Holy Knights

---

"So... this is the day we've been waiting for."

"Yes. The day I've trained for my entire life has finally come. The day we are to be knighted by the Sovereign himself… as the Falgar Knights." He said it with a proud smile on his face.

"Where's Alex?"

...

A figure rushed into the room, slightly out of breath.

"I'm here. Hello, Elisa… and you too, Aron."

A brief silence followed, as the three exchanged glances. Then Aron spoke:

"The other four, where are they?"

"You mean Jack and Mary? They went ahead to the platform. Harry, on the other hand… he's still sleeping."

"And what about Karl?"

...

"No idea… You know how he is, always mysterio—"

"I'm here."

Karl entered quietly, his voice as calm as always.

"Oh, dramatic entrance as usual..." Alex chuckled. "Well then, are we all ready to become the elite today?"

"Of course we are," Aron replied. "But time is running short. And don't forget to drag that sleeper along… Only those who understand truly have already made their way to the platform."

---

Later.

In the heart of the capital, where the palace towers seemed to embrace the skies, the royal theatre square overflowed with people. Citizens from every corner of the empire had gathered, their hearts pounding with excitement and anticipation. Children sat on their parents' shoulders, mages drew glowing arcs in the air, and soldiers from every battalion stood in solemn formation, their flags fluttering gently in the summer breeze. All eyes were fixed on one awaited moment—the coronation of the Falgar Knights, the chosen elite, before the Emperor himself.

Suddenly, horns blared—a sharp, commanding call that sliced through the noise of the city like a blade through still air. The front curtain of the royal stage drew open, and from behind it emerged the Emperor, dressed in brilliant white, a radiant aura surrounding him like a living extension of his spirit. He stood tall before the masses, arms wide in a regal gesture that summoned thunderous applause and roars of admiration.

With a deep, resonant voice, he spoke:

"My beloved people, today, at the very heart of Lumiéra, history shall witness the rise of the knights chosen not merely as warriors, but as pillars of our reign—beacons of our divine light. Let the chosen step forward."

A second curtain parted on the opposite side of the platform. Seven warriors emerged one by one, wearing ceremonial uniforms crafted specifically for this moment—elegant, adorned with the sacred insignias of Lumiéra, and embroidered with golden threads that glimmered under the light. The first of them stepped forward with unwavering poise, each of his steps met with cheers and bursts of magic from the crowd.

The first was tall, composed, and wise beyond his years.

"Aron… the wise commander. A master of sword and mind, blending the discipline of light with the precision of combat architecture. He strikes not with impulse, but with purpose. In the name of light, and as Sovereign of this land, I raise you to the rank of Falgar Knight. Congratulations."

The Emperor lifted a ceremonial sword—not one of war, but a radiant artifact of light, used only during sacred rites. He touched it to Aron's shoulder, then pinned a glowing insignia to his chest. Aron bowed with respect and stepped aside.

Next came a man whose light footsteps and ever-present grin belied the bloody reputation he carried from countless monster hunts.

"Alex… the wild striker. Jovial in peace, a blazing sword in war. He commands fire as though it were born of his soul. In the name of Lumiéra, I bestow upon you the title."

Then came a girl, silent in her approach, graceful as if the wind itself carried her. Her hair danced lightly with the breeze.

"Elisa… the killing feather. Mistress of the wind, a warrior whose strikes are unseen. As skilled with the blade as with magic. No enemy escapes her storm. Your place among the elite is well deserved."

Then came Mary—her presence alone announced her arrival. Her eyes were sharp like concentrated water, her salute exact and rigid.

"Mary… the tactician. Controller of water in all its forms. A strategist in the heat of battle, fighting and thinking in one motion. We are honored to welcome you to Falgar."

Karl followed—his face unreadable, his gaze drifting far beyond the crowd as if scanning a future no one else could see.

"Karl… the blade of frost. Master of ice, a fighter wrapped in mystery. Even I do not know what lies within him—but what he did during the trials leaves no room for doubt. I welcome you to the very top tier."

Jack stepped up next—large and broad, his steps like quiet thunder, yet his movements bore a mythical lightness.

"Jack… the armored giant. Earth incarnate in human form. Every step a quake, every armor plate a fortress. His endurance unshakable, his strategies impenetrable."

Finally came the last, stumbling ever so slightly, his smirk carefree.

"Harry… the unpredictable fighter. Master of mirrored light, bearing a sword of brilliance and a mind like dancing flames. His battles defy logic and embrace chaos. I now raise your name among the Falgar Knights."

The seven stood side by side in a single line, their heads held high, halos of magic and power swirling around them.

The Sovereign lifted his hand once more.

"You are now… my blade in the darkness, and the wall of light I raise before those who would dare harm my people.

In the name of the divine, in the name of Lumiéra, in the name of Light itself... I declare you, the elite of Falgar, before your people—and before the world."

Behind them, radiant wings of light rose into the sky—an ethereal formation made of thousands of powers released by the crowd. And so, the heavens bore witness to the birth of the generation that would carry Lumiéra's light into the heart of the coming storm.

But what awaits… in a world ruled by Lumiéra's absolute grip?