Though the temple of Uruk seemed only moderately large from the outside, spatial magecraft had been woven into its front plaza and many of its inner halls, expanding its interior far beyond what the exterior suggested.
Ophis now stood within one such chamber—one of the temple's many distorted spaces.
Behind her, five hundred and six soldiers stood in flawless formation.
To call this place a "room" underestimated its vastness; inside, it stretched nearly a third the size of a stadium.
After Ophis had ordered the army's elite to be selected, she had also instructed Uruk's magi to reshape this chamber.
Now, a great pool occupied its center, flanked by two smaller ones.
"The strongest among you—step into that pool."
She pointed toward the deepest basin.
The leader saluted sharply, then entered without hesitation.
"The next five strongest, into those two."
The five soldiers at the front bowed in turn and stepped into the smaller pools.
"The rest—into the central pool."
At her command, the remaining five hundred soldiers entered the largest basin.
"Assist each other in removing your armor."
Though cumbersome, the king's word was absolute. None questioned her order.
"My King… what is the purpose of this?"
Siduri, watching nearby, could not hide her confusion. She had relayed these same instructions earlier, but as far as she knew, these pools were ceremonial—purified by ancient rites, yet filled with nothing more than temple water faintly tinged by lingering divine and magical energy.
Ophis gave no reply. She only lifted her right hand.
Violet light gathered in her palm, condensing into the shape of a magic circle that caught Siduri's fascinated gaze.
Unlike any normal array, however, this one bore the symbol of infinity at its heart.
The circle pulsed rhythmically—like a heartbeat—and within it, three drops of crimson blood slowly formed.
Yet it did not stop there. The pulses deepened, and the drops began to change—
from vivid red to a golden radiance, bright and burning like the sun.
When the circle finally dissolved, its light merged into those golden drops.
By then, all the soldiers had removed their armor. Ophis waved her hand once, sending the droplets drifting toward the pools.
The moment they touched the water, blinding gold light flooded the chamber.
"Fully immerse yourselves. Absorb as much as you can—the result depends on your own luck. I'll return in one day."
With a quiet exhale, Ophis turned and left.
The soldiers never heard the last part. From the instant the golden light entered the water, their senses drowned in it.
Raw power flooded their bodies—alongside unbearable pain.
The five leaders in the smaller pools, and especially the captain in the smallest one, endured agony far beyond the others. Even with their superior strength, they fainted almost instantly.
Their pain was a hundred times—perhaps five hundred times—greater.
[I didn't expect you to actually go through with this.]
As Ophis walked through the corridor, Inori's voice echoed in her mind.
"Mm. It's necessary… for the coming war."
[You know this means you can't fight too fiercely yourself anymore, right?]
"That's fine. I never planned to fight directly—at least not since the summoning."
[I see. True enough—if you left Uruk's walls, the city might fall to opportunists. So you'll stay here.]
"Mm. Which is why I must strengthen the army as much as possible."
[Oh? You're really starting to sound like a king now. Still… it's a little sad.]
No matter how splendid a king, her kingdom's fall was already written.
"Yes… sad indeed."
Ophis's eyes dimmed slightly as she murmured her agreement.
...
One day later, Ophis returned to the altered chamber.
Following her orders, Siduri had assembled the newly empowered warriors.
Five hundred and six soldiers now stood fully armed, ranks straight and faces resolute.
"How do you feel?"
The men exchanged brief glances before the captain stepped forward. His complexion was bright, his aura powerful—no trace of yesterday's collapse remained.
He bowed deeply.
"We are grateful to the King for bestowing such immense power."
"We thank the King for your grace!"
The soldiers' unified cry thundered through the chamber.
"Mm."
Ophis nodded slightly. Then, reaching into the golden shimmer beside her, she drew out a longsword—and swung it at the captain.
With his current strength, he could have easily dodged the casual strike. Instead, he held still and accepted it head-on.
Clang────
The sound rang clear.
Half the blade shattered, fragments scattering across the floor.
Though not one of Uruk's greatest treasures, the sword still possessed the sharpness of an E-ranked Noble Phantasm—yet it had broken against his body.
Ophis regarded the fractured weapon, then let it dissolve into motes of gold.
"Do you understand now? This is your current power. While you may not all match this man's level, ordinary weapons will no longer pierce your flesh."
Her gaze swept the line of soldiers.
"But remember—this strength was not given for pride or recklessness. It exists so you may better protect Uruk. The dangers awaiting you will be hundreds—perhaps thousands—of times greater than others face. Do you have the courage and resolve for that?"
The soldiers made no reply.
Instead, they raised their fists in silent salute, eyes steady and unwavering.
"Good. I'm reassured. Never forget—your strength exists for Uruk alone."
With a faint smile, Ophis turned and left.
"For Uruk!"
Their deafening roar followed her down the corridor, echoing like a vow.