BOOM—!
A woman with an exotic air crashed down before the group with the force of an asteroid, leaving a massive crater several meters deep in the middle of the street.
She stood around 180 centimeters tall, her golden curls swaying in the wind like stalks of wheat.
Although her overall figure possessed a woman's slender elegance, her long arms and thighs were smooth and full, giving the uncanny impression that they concealed astonishing strength.
That strike just now...
Even the shockwave alone had reached the level of an Anti-Fortress Noble Phantasm.
It was hard not to wonder whether, if she got serious, she could vaporize the entire city of Ur with a casual wave of her hand.
In fact, the readings displayed by the various specialized instruments in the Chaldea Control Room had already reached absurd levels.
"The nature of her Mana matches the tropical jungle from earlier, and the wavelength is identical as well... Everyone, be careful!
If I'm not mistaken, she's probably the Goddess of the Dense Forest, the final pillar of the Three Goddess Alliance!"
"Hmm? How rude~ Who exactly are you calling 'she'?"
The blonde goddess bent forward with a smile, bringing her face closer to Dr. Roman's holographic projection.
Her smile was as brilliant as the sun, yet it carried a will that sent chills down the spine.
Romani Archaman let out a shriek of "Eek~!" and hid behind Da Vinci.
Even Ritsuka had no room to make fun of the doctor's cowardice this time.
Cold sweat beaded on her forehead as she watched the goddess before them warily.
This was a true Divine Spirit. A genuine goddess.
She was unlike any being Ritsuka Fujimaru had encountered before.
"Oh my, I heard the Jaguar Warrior had run into a little trouble...
Today's human sacrifice ritual had just ended, so I thought I'd come take a look. I never expected to reel in such a big catch.
A Master and a half-Servant from Chaldea, Uruk's court Magus, and then there's..."
A bright, cheerful smile appeared in the goddess's eyes as her gaze swept over the group before finally settling on the red-haired boy.
"So you're the legendary Magical Beast Slayer? You're every bit as impressive and adorable as the rumors say. Big sis has taken quite a liking to you, you know?"
"...Magical Beast Slayer?"
Shirou frowned slightly.
This was the first time he had heard that he had earned such a title. Couldn't they have come up with something cooler? King of Heroes Slayer, for example.
"Oh my. It seems we weren't able to hide anything from them. Enkidu must have been working diligently behind the scenes."
Merlin spoke up. "Excuse me. It may be a little late to ask, but may I confirm something?
You are one of the pillars of the Three Goddess Alliance, the Goddess of the Dense Forest who created this wild jungle, correct?"
"That's right! I'm Quetzalcoatl, the big sister from distant South America who came here to destroy Mesopotamia just a little!"
The blonde goddess spoke lightly, wearing a genuinely delighted smile.
She had even revealed her True Name directly to Shirou and the others, despite the fact that they were supposed to be her enemies.
"You're... Quetzalcoatl... Quetzalcoatl, the Feathered Serpent!?"
Dr. Roman's astonished voice rang out beside them.
"A goddess who, like Ishtar, represents Venus, as well as the King of Conquerors of the Maya and the Sun God of the Toltecs!
Quetzalcoatl... Isn't she a supreme deity on the level of a chief god!?"
The deity known as the Winged Serpent was one of the supreme beings of Aztec mythology in Mesoamerica.
She was the god of life and abundant harvests, the god of culture, and the god of wind and rain. For a time, she was even said to have governed the sun.
"But wait, isn't Quetzalcoatl supposed to be a male god? Why is she a goddess now!?"
"Don't worry about such trivial details~"
The blonde goddess gave him a flirtatious wink and brushed the matter aside.
Her gender, however, was not what concerned Shirou most.
According to legend, Quetzalcoatl was a benevolent deity who deeply loved humanity.
There were goddesses such as Ishtar who embodied the contradictory traits of loving humanity and glorifying war, but Quetzalcoatl was unquestionably a symbol of goodness within the otherwise brutal mythology of Mesoamerica.
The Feathered Serpent was revered as a benevolent god who rejected human sacrifice. She was also regarded as the same being as Tlahuizcalpantecuhtli, the benevolent god who embodied the Morning Star, and the Mayan Kukulkan. Countless legends praised her kindness.
Why, then, would someone like her seek to destroy humanity?
No... Was this goddess truly trying to bring about humanity's extinction?
"Quetzalcoatl, why are you opposing humanity? Why do you want to destroy Mesopotamia?
And what kind of human sacrifice ritual are you actually performing?"
Faced with Shirou's rapid barrage of questions, the goddess, who had remained calm and composed until now, suddenly froze.
"......"
"Why are you staying silent? That wasn't a difficult question, was it?"
Rather than becoming angry under Shirou's relentless questioning, Quetzalcoatl burst into delighted laughter.
"Ahaha... Oh, stop it. I was just a little surprised~"
"What's so surprising?" Shirou asked.
"Because... Shirou-kun had such a resolute look on his face, as though he were thinking, 'Quetzalcoatl could never be an evil god. There must be some hidden reason behind this!'"
"......What?"
"Even though I'm an enemy you've only just met, you've already decided on your own that I bear humanity no ill will.
I know it's because of those Mystic Eyes, but... oh no~! Big sis is so happy she could melt~!
Waaah~ This is all your fault, so you'd better take responsibility!"
The Sun Goddess cupped one slightly flushed cheek in her hand, and someone immediately seized the opportunity to ask a question.
"Specifically, how should he take responsibility?"
"Merlin! Don't say unnecessary things!" Shirou shouted, seized by a terrible premonition.
"As for the specifics~ Hmm, hmm!"
Quetzalcoatl placed a finger against her chin, wearing a teasing smile that made it impossible to tell how serious she was.
"If Shirou-kun agrees to marry me, I'd be willing to switch sides and join you~♡"
"M-Marriage!?"
Roman and Mash stared wide-eyed. Meanwhile, an intense killing intent erupted from Ritsuka and Ana.
The corner of Shirou's mouth twitched, while Merlin leaned against his staff and struggled not to laugh.
"Unfortunately, that would hardly be the behavior of a proper adult.
It would be very goddess-like, though... Hmm. My attributes already overlap far too much with Ishtar's."
Quetzalcoatl's smile faded, and her expression turned serious once more.
"All right. You asked why I intend to destroy Uruk, correct?
Then I'll answer.
Mother summoned us here to kill humanity. That fundamental premise will not change.
Therefore, both I and the other two pillars will carry out that duty.
But the method is mine to decide, isn't it?
Dropping the sun onto the earth and burning all of humanity to ashes would be terribly boring, wouldn't you agree?"
Her expression turned almost wistful.
"That's right. I want to remember every human I kill, so I only kill one hundred people each day.
I don't want to fight with hatred in my heart. I simply want to enjoy myself properly...
So I decided that no matter who my opponent is, I will kill them carefully, one at a time.
In other words, I'll exterminate humanity through one-on-one professional wrestling~ That is my chosen method~!"
"......"
Everyone was left speechless.
This goddess was utterly unreasonable.
Yet Shirou still had his doubts.
There was no scent of blood on Quetzalcoatl.
Had she truly killed the humans sent to her as sacrifices?
"There it is again. Shirou is making that face again... The face of someone who absolutely refuses to believe I'm a bad person~!
Hehehe... This is the first time a human has trusted me so completely. It's almost embarrassing!"
"...I don't trust you at all," Shirou said.
"Fufufu. In that case, why not feel it with your own body?
Let us see whether my killing intent is genuine."
The instant the goddess finished speaking, an unbelievably violent aura tore through the group.
As the Sun Goddess drew her obsidian weapon, her divine presence erupted like a raging storm, howling through the streets of Ur.
"!!!"
Faced with that terrifying pressure, Mash and Ana assumed combat stances before they could even think.
"Are we going to fight? Are we really going to end up fighting after all!?" Roman frantically hammered at his keyboard.
"...Wait."
Shirou reached out and stopped Mash and Ana.
"She possesses some kind of absolute Authority. We have no chance of defeating her."
The Sun Goddess happily cupped her cheeks with both hands.
"Oh my, he called me 'she'...
Fufufu, that cold, sadistic tone from a younger boy is wonderful~
Shirou-kun, scold your big sister even more harshly!"
"That isn't what you said a moment ago!" the doctor protested.
Quetzalcoatl raised an eyebrow and challenged him in return.
"So, will you give up? Will you surrender before the battle even begins?
Incidentally, if Shirou-kun is willing to sacrifice himself, big sis might let everyone else live."
"Sorry, but no one is being sacrificed."
Shirou continued, "At the beginning, didn't you say that today's human sacrifices had already ended?"
"......Ah!"
The Sun Goddess instinctively covered her mouth.
With a teasing expression, Shirou pressed his advantage.
"Quetzalcoatl, are you going to break your divine vow to kill only one hundred people each day?
The humans you already killed will cry, you know."
"......"
The goddess's shoulders slumped in defeat.
"All right, all right. Shirou-kun, stop bullying your big sister. I understand.
I'll only wrestle one hundred people per day! I won't treat battle like a routine chore, and I'll always pursue the highest-quality fights to the death.
Of course I'll keep my vow!"
The overwhelming divine pressure pouring from Quetzalcoatl vanished in an instant.
She gave everyone a warm smile as radiant as the sun and waved.
"Well then, that's enough for today. I'm returning to Eridu."
With those words, she raised one arm toward the sky.
A gigantic pterosaur swept across the distant horizon and glided down toward them.
Quetzalcoatl grabbed hold of its leg and rose into the sky before everyone's astonished eyes.
"Well then, everyone, adios! Shirou-kun, next time I'll come visit you in Uruk~~!!"
"Senpai... Does this mean she let us go...?"
"It doesn't feel as though we won at all. I only feel drained from barely escaping with my life."
That was the only conclusion the girls could reach.
The difference in strength was overwhelming, and they were deep within enemy territory.
There was no way they could win.
They could not even imagine how they were supposed to fight that goddess.
Fortunately, Shirou's quick thinking had allowed him to persuade her at the crucial moment.
"All right, we should withdraw as well, before Quetzalcoatl changes her mind."
At Merlin's suggestion, the group ended their investigation of Ur and prepared to return to Uruk.
"The situation in Ur, the mysterious Jaguar Warrior, and Quetzalcoatl, the final pillar of the Three Goddess Alliance.
Learning those three things alone means our results have far exceeded expectations.
The entire ordeal was rather harrowing, but we completed our task splendidly.
Even King Gilgamesh, fond as he is of finding fault, should have nothing to complain about."
And so, the group returned to Uruk.
...
The Divine Tower, the following evening.
"...That concludes our report on the situation in Ur, as well as everything we saw and experienced along the way.
However, we were unable to defeat the enemy Servant or protect the residents."
"Guh... Ugh... To think you fled in such disgrace...!"
Gilgamesh's handsome face twisted and spasmed.
"On the memorable first mission personally bestowed upon you by this King, how could something so absurd have happened...!"
Seeing his reaction, Head Priestess Siduri hurriedly intervened.
"Please, restrain your anger, King Gilgamesh...!
Fujimaru returned alive. That alone makes this entirely different from before..."
"Damn it!"
Gilgamesh slammed his hand against the jade throne.
"What is that amusing Servant called the Jaguar Warrior!? This King wishes to see it with his own eyes!
Why are you people always the ones who encounter such absurdities!? And you, Shirou!
Not only were you instantly defeated by the Jaguar Warrior when you first met, but you encountered it again on the way back and were instantly defeated a second time!?
That is exactly why this King told you not to go... This is divine punishment for defying the one who sees through all things! Hahahahaha!"
Shirou's face alternated between pale and livid.
On the journey back to Uruk, the Jaguar Warrior had appeared before the group once again.
This time, Shirou tried to communicate with her. Unfortunately, he had forgotten that she was, after all, possessing Fuji-nee, which made normal communication impossible.
Just as Shirou walked over and began explaining himself, the Jaguar Warrior launched a sudden surprise attack without the slightest warning and knocked him unconscious.
"......"
Fine. So that was how she wanted to play it.
Even Shirou's indulgence toward Fuji-nee had its limits.
The next time they met, he would have to make her understand something.
Between the Tiger and the Master, which of them was truly the head of the Amamiya household?
Gilgamesh glanced at Shirou's clenched fists before turning to Merlin.
"Can Eridu be seen from Ur? Is the axe still there?"
The Magus of Flowers answered, "No. The Sea of Trees is far too dense to see Eridu from Ur.
However, I did sense a powerful divine presence, so I believe the axe remains in Eridu."
The axe they were discussing was likely the Axe of Marduk from Mesopotamian mythology.
According to legend, Marduk had once used that axe to split the throat of the Goddess Tiamat.
The Goddess of Demonic Beasts was very likely Tiamat herself.
If that was true, the Axe of Marduk would be essential for defeating the goddess of creation.
"I see. Then it seems we'll have to conquer the Sea of Trees. We should begin constructing a transport wagon..."
Gilgamesh rested his chin in one hand and sank into thought.
...
After finishing their report at the Divine Tower, the group returned to the Chaldea Embassy before nightfall.
Although the journey had lasted only four days, the fatigue they had accumulated was considerable.
The harsh environment of the Age of Gods jungle.
The Jaguar Warrior possessing Fuji-nee.
The Sun Goddess Quetzalcoatl.
Each of them had tested Shirou both physically and mentally.
"You have worked hard, my Lord."
"Welcome home, Brother!"
News of the group's return from the jungle had already spread throughout the city. As soon as Shirou arrived at the embassy, Tomoe Gozen and Ushiwakamaru came out to welcome him.
"How were things here? Were the Magical Beasts especially aggressive while we were away?"
"Not at all. Now that their Commander has been eliminated, the Magical Beasts' attacks are nothing to fear... More importantly, Tomoe was worried about your safety."
"Were you injured anywhere?"
The silver-haired, red-eyed warrior began inspecting Shirou's body like a newlywed wife.
"Brother! I prayed every day for your safe return from the south!"
Not to be outdone, Ushiwakamaru accepted Shirou's head pat while proudly claiming credit.
"I did more! Every night, once it grew late and quiet, Tomoe chanted sutras and performed rituals for my Lord."
"Don't copy me."
"Who is copying you? You're the one who should stop clinging to Shirou-sama."
Tomoe Gozen and Ushiwakamaru glared defiantly at one another.
It seemed the two of them had continued competing even while Shirou was away.
In their previous lives, they had served different lords. Now, Shirou had become the focus of their rivalry.
"...Sigh."
Shirou felt the pressure he had finally escaped settling over him once more.
"Sorry, but I'd like to take a bath first..."
Using that as an excuse, Shirou excused himself from the two of them.
He had used Magecraft to clean himself during the journey...
But after enduring such a dense jungle, nothing could replace a proper bath. Merlin was already beginning to smell a little.
Since six of the seven Heroic Spirits summoned by Gilgamesh, everyone except Leonidas I, came from Japan, a Japanese-style bathing area and bathtub had been added to the dormitory during its initial renovations.
Of course, that was not the problem.
The problem was...
Shirou distinctly remembered hanging an "In Use" sign on the bathroom door before entering.
"My Lord, you must be exhausted after such a long journey. Allow Tomoe to attend to you tonight~"
"Brother, would you like me to wash your back?"
The widow and the loyal hound girl appeared through the bathhouse's white mist, completely naked except for the thin towels wrapped around their bodies.
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