Name: Izu Evermore
Age: 630 years 6 months 12 days
(Physical appearance: 9 years old)
Year: 4370 BC
Height: 1.40m
One hundred years have passed, and I have become the foremost sculptor and architect of ancient Sumeria. Through numerous projects that made me monstrously wealthy, I was hired by Innty, who offered me payment for each man who worked for me, depending on the length and complexity of the work. The more intricate the project, the more precious metals I received in return. Not to brag, but I could not even fit all the precious metals in my pockets anymore, so I started making bracelets with them… just for fun, of course.
My projects were so successful that I built a vast palace where I stored all my possessions. I also oversaw the construction of Sumeria's aqueducts and an advanced irrigation system. Soon, ancient Sumeria established itself as humanity's first great civilization, and Innty's power grew so much that he decided to build two more great cities. And who was in charge of their construction? Me. Now, I was in the midst of building the city of Ur.
After a few centuries, the construction of a new city is planned for about 300 years from now. And yes, you know I will probably be in charge too, because who else could it be? (I am not the only immortal architect with style, of course.)
My current residence was in the palace of Uruk, where Innty lived. Despite my accomplishments, I had gained something far more important: Innty's trust. During this time, I considered myself one of his closest friends. Innty, an immortal being who might seem distant, was fascinated by mortals, by their limited lifespans and customs. He enjoyed discussing everything that made us human, what we did with the time allotted to us. Sometimes, I even wondered if humans would ever stop tripping over stones, or if they would ever understand how stairs work.
On the day of my arrival at the palace, upon entering the main hall, I greeted everyone calmly.
"Innty," I said with a smile.
The gigantic Henry Cavill, who was serving as his personal guard, nodded and stepped aside to let me pass. As he did so, he handed me a papyrus made of what looked like horsehide. I was about to ask him if he thought I liked animal skins, but in the end I held back. The man already had enough on his plate.
"Izu, my friend, it's been a long time," said Innty, smiling slightly.
"A decade," I replied calmly, shrugging. "Time flies when you find something to do."
"That's true," he laughed in a dry tone, almost as if he were holding back a laugh, but without wanting to share it.
"I wonder how it is that you, a human being, have lived so long and still haven't aged," Innty asked, curiosity in his eyes.
"Who knows?" I shrugged. "Did I ever tell you my secret is sleeping on a bed of gold? That stuff is like a natural skin rejuvenator!" But, of course, I just left it as a passing comment. "Anyway, why did you call me?"
"Report on the construction of Ur," he asked, changing to a more serious tone.
"Construction is proceeding according to plan," I said without hesitation. "At this rate, it will be finished in a few decades. Although we've had some setbacks with the unstable ground and pests, I'm already taking care of those problems. And if you do not believe me, just ask the rats of Sumeria. They are my new sworn enemies!" I remarked with a laugh, but Innty did not seem to quite grasp my humorous tone.
Innty nodded, satisfied.
"I'm glad to hear that," he replied, without mentioning the rats, of course.
"Was that all?" I asked, curious.
"No," he said, his tone now much more serious. He glanced at his guards, who quietly withdrew from the room. Whatever he had to tell me, I knew it would be important.
"I have told you how we came from a distant world to gather resources and restore the vitality of my planet," he began, pausing to assess my reaction.
"Yes, I remember," I replied, aware of what he had shared with me.
"Innty," he continued, "at this point, you must be aware of the existence of other creatures beyond the humans and animals of this world."
"Yes," I replied, recalling my encounters with werewolves and Chinese vampires who could leap unnaturally high. "Those creatures jump higher than a rabbit in a carnival!" I thought to myself, but I just nodded.
"You once told me that we made a deal with the gods," Innty said, again in a somber tone.
"Yes, an agreement that has changed," I replied, recalling the details of the deal. "What's happening?"
"It's starting a series of tensions that have brought us to a critical point. Relations between us and the locals are becoming untenable," Innty explained, his face expressionless. "If tensions continue to escalate, we will inevitably reach war, a war that could destroy the entire world."
"Why have these tensions arisen?" I asked, raising an eyebrow, confused.
"I cannot tell you the exact details," Innty said, sighing. "I'm only mentioning it because I respect our friendship. I want you to be prepared, in case you are still alive when this starts."
I remained silent for a moment, processing his words. "I understand," I finally replied.
I stood up, ready to leave the palace and continue with my tasks. "I'll return when Ur is finished," I said as I headed for the door.
Walking along the dirt path that led to the city, I could not help but think about everything I had heard. These events were never mentioned in the anime or the novels, at least not in the volumes I had read. My memory, after 600 years, had become somewhat hazy. Perhaps I should stop sleeping so soundly in those golden beds.
I looked at the system and observed that there were 300 years left until the year 4000. Perhaps that would be the year of the first great disaster, the universal flood mentioned in ancient legends.
I sighed, feeling the weight of fate on my shoulders. I ran a hand through my hair, scratching my scalp.
"I guess I'll have to build a pirate ship or something to survive the flood," I muttered, more to myself than anyone else, as the great city of Ur loomed before me, ready to grow even larger. "And please, I hope no more rats touch me. I really hate them."