"As for the investigation into the Priestess Court… from a distance, we did detect traces suggesting some kind of ritual was performed there, but without approaching directly, we can't confirm the details. Should we advance or notify the priestesses first? I await your decision, my King."
"Mm."
While listening to Siduri's report, Ophis continued tracing runes inside the temple with fingers dipped in Phantasmal Species blood, giving a slight nod in acknowledgment.
Uruk was, by nature, a tripartite city-state—
The pinnacle of humanity: the King;
Those who bridged humans and gods: the Priestesses;
And finally, the devoted servants of the divine: the shamans of the Priestess Court.
These three roles corresponded respectively to Ophis herself, the Priestess Court, and its subordinate clergy.
At present, Ophis had already consolidated both royal and priestly authority under her rule.
Although the Priestess Court still appeared powerful enough to stand beside her, in truth they functioned more like secluded sects—aloof from worldly affairs, rarely interfering directly.
Rather than engaging in human matters, their focus lay purely in worship, devotion, and service to the gods. They saw themselves as the gods' direct attendants.
When Ophis severed the Age of Gods, those shamans had been outraged.
But having lost their divine patrons, their influence had waned sharply, leaving them with no choice but to swallow their resentment in silence.
Now, however, chaos filled the world.
And if it were those fanatics…
…It wouldn't be surprising if they tried to seize this chance to summon a god once more.
Even though any god that answered such a call would almost certainly bring humanity's annihilation.
"The gods currently confirmed are Ishtar and two serpent-related deities."
Continuing to draw the magic formation, Ophis spoke quietly.
"Among them, Ishtar is Uruk's guardian deity. That makes it highly probable she was summoned by the Priestess Court."
"My King… if this is confirmed?"
Siduri lowered her gaze, her tone conflicted.
If the court's shamans truly had summoned Ishtar… none of them would be allowed to live.
It wasn't about punishment—Ophis rarely cared what people had done in the past.
But she wouldn't tolerate any force that might turn traitor when it mattered most.
Siduri understood this reasoning and had no intention to object.
Still, she couldn't help feeling a touch of sorrow at the thought of a sacred institution, centuries old, vanishing overnight.
"Don't concern yourself. I'll handle this personally."
"Yes."
"Anything else?"
"Yes."
Siduri handed one stone tablet to a soldier and received another.
"As ordered earlier, we sent a scouting party—including mages capable of long-distance communication—to investigate the newly appeared jungle to the south. However, half a day after entering, we lost all contact. It's been two days now. We fear they met misfortune."
"Send another team. Choose higher-caliber personnel."
"Yes."
Ophis paused to think.
"There should be other city-states deeper in that jungle."
In truth, she was certain of it, though their names were hazy in her memory.
"Yes. Before the jungle appeared and engulfed the region, cities such as Ur and Enridu existed there."
Enridu… that name felt familiar.
"Location?"
"It should lie deep within the jungle. If my King commands, we could send our elite forces to explore."
"No. Proceed cautiously first."
Siduri frowned slightly.
"But the people of those two cities—"
"Considering that simply scouting the outskirts led to an entire elite party vanishing…"
Ophis's cool voice cut her off.
"…The chance they survived is already negligible."
"But it's not absolutely certain…"
Gentle as always, Siduri still clung to a sliver of hope.
"Until absolute safety is confirmed, sending more people will only lead them to their deaths—not a rescue."
"…Yes, I understand."
Siduri sighed softly. She knew it already. Even a moment's thought was enough to see how impossible the situation was.
And even if survivors existed, extracting them safely would be all but impossible.
"Continue."
Siduri accepted another tablet from a soldier.
"We still haven't determined the cause of death for the citizens of Kutha. Their bodies show no damage, no sign of poison or curses. Current theories suggest either a demonic beast with special abilities, a god's authority, or extremely advanced magecraft—on that last point, Magus Merlin himself confirmed he could reproduce something similar."
"Noted. I'll deal with it later. Next."
Siduri nodded, switching tablets again.
"This is a report from shepherds. They claim that Goddess Ishtar intimidated and threatened them, forcibly seized their goods, and then departed while laughing loudly."
".......................Next."
"My King… your silence speaks volumes. Still, it would be appreciated if a solution could be provided."
Ophis let out a soft sigh.
What is that troublemaker up to this time…
"…Understood. I'll handle it later. Next."
"Yes. Regarding the demonic beast nests discovered near the front lines and supply routes…"
...
As night fell, a modest temple stood quietly in the mountains outside Uruk.
It wasn't large—plain in design—but under the cover of darkness, it emanated a faintly sinister air.
This was the sacred ground known as the Priestess Court.
It stood apart from Uruk itself, deliberately isolated from worldly life.
Ophis kicked open the temple doors and stepped inside, brow furrowing slightly.
Despite its humble exterior, the interior was lavish beyond belief. Even the smallest statue was carved from gemstones of the Age of Gods.
Having existed for over a century—backed by divine favor and sustained by the kingdom's tributes—the Priestess Court's foundation was naturally deep.
But…
Perplexed, Ophis extended her senses again.
The result didn't change.
She'd already found it strange that no guards stood at the entrance. Now, inside—
There wasn't a single living soul in sight.
Her body—already one of pure energy—dissolved into particles and reformed at the temple's central plaza.
There, surrounded by heaps of bodies, Ophis paused, kneeling to examine one of the priestesses in ceremonial robes.
Judging by appearance alone, the woman looked merely asleep. Nothing suggested she was dead.
Their souls… were they forcibly taken?
"After seeing this, how do you feel?"
From directly behind her, a familiar voice suddenly spoke.
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T/N: 4 chapters since i was gonna update yesterday but didnt, bonus chaps are tomorrow and uhhh no character note for thisweek
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