A canopy of stars. An endless blue sky.
Deepest core of the vessel: Hero King Gilgamesh.
In that sacred sanctum, a conversation of splendor unfolded.
"So—this is our first face-to-face?"
Armored in gold, the Hero King gazed upon her.
—Yes. This is the first time I've spoken with you.
Opposite him: a stainless soul.
"Fufu. You seem quite taken with the form I granted. Worth the trouble, I'd say."
Her shape was the hero-princess bestowed by the king.
—Ah... um...
Words wouldn't come.
So much to say. So much to convey.
Yet facing him, nothing emerged. Awe, humility, reverence tangled—silencing her utterly.
Pathetic... After all he's sheltered me, guided me—
—saved me, this irreplaceable king—and I can't even thank him...
"—Fufu. Staring with glistening eyes, mouth agape. Don't tempt me. Makes me want to kiss that cheek."
—!
"Think I haven't sized you up? I know your heart without words. —Just think it."
Fufu. That laugh she'd seen so close, so often.
"Ask freely. For your devotion and struggles thus far, I'll indulge you."
—My king...
She steeled herself, lest she crumple in humility.
Who knew if another audience awaited? At least... ask what burned to know.
—How long... have you been there?
Yes—she asked when this soul, Hero King Gilgamesh, had first reigned in that vessel.
"From the start. Since Chaldea summoned me and shaped this form, my soul has resided."
—!
"Only natural. My flesh is supreme treasure. Body, mind, soul—together, perfection. A soulless shell is junk. —Well..."
A mischievous grin.
"One impurity slipped in, didn't it?"
—I'm sorry!
Head bowed in apology.
I used your presence without knowing... Couldn't deny you, couldn't think...! No, excuses. The sin of shaming you, here...
"Enough."
—Eh?
"Unlike vulgar reincarnators clawing for my glory alone, yours was steadfast. For that resolve in wielding my form, I pardon you."
—Punishment...?
"None, I said. —Sheesh. Asking the obvious now? Too humble by half. Though that's your virtue."
—The king... forgave me.
Her. The soul that dwelled in his vessel.
...That became his companion...
"I am this vessel's defense—its security. A soul embedded to eradicate mongrels who dare sully my glory without leave. To lesser reincarnators, my power is the pinnacle. Countless fools reach for it."
—...
"But I wouldn't grant my flesh to worthless trash. Impurities invading get ripped apart, cast from the wheel of rebirth—that's my duty. Thus—you should have been slain too."
—Should... have?
"You weren't even 'impurity.' Stripped of all, a bland soul alone—no grounds to judge. Can't appraise a blank canvas. Same thing."
—So... only in death did I...
"No elements to condemn, no hand raised. Plus, a stainless soul is rare. —Bored as I was, I lent you this body."
...Then you were always by my side.
"Indeed. From the depths of subconscious, I watched. Ready to strike if you grew arrogant, drowned in my treasures. —I watched... but..."
...He scratched his cheek, eyes averting sheepishly...
...Is he... embarrassed?
"Your first emotion: respect for me. Never expected that from a reincarnator. You shattered the notion they're all stepping-stone trash, corrupting worlds. —Surprised even me. Never dreamed a flesh-only me would house a soul offering pure reverence and aspiration."
—That was...
"Get it? You upended my expectations. Not pity—you earned this body by your nature. Caught me off-guard. A king like me had to yield, hm?"
I just... couldn't forget gratitude to the one who accepted me...
"And that suited me fine."
—Hero King...
"The rest, you know. Shattered foes, saved Master and Marie, rebuilt Chaldea, blazed my glory without reserve."
—As I wished...
"Curated my treasures, gauged my retainers. Never my puppet—defied me for rest when needed."
The Hero King laughed, delighted.
"The very devotion of a princess at her king's side. Your selfless acts, honest respect—truly pleasing."
—No... my king.
"Hm?"
—I had nothing else.
No hobbies, tastes, even gender—nothing.
So... to you who accepted that nothingness—
At least... unwavering respect, unforgettable...
"Not just that."
—Eh?
"That sufficed. Till you grasped the world's truths, shining eyes on my glory were enough."
—...!
"Your innocence led you to the perfect path. I approve. You comported yourself worthy of my side."
—!!!
"Tidying my vault stunned me, though. Who knew devotion ran that deep? Most of that form? Tailored to your service."
—This hero-princess form... truly fitting? Not just... for me?
"Perfect. No need for gender swaps. I'm lion-like king—granting a form to be laid low suits. —Not without reason, mind."
Grinning, amused, the Hero King spoke.
""Joy" in watching the world. Knowing "joy." Thrill of the new, instinct to thrill at the unknown, entertainments coloring life."
—That's what I found...
"Yes. Your joy, your soul's shape. —Too pure. Only "hero-princess that" matched. Clear?"
—This form... matched to my answer...?
"If tormenting others' pain, I'd have picked monstrous ugliness. But such pure joy, soul-shape? A king must match it. —Infuriating. You keep exceeding me."
No anger in his voice. Only buoyant delight.
"You gained soul-shape, right to wield my body, form for joy. —I grant it all. Reward for your journey's trials. —Dissatisfied? Speak."
—No, no... none.
Deepest gratitude, deepest thanks—bowed low.
—I accept with all my soul... Truly, truly... thank you. Hero King, Gilgamesh...
"Good. Journey's midway. I entrust the body still. Strive on."
—!?
"Why the shock? Think I'd eject you? Too late for that."
—Is it... truly fine?
"Of course. Your path continues. I'll doze in subconscious depths, savoring your aspiration, judging your travels. No need to mind me—I'm enjoying myself. After all—"
Eyes narrowed, content.
"Raced eras with a friend once. First time with a princess at side. Cheeks slacken naturally, no? "Hero-Princess.""
—Hero King...
"A king indulges his princess's whims. Till you kneel or yield. I truly permit wielding my vessel, my treasures."
The king stroked her head.
"My expectations, my joy, my mood—don't betray them. Nameless."
—Yes... yes!
Truly, thank you, Hero King! I—this soul—I!
All her being poured into words.
—Meeting you, great king... the best thing ever—!
"—Mm. Your loyalty received."
The king's form faded.
Not dissolution. Back to the depths.
"Farewell, Nameless. —Hm."
...?
"Long thought: my sheltered hero-princess soul nameless forever? Feels off—like calling you 'nothing.'"
—I'm used to it...
"Claiming my soul's name? Sloppy. That form calling 'Gilgamesh'? Confusing. —Done."
Pointed finger.
"I name you. Soul and body. Receive gratefully."
—N-name...!?
"Objection?"
N-no! Just... unprepared...!
"No bracing needed. Name's set. Only one fits you."
—And...
"Your soul's mark: "Ea." Hero-princess body: call "Gilgashana Gilgameshia.""
Mark upon the nameless soul, hero-princess flesh—
—That name...
Unforgettable. Unmissable.
"Fufu. 'Air' in American tongue. Suits your barely-there presence. Body's a feminine twist on Gilgamesh. Fine ring, no? Instant genius. As expected of me."
—"Ea"... your supreme treasure's...
"Ah, right—my Rending Sword bore similar. Fuhaha, it was nameless too. Forgot clean."
—You said "only one."
Decided long ago.
—Savored the soul's etched mark, flesh's bestowed name.
—I accept, Hero King.
Eyes locked true.
My soul's mark: Ea. Hero-princess flesh: Gilgashana Gilgameshia—sworn to one:
—With deepest gratitude.
Unwavering respect, thanks. Endless praise for the supreme king.
And someday—repay worthy of this mark. To the great Hero King.
"I expect it, Ea. Don't tarnish that nature."
Body floated light.
"Awaken. Sending your will outward. Rest brief. I'll cleanse the Demons' taint."
—Hero King—!
"Back to training. Challenge my garden, my world fully. Paint that pristine soul vivid."
Hand reached—falling short.
"Your path's end completes your soul's appraisal. —A worthy journey, yours."
He who watched, guided, sheltered always.
"Challenging gods—humanity's zenith. You repelled Demons on will alone. Worthy of my soul."
—Blinding smile downward. To the world's most revered, singular precious king—
Forever together! —Thank you—!! Hero King Gilgamesh—!!
Heart's thanks, boundless feelings proclaimed.
"—Farewell. Don't overdo—overwork death's a hassle to retrieve. Indulging princess whims has limits."
World, all, wrapped in light—
—Ea's consciousness flipped there.
Eyes opened.
In the apartment room, body rose.
Body: hero-princess.
Right hand gripped: Immaculate Platinum Grail.
—This...?
Filled. Seven colors of mana, brimming.
—Another reward... from the Hero King?
Pondering, stored gently.
—Someday, surely. Purpose will come. Await eagerly.
(Greetings done?)
Beside: cherished friend, Fou.
—Yeah. Got a name.
(Really!? Spill!)
—Soul: "Ea." Body: Gilgashana Gilgameshia. Hehe, cool, right?
(...Ah. Great name. Welcome back... Ea.)
—Thanks, Fou. For being there then... so happy...
(Protecting friends. ...Right?)
—Yeah... thanks.
Hugged Fou tight.
—I'm not alone... that fact. So happy... glad you're here...
(Same. —Back as you... truly glad.)
—Yeah...
(...Welcome home, Ea.)
—I'm home, Fou.
—They confirmed each other, thus.
—The stainless nameless received her mark.
—And set forth on the endless journey—
With one soul, repelled the gods of pity.
Loved, felled, befriended the Beast of Comparison.
Hero-princess of peerless Spirit Origin, supreme beauty.
Her vessel's mark:
Gilgashana Gilgameshia
Her beauty, innocence, sanctity manifest in the singular rare class:
"Hero-Princess Precious"
Flesh granted by the king, answering the soul's "wish."
Soul-mark dwelling that supreme flesh:
Ea
—True name of an ancient god. Essential element for life on this world. And the mark the Hero King bestowed on the "nameless."
—Simply: be there naturally. You belong in this world.
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