Chat group, if you have anything to say to my Holy Sword,

Gilgamesh listened quietly to Xiling's words.

Xiling continued, "After that, I went directly to find that monster goddess, Gorgon, and beheaded her. The plan was that simple."

Upon hearing Xiling's brief description, Merlin blinked in surprise. He instinctively turned his gaze to the Hero King on the throne, trying to find a hint of mockery or opposition on the other's face—

However, what he saw was Gilgamesh's slightly upturned lips! The curve was small, but clearly visible, carrying a sense of approval and agreement, as if saying, "That's how it should be," and "That's exactly what I wanted!"

Merlin's doubts surged instantly. "Where did this person... come from? And that king, instead of mocking or saying anything, showed an approving smile."

In the shadows at the edge of the hall, a petite figure stood quietly, her large hood almost completely obscuring her face.

When Xiling calmly said, "Go directly to the Beast Goddess Gorgon and behead her," her body seemed to stiffen almost imperceptibly.

But she didn't look up or make a sound; she simply pulled her hood down even harder in silence.

Just then, Gilgamesh spoke up, "The goddess you speak of, I have not yet been able to obtain any definite clues about her."

"Oh, don't worry about that. I have clues and methods to find her."

“Heh…” Gilgamesh let out a low, knowing laugh, which seemed to carry an all-knowing wisdom, and then the laugh gradually grew louder—

"Hahahaha!" Loud laughter echoed in the hall.

As the laughter subsided, Gilgamesh suddenly waved his hand, as if waving a command flag, and said in a resolute voice: "Then, let's move out!"

"During your campaign against the Beast Goddess, the Kingdom of Uruk will spare no effort to provide you with all the support it can! Soldiers, supplies, intelligence... whatever is in my treasury and whatever can be mobilized from the land of Uruk, will be at your disposal! And you—"

"There's only one thing to do: take down those three high and mighty goddesses one by one!"

“That’s how it should be. So let’s get started.” Xiling waved her hand, turned and walked out of the hall. Anna, who was in the shadows, also walked out of the hall silently.

Merlin bowed slightly to Gilgamesh on the throne, giving an elegant farewell: "Then, I shall take my leave as well."

Just as Merlin turned to leave, Gilgamesh's voice rang out again, with an unusual solemnity: "Wait, Merlin."

Merlin paused, turning back to look at the figure on the throne with some confusion.

Only when Xiling's footsteps completely disappeared at the end of the corridor, leaving only the two of them in the hall, did Gilgamesh slowly speak:

"This change is something neither of us could have foreseen; what's happening right now wouldn't be an exaggeration to describe as a miracle."

Merlin didn't quite understand Gilgamesh's words. It couldn't be that outrageous, could it? Of course, he didn't know what Gilgamesh had seen.

Gilgamesh, of course, had no intention of explaining the nature of the miracle he had witnessed to Merlin.

Gilgamesh's gaze seemed to pierce through Merlin and look toward the distant future as he continued, "But a miracle is just a miracle. It may shine for a time in dire circumstances, but it will not forever favor the same person or the same era. The road that Chaldea must embark on... is long and arduous. They have a long way to go."

His sharp gaze refocused on Merlin's face: "Originally, I was supposed to be the one to bring down the trial, but things have changed. Therefore, on this journey, I need you... to do what you do best."

"observe"

"observe?"

"Yes, isn't this exactly what you, the son of the nightmare, do most often and should do most?"

“Go and observe, observe Chaldea’s choices, observe whether they have the determination to overcome countless storms and reach the end.”

Merlin was somewhat confused by Gilgamesh's words. "What miracle? Besides, our eyes are different! You see the future, I see the present. What you see, I can't see!" Although he was thinking this to himself, it didn't stop him from nodding. "Just leave it to me."

After leaving those words, Merlin turned and left, quickly chasing after Xiling and Anna.

Chapter 81 Operation Begins

“This handsome white-haired man is Merlin,” Xiling said, pointing to the smiling white-robed magician beside her, then gesturing to the petite figure shrouded in a hooded cloak, whose presence was barely noticeable. “And this lovely little girl is Anna. These two will be our comrades-in-arms in the future.”

Through the chat group, Xiling told everyone to gather back inside the house. She then introduced the two people she had brought back to the chat group and the Chaldea members.

Merlin maintained his smile and waved to everyone. When his gaze swept over Fujimaru Ritsuka and Mash, his smile widened even more.

"Hello everyone~" Merlin's voice carried its usual light and cheerful tone, and he even winked at the crowd. "I am Merlin, the Magician of Flowers. You can call me the friendly Merlin-nii-san~"

The reaction of everyone who saw this scene.

[I Am a Witch]: "...This guy...feels a bit...disgusting."

【Warrior Chasing Fire】: "...This is the legendary Grand Magician? The image...is a bit disillusioning."

【I am the Savior】: "Hmm...! This is quite different from the image of a wise and profound legendary mage in my mind!!"

[I Don't Want to Be a Hero Anymore]: "What I presume to expect belongs to..."

[The Great Magician Faded One]: "Don't you guys think this magician's physique... is a bit too muscular? Those arm lines... I'd believe it if you told me he was a warrior!"

[I Don't Want to Be a Hero Anymore]: "An age-old truth: a magician who can't fight in close combat isn't a good magician!"

The group chatted quietly among themselves.

Merlin felt it was a bit too quiet, so he coughed lightly twice, still smiling, and said, "Um... gentlemen, is there anything I can do to help you?"

Even he doesn't understand the current situation yet.

The silent chat in the group stopped instantly, and everyone simultaneously brought their attention back to reality.

First, everyone introduced themselves. After the introductions were finished...

Xiling spoke first: "It's very simple. You heard what I said to that king, that's pretty much it."

Merlin subconsciously raised his hand and scratched his smooth white hair, his face showing just the right amount of difficulty: "I heard it, but is it really possible to go directly to the goddess?"

She's a goddess after all. Merlin doesn't know the background of Xiling and the others. If he goes there rashly and something goes wrong, it won't be fun.

Xiling nodded knowingly, a confident smile curving her lips: "I know what you're worried about, and I know your current situation."

"Leave it to me. Even if something unexpected happens, I, and all of us, have enough power to bring that unexpected event back onto its proper course."

A look of surprise flashed in Merlin's eyes, and his voice was tinged with doubt, "You...know about me?"

"Yes." Xiling's answer was firm and decisive, without the slightest hesitation.

Merlin gasped.

How did the other party find out? Logically speaking, no one should know what he did.

Seeing that Xiling didn't seem to be lying, Merlin forcibly suppressed his turbulent emotions, and a smile reappeared:

"Oh dear~" He exaggeratedly covered half his face, as if embarrassed by his secret being exposed. "You've been found out! I was hoping to play this role until the very end, to be an unsung hero working silently behind the scenes, keeping my achievements hidden~"

Xiling was not swayed by the relaxed atmosphere he was trying to create. His voice was unusually serious and sincere: "Aren't you already a hero, Merlin?"

“…Eh!” Xiling Merlin was taken aback by the sincere look on her face.

Xiling continued, "This singularity, which is on the verge of collapse, has managed to survive until now thanks in no small part to King Gilgamesh and to you! It can be said that without the perseverance of either of you, it would have long since ceased to exist. From the moment you chose to shoulder this responsibility and have silently protected it until now, you have already become a true hero."

"Is...is that so?" Merlin seemed a little uncomfortable with Xiling's bluntness and scratched his cheek with his finger.

Xiling smiled and steered the conversation back on track.

Let me tell you about our work.

"Merlin, just as I said, I know about you, so I need your eyes. You should know the location of those goddesses, right?"

The skill "Clairvoyance EX" possessed by Merlin, the Flower Magician

Since the other party had already said so much, what could Merlin say? Besides, he had no intention of hiding it in the first place—especially after Xiling had acknowledged him in that way.

Yes... When the other person praises themselves, they really resemble her... That person who knows exactly who they are, yet always praises themselves with a serious expression.

Merlin raised his eyes again, his almost perfect, enigmatic smile reappearing on his face: "The location of the goddess," he said, his voice steady and clear, carrying a hint of composure as if he controlled the entire situation.

"Of course I know."

Xiling nodded, "Very good."

Xiling turned her gaze to the people in the chat group: "This time we're splitting up. I'll go alone, one of you will search for the goddess with Merlin, and the other team will stay in the city for easier operations."

Xiling raised her right hand and said, "Then those who are searching for the goddess, please raise your hands!"

"Oh, right!" Xiling added as if she had just remembered something, "Could you two from Chaldea also set out to search for the goddess pair?"

Fujimaru Ritsuka and Mashu were clearly taken aback by Xiling's specific mention. After a slight pause, Ritsuka immediately stepped forward, her eyes resolute: "Understood, leave it to us!" Mashu nodded vigorously as well: "Yes! Senpai and I will do our best!"

Xiling nodded to them, "Thank you for your help."

Seeing that Xiling had finished speaking, Kevin raised his hand and said, "Count me in when we look for a goddess!"

Remien followed suit, gracefully raising her hand in greeting.

Dan Heng remained silent, but his movements were swift and decisive; he steadily raised his arm to express his intention.

Xiling nodded and looked at the others, focusing on a certain savior. Xiling was surprised that the other party did not raise his hand.

Seeing Xiling's pleased look, Penglai Temple's Jiuxiao said somewhat unhappily, "Hey! Xiling, what's wrong with your eyes?"

"I really didn't expect that you would actually choose to stay in the city instead of going with us."

"Hmph! The Savior's duty is not just about fighting. I can do much more in the city," said Penglaiji Jiuxiao, puffing out his chest.

Xiling nodded in agreement, even though she didn't know what the other person was saying.

"Then let's arrange it this way."

"I will go alone to find the goddess of the beasts, while Merlin, Anna, Kevin, Danheng, Remian, Ritsuka, and Matthew will form a team to find the other goddess."

"Those who remained in the city were the Faded Ones, Elena, Tianyi, and Jiuxiao."

"Even though you're staying in the city, you should still pay attention to the group chat. If you need help or anything, be sure to ask."

Everyone nodded.

Finally, there's one more troublesome person waiting for Xiling to deal with.

Xiling looked at Ishtar, her eyes scrutinizing her, which made Ishtar shiver and instinctively hug her arms.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" Ishtar's voice was tinged with panic.

Xiling stroked her chin, seemingly lost in thought, and said, "Hmm... I'm thinking about how to deal with you."

"Handle, deal with!" These two words exploded in Ishtar's ears like thunder.

"Wait, wait, wait! What do you mean by 'punish'?! I didn't do anything! Why are you punishing me?!" She was almost in tears, and all sorts of terrifying "punishments" flashed through her mind.

Looking at the goddess in front of her, who was quite frightened and had tears in her eyes, Xiling rolled her eyes helplessly and explained, "What I mean is, which team should I put you in! What are you thinking?"

"Ah! Ah..." Ishtar realized she had overreacted, let out a long sigh of relief, and patted her chest to calm her wildly beating heart. "That scared me to death... Oh, so that's how it is!"

Ishtar's eyes lit up, and she immediately put on a very reliable expression, volunteering: "Of course I'll help find the goddess! After all, I'm a goddess myself, so I'll definitely be of great help in this kind of operation! Don't worry, I'll definitely put in the effort! Don't say I'm not working!"

Ishtar was genuinely afraid of being dealt with, so she quickly tried to find a way to contribute. As for staying in the city? Please, don't be silly.

Although she usually acts a bit dull, she's usually incredibly smart.

How could the other party possibly let her stay in the city? If she didn't make a choice soon, she would have to leave with them.

Upon hearing Ishtar's choice, Xiling raised an eyebrow. "That works too."

Xiling turned her gaze to everyone again.

"That's how things are arranged. Feel free to ask if you have any questions or comments now."

Kevin raised his hand. "So, how do we persuade that lady?"

Xiling gave a bright smile and raised her two fists.

Uh, Kevin looked at Xiling's action speechlessly. Well, he already knew, but it was fine.

After all, he's quite good at this.

At this moment, a voice sounded.

Anna raised her hand, her face, partially revealed beneath the hood, held a resolute expression: "Um... Xiling, can I... travel with you?"

Her voice was not loud, but it was clearly heard by everyone.

Xiling turned her gaze to Anna, and almost without hesitation, slowly shook her head, her tone gentle yet undeniable: "I'm sorry, Anna, I don't plan to bring anyone, because..."

"Once I find her, the battle will be over quickly."

Xiling's voice remained calm, as if stating a simple fact, like the weather being sunny.