, he sighed sadly, then added kindly, "No worries now—welcome to humanity's safest city. Uruk, the unyielding nation. Here, you can live secure. We're comrades now, working together for survival."
"If you've just fled here, head to the priestess tower. High Priestess Siduri will assign you identities and lodging. Settle in a guesthouse, eat a good meal, take a hot bath, rest a couple days—then join Uruk proper."
The chatty gatekeeper, mistaking Ritsuka for a refugee, patiently pointed the way.
"Unexpectedly warm…" Mash mused, surprised.
Such friendliness in a chaotic Singularity—from a mere human, not even a Servant…
"Hahaha, warm? Of course! Beyond guarding Uruk's gate, I'm a father. Seeing pretty girls like you adrift in danger naturally tugs my heart."
Praised by Mash, the guard scratched his head, laughing. But…
Spotting Ana—hooded, head down at the group's rear—his face grew stern.
"You at the back, step forward."
"Huh?!"
Ana's face stayed hidden, but Roy sensed her tense, her scythe-gripping hands trembling.
Roy's expression hardened. Grasping her taut arm, he whispered, "Calm down, Ana. His soul's pure—no malice."
"Mm…"
Ana flinched at his touch, struggling to pull free, but Roy's grip held firm.
The guard approached the group's end.
Seeing Ana's strained look, he sighed…
"It's okay, little one. You're here now—no need to fear. Cheer up. I've got a gift for you."
Rummaging in his chest pocket, the guard pulled out a candy wrapped in coarse cloth and handed it to Ana.
"This is…"
Ana took it, puzzled.
"My daughter gave it to me, but it's too sweet for me. You're about her age, so it suits you. If you'd take this headache of a treat off my hands, you'd be doing me a favor—haha!"
Handing it over, the guard said no more, returning to his post.
He'd done his duty as gatekeeper.
"Welcome to Uruk, warriors and kin. Rest easy, then let's all fight for humanity's survival and future!!"
"Okay!!"
The guard's fervor infected Mash and Ritsuka, who shouted back enthusiastically.
"Yeah, we've got to stick together to get through this~"
"That's what makes humanity beautiful."
Merlin smiled serenely, then turned to Roy and the rest. "Alright, we've lingered long enough. Follow me in—Gilgamesh must be getting antsy in the tower."
"Bye, sir!"
"Take care of yourself!"
"Haha, you too—stay safe!"
At Merlin's urging, Mash and Ritsuka bid the guard farewell.
Led by Merlin, they stepped into humanity's final city—Uruk.
___
If you're interested in reading more, feel free to visit my pat reon,
https , // www .pat reon. com /XElenea