FATE: Target of Grand Master

Ever since Nero returned to the safe house with Xia Yan, she has been having a recurring dream.

It was a sunset when he lay on the ground, all his former power, glory and wealth vanished like smoke, and even his body had long since lost sensation and he could not move.

This is the third time I've experienced this scenario. If nothing unexpected happens, this is where my story should end.

But this time, an accident happened.

This is a miracle even rarer than simply looking up and seeing a shooting star streak across the sky; however, not every miracle brings hope.

"This capricious emperor has finally fallen from power. We no longer have to put up with her so-called 'flash of inspiration' nonsense."

"She actually boasted that her artistic talent was comparable to Apollo's. My God, that performance in the Roman theater was worse than killing me."

"I heard that she not only had an affair with her uncle Caligula, but also secretly gave birth to their child and then ate it. She's practically a demon."

Countless rumors and gossip reached her ears.

Countless rumors and slanders reached her ears.

Countless vulgarities reached her ears.

Why?

Why say that about me?

Yu Mingming loves Rome, the citizens of Rome, and everything about Rome so much. Could it be that the scenes of Yu being loved by thousands of people before were all carefully woven lies?

Whoever it is, even just one person, please tell me that I am not without love!

However, Nero turned his eyes, but there was nothing in sight.

No, it cannot be said to be empty. After watching the sky go through darkness, brightness, dimness and darkness again three times, Nero finally could not bear the constant stream of harsh words entering his ears.

Since you all say that about me, then I will no longer have any expectations of you. I will transform into the prostitute and demon you speak of, and let you taste the poison that transforms into human evil!

"Nero!"

A shout pulled Nero back to reality.

Are you alright?

When Nero came to his senses, he saw Xia Yan half-squatting down, looking at him with concerned eyes.

"I'm sorry, player, I'm fine, I just got distracted."

Nero immediately smiled.

Xia Yan stared into Nero's eyes for a long time, until Nero's cheeks turned red, before Xia Yan finally smiled.

"Yes, it's good that you're alright."

"You foolish emperor, even daydreaming has its limits. We've already reached the first door."

Morgan's words made Nero notice a huge stone gate in front of the three of them, blocking the entire ramp and making it look even more sinister in the dark surroundings.

"Why is there a door here?" Nero asked, puzzled.

"You idiot emperor, you didn't absorb a single word Xia Yan said just now!"

Morgan retorted mercilessly.

"To reach the bottom of the underworld and see Ereshkigal, we must pass through the seven gates of Ereshkigal. This is the first one."

Xia Yan showed no impatience and explained again in the most concise language.

"I see. So how do we pass the test of these seven gates?"

Xia Yan straightened up, looked at the massive stone gate, and said, "The answer to Ereshkigal's question shall be decided by the Mistress of the Underworld."

Then, Xia Yan raised his voice and shouted, "Ereshkigal, my name is Xia Yan, and I am a Master. I have come here to have a good talk with you."

"Let's have a good talk."

Let's chat.

"Let's chat."

"chat."

Xia Yan's echo reverberated in the underworld. After a moment, a majestic female voice finally came from the stone gate.

"Mortal, what business do you have with me, the mistress of the underworld?"

The voice belonged to Ereshkigal, but at this moment she was using an extremely deliberate tone of voice to display the majesty of a god, commonly known as "pretending".

"Of course I came to chat with you."

Xia Yan replied with an incredibly sunny and warm smile.

"ha?"

Aileen's composure faltered instantly, but she immediately realized this and quickly regained her authoritative tone.

"Foolish mortal, I, the mistress of the underworld, have no time to chat with a human like you."

"Really? But I heard that Lord Ereshkigal finds it too boring to be alone at the bottom of the Underworld and is currently hiring a chat partner with a high salary?"

"What a joke! Where did you hear that rumor? While I may feel a little lonely, I would never use such a method to recruit employees!"

"So Lord Ereshkigal himself admitted that he felt lonely."

"......"

Shimen fell silent.

"Hello? Lord Ereshkigal, are you still there?"

Xia Yan's tone, as if he had just made a phone call and realized the signal was bad, immediately made Ai Lei a little angry.

How did I end up being led by the nose by such a mortal?

No, I must regain my dignity as the mistress of the underworld.

Since they want to come here, they must pass the test of the seven gates. I can use this to my advantage!

That's right! Ereshkigal! You're incredibly clever!

"Cough...cough..."

Ai Lei cleared her throat, and her voice returned to its authoritative tone.

"This goddess is magnanimous and will grant you an audience, but you must pass my seven trials. Answer: Who is more beautiful, Ishtar or Ereshkigal?"

"Of course, it's Lord Ereshkigal."

Xia Yan replied without hesitation.

"Oh? So decisive. Looks like you're quite clever. Very good, you've passed this test."

As soon as Ai Lei finished speaking, the first stone door slowly opened.

"That simple?"

Nero was surprised that the test given to the Mistress of the Underworld was simply to answer such a simple question.

In fact, not only Nero, but even Morgan was taken aback, feeling that this mistress of the underworld seemed quite easy to handle.

"Sh-!"

Xia Yan quickly put his finger to his lips, making a shushing gesture.

These words should be kept to oneself, but absolutely must not reach Ereshkigal's ears, for he does not want to turn what was originally an easy difficulty into a difficult one.

The three continued down and soon arrived at the second door.

"Answer this: Who is more worthy of entrusting their wealth to, Ishtar or Ereshkigal?"

"Ereshkigal!"

Xia Yan answered again without a second's hesitation.

"......"

However, this time there was no reply from Shimen.

Xia Yan thought Ai Lei hadn't heard him, so he repeated it again.

"My answer is Ereshkigal!"

"......"

There was still no movement at the stone gate.

Xia Yan sensed something strange, then repeatedly called out to the stone gate, "Ereshkigal! Ereshkigal! Ereshkigal! My only answer is Ereshkigal!"

"ah!"

A scream came from the stone gate, and Xia Yan could almost see Ai Lei, who was holding her rosy cheeks and looking completely bewildered, through the sound.

Well, after all, she is one of the oldest homebodies in human history, so it's understandable that she has no resistance to such a direct attack.

However, Xia Yan's smugness did not last long.

"No, no. Your answer was far too quick, as if you already knew what question I was going to ask. Did Gilgamesh leak it to you beforehand? Hmph, even if you pass this time, my questions won't be so simple starting from the next door!"