"…"
Even Gilgamesh felt immense pressure at that moment.
He was formidable, no doubt.
His countless Noble Phantasms included anti-army, anti-fortress, and even anti-world divine construct.
Yet, Gilgamesh had a fatal weakness.
As an Archer, he wasn't adept at close combat.
With the strength of the four... Shion, Souei, Hoshiga, and the Ice Empress... they could deliver a lethal blow before he could react.
"Stand down." Damien commanded.
He hadn't forgotten Gilgamesh's insolence.
But responding to verbal jabs with blades would be petty.
"Ignorance is fearless." Damien said. "I forgive your offense this time."
"But…" His gaze turned icy. "There won't be a next time, Gilgamesh."
"Gilgamesh?"
"He said Gilgamesh?"
"The ancient king of Babylon?"
"No wonder!"
"No wonder he has so many Noble Phantasms!"
Damien's revelation of Gilgamesh's identity caused his brows to twitch, while the onlookers, including Artoria and Iskandar, felt their hearts race.
"Hmph."
Gilgamesh crossed his arms, refraining from further taunts.
Damien's strength had exceeded his expectations.
Moreover, if Damien truly was Solomon, Gilgamesh couldn't easily mock him.
Not because of Damien's power or the threat of Shion and the others.
But because the man before him had achieved the feat of dominating gods and daemons!
What did Gilgamesh despise most?
Undoubtedly, those lofty, self-righteous gods who toyed with mortals.
Compared to himself, a mere pawn, this man could bend demon god pillars to his will.
That alone, king or not, earned Gilgamesh's respect.
Divinity…
When Shion, the Ice Empress, and the others appeared, Gilgamesh had sensed it.
Each of them carried divinity.
This meant they were, if not gods, at least demigods, angels, or divine beasts.
"Alright, alright, the banquet's just started. No need to make it so tense!" Iskandar laughed, easing the strained atmosphere.
Waver and Irisviel, previously paralyzed by the killing intent, exhaled in relief.
Still, they worried Gilgamesh might refuse to join.
Artoria was ready to shield Irisviel if Gilgamesh lashed out.
Yet, events unfolded unexpectedly.
Gilgamesh took the ladle without hesitation, sniffed the wine, and ignored the cup Iskandar offered.
The scene reminded Irisviel of Artoria's earlier words, calling this banquet a 'challenge.'
The most ancient king, facing fellow kings, had no choice but to accept Iskandar's test of heroic mettle.
"This is low-grade swill." Gilgamesh sneered, scorning the wine. "You think this can measure a hero's worth?"
"Is that so?" Iskandar countered. "Among the wines from the local market, this is top-tier."
"You think that because you don't know true wine, lowly mongrel."
"If you say so, you must have something better." Damien challenged. "Don't show it, and I'll assume you're bluffing."
"Hmph!"
Gilgamesh disliked Damien's tone but, unusually, held back his venom.
As he'd reasoned, a man who commanded gods and daemons stood on his level.
Hum…
The space beside Gilgamesh twisted and swirled.
Waver and Irisviel, recognizing the prelude to his Noble Phantasm barrage, felt a chill and prepared to flee.
But what emerged wasn't a weapon... it was a set of ornate, gem-encrusted wine vessels.
"Watch and learn." Gilgamesh declared. "This is a king's vintage!"
From a heavy golden flask poured a clear, colorless liquid. Four golden goblets were tossed to Iskandar, who filled them and passed them to Damien and Artoria.
Damien glanced at his ordinary cup but didn't refuse.
Why reject something superior?
"Wow, this is amazing!" Iskandar exclaimed, eyes wide after a sip.
Damien didn't hesitate either, curious about the wine Gilgamesh offered in the Fourth War.
"Hm?"
The moment it touched his throat, a wave of euphoria struck him.
"Delicious."
Damien wasn't fond of wine.
But this flavor was unlike anything he'd imagined... a supreme taste.
Bold yet refreshing, rich yet exhilarating.
The intense sensory pleasure overwhelmed his sense of smell, even dulling his sight and touch.
"Absolutely incredible!" Iskandar roared. "This wine couldn't be man-made... is it from the Age of Gods?"
Gilgamesh smirked, pleased by the praise.
"Of course."
"Be it wine or swords, my treasury holds only the finest treasures."
"That alone determines a king's worth, doesn't it?"
At some point, he'd sat cross-legged at the head, gently swirling his goblet.
"Is that so?" Damien said, savoring the wine with a teasing tone. "Then tell me, which falls first: a land rich with fields and grain but lacking an army to protect it, or a neighboring nation with a vast military?"
"You…" Gilgamesh's eye twitched.
He understood Damien's implication.
Gilgamesh had presented his wine, proving his kingly worth through wealth.
But Damien's retort was clear.
Wealth without the might to defend it made a king a lamb awaiting slaughter, ripe for plunder by the strong.
In such times, even the weak would take a bite, devouring it piece by piece.
***
Bonus Chapter:
100 Power Stones = 1 BC
300 Power Stones = 2 BC
500 Power Stones = 3 BC
700 Power Stones = 4 BC
1000 Power Stones = 5 BC
***
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