Chapter 51: The Rise of the Radiant Legion

For an entire week, Gabriel immersed himself in the task of forging a force that would reflect his ideals: strength, discipline, and the will to protect. The Barbarian village was alive with activity as Gabriel carefully selected individuals for a purpose beyond their current lives. His criteria were not based on physical strength or skill but on the purity of their hearts and their willingness to change.

Out of the 25,000 barbarians, 10,000 were chosen. Each selection was met with curiosity and hope. Those not chosen were not cast aside—Gabriel made it clear they were not rejected because of evil or unworthiness. Many of them had been thrust into war by circumstance, their hearts still burdened with fear, anger, or regret. He spoke to them kindly, reassuring them that their time to grow and prove themselves would come.

Gabriel's voice carried across the village as he addressed the chosen barbarians. Astrid, Liv, and Eira stood by his side, their divine armor catching the sunlight and inspiring amazement in those gathered.

"You are here because you have shown strength—not just of the body, but of the heart," Gabriel said, his wings unfurling slightly as he spoke. "Your past does not define you. What matters is the path you choose to walk now."

The chosen barbarians knelt, their expressions a mixture of pride and reverence. Many of them were seasoned warriors, their bodies marked by scars from countless battles. But there were also younger men and women, faces filled with hope and determination.

Eira leaned toward Astrid, her voice a low murmur. "They look so serious."

Astrid smirked. "They're trying to figure out what Gabriel sees in them."

Liv's quiet voice joined in. "He sees what they could become."

Gabriel's next act stunned everyone. With a wave of his hand, the ground beside the Barbarian village began to tremble. The onlookers watched in stupefaction as light poured from Gabriel's fingertips, carving structures out of nothingness. Within minutes, an enormous barracks began to take shape. It was unlike anything they had ever seen—white and gold with intricate carvings that radiated divine energy.

The barracks were designed to house all 10,000 of the chosen. Its spacious interiors included sleeping quarters, training grounds, armories, and even a hall for gathering and strategizing. Despite its massive size, the barracks felt warm and welcoming, a sanctuary for those who would live there.

Eira whistled, her eyes wide. "I've seen castles smaller than this."

Liv nodded, her gaze tracing the golden accents. "It's beautiful."

Astrid, ever pragmatic, crossed her arms. "It's not just for show. Every inch of this is amazing..."

Gabriel smiled faintly at their comments but remained focused. His work was far from over.

During the week, Gabriel took time to individually bless each of the 10,000. It was a familiar ritual, similar to what he had done for the Vikings. Standing before each barbarian, he placed a hand on their shoulder, his voice calm and steady as he spoke words of power. A golden light enveloped them, and they emerged stronger, faster, and more disciplined.

The effect was transformative. Warriors who had once fought with brute force alone now moved with grace and precision. Archers found their aim accuracte than ever before, their arrows striking targets with near-perfect accuracy. Those wielding shields and swords stood with unwavering will, their movements fluid and calculated.

The faith of the chosen grew with each blessing. They spoke of Gabriel in hushed, reverent tones, their belief in him solidifying with every act of kindness and guidance he bestowed. Gabriel, in turn, felt the connection between himself and his followers strengthening. It was as if their faith fueled his own divine essence, making him more powerful than he had ever been.

With the blessings complete, Gabriel turned his attention to arming his new army. He spent long hours crafting weapons and armor, his divine energy shaping each piece with care. Though not as powerful as the equipment he had given the sisters, the gear was still a marvel of craftsmanship.

The weapons were tailored to the needs of the three divisions Gabriel had established.

Archers: Their bows were sleek and durable, capable of firing arrows infused with light. The quivers never ran out of arrows, and each shot was guided by the archer's intent.

Swordsmen and Shield Bearers: Their swords gleamed with faint golden light, their shields unyielding against any attack. The shields could emit a brief burst of radiant energy, disorienting enemies in close combat.

Spearmen: Their spears were long and balanced, with tips that glowed faintly. Each strike carried an additional force, capable of piercing even the toughest armor.

The armor, like the barracks, was a uniform white and gold. It was lighter than traditional armor yet provided unparalleled protection, designed to enhance the wearer's agility without compromising defense. The design was simple yet regal, reflecting the divine purpose of its wearers.

When the equipment was finally distributed, Gabriel stood before the assembled warriors. They looked formidable, their ranks gleaming under the sun.

"You are now more than warriors," Gabriel said, his voice carrying across the field. "You are protectors. You will not fight for greed or conquest, but for the good of this world. You are the Radiant Legion."

The name resonated among the warriors, a symbol of their transformation. They knelt as one, their voices ringing out in unison: "We serve the light. We serve Gabriel."

As the Radiant Legion began their training, Astrid, Liv, and Eira observed from the sidelines. Liv watched the archers with a keen eye, occasionally nodding in approval. Eira couldn't hide her excitement, her fingers twitching as if itching to join the sparring matches. Astrid, ever the strategist, studied the formations, offering suggestions to the commanding officers Gabriel had appointed.

"They're good," Astrid remarked, her tone thoughtful. "With a bit more training, they'll be ready for anything."

Liv smiled faintly. "It's amazing how much they've changed in such a short time."

Eira laughed. "It's because they've got Gabriel watching over them. Who wouldn't want to impress him?"

Gabriel, overhearing their conversation, approached with a faint smile. "This isn't about impressing me," he said. "It's about becoming the best version of themselves."

Astrid raised an eyebrow. "And yet, they're looking to you for guidance."

Gabriel's smile deepened. "That's because they know I believe in them."

As the week came to an end, the Radiant Legion stood ready—a disciplined and unified force. The barbarians who hadn't been chosen watched with a mix of awe and determination, inspired to work toward their own transformation. Gabriel's influence extended far beyond the chosen 10,000, touching the hearts of everyone in the village.

The sisters, too, felt a sense of objective. Watching Gabriel work tirelessly to uplift others only strengthened their admiration for him. They saw not just his power, but his compassion and dedication.

"Do you ever rest?" Liv asked one evening, her tone light but curious.

Gabriel chuckled softly. "I rest when the work is done."

Eira smirked. "You'll have to teach us that trick someday."

Astrid didn't say anything, but the look in her eyes spoke volumes. She understood better than anyone the weight of responsibility Gabriel carried—and she respected him all the more for it.

The Radiant Legion stood as a proof to Gabriel's vision, a shining beacon of hope and strength. The time ahead would undoubtedly bring challenges, but for now, the village thrived under the light of his guidance.