Fate: The Rise of Shikama Douji

In Gilgamesh's life, this was the first time he had been so shocked. With eyes wide open, he stared at Shikama Doji, as if the world had turned upside down for him. Shikama Doji, on the other hand, had only a calm smile on his lips, a smile that seemed to challenge Gilgamesh or perhaps even mock him.

"There's no need to kneel, rise." Shikama Doji said in his usual gentle tone. Ninsun and Lugalbanda hesitantly rose from their places, their eyes fixed on Shikama Doji. Sweat dripped from Lugalbanda's forehead; he had never been this stressed in his entire life. Even in life-and-death battles, he had never felt such fear. It was as if he were an ant standing before a giant. No matter how kind the giant seemed, the ant would still fear the giant.

"Dear father, may I ask why you have come to Uruk?" Ninsun asked in a trembling and confidential tone, her eyes fixed on Shikama Doji. Her body was shaking, as if she might collapse at any moment.

"Hmm, why did I come to Uruk?" Shikama Doji replied in his calm and reflective tone. "As I told Lugalbanda and the little prince, I had heard of Uruk's fame and came here. It truly is a magnificent kingdom." The veins on Gilgamesh's forehead bulged, as if they were about to burst through his skin.

"Your Majesty, you praise Uruk too much. Uruk is just an ordinary kingdom. It's not so great as to deserve your attention." Lugalbanda quickly responded, his entire body drenched in sweat. His eyes turned to Ninsun, as if asking for help from his wife, but Ninson turned her head away and remained silent.

"No, it truly is a magnificent kingdom. Now, let's forget about this. I've taken a liking to this little prince. I want to make him my disciple. Do you agree?" Shikama Doji said in his usual calm and indifferent tone. These words struck Gilgamesh, Ninsun, and Lugalbanda like a thunderbolt. Gilgamesh seemed as if he had been electrocuted, motionless and stunned, staring at Shikama Doji.

"This is a great honor. My son, Gilgamesh, will surely accept." Ninsun said in a zealous and respectful tone, as if she was overjoyed by this offer. Her face was like that of a mother whose child had achieved something great. Gilgamesh was shocked and cursed his mother in his heart. He quickly looked at his father, Lugalbanda, and the word "help" was flashing in his eyes. But Lugalbanda's response completely disillusioned Gilgamesh about this family.

"Of course, Your Majesty, it's obvious that he will accept. Isn't that right?" Lugalbanda said, in the same tone as Ninsun. Gilgamesh cursed this family in his heart. His eyes were hopelessly fixed on Shikama Doji, as if his world had come to an end.

"Of course, I accept." Gilgamesh said in a lifeless tone, as if he could see his dark future with these words.

"Good, now that you've accepted, we'll start the training without delay. I'll borrow your son for a short while." Shikama Doji took Gilgamesh's hand. Suddenly, the space in front of them cracked, and Shikama Doji and the despairing Gilgamesh entered it. After they left, the fabric of space returned to its original state. Lugalbanda stared at Ninsun.

"Will there really be no problem?" Lugalbanda looked at his wife with concern and asked.

"Of course not. But I'm so happy. The thought that the father has chosen Gilgamesh as his disciple is something I couldn't even dream of. What an honor!" Ninsun replied in a zealous tone, as if she was overjoyed by this event. Poor Gilgamesh.