章 13: Upper Yard

On the edge of Birka Island, a fleet of ships gently rocked, ready to set sail.

These vessels, unlike their counterparts in the Blue Sea, were built entirely from special clouds.

The scarcity of wood on Birka, an island composed purely of clouds, had led its inhabitants to develop alternatives for shipbuilding. The solution came in the form of island-cloud, a versatile material whose applications seemed almost limitless.

Island-clouds not only served to build houses and furniture but also provided the perfect material for shipbuilding.

These vessels possessed characteristics that radically distinguished them from their marine counterparts.

One of the most notable differences was the absence of traditional sails. Although equipped with oars as a precaution, these were rarely used. Instead, the ships of the Sky Islands relied on a much more advanced technology: wind protectors.

These devices, installed around each vessel, harnessed wind energy in a way that far surpassed the efficiency of conventional sails.

In fact, the same technology that would allow Enel's future spaceship to fly to the moon now propelled these ships through the White-White Sea with ease.

As Birka's warriors took their positions on the ships, an imposing figure rose into the air, capturing everyone's attention. It was Fram, the leader of the Sun Knights, but his appearance had undergone an astonishing transformation.

The wings on Fram's back, previously small, now extended majestically, rivaling in size those of Michael himself.

These new limbs, made of golden fire, allowed him to soar into the sky with a simple flap, an impressive demonstration of the power bestowed by his god.

This transformation was a testament to the versatility of the divine flame granted by Michael. The ability to mold the body at will opened up a range of possibilities.

"This is a war waged in the name of God!"

He proclaimed with a powerful voice, his golden wings majestically extended. "All of heaven must be bathed in divine glory!"

His words resonated over the crowd of warriors gathered on the ships.

"This is a glorious and just war!

To spread the name of God!

For God!"

"For God!" the warriors roared in response, their faces transformed by a mixture of fervor and determination.

The atmosphere vibrated with an almost palpable energy, each soldier willing to risk their life for the divine cause.

In the center of the fleet, on the deck of the main ship, Michael rested in a chair. On both sides, his faithful maidens, Anjie and Rika, released soft yellow flames from their hands, enveloping him in a healing halo.

Although Michael considered them primarily as decoration, he had granted them the gift of the healing flame, turning them into useful auxiliaries in moments of weakness.

A slight smile played on his lips as he listened to the frenzied cries of his followers. "This is the power of faith."

After concluding his speech, Fram turned to Michael, seeking his approval. With a slight nod from his god, Fram took a deep breath and gave the order:

"Forward!"

Seven large ships, each built with island-clouds and equipped with wind projectiles, set in motion.

On board, 700 Birka warriors prepared for the battle that awaited them.

Fram landed in front of Michael. "My God, our forces are more than sufficient to capture the territory. It is not necessary for you to risk yourself personally."

Enel, sitting on the edge of the ship with his arms crossed, added: "Yes, God. You could wait in Birka for news of our victory."

Michael, still struggling against drowsiness, half-opened his eyes. "No," he replied with an enigmatic smile.

"There is a place I wish to go personally."

Fram nodded respectfully, accepting his god's decision without question.

"The journey from Birka takes approximately half a day," he informed. "Please rest in the meantime."

Nodding slightly before sinking into a deep sleep. His spirit, exhausted from creating the fire seeds, needed to recover.

As he slept, his mind wandered about what they would find.

Could they see the remains of Shandora upon awakening?

Why did the Shandorans keep a Poneglyph?

What relationship did they have with the people of Birka?

Would there be traces of the ancient Shandora in the ruins?

These questions danced in his subconscious as sleep enveloped him. The fatigue of his soul paradoxically improved the quality of his rest, allowing him to immerse himself in a deep and restorative sleep.

While Michael rested, the fleet advanced swiftly through the sea of clouds.

....

...

…..

….

…

"God.... God...," Anjie's soft voice penetrated Michael's sleep, gradually awakening him.

Opening his eyes slowly, his gaze meeting Anjie's charming face.

The young servant, with a bow, announced in a soft voice: "We have arrived."

Rising gracefully, he stood to his full height.

His ethereal figure, wrapped in a white and gold robe that gently waved in the breeze, emanated an aura of power and serenity.

His wings, elegantly folded against his back, shone with a faint golden glow.

With deliberate steps, he approached the side of the ship, his celestial eyes looked at the horizon. In the distance, over the vast White-White Sea, two completely different islands were clearly outlined.

The first, formed by island clouds, did not differ much from Birka in appearance. It floated serenely.

The second island, in marked contrast, was an imposing sight. Its size eclipsed its neighbor, and lush vegetation covered its surface. Even from a distance, the vitality it emanated was palpable, a green oasis in the sea of clouds.

On deck, Fram and Enel remained silent, their gazes fixed on Michael, awaiting his orders.

Michael extended his arms, letting the sea breeze caress his divine face. His eyes scanned the two islands.

Angel Island, the white celestial fortress, and Upper Yard, the green sacred land. Together, they formed the Domain of God.

"Destiny has brought us here," he declared with divine authority.

"Then... attack"

Instantly, Fram raised a hand to the sky.

Golden flames condensed in his palm, forming a spear of gleaming fire.

With a powerful jump that made the deck tremble, he rose into the air and shouted: "Full speed ahead!"

The seven ships of the Birka fleet responded in unison. The wind projectiles roared to life, propelling the vessels through the sea of clouds like arrows.

The distance between them and the two distant islands began to rapidly decrease, the ethereal landscape of the White-White Sea becoming a blur.

Michael, his golden wings majestically unfolding, rose above the deck. "The frontal battle is in your hands," he said, addressing Fram. "I'll go take a look at that island." His gaze fixed on Upper Yard, the lush green land that dramatically contrasted with the surrounding cloudy landscape.

"Yes, God" Fram nodded solemnly. "Take your tour. When you return, victory will be ours."

Michael nodded with satisfaction. Having such capable and loyal subordinates was certainly comforting.

Suddenly, Anjie, the boldest, stepped forward.

"God.... could... allow us to accompany you," she pleaded, putting on puppy eyes. "How could we let you embark on this adventure alone?"

Michael considered the request for a moment before nodding casually. "Follow me."

Anjie and Rika exchanged complicit glances before yellow flames sprouted from their backs, forming wings that would allow them to fly.

Although the healing flame lacked lethal power, it was equally malleable as the golden fire.

"Let's go, then" Michael declared, rising towards Upper Yard with his faithful servants following closely.

As they moved away, the landscape beneath them gradually transformed. The sea of clouds gave way to an impressive view of Upper Yard.

Observing his god's departure, Fram inhaled deeply, his determination burning intensely.

He could not, must not, disappoint his deity.

"Yahaha! Then I'll go ahead!" exclaimed Enel with a mocking laugh. In a flash, his body transformed into lightning, disappearing from the ship in an instant.

Fram snorted slightly at Enel's impetuosity but refrained from commenting.

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