Fate: The Rise of Shikama Douji

Shikama Doji and Gilgamesh stood before a massive, sacred white tower. Gilgamesh gazed at the tower in awe. The tower's height exceeded ten thousand meters, and Gilgamesh had never seen such a colossal structure before. The tower was so tall that it seemed to pierce the sky, its peak hidden from view. From below, it appeared endless, as if it stretched into infinity.

The third trial was here. Shikama glanced gently at Gilgamesh and directly transmitted information about the tower into his mind. Gilgamesh's head throbbed with pain as the information quickly organized itself in his mind. After a few moments, he stared at Shikama Doji with eyes full of shock. He knew this bastard demon was incredibly powerful, but this level of power truly astounded him. Creating hundreds of worlds just for a single trial? This was beyond imagination.

"You can choose one of these weapons," Shikama Doji said. At that moment, a wormhole opened in front of Gilgamesh, and various iron weapons spilled out: swords, spears, axes, maces, and more. After a few seconds of thought, Gilgamesh chose the spear. The spear had a simple design, but its effectiveness in combat was unparalleled. He gripped the spear tightly and spun it. The weight of the spear was such that even an adult human would need to wield it with both hands, but Gilgamesh, as a demigod, was far stronger than an ordinary human.

"So, you've chosen the spear. Without any delay, enter the tower," Shikama Doji continued. Gilgamesh clenched his teeth and stepped into the tower. A magical circle formed around him, and his body transformed into light. In the next moment, he appeared on the first floor of the tower. Simultaneously, the space in front of Shikama Doji shattered, and he entered a room filled with monitors. In this room, there were screens displaying every floor of the tower.

The first two trials were designed to test Gilgamesh's survival abilities under harsh conditions. These trials were meant to make him stronger. Through tough battles and encounters with powerful monsters, Gilgamesh could grow and fully utilize his potential as a demigod. After completing the third trial, Shikama Doji would officially provide Gilgamesh with more advanced training.

Shikama Doji intended to create a powerful system, but his abilities were insufficient. Even his system was dangerous, and there was a risk of rebellion. For this reason, Gilgamesh couldn't become ridiculously strong like the protagonists of Japanese shonen manga. He had to earn his power through blood and sweat. This path was difficult, but it was better for Gilgamesh to grow strong by relying on himself, rather than depending on a system like some hormonal teenager.

Meanwhile, Shikama Doji was busy in the monitoring room. Gilgamesh entered the first floor of the tower and found himself in a vast forest. After walking for a few minutes, he encountered several goblins. The goblins, with their fierce faces and sharp teeth, charged at him. Gilgamesh wielded his spear effortlessly, taking down the goblins one after another. He drove his spear into the skull of the last goblin and then pulled it out. Blood spilled onto the ground, and Gilgamesh shook his spear to remove the remaining blood.

With the information Shikama Doji had given him, Gilgamesh had a rough idea of what the main monster of this floor was: likely a goblin shaman or a goblin king. Whatever it was, he was certain he would kill it. Gilgamesh might seem weak at first glance, but that wasn't the case. Only irrational monsters like Shikama Doji could challenge him to this extent.

Even without using the Gate of Babylon, Gilgamesh was powerful. A lion is always a lion. Monsters like goblins were nothing more than prey to him. Gilgamesh stared at the goblin corpses with his red eyes and then continued on his way. He knew this was only the beginning of a long and arduous journey filled with tough battles, but he was ready to overcome every challenge and attain his true power.