Finally, the sacrificial precinct controlled the transport and distribution of materials.
It leaned more towards logistics and administrative support, with the High Priest Siduri overseeing the implementation of numerous policies, from military rewards and punishments to the livelihoods of the common people, leaving no detail unaddressed.
The original function of this institution was to represent the populace by offering hunted game and harvested grain to the gods, requesting blessings.
After the gods symbolically enjoyed the faith power derived from the game and grain, the remainder was distributed to the people by the sacrificial precinct to avoid waste.
Nowadays, with the separation of gods and humans, the sacrificial precinct has gradually transformed into an executive body managing material transport and policy implementation.
In addition, the magus Merlin secretly controlled the Astrology Platform, dominating the Sumerian magi of the land.
Leonidas I, Guardian of the Flaming Gate, firmly held military power through his outstanding defensive and leadership abilities.
Therefore, looking at the overall situation in Mesopotamia.
The political power and resources of the sacrificial precinct, the technology and mystery of the Astrology Platform, and the military power and defense of the Absolute Demonic Beast Front all became pillars supporting the royal authority, radiating the authority of the royal ziggurat outwards, forming sturdy roots that spread to every corner of the Mesopotamian world.
The only dissenting voice, the witch's sanctuary, ended up crippling themselves along with their priests.
And the blood and fire of war, while testing Uruk, this rough-hewn block, also refined it through constant hammering, expelling impurities and forging the sharpest sword and the sturdiest shield.
Uniting the hearts of the people as a blade, and gathering the will of all into a city!
Even with three storms approaching, Uruk's royal authority is now more stable than ever.
This is precisely why, in the not-too-distant future, when the black tide surges, all things are annihilated, and the stars fall, Uruk will endure.
Setting aside personal preferences, Samael had to admit that Gilgamesh's methods and ruling ability were beyond doubt.
He was once a cruel tyrant and is now a wise ruler.
The Ancient Snake, with mixed thoughts, followed Merlin's steps, ascending the stairs one by one into the royal ziggurat. He observed his surroundings from a corner, waiting for an opportunity when Gilgamesh was free from his political affairs.
"The information from the front line is too slow! Too slow! How many times have I said it!"
"Even if the beasts slow their offensive, we can't stop if we want to win! Change the clay tablet production time for the vital secretaries to one hour!"
"What? What is this stupid arrangement! Has the dragon's corpse not been moved yet! What are those scholars slacking off!"
"Make their not-so-bright brains turn and get to work immediately!"
"…!"
"The chief witch of Eresh City is playing dumb again! I've seen through the fact that the temple still has reserves! Tell her to cough it all up and give it to the front line!"
"If the city walls are destroyed, the world will be over! Do you want to bring the food from the ground to the Underworld!"
Gilgamesh, seated on his throne, sharply criticized any political affairs or progress that displeyed him, his tone icy.
The soldiers receiving the reprimand could only obey and quicken their pace.
However, beneath the Heroic King's strong and overbearing nature, there was also occasional consideration for his subordinates.
"Speaking of which, I heard Tabad's daughter just gave birth? Then have one of the witches send over some nutritious fruit."
"Also, have Tabad come down from the northern front line and give him three days of leave. Letting him see his grandson will help him recuperate properly."
As the lord of Uruk flipped through the clay tablets, the White Dream Demon led Anna and Samael forward to pay their respects.
"My King, magus Merlin has returned to report!"
"I have found the location of the Temple of Blood, and by a stroke of luck, I managed to cause some trouble for that Beast Goddess."
"The beast tide on the Babylonian front line should see a reduction in its offensive in the near future."
The High Priest, who was responsible for coordinating the implementation of administrative affairs below the court, nodded slightly, showing a hint of respect towards Merlin.
"Thank you for your hard work. The King is also very pleased that you have returned safely."
However, Gilgamesh, with a stern expression, waved his hand dismissively, cutting off the subordinates' pleasantries.
"Siduri, no need to be polite with this fellow!"
Then, the decisive Heroic King turned to Merlin, his brow slightly relaxing, showing a hint of satisfaction.
"I am aware of the matter concerning the Temple of Blood!"
"The beast tide outside the North Wall has indeed subsided significantly recently. You have done well!"
Immediately after, Gilgamesh's gaze sharpened, his eyes sweeping over the two figures behind Merlin.
"So, are they your other gains from this trip?"
Merlin smiled slightly and moved aside, leaving the space for Samael and Anna.
"King Gilgamesh, this is important battle report from Babylon, along with information gathered about the beasts."
"I have been ordered by General Tal to hand this over to Uruk, hoping it will be of some help to the war effort here."
The Ancient Snake took a deep breath, calmly took out the clay tablet from his satchel, handed it to High Priest Siduri, and finally presented it to Gilgamesh.
After entering Uruk, Merlin's identity as a court magus had been revealed. For Samael to continue hiding himself would seem deliberate.
Therefore, as early as last night, he had given Merlin a rough account of his background and mission.
Otherwise, Gilgamesh, busy with political affairs and the war, would have no reason, no time, and no inclination to meet two "outsiders" who were fleeing.
After carefully reading the contents of the clay tablet, the Heroic King's proud expression gradually turned serious. He rested his right hand on the side of his throne, tapping rhythmically.
"The Beast Goddess is actually using captured humans as breeding grounds for her monsters? What disgusting, evil sorcery!"
"It seems relocating the citizens of Nippur and the surrounding cities is imperative."
"During the cleanup, we need to thoroughly burn the bodies, leaving as little as possible for the Beast Goddess to exploit."
Immediately after, Gilgamesh reviewed the next item and couldn't help but frown slightly.
"The magical network of the Temple of Blood has already spread throughout the Fir Forest, and has even begun to extend to all of Mesopotamia."
"The monsters that were created are actually poisoning the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, as well as nearby water sources?"
"No wonder the cities beyond the North Wall are falling so quickly."
"Immediately order the magicians at the Astrology Platform to investigate and collect water samples from the surrounding areas, and to prepare an antidote for the poison!"
The Lord on the throne decisively issued orders, then placed the roughly browsed clay tablet aside and turned to look back at the heroic soldier who had escaped the ruined capital of Babylon to deliver the message.
"Aren't the people of Babylon the most loyal lackeys of the gods? Why are they showing favor to me, a heretic?"
"Why be a dog when you can be a person?"
"What's more, those who were dogs were slaughtered like beasts!"
Samael looked up frankly, scoffing at the divine priestesses in the north who had been wiped out by the Beast Goddess for defecting.
"Babylon is gone. The general said Uruk is the last spark of hope."
"If you have a chance, you must win!"
Gilgamesh was silent for a moment, his tone deep and heavy.
"You... are very good..."
"If you have any requests, just say the word. You can pick anything from my treasury!"
Samael gave a self-deprecating laugh, his expression somber and serious.
"No need. All the heroes are buried in the earth. I'm just a deserter who was lucky to survive and am not qualified to enjoy these things."
"If you wish to reward me, please be kind to the descendants of the fallen warriors on the back of the clay tablet and search for their friends and family."
"Also, as the King of Uruk, if you don't mind my identity and my cowardice, let me start with auxiliary duties at the North Wall."
"Once I'm familiar with the defenses, I'll do my part to hold this line."
Gilgamesh nodded solemnly, very pleased.
"Very well, I permit it!"
Phew! I passed!
Samael let out a sigh of relief, then stepped back, leaving the space to the little loli who was nervously lowering her head behind him.
"This child is named Anna. I found her near the Fir Forest."
Merlin introduced her at the opportune moment. Gilgamesh's eyes lit up with understanding. He propped his chin with one hand and asked indifferently.
"So, outsider, what is your request?"
"I will help you defeat the Beast Goddess and eradicate the source of this disaster completely!"
Anna clenched her fists, her head raised, her eyes filled with an indescribable determination and resolve.
"Hahahaha!"
However, Gilgamesh on the throne was stunned for a moment, then burst into hearty laughter. He slowly stood up, his cold crimson eyes looking down condescendingly.
"With you?"
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