"Here's materials from the crew. Use them as you like."
Gilgamesh retrieved supplies from the summoning circle, handing them to Drake's group.
"Got careless getting beat so bad we can't sail… What a ruthless guy."
"…"
"Everyone's safe. Good."
"You're too reckless, Asterios! Who'll carry me if you're gone?"
"Sorry."
Asterios saved everyone. Without him, it'd have been catastrophic.
"Come on, Goldie. Got anything to say to my Asterios?"
Euryale puffed her chest proudly.
"…"
"What's up, Gil?"
"…"
What's wrong? The vessel seemed lost in deep thought, silent.
"Seasick, huh?"
"Hero King…?"
"No."
Breaking the silence, Gilgamesh touched Asterios, praising him.
"Well done, Asterios. Your deeds merit my acclaim."
"Yeah, yeah!"
"Of course! It's Asterios!"
"Quite the boast, Euryale."
"You surprised me too. Talking to that creepy Servant?"
"Prejudice is a loss. If words and will connect, understanding's my motto!"
"Senpai… I agree."
'Common sense matters.'
'Very much.'
"…"
Gilgamesh pondered deeply. What was he thinking?
"Pioneer, you'll start ship repairs now?"
"Yep, hunting some beasts for it."
"Good. I'll step away. Master, Mash, you're in charge."
His suggestion was unexpected. Thought he'd join eagerly…
If the vessel had a task, they'd follow his command. Anything but a cast-off was fine.
"Need a quick break?"
"Minor errand. I'll return soon. Master, Mash, keep at it."
"Y-Yes."
"Be careful, Gil."
"Hm…"
A glance at Asterios, then Gilgamesh strode toward the island…
On the island's flat plain, the King stood.
"…"
Gazing skyward, crimson eyes fixed on the heavens.
"Hmph. Dragged out on a whim, yet you exceed my expectations. Pure souls are not to be underestimated. Splendid, Asterios."
Looking up—
Glimpsing the future.
Thank you!
I was born, and it was good!
Smiling, pierced by a spear, sinking into the sea—
Asterios's fate flickered.
Was that… the future?
"A child's struggle deserves just reward."
The vessel spoke.
"Hey, 'Hero.'"
A youthful voice answered.
"So that's why a guy like you called me."
In a blink, a man stood, arms crossed.
"Hmph, this island reeked of boredom. Calling you up snagged a grand hero, Iliad's champion."
Clad in light green armor, spiky hair, a confident smirk.
"Achilles… That's your True Name, humanity's fastest hero."
"Known by the Golden Hero King? Well, naturally."
Achilles…?
Details unclear, but instinct screamed: a hero among heroes.
His aura, his presence—rivaling Heracles!
"No need for introductions. I'm Gilgamesh, humanity's oldest, supreme king with the Gorgeous class."
"Gorgeous? An Extra class?"
"A rare class granted only to me. Enough introductions—let's get to it."
Two heroes faced each other squarely.
"This summoning wasn't proper, was it?"
"Nah, I'm a stray Servant, uncalled."
"A hero of your caliber wouldn't be drawn to mere pirates. You're here through Greek ties, a chain-summoned Servant."
Greek ties…
"That pirate crew had a middle-aged Lancer with a spear, likely your kin."
"Wait. Green Lancer, you say?"
"I didn't say green."
"For me, middle-aged means green. Bearded, grinning creep?"
"Indeed."
"Fought dirty, pissed you off?"
"Tried to sink our ship from below. Practical, but crude."
"Bingo… That's Hector. Shining-helm Hector. Really? He's fallen to pirates…?"
Achilles slumped.
"No, he's likely driven by other motives. Piracy's a facade."
A facade?
"Something's behind Hector?"
"Indeed. The Singularity's cause isn't them. Hector serves something bigger, the reason you're here."
Greek heroes, chain summoning…
It clicked. The reason Heracles pushed training in Chaldea…
Could he be here, in this era…?
"My aim is the mastermind's head. That's the foe I'll slay."
Heracles…!
"Got the gist. If you're thinking what I am, I see why you called me. He's strong. A bit stronger than me. Just a smidge."
"A true great hero. Naturally. I could handle him alone, but some losses are unavoidable."
"Oh?"
"My back now carries no acceptable losses. I need a flawless, total victory."
Hero King…
Not just Master and Mash.
"…Is it okay?"
"Hm?"
"I'm a monster… Can I leave here?"
"Fool."
"?"
"Even if the world, your past, or everything rejects you—"
"—"
"I, Gilgamesh, Hero King, permit your journey."
"!!"
"Raise your head, look forward. Until you grasp reason—"
"…!"
"Just let my radiance dazzle you."
Those words echoed.
To protect Asterios's future, he chose to rely on another's strength…
"Lend me your power, great hero Achilles, rival to Heracles. I don't ask you to join the journey—just wield your strength for this encounter."
"What's worth protecting so much? If it's no trouble, tell me."
"Hmph. A half-baked Master and Servant, and…"
"A child just starting to see the world."
Yes, Hero King.
"Hahaha!"
Achilles laughed heartily.
"Thought the Hero King would be cold and ruthless, but you're a damn good caretaker!"
"I'm Gorgeous this time. My wealth and generosity are boundless."
"Got it. I'm lucky then. Alright, Hero King."
Achilles's grin faded, facing him seriously.
"Rider Achilles. I pledge my aid to Gilgamesh, humanity's oldest king, against Hector's masters."
"Good. I'll rely on your strength briefly. You'll shine against my intended foe."
"Naturally. What about Hector? Shall I crush him?"
"No need. That's for Master and the others. They're honing themselves. We'd only hinder."
"More reason to like you, Hero King. Such care! Reminds me of Chiron."
"I'm no teacher, fool… But a bit of fun isn't bad."
"Exactly! Gotta enjoy it! So, what now? Join up?"
"No, I'll call when needed. Until then, do as you please. But—"
A vow.
"When I call, be ready to die there."
"Bring it."
"You'll kill him five times, I'll do six. The rest is theirs."
"Eleven won't finish Heracles's lives?"
"The last, they'll outwit and take."
"Got it. We strip his cheats for them."
"Disappointed by a fruitless fight?"
"Hell no. Falling as a foundation for others? Perfect! No better act for a hero!"
Greek hero Achilles.
A true great hero.
"Good. Make your limited time worthwhile."
"Right. One last thing."
"Hm?"
"Your Master… a beauty?"
"A girl."
"Shame…"
"Promising future, though."
"Call me then. Later, Gilgamesh."
"Come running with your famed speed, Achilles."
Tighten up.
All to overturn a tragic parting—
"Hey, you're back! Repairs done, Gil!"
"Well done…"
"You're AUO!? Hi, hi! I'm Artemis! This is my darling Orion!"
"Hey, I'm Oribe… Yo, brother?"
"…Even allies have standards…"
"Pfft, serves you right. Right, Asterios?"
"Stay strong, King."
"Ugh, I feel sick… Excuse me again."
"No dawdling! Time to sail! We'll make that beard pay!"
…
"Protect. Absolutely."
-------------------------------------------
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