That energy was the total magical output of three thousand years of human history.
[If the history of man from 1000 BC to 2016 AD is converted into magical power, it becomes the thrust required to jump to the beginning of time.]
Humanity was not destroyed because it was hated. It was incinerated because it was useful fuel.
It was the exact opposite of Ea's conclusion.
Ea dreamed of the horizon of the stars, seeking hope and the future.
Goetia sought the beginning of the stars, seeking to escape despair and death.
They were so close, yet eternally apart.
[Look at the Throne. That is the convergence of your lives.]
The band of light—the infinite history of man. No heat on Earth could rival it.
"Hmph. You've thought this through, haven't you? But your ideal… our Primordial Mother already achieved it once."
[—What?]
"A lifeform beyond death and sorrow—the Lahmu. Bodies of steel, no fear of death, no conflict because they were a single unit. We've seen the 'form of life' you desire. It was nothing but filth."
[—Our conclusion is different. On our new world, we shall ensure a healthy intelligence.]
"Fool. No matter how much power you gain, you were born from humans. Your personality and your logic are no different from theirs. You cannot achieve a 'Perfect Genesis.' Even if you reach the beginning, even if you create new life, you will eternally reach the same conclusion."
Gilgamesh sneered with pure contempt.
"You will say, 'This isn't how it was supposed to be.' A perfect, flawless creation is a daydream. Because there is no such thing as a perfect life in this world. You, born from imperfect humans, are destined to vanish without ever reaching the Truth."
Ea understood now. Having spoken with the King who held omnipotence but found no joy, she saw the flaw in Goetia's logic. In this world, no single life is complete. Therefore, a "perfect life" is impossible.
"A 'perfect life' is not life at all," Gilgamesh continued. "It is because imperfect beings meet, struggle, and weave something valuable that an irreplaceable treasure is born. What meaning is there in perfection born from fullness? In beauty born from beauty? Humanity—History—is a pattern woven by the imperfect. You, a Beast who tried to overcome sorrow without ever knowing Man… you shall die here, having grasped nothing."
[—King of Heroes. There is no longer any point in dialogue with you. I have paid my respects. Now, it is time for my retaliation.]
The Throne glowed. The air itself shivered.
[As you have heard, I am very busy. My real work lies ahead. Even idiots like you must understand… having to redo a task you thought finished is the height of irritation.]
The heat of despair bared its fangs.
[The time is ripe. The blueprint for the primordial planet is complete. And, it goes without saying—]
[—The idle talk ends here.]
A brief moment of silence followed. Goetia was looking at them. Truly looking at them.
"Third Noble Phantasm deployment confirmed. That… cannot be stopped, Master," Mash whispered.
[Stopped?]
Rikka stepped forward, cracking her knuckles. Behind her, the shadow of the three-headed dragon, Azi Dahaka, flickered.
[Wrong. We don't stop things. We overcome them.]
Facing the heat of all human history, she didn't flinch.
[Mash—protect us. And I'll protect you.]
"Senpai…"
[—Foolish. To burn your own hope. But it is convenient. Die together. Right here—]
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