Fate: How About a New Savior?

After confirming the identities of the two Servants who had helped them retreat, the conversation shifted to the main issue.

"But we've already run into someone claiming to be Enkidu, the King of Magecraft's companion," Shiomi said. "So as Enkidu's closest friend, does that mean Gilgamesh has also sided with the King of Magecraft and become our enemy?"

"Looks like the Hero King left quite a bad impression on you," Meri replied, sounding like she had a headache but wearing a curious smile. "The situation's a bit complicated, so let me explain it step by step. First off, the Enkidu you encountered isn't the real Enkidu."

"What do you mean?" asked Scáthach.

"The real Enkidu died long ago. Gilgamesh, devastated by his death, set off on a journey in search of the elixir of immortality," Meri explained. "The one calling himself Enkidu, with the same power, showed up six months ago. He led a horde of Magical Beasts to attack the cities of Mesopotamia. Most cities have already fallen—only Uruk and a few others are barely hanging on."

"He's not Enkidu... but also not a Servant." Shiomi felt the situation growing increasingly complex.

If Meri wasn't lying, then their prediction of Gilgamesh's stance was back in uncertain territory—they couldn't immediately declare him an enemy.

"From what you're saying, it sounds like you're from Uruk. So you're Servants working with Gilgamesh?" Morgan asked.

"Exactly. But it's a bit more complicated. Right now, Uruk isn't ruled by King Gilgamesh, but by the Moon King."

This woman, who seemed to enjoy both good and bad news alike, suddenly turned serious.

"The Moon King?" Shiomi was taken aback.

"But don't worry—it's someone you know," Meri said. "Whether it's the Singularity itself or Uruk, the reality is far worse than what you've seen."

She started walking toward the other side of the forest, gesturing for everyone to follow. It was clear she intended to lead Chaldea onward.

"Please come with me. I'll stake everything I have to prove it—Uruk is not your enemy. And as part of that proof..."

Under her guidance, the group emerged from the forest and finally saw the massive wall—over 100 kilometers long—up close.

Below, thousands of Magical Beasts were trying to scale the wall, while countless soldiers stationed on top repelled them with ranged weapons.

There was no doubt—this place had already endured a long and bitter battle before Chaldea arrived.

"To defend against the Magical Beasts, the ordinary people of this era spent six months building this defensive line," Meri said with a smile. "It's called the 'Absolute Demonic Battlefront: Babylonia.' It truly is humanity's last stronghold."

She turned at the cliff's edge and looked back at the group. "And the one who built this wall... was Gilgamesh. Knowing that, it's clear whether he's friend or foe."

"Gilgamesh is fighting for humanity, but he's not sitting on Uruk's throne," Shiomi said, folding his arms. "The Moon King…"

"Next, I'm going with Ana to pay respects to the Moon King. Once we get there, everything will become clear," Meri said, placing a finger on her lips.

Her natural succubus bloodline made every small gesture exude charm.

"Tone down the succubus act," Morgan said with a grin, pressing her hand to Meri's face. "Otherwise, whether you're Merlin's sister or something else entirely, I'll treat you as his associate and lock you up in the 'Garden.' Even if your Mystic Eyes don't work on my husband, it won't matter."

"N-No wonder they call you the Great Witch Morgan. To think you actually married a human Master," Meri flailed, still caught.

Scáthach chuckled quietly to herself. As she examined the wall, a feat beyond its era, she noticed something else.

"No wonder there haven't been any Magical Beast attacks from above. There's already a large-scale barrier deployed," Scáthach said. "The Magecraft of this age isn't half-bad."

"So that's why our Rayshift didn't land us near Uruk. It was the barrier's interference," Shiomi murmured thoughtfully.

Just then, having escaped Morgan's grip, Meri clapped her hands. "Alright, alright, whether you want to admire the view or not, we need to get moving. There's still a long way to Uruk. I came out alone, so I don't have a carriage or anything—sorry, but you'll have to walk."

That said, everyone in Chaldea's group, aside from the Servants, were Magus.

Even Ritsuka, who had only just learned to use Magic Circuits, had spent nearly a year mastering the basic use of Mana to strengthen her body—enough to handle a long trek on foot.

The group arrived at the Singularity in the morning. After a long trek, they followed Meri through a hidden passage into the city, gradually approaching their destination.

The fortified city of Uruk.

Unlike modern cities, this ancient city served both as a residential area for civilians and as a military fortress. For a long time throughout history, cities across various civilizations shared this dual function. It wasn't until the emergence of the modern urban model that military operations began to be separated from city infrastructure.

Thanks to the lacquer seal Meri obtained from Siduri, the king's secretary, Chaldea's seemingly large Singularity Restoration Team was able to pass through the city gates without issue, under the pretense of being refugees seeking shelter.

In contrast to the vast open plains outside, the city was filled with stone-and-mud houses, bustling markets, and neatly arranged streets.

At the center of the city, surrounded by these buildings, stood a structure that towered above all others.

The Divine Tower.

It served as the royal residence and was the tallest structure in the city.

The city's circular layout and the palace at its center reminded Shiomi of Camelot, though their architectural styles were entirely different.

Led by Meri, the group climbed the steps of the Divine Tower and entered the palace.

A young girl in white sat on the throne, busy attending to state affairs. At the base of the throne, one person stood on each side.

One was Gilgamesh, dressed in Uruk attire. The other was a woman—Siduri, the secretary Meri had mentioned.

The girl studied a clay tablet and asked a question, while Gilgamesh, adopting the posture of an advisor, offered his opinion alongside Siduri.

Shiomi recognized the girl seated on the throne with a calm and focused demeanor. So did Morgan.

She was the same girl who had appeared alongside Gilgamesh in the Fuyuki Holy Grail War eleven years ago.

Hakuno Kishinami.