[Oh, this is a rather unexpected sight.]
A vast formation of fully armed soldiers knelt on one knee in the plaza before the temple.
It was the scene that greeted Ophis the morning after her speech, as she stepped beyond the temple gates.
"My King, these soldiers are brave warriors willing to raise their weapons and stand against the coming disaster. Each one has prepared themselves completely. Please, issue your command."
"Please issue your command!!"
At the front stood the priestess Siduri, bowing deeply as the soldiers behind her echoed her cry in unison.
Ophis's gaze swept across them. The assembled force was larger than the original army by nearly a quarter—many familiar veterans were gone, replaced by new and untested faces.
Yet all of them bore the same look of determination, free of hesitation or fear.
Ten thousand.
In this time and land, such a number was terrifyingly vast.
They were people who had chosen to resist, even knowing resistance was meaningless.
To call them "brave warriors" was fitting.
But the word "fools" suited them just as well—fools who took up arms knowing their struggle would lead only to death.
On the day she had summoned the Heroic Spirits, Ophis had already glimpsed this very sight—one of the fragmented visions shown to her by that strange power.
Even now, standing before it in reality, she still didn't understand.
She would never claim to truly comprehend humans, but based on what she knew, no ordinary "human" should make such a choice while aware of their inevitable end.
By all logic, Uruk should have descended into chaos by now.
In fact, unsure of the future she'd seen, Ophis had prepared countless measures to suppress disorder.
Yet none had been necessary.
It was incomprehensible.
That something so irrational could exist—and yet stand so resolutely before her.
As she gazed at them, the question she had asked herself just days earlier returned once more:
Was that doomed future truly unavoidable?
...
"In truth, many women also wished to contribute, but since women are forbidden from direct combat, I've reassigned them all to logistical duties."
Back inside the temple, Siduri bowed in the formal greeting before beginning her report.
"There has been no major unrest in the city despite your warning, my King. A few individuals ignored orders or showed mild instability, but any disturbances were quickly subdued by the citizens themselves before guards could even intervene."
So, there had been no collapse of order after all.
Siduri continued calmly.
"However, as you foresaw, many chose to end their own lives and descend into the underworld. A few were discovered and saved, but most could not be rescued."
Ophis nodded silently in acknowledgment.
To her, saving those who no longer wished to live was meaningless—if one's spirit was already dead, keeping the body alive was nothing more than preserving an empty shell. Still, since Siduri had taken the initiative to help them, Ophis saw no reason to object.
"A small number of others appear completely broken in spirit, wandering aimlessly like the living dead. As they cause no immediate disturbance, we have only placed them under observation."
"…Gather them together and place them under centralized supervision."
They might pose no threat now—but left unchecked, they could easily become one later.
"Yes, I understand."
Siduri immediately noted down the order.
"Beyond that, the majority of citizens, even those not joining the army, have offered to help however they can. Thus, Uruk's internal functions and military logistics remain fully secure. There should be no issues for the time being."
"Mm. Understood."
Ophis nodded again—but before she could continue, Siduri suddenly dropped to one knee.
"My King, I, Siduri, as Head Priestess, on behalf of the entire Priestess Court, offer our deepest apologies for ever doubting your will. Now we understand that every decision you've made was for Uruk's protection. We also recognize our past foolishness. Though this is our duty rather than atonement, I beg you to accept the Priestess Court's vow of loyalty—to serve directly under your command and devote ourselves wholly to the battles ahead!"
Though Siduri had always shown respect toward Ophis, in this age when divine authority still lingered, the Priestess Court—representing the gods' will—had often been able to restrain the king's power in matters of governance.
But now, with the former High Priestess dead, Siduri's declaration meant the Priestess Court had submitted entirely to Ophis, placing themselves under her direct rule.
Only now was Uruk truly unified—its divine era over, and the reign of humanity's king at last beginning.
"I accept. From now on, the blessing, support, and healing of the frontline troops will all be entrusted to the Priestess Court."
Ophis saw no reason to refuse.
"Yes!"
Siduri bowed deeply once more.
"For all related matters, consult with Medea. She's most skilled in that field."
"Lady Medea. Understood."
There was no need for elaborate ceremony—both women simply acknowledged the arrangement and immediately moved on to more pressing matters.
Until the sudden clatter of armor echoed through the temple halls.
Both turned toward the sound. A formation of heavily armored soldiers entered the chamber—far fewer than the earlier crowd, yet the aura they exuded was far more formidable.
It was unmistakably an elite force.
"My King! As per your orders, we have selected the strongest five hundred and six warriors from the army! Please grant us your next command!"
The leader stepped forward and bowed low, voice ringing with pride.
"Awaiting your command, my King!"
Their unified cry thundered through the temple, shaking the very air.