Divine Realm, Eshagira.
Brilliant starlight surrounds the majestic great hall, with twelve columns cast from molten gold and mother-of-pearl, standing imposingly. The columns are etched with the full text of the "Enuma Elish" creation epic, showcasing the glory and authority of the gods. The eternal Sacred Flame burns continuously, with the scent of cedar and frankincense permeating the air. The council chamber floor is covered with an astrolabe carpet that changes color with the Divine Will, each star being solidified fragments of storms and lightning.
This is the shared abode of the Babylonian gods, meaning "exalted house." This golden gleaming temple stands atop the seven-layer temple tower "Etemenanki," constructed from pure gold and lapis lazuli. Life springs flow around the temple, guarded by Scorpion Guards at the silver gates, and flames that sing float in the air. Beneath the Divine Realm is a connection to the Netherworld, above it reaches the firmament, the rainbow being the only passage between the Divine Realm and the Mortal World, everything appearing resplendent and sacred.
Typically, the gods regularly gather in the star-adorned council chamber, either feasting or exchanging ideas, while King of Kings Marduk sits on the Sapphire Throne, overseeing the gods, listening to their voices, examining their words and actions.
Most of the time, this is merely a formality,
but right now, Marduk on the throne seems rather upset, looking displeasedly at a figure in the hall.
That is a stalwart elder with a beard. He wears a horned crown inlaid with seven sapphires, his thick, lapis lazuli-colored curls hanging down to his chest. He dons a purple-red robe woven from storms, its corners forever flipping with miniature whirlwinds, pupils flickering with eternal Thunderbolt, beneath his skin faintly visible are flowing astrolabe veins. His demeanor commands respect without anger, surrounded by vortexes of air pressure, the tips of his hair entwined with mist-like ribbons of airflow, faintly emitting the roar of tiger and dragon.
At this moment, he is seated close to the seat below Marduk, ignoring the unfavorable gaze of the King of Kings, and unabashedly grabbing a tender, roasted beef leg to feast on.
Obviously, he holds a high status and position among the Babylonian gods.
Seeing as he has been ignored for a while, Marduk on the throne finally couldn’t hold back, slammed the table, and challenged with a gloomy face:
"Enlil, you descended privately without reason, destroying Uruk City. Do you have anything to say about this?"
Lord of Spirit and Air Enlil, one of the esteemed Three Pillar Gods of Babylon, child of heaven and earth, possessing identities as War God and Wind God, and also the guardian god of Nippur City State.
In terms of seniority, Marduk must respectfully address him as "uncle."
But their usual relationship is not harmonious.
On the one hand, in the early creation, Enlil was highly revered for his mighty combat prowess, his prestige overshadowing Heavenly God Anu and Earth God Enki, showing signs of overtaking the throne of the gods.
However, after the battle with Great Mother Goddess Tiamat, Marduk obtained support from Earth God Enki and Heavenly God Anu, seizing the "Heavenly Destiny Mud Tablet" and "World Origin" two great treasures, successfully entering the Origin, surpassing this uncle, securing the position of King of Kings.
This uncle, evidently, is not convinced by this.
On the other hand, Marduk too possesses the authorities of War God and Thunderstorm God, overlapping with his uncle in Divine Authority and Divine Office, inevitably leading to some disputes over faith and power between them in private.
Currently, Enlil acted without obtaining consent from this King of Kings, directly destroying Uruk City guarded by Moon Goddess Sin, which was somewhat too audacious, leaving Marduk somewhat displeased.
Upon hearing Marduk’s questioning, Enlil wiped his mouth, coldly sneering at his nephew:
"Moon Goddess Sin is my offspring. As a father, is it wrong for me to discipline my rebellious son? Should I specifically ask for your permission? What, you want to meddle in my family affairs?"
"I don’t interfere with your disciplining of Moon Goddess Sin, but humankind on the earth is the shared property of the gods. You directly slaughtered an entire city, tarnishing the gods’ reputation; shouldn’t I intervene?"
Marduk retorted coldly.
Enlil, upon hearing this, responded with an unabashed mockery:
"Only what is within one’s grasp can truly be called one’s own property. But as of now, not to mention other human city-states, even Babylon City, which you personally established, has turned away from you, under the wing of Sun God Utu, promoting law and iron rule. Do you really think you are still the master of those ants below, obligated to support them? Or are you as despicable as those ungrateful wretches?"
"Enlil, you are too presumptuous!"
Infuriated, Marduk’s face turned red and then white, gathering dense storms around him, unleashing strong divine pressure.
The saying goes not to expose one’s shortcomings.
But Enlil’s words just now were like pointing at his nose, accusing this King of Kings of incompetence.
After all, as the creator of humans, not only did he fail to manage his creations well, but he was also gradually abandoned by them, greatly undermining his divine dignity and propriety.
At this moment, seeing the two in the temple somewhat tense, Heavenly God Anu quickly rose to offer reconciliation:
"We are all family, don’t let this little matter harm our harmony."
He appeared with a posture of the ruler of the heavens, wearing a three-tier coronal of the heavens forged from star trails, each tier crowned with rotating galaxy models. Silver-white beard flowed with the bands of the Milky Way, clad in a deep purple robe woven from the night sky, its surface shimmering with moving constellations. His face like polished obsidian, eyes two burning stars, and the skin surface floating lightning patterns.