Kapitel 10: The Gift

The Knights of the Sun, a name chosen by Michael for the new organization. As their title suggested, these knights were destined to be an elite combat force, each endowed with the power of fire by Michael himself.

In his strategic vision, this army would be structured in three distinct levels.

At the base, maintaining the existing organization, would remain the God's Guard, composed of common citizens without special abilities, but loyal to the divine cause.

The next tier would be occupied by the Knights of the Sun themselves.

These warriors, blessed with the common fire seed, would form the backbone of the combat forces in future battles.

At the pinnacle of this military hierarchy would be the Knights of God, an elite of warriors like Enel, recipients of the Advanced Fire Seed. These exceptional individuals, whose latent potential had been awakened and amplified by Michael's divine gift, would become the most powerful protectors of the god of Birka.

However, Michael was aware that the formation of the Knights of God was still premature. For now, only Enel occupied that rank.

Nevertheless, the time was ripe for the creation of the Knights of the Sun.

Michael didn't have to wait long: Fram arrived with fifty people he had carefully selected from the God's Guard.

...

Tritter, a twenty-year-old young man, single and the only child of his family, lived an apparently ordinary life in Birka.

His distinction came from his position in the God's Guard, an elite corps dedicated to protecting the island and serving the deities. This membership was a source of deep and constant pride for Tritter.

Committed to his duty, he never neglected his training, consistently standing out among his fellow warriors. His dedication did not go unnoticed; God Fram himself had promoted him to captain, recognizing his worth and potential.

However, the stability that Tritter had known came to an abrupt end.

The image of the golden dragon soaring through the sky of Birka was etched in his memory, a memory he knew would last his entire life.

The arrival of a new god, a child of delicate appearance but unimaginable power, shook the foundations of his world.

Tritter, like his companions, did not dare to underestimate the young God Michael.

The flames that darkened the firmament that fateful day still haunted his dreams. For weeks, he lived in a state of constant fear, anticipating that at any moment the divine fire could descend and reduce everything to ashes.

To his relief, Michael's reign did not bring the feared destruction. Life in Birka resumed its normal course after the initial astonishment, with subtle but significant changes.

Fram, previously venerated as a god, now served as captain of the God's Guard, endowed with the power to manipulate flames by Michael's grace.

Michael's divine nature was the subject of speculation among Tritter and his companions. The ability to grant supernatural powers fueled the belief in his divinity.

This possibility filled Tritter with anticipation; Michael's promise to grant them the same gift as Fram was an exciting and transformative prospect.

Since the announcement, Tritter had eagerly awaited this moment. His selection by Fram among his colleagues only intensified his expectation.

Now, as he formed up with the other chosen ones in the central square, watching Michael descend majestically from the sky, he could barely contain his excitement.

The divine gift seemed within his reach.

Michael observed the gathered warriors with satisfaction.

His expectations for the Knights of the Sun were realistic; he understood that exceptional talents like Fram were rare. For his purposes, this select group would be sufficient as a shield for future battles.

In a serene voice, Michael addressed those present: "All of you are the elite, carefully chosen from among more than a thousand members of the God's Guard." His words resonated in the square, charged with promise and power.

"The reason for your convocation is singular: the creation of a legion under my direct command, composed of warriors blessed with my divine gift. Feel proud, for you have been chosen."

Tritter, upon hearing these words, felt his heart race. The opportunity to receive the divine gift, something he had longed for since the first day, was finally within reach.

Following the instructions previously received from Fram, Tritter and his companions knelt in unison.

"Thank you, God, for your grace!"

Michael nodded. He knew that, once the fire seed was received, the loyalty of these warriors would be assured. The power of his soul would subtly influence their minds, creating an unbreakable bond.

With a gesture, Michael raised his hands. In his right palm materialized a golden flame, large and bright, larger than the one granted to Enel and Fram.

In his left hand appeared a soft yellow flame, smaller and gentler, representing his healing power.

"Accept my gift, warriors," declared Michael, extending his hands towards the kneeling crowd.

The flames divided, transforming into sparks that flew towards the aligned warriors.

The yellow flame fragmented into five parts, while the golden one divided into forty-five, each destined for the forehead of a specific warrior.

Upon completing the ritual, Michael exhaled deeply, feeling a wave of weakness course through his body.

The consumption of soul power had been considerable, even greater than on previous occasions. However, he noted with relief that the quality of his energy had been maintained better than the last time.

Michael struggled to maintain his composure. This was not the time to succumb to exhaustion.

Tritter watched in amazement as an ethereal flame approached him, feeling a soft but intense heat on his forehead.

In an instant, a warm sensation spread throughout his body, enveloping him in a divine embrace.

It was as if a great will had embraced him, connecting him with something beyond his comprehension.

The power granted by Michael flooded every fiber of his being, provoking in Tritter an emotion so intense that it almost brought him to tears.

He was experiencing firsthand the power of a true god, so different from the previous rulers of Birka who called themselves deities.

Upon opening his eyes, he immediately perceived the latent power within him, a new and exciting force waiting to be unleashed.

Michael, observing how the warriors awakened one by one to their new power, nodded with satisfaction.

The Solar Knights were taking shape before his eyes.

"Fellow warriors," he announced with a smile, "Test the power you now possess."

Without waiting a second longer, the warriors began to channel the newly acquired energy.

The air filled with the sound of flames sprouting one after another, creating a spectacle similar to fireworks.

Exclamations of amazement and joy resonated through the square as the warriors contemplated the flames emerging from their palms. Michael noted that, although impressive, none equaled in magnitude those that Fram had manifested in his initial awakening.

Tritter, as enthusiastic as his companions, concentrated on releasing his new power.

However, instead of the golden flames he saw around him, a soft yellow light enveloped his hands, emanating a comforting warmth that seemed to reach the depths of his being.

Confused, he looked around, noticing the difference between his flame and those of his comrades. Uncertainty began to take hold of him, fearing that something had gone wrong.

But Michael's voice dispelled his doubts: "Some warriors will have noticed that their flames are different."

Tritter looked up, attentive to the words of his god. "This is because each of you is unique. The golden flame is a spear to defeat powerful enemies, while the yellow flame is a shield to protect allies. It is a healing flame, capable of alleviating pain."

The revelation illuminated Tritter's face.

Healing fire?

He contemplated the flames burning in his hands with a new appreciation.

His role as a guardian, protector of his companions, ignited a flame of determination in his heart.

Feeling fatigue taking over him, Michael turned to Fram. "Fram"

"I leave the rest to you. You will be the leader of the Knights of the Sun."

"Yes, my God!" Fram responded solemnly. "Please trust in me."