Fujiwara Chika: "Waaah! That move was so cool, Mr. Tarnished!"
Sitting in her classroom while watching the live broadcast, Fujiwara Chika's eyes sparkled so brightly that several classmates turned to look at her.
On the screen, golden torrents intertwined with scarlet lightning, blooming like divine fireworks. The spectacle had completely captivated her.
Although her family forbade her from indulging too deeply in certain aspects of otaku culture—such as video games—she had seen plenty of movies.
But no cinematic special effect could compare to what she was witnessing now.
Art imitating life? No—
This was life surpassing art.
The Oldest King: "Hahaha! This Tarnished possesses half of my former grandeur!"
Forever Seventeen: "Ara ara, Mr. Tarnished certainly caused quite a commotion. It seems Otto will be paying dearly this time."
Otto Apocalypse: "That much is insignificant. I have already dispatched Rita to negotiate."
As the Overseer of Schicksal, how could he possibly be concerned about such expenses?
Yes, the disturbance was significant. It had even drawn the attention of Singapore's authorities.
But that was fine.
There was no problem that money couldn't solve.
And if there was—
Then simply double it.
Of course, this incident would further strain relations between Schicksal and Singapore.
But the gains far outweighed the losses.
From the footage he observed aboard the aerial battleship, the Tarnished's strength rivaled the Red Immortal at her peak—perhaps even surpassed her.
Perhaps…
He could attempt to draw this man into his grand design.
Swirling the wine in his glass, Otto considered the possibility.
Forever Seventeen: "Otto really is fabulously wealthy. I'm envious."
Though she didn't truly understand the value of human currency, being able to call such destruction "insignificant"—
Aside from that flashy golden king who resembled a nouveau riche aristocrat…
Only Otto could say such a thing.
Fujiwara Chika: "Oh! What about Hu Tao? Is she okay? @Hu Tao"
Hu Tao: "Yoo-hoo! This Director is perfectly fine~ Thanks to Miss Kurara, Miss Deichii, and Mr. Flo, I was escorted out of the building in time. We even performed proper rites for three of the reincarnators."
Hu Tao: "It's just a shame… I originally wanted to guide them onward and free them from lingering attachments, but they all insisted on staying by Mr. Tarnished's side. Miss Tear even seemed a little upset…"
Hu Tao: "Did I… do something wrong?"
After sending the message, Hu Tao's bright expression dimmed. She looked genuinely dejected.
She truly didn't understand.
She had only intended to help her newly acquainted friends—and to safeguard the boundary between life and death.
The balance between the two realms was not meant to fall into chaos.
Yet when she spoke those words, even Therolina had taken a subtle step away.
Their reaction reminded her of Qiqi's attitude toward funeral rites…
Forever Seventeen: "..."
Fujiwara Chika: "..."
NorthNorthNorth: "Don't know what to say.jpg"
For once, the group was at a loss.
Hu Tao wasn't wrong.
But not every principle applied to everyone.
Especially not to those Spirit Ashes, who clearly revered the Tarnished.
How could they accept her offer to sever their bond?
Aizen: "Miss Hu Tao, your intentions were not malicious. However, your approach was indeed misguided."
The Oldest King: "Aizen is correct. Little girl, while your usual practices are sound, in this case you touched upon something sacred to them."
This was the first time Gilgamesh had spoken so patiently.
Perhaps because, in Hu Tao, he glimpsed a reflection of the goddess Ereshkigal.
Diligent.
Devoted to the dead.
Tirelessly maintaining the order of the underworld.
The Oldest King: "If I am not mistaken, that Tarnished is also a king. Though he insists on calling himself insignificant, he is undoubtedly a great one."
The Oldest King: "Those beings are his people. Why would subjects wish to leave a king they cherish?"
The Oldest King: "So yes, little girl. This time, you were mistaken."
Hu Tao: "But…"
For a moment, she didn't know how to reply.
She had been taught since childhood to preserve the natural order between life and death.
Yet—
Their attachment was far deeper than she had anticipated.
"…But that's fine! I'll help them resolve those attachments someday!"
In the blink of an eye, Hu Tao's spirit rebounded, returning to her usual energetic self.
Meanwhile—
The Tarnished, who had been silently observing the chat, fell into thought.
Standing at the edge of a crater crackling with red lightning, he glanced down at the Spirit Calling Bell in his hand.
He had never imagined—
That they would care for him so deeply.
His mind drifted to the Roundtable Hold.
To Smithing Master Hewg.
To the young red-hooded Roderika.
To Sorceress Sellen.
To Nepheli Loux.
They had all supported him.
Believed in him.
Hoped he would claim the throne of Elden Lord.
And yet—
Every cycle ended in disappointment.
He claimed the throne—
And lost it.
Sat upon it—
Yet failed to act as a true king.
Sometimes, he even made matters worse.
His fist tightened unconsciously.
Then slowly loosened.
After a moment's thought, he typed into the chat.
The Tarnished Who Wants to Save His Wife: "Mr. Gilgamesh, you are correct. I was once a king. But an unqualified one. That is why I call myself insignificant."
After all—
He had borne the title of Elden Lord six hundred and sixty-six times.
Though in truth, it had been little more than a hollow designation.
The Oldest King: "Unqualified? Interesting. If you were truly unworthy, you would not have so many willing to follow and revere you."
The Oldest King: "My advice? Follow your heart. Do what you believe is right."
The Oldest King: "Whether a king is qualified or not is judged by his people—not by himself."
The Oldest King: "A king is not a slave to 'correctness.' Nor is there a clear boundary defining it. Simply being yourself is sufficient."
Seated upon his throne, Gilgamesh smiled gently.
Like a senior guiding a lost junior.
Perhaps because—
He saw something of his former self in this Tarnished.
The version of himself who had once been lost after the death of a dear friend.
The Tarnished Who Wants to Save His Wife: "Thank you, Mr. Gilgamesh."
The Oldest King: "Hahaha! Think nothing of it. I merely look forward to the entertainment you will bring."
Forever Seventeen: "Ara ara, who would have thought the King of Pleasure had such teaching potential?"
Fujiwara Chika: "It's true! This is the first time Mr. Gilgamesh has been so patient."
NorthNorthNorth: "Senior and junior.jpg"
Even perceptive NorthNorthNorth had seen through it.
Reading the messages, the Tarnished felt something shift within him.
Perhaps—
There was more he needed to accomplish.
"If that's the case…"
He looked up at the burning night sky.
"Then this time, I will not only save Melina."
"I will give everyone an answer they can accept."
And within his heart—
He made that vow.