"…Soon, it will be time to say goodbye to Uruk. But she and her Master don't seem to find it painful."
«That is the nature of our journey. In life, partings are inevitable. To loathe or shun them is to stagnate. When parting, one should wear a smile and offer gratitude. While savoring the fortune of being able to separate while both are still among the living.»
"—You're right. Exactly. She learned that from you as well, didn't she? —So that is why it's 'Chaldea.'"
Enkidu nodded deeply.
"Someone living in the distant future receives the radiance of a life lived in the distant past. Like an observatory observing the light of stars from long ago. —Not reaching out to dominate heroes, but to know them. That is why everyone lends their strength. That is why… it is an Observatory for Mapping Stars."
The King of Heroes simply laughed at his friend's words.
«I know not how far the founder's thoughts reached. But… that interpretation is likely not far from the mark.»
"Yes. And that is why—you are so kind to her."
He looked endearingly at the newest "Heroic Princess" of humanity, innocently gazing at the stars.
"To her—the latest human to live, your most junior pupil—who chose to respect, admire, understand, and walk alongside your ancient, solitary radiance."
«There is no such grand reason. —A stubborn girl who, despite being shown every tragedy by the King of Demon Gods, believed in human goodness and declared, 'Humanity is more than that, I don't care what you say.' The pinnacle of selfhood, choosing the path of a princess over a demon—a way of being that cherishes the individual, the world, and everything living within it. A 'Heroic Princess of Modernity' worthy of my protection. I shall favor her; I shall dote on her. And why? Because—»
The King spoke quietly.
«—To protect and safeguard the supreme treasure, Air… is the very definition of observing 'My Kingship of Acquisition and Protection.'»
The King had already decided. That this Heroic Princess was the proof of humanity's goodness. The fact that her soul could love was proof of the value of the pattern called "Goodness" in the tapestry of human history.
She had pushed away the hand of Goetia.
She had chosen to oppose the Lion King, even after being chosen by her.
The value of a single treasure that loved him—
"—Ah. You're right. —Finally, she appeared. A soul to heal the wound I dealt to your solitary pride… to heal my mistake, and your loneliness…"
«Do not breathe a word of this to Air. It would be a disaster if she collapsed from the sheer humility of it. —The answer to her life shall be thrust before Goetia. Let us look forward to that moment.»
«It began with boredom and curiosity. But since this journey started, ennui has been a stranger to me, and your growth has far exceeded my imagination. —You always talk of staying by my side… but I, too, am one of those who smiles at your growth and your path. …Proceed as you wish, Air. By fulfilling the rite of that life, we shall bring our journey together to its end.»
"—…"
«I shall not return to the Throne. The experiences and memories of this journey belong to me alone. I shall hold them, cherish them, and slumber with them in the void. …I look forward to you continuing to color the epic I shall look back upon in my chambers, Air—»
Enkidu and Gilgamesh shared a laugh of mutual understanding.
—So that one day, we can all go on a journey… even beyond those stars…
(?)
—We're definitely going to take back the future. Right, Fou!
(Yeah! Because for that sake, I too—have hardened my resolve to fight! —Do you like this world?)
—Yes! The King of Heroes' garden, the people who live there, and everything in it… I love it all! I hope the world… continues forever like this sky, and shines forever like these stars—!
Enfolded in the brilliance of the stars… the King and the Princesses savored the celestial view, their hearts dancing with dreams and the future…
VIII. The Hill of Heaven
"This is… the Hill of Heaven. The place where I first met my friend."
(…My body is telling me. If I come here…)
"—Hoh. I came here to catch my breath, only to find a rare face indeed."
"—!"
"You took quite a beating. Well, considering the opponent, it couldn't be helped. —Though for someone with such wounds, you look remarkably refreshed."
"…—"
"What do you intend to do with that body? You look like nothing more than a walking corpse on the verge of stopping."
"…There are people who are crying."
"…"
"—There are people whose smiles I want to see. That is why… I will struggle until the very end."
"—Is that so? Come to think of it, something like this was left behind."
[The Great Cup of Uruk]
"—!?"
"Hmph. It seems there was a point to making the Holy Grail your heart after all. The Great Cup of Uruk is more useful than I thought."
"What are you…"
"If you have found what it is you wish to do, then it is the duty of a friend to give you a push."
"—Eh?"
"Must I spell it out? No matter what you are, that body is the only Chain of Heaven on this earth. Therefore—you are nothing less than an object of my friendship. What is wrong with showing a little favoritism?"
"…—You are…"
"Farewell. Fulfill the wish you hold in your heart to the best of your ability."
"Wait, you…!"
"The parts that define who you are belong to you alone. Do not lose them."
"…"
"…Honestly… even though he's an Ancient Human, he's so arrogant—"
(I can't get any rest at all. —I suppose it can't be helped. I'll go see the look on Air's face.)
IX. The Deep Night
"Wake up, Air."
"Whu…? Huh?"
"As I thought, you were sleeping in your Heroic Princess form. —This is sudden, but come with me for a moment."
"Wise King…?"
"I shall show you as well. I will show you the true nature of Uruk, my greatest treasure—"
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