Chapter 6: Chapter 6: The Numerous Gazes
"What... what is happening to me?!"
Ishtar stared at her reflection, confusion written across her face.
After leaving the temple, she hadn't fled as Susa might have expected. Instead, she had stopped at the mountain peak, surrounded by the thick clouds.
There, she silently concealed her figure.
Curious? Not in the least!
Ishtar firmly rejected any feelings of affection for the boy from the palace.
The power that had emerged was born from within herself. It was almost as though it had become an intrinsic part of her being. And yet, as a divine entity, he had dared to call her his beloved Ishtar.
He was one who clearly took advantage of her kindness. He had claimed that he wanted to protect her, to accompany her.
However, he had never once considered how insignificant he truly was compared to her. But, as a goddess of grace and dignity, she still found herself "willing" to "observe" her newly ascended servant god.
Though, in truth, she already knew so much.
The act of granting Susa even a modicum of divine qualification had already drained much of Ishtar's energy. During that time, Ishtar had thoroughly examined every aspect of Susa, inside and out.
Even the most private, intimate parts of him, which she should not have known, were clear to her. And yet, despite knowing so much, her desire to understand him further remained strong.
Ishtar observed him with careful attention. She saw him standing still, lost in thought, as if completely unaware of her gaze.
Occasionally, a small smile tugged at his lips.
It was entirely understandable. After all, he had just met the goddess most important to him, and in such a moment of solitude, it was only natural for him to feel a bit bashful and find joy in the quiet.
Ishtar, too, felt the same.
When she had stirred up chaos on the Mountain, her image had been one of icy detachment—cold, ruthless, and willful—a persona that both gods and mortals feared.
But once she returned home, she found herself relishing the memory of that performance. It had been so perfectly aligned with her goddess persona, so undeniably cool.
Thus, it made perfect sense.
She watched her follower with an amused smile, wondering what he would do next. Would he search for "souvenirs" from her palace?
It was an odd thought, but if anyone were to do it, it might very well be Susa. And, just maybe, Ishtar might pretend she hadn't noticed, allowing her servant god to keep some semblance of dignity.
Would he return to his previous group, seeking to reorganize his followers? Or would he do something even stranger?
Ishtar was keenly "curious."
But, of course, do not misunderstand her. According to the official decree of Ishtar, her curiosity was solely directed toward the well-being of her followers. Though she had imagined many possible scenarios, she was still caught off guard when she saw Susa pick up the spear.
There was no immediate need for battle, so why was he gripping a weapon? The spear wasn't like Maanna, which can ship could also function as a weapon.
But soon, Ishtar saw Susa walk out of the temple. He found a secluded, empty plot of land, removed his upper garments, and began to wave the spear with focused intensity.
He had assumed a stance, clearly engaging in some form of spear training.
Was he... practicing his spear technique?
Ishtar's brow furrowed in confusion.
This was yet another puzzle she could not solve. With all the power he had gained, he didn't seek to flaunt it or smile foolishly upon meeting his goddess. Instead, he had come out to practice his spear techniques, not taking much of a break. It struck Ishtar as... unusual. But as she continued watching, something else caught her attention.
Susa wasn't simply practicing his spear technique. He was attempting to infuse his divine power into his movements.
Compared to his previous "shooting star" style of attack, Susa, now possessing enough strength to hold his own in a battle, began experimenting with other techniques.
He focused on refining basic moves—sweeping, blocking, and more. Then, after briefly eyeing the spear in his hand, an idea seemed to take shape.
Taking a couple of steps to build momentum, he drove his spear into the ground, gripping it tightly, and leapt into the air. In midair, he used his legs to add flexibility to his strikes.
Although this maneuver restricted his range of motion and increased the risk of error, it also introduced a higher level of unpredictability to his technique.
Moreover, Susa was in desperate need of training his agility.
As the goddess of war, Ishtar, though she had never undergone such training herself, immediately recognized the foundational strength in Susa's skills.
And so, Susa continued to practice in this manner.
Up and down, left and right.
With only a spear and a brief sprint, and without tapping into his divine power, Susa was able to leap several dozen meters into the air.
From her vantage point, Ishtar watched in silence.
[You step out of the palace, knowing that more pressing matters now demand your attention.]
[You remove your upper garment, standing bare-chested on the open ground, gripping your spear with both hands. You recall the spear techniques you learned in the past, imagining Gilgamesh as your opponent, and decide it's time to begin your training.]
[As you integrate divine power into your martial arts, you can't help but marvel at the immense strength contained within your divinity.]
[Where once your spear techniques could only be described as "shooting stars," with each blow meaning either you or your opponent would die, now you feel more like "invincible in one strike," using a single move because countless others are forcing you to do so.]
[But you aren't too proud. You're well aware of the considerable gap between you and Gilgamesh, especially now that the fundamental difference between humans and gods feels more pronounced since your ascension.]
[Thankfully, you now share the same privileges as other gods.]
[You continue honing your spear techniques, expanding upon the basic movements.]
[As you practice more and more, a new idea suddenly emerges regarding the spear in your hands.]
[It's not some forbidden technique, but rather a method to perform aerial leaps with the spear.]
[Soon, you master this technique, adding several related moves to your repertoire.]
[You name this technique "Pole Vault."]
[Your "Pole Vault" technique continues to evolve.]
[Before dinner, you throw yourself into intense practice, refining your skills.]
[After dinner, you resume your training, undeterred.]
[Even an open-minded priestess from the temple visits you, hoping to offer comfort after your defeat and the emptiness that fills your heart, all under the cover of night.]
[But upon sensing a cold chill creeping through your body, you decline her offer and return to your solitary training.]
[Day after day, year after year, you immerse yourself in your practice.]
[The only exception is the occasional visit to your former comrades, hoping they will reorganize.]
[Other than that, you live a quiet, peaceful existence in the temple, consumed by your relentless training.]
[Until...]
It was just like any other day.
Susa stood, drenched in sweat, under the harsh heat of the sun.
Gripping his spear tightly, he continues his practice. Compared to a year ago, the progress he's made is clearly evident.
No one disturbs him; he was alone on the open field, his spear in hand. Whether thrusting at the scarecrow or perfecting his pole vault technique, Susa remains dedicated, unwavering in his efforts.
Today is no different. Well, at least it should be but then, a female voice suddenly breaks the silence.
"Susa."
It was Ishtar.