Heracles glared icily at the other: "During the Holy Grail War, you took advantage of my berserk state to kill and banish me back to the Throne of Heroes. You even nearly harmed Illya. That's a debt I can't overlook!"
In their battle, his berserk self had been no match for the King of Heroes.
Losing due to inferior skill was one thing.
What Heracles couldn't accept was that this bastard—who already possessed the [Gate of Babylon]—still wanted to dig out Illya's heart to use as a Lesser Grail!
Unforgivable!
"Oh? Back then, this king was merely indulging a whim. Now, I couldn't care less about some Lesser Grail."
Gilgamesh's smile remained unchanged.
Threats meant nothing to him.
Back then, he'd been corrupted by the black mud, becoming that edgy tyrant—the King of Heroes.
After having his arm chopped off by that bastard best friend of his, he'd more or less returned to his true self.
Wait, no—even his current wise king persona, now praised by thousands, had been shaped by the influence of his two closest friends: Nameless and Enkidu.
"Heh, if you'd said that back then, I wouldn't have hated you so much," Heracles retorted bluntly.
Why become that universally despised edgy tyrant when you already have everything?
Probably had his brain fried by the black mud.
Which was why Nameless had done brilliantly!
First chopping off the king's arm, then delivering some heartfelt words—paying him back in full.
Heracles couldn't help but replay that scene multiple times!
He'd even set his phone wallpaper—a gift from Illya—to that moment of Nameless severing the king's arm!
"This king originally thought you a hero. Turns out you're just a beast relying on brute strength."
Gilgamesh's smile gradually faded.
No matter how patient he was, even he couldn't keep smiling at someone giving him the cold shoulder.
Being arrogantly domineering enough to mock even the gods—that was his true nature!
"But this beast can pulverize you with one punch!" Heracles refused to back down.
Gilgamesh said coolly, "Heh. A beast remains a beast, forever dancing in the palm of gods."
"And you're just a sheepdog raised by gods, complete with a leash. What right do you have to mock me?" Heracles sneered.
The two were actually quite similar.
Both demigod heroes, both enjoying divine attention, both treated as pawns and thorns by the gods.
They'd even both rejected godhood to descend upon the world as heroic spirits.
Their experiences might as well have been carbon copies.
"Oh? Does a mad beast like you actually think you can sniff out Nameless?" Gilgamesh's smile grew increasingly mocking.
Countless heroic spirits across the world sought to find Nameless.
Unfortunately, even if those people were right before their eyes, they would never recognize him.
Take, for example, a certain Dark Saint of France or a certain rebellious knight.
This king was the first to recognize Nameless.
What makes a mere Berserker think he can compare to this king?
"Hmph, a chuuni tyrant like you, whose brain was rotted by the black mud, would be even less likely to find Nameless, no?"
Heracles fired back without hesitation.
Given the other's arrogance, even if he saw Nameless, he would never recognize him.
Most likely, he'd dismiss him as just some ordinary boy, never taking him seriously.
Standing nearby, Cú Chulainn grew increasingly bewildered.
Why were these two suddenly dragging Nameless into their argument?
You're not even girls—why are you so obsessed with finding him?
Why not just settle it with a fight? The loser has to chug a gallon of girly drinks and drown in them!
...Actually, never mind.
Cú Chulainn's mind conjured up the image of the muscle-bound Heracles dressed in a cutesy magical girl outfit—
Truly an eyesore!
Cautiously, he interjected, "Uh, I'm gonna go rest. Maybe you two should... separate for a bit?"
These two absolutely needed to be kept apart—one wrong move, and they'd start brawling.
Just watching them was exhausting.
Go home, both of you. Find your moms or something.
Don't interrupt my binge of the newly released JOJO: Stone Ocean!
Gotta say, Netflix is the GOAT—dropping twelve episodes at once was pure bliss!
Under his persuasion, the two snorted coldly and finally walked away.
The marketplace entrance bustled with people.
Yet no one knew that a battle capable of destroying Fuyuki City had just been narrowly avoided...
...
United States.
Underground base.
Eleven council members, each exuding overwhelming presence, sat upon twelve grand chairs.
On the massive projection screen, a side story titled The Crowned Beauty Who Bewitches the Gods played.
The [Sun God] council member scoffed. "The Greek gods are even more unrestrained than we anticipated—and far more fitting of divine nature."
Gods, by their very essence, stood above humanity.
Thus, no human morality or law could ever constrain them.
That seemingly airheaded love-struck maiden Artemis? She once unleashed a monstrous boar on the kingdom of Calydon over a mere disagreement.
The famed Twelve Labors of Heracles? All born from Hera's curse.
The legendary voyage of the Argo? Just another script written by the gods.
Heroes were nothing more than playthings in the eyes of the gods—to be toyed with as they pleased!
"Indeed, this is the true nature of gods. We have been far too concerned with mortal opinions," the [Poseidon] council member replied without hesitation.
To the gods, humanity was but a game.
Even Nameless, who saved the gods, was merely a rare treasure to be fought over.
As the self-proclaimed beacon of world civilization, they had to maintain some semblance of restraint—always preaching democracy and freedom.
Sure, they crushed a few disobedient minor nations.
But the so-called great powers still dared to provoke them openly!
"With the awakening of the heroic spirit Atilla, the main body of the Velber on the moon has also begun to stir," the [Goddess of Wisdom] spoke. "By allying with them, we can effortlessly dominate the entire world!"
Fourteen thousand years ago...
The Velber descended upon Earth, annihilating the age of Western gods—Uruk, Greece, Britannia, and more.
Even the mighty Olympian gods were forced to abandon their mechanical bodies and choose to become native Greek deities.
However.
When the terrifying giant god Attila sought to destroy human civilization, a human wielding a holy sword appeared and, alongside the gods, defeated it.
The remains of Attila on Earth transformed into a colossal corpse that fell in Central Asia.
The United States Divine Council had previously sent troops to seize the remains of the giant god Attila.
But to their utter surprise, the Heroic Spirit Attila was born from those remains.
To avoid detection by other factions, the United States Divine Council had no choice but to withdraw their forces.
Before retreating, however, they had already formed an offensive and defensive alliance with the newly born entity.
This Heroic Spirit possessed human will and retained some of the power of the giant god Attila, enough to awaken its true body hidden on the Moon.
Yes, its true form was concealed on the Moon.
Decades ago, the United States spared no expense in competing with the Bear to reach the Moon—precisely to search for this entity's true body!
Heroic Spirits receive territorial bonuses and cannot directly travel to the Moon.
But through technological means, the United States Divine Council successfully reached the Moon, securing their decades-long dominance as the supreme power on Blue Star!
Our great United States's technology is unparalleled in the world!
In terms of technology, all others are utterly outmatched—even neighboring China could never catch up.
The [God-King] Chairman sneered while watching the video preview: "The next video is about China's Qin Shi Huang. A mere Earth-bound entity is hardly worth worrying about."
After over a century of repairs, they had gradually taken control of and restored the Machine Gods.
The Olympian gods, originally from the cosmos, were in truth formidable warship mechs capable of interstellar travel.
"The Noah's Ark Project is nearing completion. With this, we can summon Noah and obtain the true Grand Rider!" the [Goddess of Wisdom] added.
Grand Servants possess the power to defeat the Evils of Humanity, making them a coveted prize.
The Grand Assassin is King Hassan, and the Grand Caster is King Solomon, blessed by God.
The other five remain unknown.
As for the Grand Rider, their deduction points to one figure—
[He who tames the Beast of Calamity and steers the Ark of Salvation.]
Thus, by constructing Noah's Ark to save humanity, they could summon the Grand Rider Noah.
Once they defeat Qin Shi Huang, the King of Heroes, King Arthur, and all other top-tier Heroic Spirits, they can use the Grand Rider to crush the giant god Attila—whom they've treated as a mere tool—and seize absolute dominion over the planet!
The [God-King] Chairman scanned the room: "We must accelerate our progress!"
If Tiamat could descend upon the world before, then the Greek gods could surely do the same.
But these fellows were nothing to fear.
The Divine Council had thoroughly researched and analyzed the Machine Gods, gradually attaining the true power of a chief deity.
Most importantly, the Greek gods were bound by the geographical constraints of Greece and couldn't freely act elsewhere.
They were different—when necessary, they could even launch attacks from space!
How could a bunch of primitive natives still stuck on Earth possibly contend with their formidable cosmic technology?
If Tiamat were to strike again, they could always deploy their ultimate trump card.
Thus, everything was foolproof!
The Divine King, presiding over the council, said calmly, "Then let us begin the final war vote!"
Since preparations were complete, speed was of the essence—they would strike straight at the heart.
Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!
Hands were raised one after another, their seats illuminated by the lights.
The declaration of war was passed in an instant!
The colossal war machine of the United States was finally revealing its full might, ready for the decisive battle!
This time.
They would surely defeat the China's Qin Shi Huang, along with the long-crippled Nameless.
They would become the gods ruling this planet, worshipped by all!
Like Kronos in the Singularity Olympian Gods, they would seize complete control over human history.
Using it as the ultimate fuel, they would surpass the limits of divinity.
Breaking free from planetary constraints, they would conquer the starry seas!
...
In the Epang Palace.
All the heroic spirits of the China were staring in astonishment at the preview for the next video.
Zhuge Liang was the first to cup his hands and congratulate, "Your Majesty, congratulations! The stage for your glorious moment is about to unfold!"
Previously, the King of Heroes had delivered a stunning performance in the Singularity.
Surely, their own emperor would outshine him!
As for turning into a godlike Lion King who scorned all life, as King Arthur had?
Impossible!
After all, Qin Shi Huang had joined forces with Nameless to sever the connection to the gods, ensuring humanity would forever rule the China.
In this regard, he was exactly like the King of Heroes.
How could Qin Shi Huang, who loathed the gods to his core, ever enslave the masses like a deity?
Thus, victory was assured.
Zhuge Liang only wondered whether the upcoming video would significantly boost His Majesty's power, allowing him to counter the threat of the United States's Divine Council.
The only slight regret was.
While China had been invaded by extraterrestrial evil gods, the West had seen its Age of Gods ended by the sci-fi-esque Alien God's Emissary.
This difference meant that even if China exposed a Singularity, it couldn't advance its technology.
What a loss!
If only they could achieve a technological leap, they could fully analyze the captured War God mechs, mass-producing them until they became as cheap and outdated as cabbages.
With a mighty Gundam legion at their command, would they still need to fear the United States's Divine Council?
Qin Shi Huang couldn't help but burst into laughter, "Hahaha! Just wait for my performance!"
After the Absolute Demonic Front video, the King of Heroes had been unbearably arrogant.
So much so that Qin Shi Huang had wanted to punch him.
What was there to boast about just because he had a flashy moment in the spotlight?
Watch closely—my performance will effortlessly crush yours!
[I am the first and the last emperor. The eternal, unyielding sovereign who pacifies heaven and earth—that is Qin Shi Huang.]
Just this single line already eclipsed the other's grandeur by far.
Qin Shi Huang grinned brightly, "When the video airs, it must be broadcast nationwide. I shall invite the King of Heroes and his fellow heroic spirits to watch it together!"
"Huh, public broadcast?"
Chen Gong froze for a moment beside him.
Why did this feel somewhat familiar?
Previously, the documentary "The First Emperor of All Ages" about Qin Shi Huang had exposed all sorts of embarrassing historical moments, subjecting him to public humiliation.
The mighty and domineering First Emperor of All Ages had actually rubbed his head gently against Nameless's hand—the contrast was so adorable it made countless people exclaim in disbelief.
The dignified Qin Shi Huang had been mercilessly subjected to public humiliation by [Alaya]!
"Haha, don't worry. I am the First Emperor of All Ages. There's no way I'd be corrupted by some measly holy spear and turned into a god!" Qin Shi Huang laughed heartily.
He naturally understood what the other was worried about.
As if joking, how could the emperor who conquered the six warring states and unified all under heaven possibly be corrupted by a mere holy spear?
Only that British girl Artoria would have such a shameful performance!
"Indeed. The video about Your Majesty will most likely cover your confrontation with the Demon God King's schemes!"
Zhuge Liang mused thoughtfully, "I wonder if the final antagonist this time will be those extraterrestrial evil gods!"
Originally, the gods of China's celestial court had been perfectly normal.
But after the wandering star's vanguard destroyed the Western Age of Gods, China too faced terrifying alien evil gods.
One by one, the deities were corrupted, turning into frenzied monsters.
That was precisely why Qin Shi Huang and Nameless had gone to such lengths to sever the connection between humans and gods—to isolate these abominations.
"We'll know when the time comes."
Qin Shi Huang wasn't entirely sure either.
Compared to that, he was more curious about his current genderless body and the conceptual Noble Phantasm of the Epang Palace he now controlled.
Judging by the Epang Palace's performance, it seemed far from reaching its limits.
And back then, if he had already effortlessly conquered the six warring states, why would he need to specially build the Great Wall just to resist the Xiongnu?
Yet, all these memories had been forgotten.
Qin Shi Huang only knew that he had passed away during his eastern inspection tour in 210 BC.
Just as recorded in history.
But it didn't matter.
Once [Alaya] released the related video, everything would be exposed!
"Should we watch it together when the time comes, sir?"
Qin Shi Huang grew increasingly eager.
The videos released by [Alaya] all depicted Nameless's experiences across various timelines.
Which meant this time, he would once again fight side by side with Nameless.
Nameless primarily had two forms.
One was [Nameless], who walked through human history, protecting various heroic spirits in their early stages.
The other was [Gudao], who joined Chaldea as a Master to rectify Singularities.
Sir had once protected him when he was young.
Now that he had grown stronger, it was his turn to protect sir!
...
Achoo~
Souma couldn't help but sneeze.
Someone must be plotting against him!
The "Olympian Gods" side story had concluded, and the next video preview was about Qin Shi Huang again.
This filled Souma with quiet melancholy.
Once the video was out, would Zheng'er come after him?
The real problem was—you could run, but you couldn't hide.
Even if he fled Earth, he wouldn't escape that terrifying guy!
So why hadn't the Divine Council of the United States reacted yet?
Souma found it quite puzzling.
A bunch of self-proclaimed orthodox successors—thieves, really—should at least offer some explanation after the real deal showed up, right?
Were they dead set on turning their fake into the real thing?
"Hmm, that might actually be possible. The Greek gods can't oppose him in the human world!"
Souma fell into deep thought.
All deities were suppressed by the world's rules, unable to descend freely.
Didn't you see how Ereshkigal and Ishtar had to manifest through Rin's body and could be expelled by her at any time?
But the Machine Gods of the United States, though called deities, are actually sci-fi mechas that aren't suppressed at all.
Thus, they can easily unleash divine-level combat power, making them the BUG among BUGs!
Damn it, Root Designer, look at this! Why haven't they been nerfed yet?
This is precisely why the Pantheon of the United States can act recklessly across the world, attacking any nation they please.
Only if all the world's top Servants united at full strength could they be completely erased.
But that's obviously impossible.
Getting the entire world to unite is harder than destroying the planet!
Ding dong~
Souma suddenly heard the familiar notification tone from his phone.
Expressionlessly, he pulled out his phone and saw a familiar loli appear as soon as he opened it.
Sitting on a swing with an angelic, radiant smile: "So, you're needed to fight them."
Needless to say, this scheming loli was none other than Alaya!
"Hah, in the end, you just want me to work for you, don't you?"
Souma rolled his eyes.
They'd clearly agreed to give him a peaceful, retired slacker life, yet here he was, having to fight again!
"No no, now you're the boss, and I'm just a little secretary!"
[Alaya] waved her small hand, her smile as sweet as ever.
"Tch, pink on the outside, black on the inside!"
Souma rolled his eyes again.
Truly, Alaya and her thousand-layered schemes.
He could choose not to fight, but the problem was the world would end if he didn't. What kind of slacking would that be?
Alright, work hard, work soul, workers are the elite!
I'm still too weak.
If I had the overwhelming power to easily defeat giant spiders and Starfleet soldiers, would I still need to be so cautious?
Souma stared at the other party: "So, what do you want this time?"
"Just to inform you—Athena wants to speak with you."
Alaya smiled sweetly.
So adorable that all words seemed pale in comparison, enough to make one unable to look away.
Even if killed, one wouldn't be able to avert their gaze.
So much so that one might even forget to breathe!
Souma remained wary: "What does she want with me?"
That goddess had been watching him incessantly in the Singularity, to the point of being terrifying.
Could she also be after his body?
"To assist you in gathering the blessings of the gods once more, to face the coming calamity!" Alaya replied.
Souma nodded: "Then let's contact her the same way we did with Qin Shi Huang—remotely."
His expression turned odd—
Tsk, this scheming loli Alaya seems more and more eager to fulfill my requests. Does she really want to be my secretary?
***
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