The one tasked with reporting, naturally, was Mash, Rozen's Servant.
At present, Rozen and Gilgamesh were cooperating under the condition of having the same stance, but he was not truly Gilgamesh's vassal, nor was he working for him.
So, although it was necessary to learn about the situation here, exchange intelligence, and then consult with Gilgamesh on the next course of action, such reports were generally made by Mash.
When Mash had finally finished explaining everything about Quetzalcoatl, the heavy atmosphere within the throne room finally began to ease somewhat.
"You actually dueled that goddess, and even won?"
Upon hearing the whole account, Anna couldn't help but look at Rozen in astonishment.
"Well, that's truly unexpected."
Even Merlin sounded rather impressed.
"So, the Goddess of the Jungle and the Goddess of the Underworld have already left the Alliance of Goddesses, and joined our side?"
At last, Siduri revealed a look of joy.
"Yes, finally, some good news."
Nobunaga also relaxed her expression, her complexion seeming to improve somewhat.
"That is indeed an unexpected gain."
Gilgamesh looked at Rozen, his gaze a mixture of admiration and reassessment.
"To have subdued two goddesses, and if we add that capricious goddess, then three—this achievement is no small matter, Chaldea."
That such words came from the Hero King was enough to show how satisfying Rozen's exploits were.
At least compared to the grim news from the northern wall, Rozen's results could only be described as glorious.
It was precisely because of these brilliant results that everyone had been so uplifted earlier.
Unfortunately, now, all that excitement had completely faded.
"King Gilgamesh."
Mash spoke with a downcast expression.
"Miss Okita, Miss Ushiwakamaru, and Sir Benkei… have they truly fallen?"
With these words, the heavy mood returned once more.
Gilgamesh did not answer immediately, but merely cast a glance toward Nobunaga.
Nobunaga's expression did not change.
"Yes, they fell."
Japan's most famous warlord stated this with striking bluntness.
"When Okita and I were holding the northern wall, the situation had already become dire. I barely managed to hold back the steps of the Beast Goddess, while Okita was ambushed by that one called Kingu."
"Against that commander of the demonic beasts, Okita was no match at all. In the end, she was defeated. Kingu then turned to aid Gorgon, and with my strength alone, I could no longer hold them back."
"At the crucial moment, Ushiwakamaru and Benkei finally arrived with their forces. The two of them charged straight to the frontlines—one against the Beast Goddess, the other against the commander. That at least freed me to lead the troops to annihilate the demonic beasts that had seized the chance to attack the northern wall."
"But by the time I had nearly finished wiping them out, the Beast Goddess and Kingu withdrew."
"And Ushiwakamaru and Benkei… were gone."
Nobunaga explained everything with an unexpectedly calm tone.
"..."
Mash fell silent at last.
Rozen looked at her, clearly seeing the sorrow written across her face.
Truthfully, Rozen himself did not feel well either.
At that moment, he couldn't help but recall the words spoken by that tragic general of the Heian era when they had first met at the northern gate.
"Even though you are but a human, to wield such divine techniques… I, Ushiwaka, can only bow in awe."
"I, Ushiwaka, wish to wield my blade for you, to cut down all obstacles before you, and bring victory to your side."
"On the battlefield from this day forth, I shall surely fight by your side!"
Those resolute and earnest words were still vivid in his mind.
And Okita—though known in history as a notorious executioner—had been so cheerful, so full of life.
As for Benkei, though not one to draw much attention, his unwavering loyalty to Ushiwakamaru was something anyone could feel.
Yet in the end, all three had fallen.
Three whole Servants, all lost on the battlefield. For Uruk, this was undoubtedly a tremendous blow.
Together with the two Servants who had fallen before, of the seven whom Gilgamesh had paid a great price to summon into this age through the miracle of Heroic Spirit Summoning, only two remained.
Aside from Merlin and Nobunaga, all the others had perished.
"Fortunately, we still have you here."
Merlin said this to Rozen.
If it were before, losing three Servants would have left only two, making it nearly impossible to defend Uruk.
But now, with Rozen, and the Servants under his command, Uruk still had the possibility of continuing this fight.
"Only one goddess remains. That, at least, is some fortune amidst misfortune."
Gilgamesh finally spoke.
"As long as we slay the composite divinity Gorgon, human history can still survive. Therefore, there is no time for grief. That burden is for me to bear. You need only do your part. Understood?"
Gilgamesh's words, filled with authority, finally instilled some strength in everyone once again.
"Yes… the only one left now is the Beast Goddess."
Nobunaga laughed.
"Truly, fortune amidst misfortune."
Siduri's expression softened.
"The last goddess. Once she is defeated, the sacrifices of all will have meaning."
Merlin said this, though he could not help but glance at Anna.
"Gorgon..."
Anna's eyes flickered, her expression resolute.
Thus the group was reinvigorated.
Seeing this, Gilgamesh finally curved his lips into a smile.
Noticing the sky outside, he made his decision on the spot.
"In any case, you have done well today."
"Return and rest."
"For soon, there will be much to do."
....
At the same time, deep in what little remained of the cedar forest, within the innermost sanctum of the Temple of Blood, Kingu appeared.
In his hands, he was dragging two people—one on the left, one on the right.
Looking closely, they were Ushiwakamaru and Okita.
"My Lady..."
Benkei lay collapsed on the ground, his body covered in blood, yet he still reached out toward the two being dragged away.
"Pshhhht!"
A golden light lanced down, piercing through Benkei's hand.
"Pshhhht! Pshhhht! Pshhhht!"
More golden beams rained down, stabbing through Benkei's entire body, blood spraying in torrents.
Rippling golden circles appeared all around Kingu, his eyes filled with ridicule as he looked down upon Benkei.
"You chose to flee the battlefield, yet crept here in secret to save your lord? I can't decide if that's loyalty or just foolishness."
With that, Kingu revealed a wicked smile.
"Unfortunately, I still have use for these two."
"But Mother has no need for trash like you."
"So, be at peace. Consider this my mercy."
Leaving behind those words, Kingu dragged Ushiwakamaru and Okita away.
Benkei, filled with regret, could only watch. Finally, he dissolved into motes of light, vanishing.
Darkness stirred.
"It's nearly time, Mother..."
Only such a murmur echoed softly in the void.