In the Middle of the Sea

"Isn't it better to fly?" Eris leaned her body against Gilgamesh's, unaware that she was the first woman to sit on the throne of his Vinama and act this way with Gilgamesh.

"Weren't you so scared to the point of digging your nails into my back?" Gilgamesh asked with a calm look directed at Eris.

Eris wore a serious expression and said, "It was just the heat of the moment. Better yet, how can you fly? That's unimaginable. I can't forgive the fact that you can fly, and you never showed me that incredible ability in all these years."

"There are many things you don't know about me, Eris. I become more incredible every time you dig deeper into my secrets," Gilgamesh said in a mysterious tone as he manipulated his Vinama once again.

"You're still as arrogant as ever, just more subtle. How could there be secrets between betrothed? We will marry in the near future, so there's nothing to hide, right?" Eris extended her hands and boldly embraced Gilgamesh because he never told her anything.

Gilgamesh sighed and said, "Just remember to behave in front of others. I usually don't show my kindness to those who might be my enemies."

Eris nodded. She thought that Gilgamesh would tell her about the secrets of his power at some point, so there was no need to know it now. Besides, because they were still very young, and Gilgamesh didn't seem like a young man with active hormones, she felt the need to take the initiative in this regard.

If Gilgamesh didn't want to take the first step, she needed to mark her territory before another wife arrived to take her first position. As the future King, Eris understood that Gilgamesh would have more than one wife, and it was something she accepted as natural. But she couldn't tolerate another witch taking the top spot from her as his only betrothed at the moment.

"It is said that in the sea, there are truly terrifying beasts that many pirates and sailors encounter, although it's rare for ships to fall victim to them," Gilgamesh said after running out of conversation topics. After some thought, he concluded that it wasn't suitable for Eris's peace of mind.

"Then I'll cut them with my sword!" Eris didn't worry about such trivial things. After all, they were flying on a ship that was incredibly fast.

But just then, a few dozen meters in front of them, a burst of water stirred the waves, and an enormous serpent's head emerged in front of them. Its appearance seemed ancient, and its aura was very profound.

Roar!

The mighty roar made Eris, who had arrogantly declared that she would kill any creature emerging from the sea, feel afraid. She gripped Gilgamesh's shoulder tightly and asked, "What do we do now?"

"But look at that beautiful creature. It's been a long time since I've seen such a large and aggressive-looking marine creature," Gilgamesh ignored the beast's roar, showing no concern for safety.

At this moment, the only one unaffected by that aura was Gilgamesh. He observed this supposed invincible beast and remained silent.

The serpent's shadow gazed at Eris for a while, then turned its attention to Gilgamesh for a longer period. Finally, it all turned into a gentle snort, and the shadow materialized in front of the two of them.

Feeling the presence of this serpent, Eris, who had a pale expression, dared not close her eyes. This was the first time she was so close to a dangerous creature.

"Humans, it's been a long time since I've felt energy so similar to the divine from a mere human..." Much later, after the serpent's presence subsided, Eris finally grew less nervous, and her expression softened. This scene, at least for her, was truly terrifying. This was a serpent that possibly had over a thousand years of existence, so it was natural for her to feel fear.

"That thing can talk!" Eris couldn't help but exclaim with surprise and fear.

"Don't be afraid. This kind of worm can't even touch us, and he knows it very well, right?" Gilgamesh looked at the serpent with such a cold expression that even the well-concealed killing intent in his face was overshadowed by the creature.

That arrogant comment made Eris want to cover Gilgamesh's mouth. She couldn't imagine he would dare to say those words after being in the presence of that serpent. Anyone else would have already fainted from fear, gasping for air, and unable to speak.

The ancient aura that the serpent was emitting was something only beings like dragons could release, but not just any dragons. It referred to the oldest and most powerful dragons that had mastered the ability to speak.

"You're right, human... You're much stronger than all the self-proclaimed gods in this world combined. You don't need an introduction because everyone should know you."

The serpent lowered its massive neck and asked, "But I don't understand, why are you in the body of a mere child?"