Nobody knows how to be a villain better than me.

Dear readers, this book is about to be published. I will be releasing five chapters tomorrow, please subscribe.

However, I'm a little apprehensive. This is my second book to be officially published. I had high hopes for the last one and worked very hard on it, but it flopped badly, with only 1200 first-day subscriptions.

To be honest, I'd say I'm a serious and stubborn person. I've written about 400 million words. I started writing my first book when I was in college; it was the Fate series, before FGO even launched. I wrote a little bit every day for five years, and finished it with 110 million words. My total income was less than 500.

Of course, that book itself wasn't well-prepared and has many flaws, so I don't recommend anyone digging into its dark history.

My second book, "This World Is Seriously Sick," was written a year and a half ago. I was having some trouble at work and wanted to do something I truly enjoyed, and also to prove that I had the ability in this field. I basically taught students during the day and wrote at night.

As you all know, the initial subscription was 1200. I persevered and wrote until the book reached 270 million words. Fortunately, I gained a large number of enthusiastic readers who encouraged me. From 1200 subscriptions, I wrote until the end with 3800 subscriptions, barely making it into a "high-quality" book. I did not let everyone down.

This is the third book I've officially written. I wanted to seriously explore the theme of the fusion of mythology and Type-Moon. It was added to my database on January 25th, and in about 17 days, I've written nearly 150,000 words. Calling myself a donkey in a production team is probably a fitting description.

I've already quit my job and am now working full-time. If you like it, please give me a first order so I can add a chicken leg to my bowl.

It's fine to write for love once or twice, but if this book flops again, I'm finding it hard to keep going.

I don't want to end up like pigeon soup, but I'm not getting any younger, so if things don't work out, I'll just have to compromise with life.

Finally, thank you all for listening to my rambling, and I wish you all a Happy New Year.

Chapter Sixty-Six: Big Brother, I'm Innocent (Seeking First Subscription)

"Of course, King Gilgamesh, I am not asking you to make a choice immediately upon hearing these few words of nonsense, but rather I hope that you will make a judgment in the future based on my actions!"

Samael noticed that the King of Heroes' expression was a little off, and immediately began to explain.

Gilgamesh's expression softened upon hearing this. He was quite pleased with the humility and gave a soft hum.

"You brought intelligence about the ruins of Babylon, participated in the defense of Babylonia, and made outstanding contributions to Uruk twice."

“Indeed, I should not be stingy with rewards and punishments, but the merits you have made are enough to pardon your personal behavior.”

"But these are far from enough to make Uruk turn his back on the gods and follow the great calamity banished to nothingness."

Samael nodded slightly, spread his hands frankly, and exchanged a light smile with the hero-king with whom he had confided some information.

"I know, but didn't you ask me before what the purpose of my trip was?"

"Out of respect for the king, I will simply tell the truth."

"Moreover, even if I can't do it now, I believe that sooner or later I will use practical actions to persuade you and your fellow countrymen in Uruk to return to the embrace of Tiamat."

Gilgamesh was taken aback, and couldn't help but lean back in his chair, a slight smile playing on his lips.

"If I ask, just answer directly?"

"You're quite an interesting fellow."

At this moment, the previous tension had subsided, and the atmosphere on the field gradually eased. The Hero King rested his chin on one hand, his posture exuding an indescribable casualness and laziness.

After two rounds of probing, both sides' intentions were very clear.

Samael confessed his past betrayal of Marduk, the King of Kings, and revealed his identity as a follower of Tiamat. He also expressed his hope to use Uruk's power to help the exiled Mother of Origin return.

Gilgamesh was not an obedient child; he did many things against the will of the gods.

The three storms that struck, and the gods' indifference towards humanity, forced Uruk to confront reality.

Therefore, he doesn't mind having one more heretic who worships the "Mother of Evil Dragons" in his kingdom.

Gilgamesh had previously ignored all of this guy's attempts to conceal his identity.

As he said, if even the gods of the city cannot protect a city-state, how can they allow humans to save themselves?

In addition, the achievements of the Battle Report of the Ruins of Babylon and the Siege of Uruk are just enough to exchange for some substantial rewards from the King of Heroes' Treasury.

It is utterly unworthy to use these things to plead with Gilgamesh to place the future of Uruk on the shoulders of the exiled Mother Goddess of Origin.

To put it simply, it's not worth it.

Unless, of course, this kin of the Origin Mother Goddess can offer a price that truly interests the Hero King.

Negotiations are like that; they often start by throwing out an almost absurd price, and then, through repeated consultations and mutual probing, squeeze out the excess.

These two individuals, who showed absolutely no respect for the gods above them, dared to openly discuss blasphemous matters within the royal palace tower; their audacity was utterly outrageous.

Good heavens! Three storms haven't resolved the situation, yet you dare to defy the gods.

Big brother, I didn't hear anything, and I don't know anything.

In short, it has nothing to do with me; I am innocent.

In one corner, the white-haired nightmare, who had been full of energy just moments before, secretly grumbled to himself, then continued to hug his staff, head down, dozing off as if he were severely sleep-deprived.

As for Anna, who was completely bewildered throughout, she retreated behind a pillar, leaned against it, and took out dried fruit and wheat cakes, crunching on them, much like a spectator watching a play. Since snakes prefer cool and damp environments, she did so.

"Furthermore, I am very curious, what will you use to persuade me, to persuade Uruk?"

At this moment, Gilgamesh, sitting on his throne, unconsciously stroked his chin with his fingertips and asked in a low voice.

"Dismantle the alliance of the Three Goddesses and change the destiny that will destroy Uruk!"

"Are these enough?"

Samael responded solemnly, gazing intently at the hero-king, his serpentine eyes capturing the subtle changes in his expression.

"Hmph, hahaha, hahahahaha! Are you trying to make me laugh?"

"Don't get too cocky, you idiot!"

Gilgamesh first let out a mocking laugh, then turned into a cold snort.

Even at the height of her power, she wasn't confident she could fight against the alliance of the three goddesses who had formed a pact.

Not to mention, there's also the Chains of Heaven, who were once his equal, and so many Sumerians to consider.

The last battle for Babylonia was won because the goddess of monsters and Kingu exploited Gilgamesh's concerns, thus luring him out of the royal palace tower.

If even the God's Wedge couldn't do it, what could a mere ordinary human who could barely transform into a magical beast possibly do in the face of this triple storm?

Samael didn't take it to heart, nodded in greeting, and then looked at him with unwavering eyes.

“Indeed, the deserters of the ruined Babylonian capital could not have done this.”

“But the son of Tiamat can!”

Not just a simple family member! But a divine child of supreme grace?!

This is getting interesting...

Gilgamesh, seated on his throne, suppressed the slight disdain in his eyes, shifted to a more comfortable posture, and adopted a listening posture, seemingly anticipating Samael's next move.

"You should already know the true nature of the goddess of monsters... namely, the summoned Gorgon with snakes for hair!"

"This hero-slayer, empowered by the Holy Grail, stole the power of my mother goddess, creating monsters with the intention of taking revenge on the human species that persecuted her."

As the ancient serpent finished speaking, the Hero King nodded slightly, indicating that he already knew the answer.

"Although Tiamat longed to return to this world, she had no intention of causing the extinction of species."

"She is the beginning of creation, the mother of origin, and all life on earth is her precious child."

"Whether it's humans, monsters, or even gods, she doesn't want to cause harm; it's a mother's instinct."

"Therefore, she did not want the Gorgons to use her power for evil, and thus she was willing to help humanity out of the predicament of the Third Storm."

"And I am the spokesperson for the Mother Goddess, possessing some of her powers, and can fully represent the will of Tiamat!"

Samael spoke with absolute certainty, and Gilgamesh, who had been listening quietly, gradually frowned with seriousness.

"The third storm is not only a disaster for humans, but also engulfs all other living things in the Mesopotamian world."

"As the Mother of Origin, she will never stand idly by and watch her children fight and die meaninglessly."

“Now, in the name of Tiamat, I declare…”

"The Mother of Origins, who deeply loves Mesopotamia, will intervene in this war to reclaim her defiled authority from the goddess of monsters!"

Samael touted his actual authority without batting an eye and morally elevated his motives.

“However, a mother may ask nothing of her child, but as her son, I naturally must vindicate Tiamat and help her obtain sufficient reward.”

"At least, this Mesopotamian world is worth her sacrifice! Worth her risking defying fate!"

At this moment, King Gilgamesh, whose expression was gradually becoming solemn, seemed to be moved, muttering a word to himself.

Destiny…

Could it be that the reason that blank clay tablet appeared was because of... Tiamat?

Chapter Sixty-Seven: Can I get a refund?

"Hehe, this world is getting more and more interesting."

"The alliance of three goddesses, intent on destroying humanity and dominating this land..."

"High above, the Babylonian gods watched the rise and fall of dynasties..."

"The Sumerian city-states, fragile and vulnerable, never ceased their resistance..."

"Now, there is also the Goddess of Origin, who has compassion for all life on earth and hopes to stand on the side of humanity..."

"What a magnificent spectacle! I can hardly wait to see your performance."

Gilgamesh suppressed his distracting thoughts, straightened his back, his demeanor suddenly became solemn, and his tone was low.

"Alright, as a participant in the game, Tiamat's divine child is qualified."

"If you can truly dismantle the alliance of the three goddesses and rewrite the destiny of Uruk, what harm is there in me agreeing to your request!"

Destiny…

When Samael heard this word, which had been unintentionally emphasized and imbued with special emotion, his eyes narrowed slightly, and a hint of doubt crept into his heart.

Could it be that, compared to the alliance of the three goddesses, this ethereal and intangible concept is what Gilgamesh fears even more?

The "Three Goddess Alliance" was merely a means to destroy the Sumerian era, according to prophecy.

The roots of the poisonous tree that bear this evil fruit are actually what is called "destiny".

Even if they do dismantle the Three Goddess Alliance, a new threat may still be brewing in the shadows!

Perhaps, only when Uruk truly comes to an end will the "Destiny" poisonous tree, which brought disaster, stop flowering and bearing fruit and wither away on its own.

As he pondered, the ancient serpent's mood gradually sank to the bottom.

Combined with the previous cryptic statements by Saint Shamhat regarding Marduk, the King of Kings, and the Tablets of Destiny in his possession.

His guess is very likely correct.

Even if the mother goddess Tiamat gives up returning and sides with humanity, truly resolving the crisis will probably not be so simple.

Furthermore, various signs indicate that the "Three Goddess Alliance" is merely a tool presented to achieve a specific goal.

This so-called terror is like an iceberg floating on the surface of the sea—just a tiny speck.

The real threat lies hidden in the unfathomable darkness; only by gazing into the abyss can one catch a glimpse of its sinister outline.

It seems a bit too early to board this wrecked ship, Uruk.

Samael, feeling a vague unease, sensed a chill creeping down his neck and instinctively shrank back, then regretted his actions.

Immediately, the ancient serpent glanced at Gilgamesh on the throne out of the corner of its eye, its lips moving as a muttered thought rose in its throat.

King Gilgamesh, um, I just wanted to ask, is it possible to get a refund?

"Hey, Tiamat's divine child, weren't you planning to help dismantle the alliance of the three goddesses?"

"Since you're so interesting, feel free to share your thoughts."

When the summons came from the throne, Samael's expression turned solemn. He stepped forward, stood before a miniature map drawn from several clay tablets on the table, and began to speak eloquently.

Under the guise of being guided by the god Tiamat, the ancient serpent recounted the precious information it had compiled through its foresight.

First, King Gilgamesh nodded repeatedly in agreement as he listened to the introduction of the general background of the Three Goddesses Alliance and their respective weaknesses.

Secondly, with detailed intelligence as the basis for decision-making, the subsequent policies undoubtedly become more reliable and credible.

As expected, the eight-character mantra of "bribery," "winning over," "dividing," and "attacking" immediately caused even the usually aloof and arrogant Gilgamesh to have a glint in his eyes.

"Brilliant! Brilliant! This way, the Three Goddess Alliance will collapse without a fight. As long as we proceed according to plan, we can at least win half the battle!"

Merlin, who had woken up at some unknown time and was eavesdropping behind the clay tablet map, couldn't help but clap his hands in admiration. He then pulled out a few handwritten tablets with scribbles and corrections from a stack of clay tablets and handed them to Samael.