Chapter 969: Chapter 509: You Shall Be King
When Rod’s eyes adjusted to the golden light, the first thing he saw in the grand sacrificial altar was the towering golden Holy Fire, blazing thousands of yards high.
Compared to the last time, Rod clearly felt that the Holy Fire was filled with the warmth and breath of life, without that unsettling eerie feeling, like an old man suffering from an incurable disease, transformed into a vibrant young man.
Infinite golden light emanated from it, and boundless power surged within the roaring flames.
This is the foundation of Trolian’s existence, the basis upon which all living creatures depend to survive.
After acquiring the Holy Fire Seed from Starry Sky City, it finally stabilized and possessed a higher threshold.
After many years, the crisis of the Holy Fire was finally resolved.
The Royal City is doing its utmost to gather and produce the Fuel Element and Firewood, repeating what they have been doing for millennia—feeding the Holy Fire.
A stronger Holy Fire means a stronger human kingdom.
Rod could feel its longing, yearning for more Fuel Element, more Firewood.
When the doors were fully opened, the Holy Fire emitted a strange humming sound, giving the illusion that it was expressing joy.
"Come in."
Horus said.
"The King is waiting for you."
Rod nodded and followed him through the passageway immersed in golden light, stepping into the main sacrificial altar.
His vision suddenly broadened, and Rod saw that the vast sacrificial altar was already filled with people.
A large number of Fire Priests and Fire Guardians lined both sides, orderly and solemn.
The Elder Council was gathered on the high platform of the Holy Fire, surrounding the King seated at the center.
The King wore a burning royal robe and a burning crown, and his majestic gaze seemed to ignite the air.
And behind the throne stood eleven people, seven of them wearing gold and white robes adorned with flame patterns, and the other four clad in armor.
Rod immediately recognized among them Jelaba, Luo Weiya, Alan, and Olivia.
Clearly, the seven in robes were the seven Fire Sons of Trolian.
The four in armor were the four Great Knight Captains.
The eleven most powerful figures of Trolian had actually gathered here!
Rod suddenly realized that this gathering was definitely extraordinary.
Horus led him up the steps, arriving before the King, and bowed deeply.
"Your Majesty, Guardian Rod has arrived."
The King nodded slightly.
Horus turned and retreated into the line to the side.
Left standing alone, Rod felt all eyes on him, making him somewhat at a loss.
Fortunately, this situation did not last long, as the King stood up.
Even under the magnificent Holy Fire, his figure was unmistakable.
"Guardian Rod."
The King said loudly.
"In the past year and more, you have made indelible contributions to the Trolian Kingdom. I shall, in the name of fire, bestow upon you the protection of fire, hoping you can assume this responsibility as soon as possible."
With a rustling sound.
All the Fire Priests and Fire Guardians knelt on one knee, eyes closed in prayer.
An invisible spirit collided in the air, gathering strength from their minds.
The Holy Fire was disturbed by an invisible breeze, splitting into a thin wisp of flame.
The King gently extended his hand and grasped it.
"The body may perish, but the spirit is immortal, burning my body to fuel the fire of life, may the Holy Fire blaze eternally, wishing glory for all time."
The King recited in a sonorous voice, the slender flame in his palm growing ever brighter, like a thin space rift leading to a boundless world of fire.
The King slowly walked to Rod and gently pressed the flame onto his forehead.
At that moment, Rod felt a searing power penetrate his soul.
The Fire Blessing previously imprinted on his soul underwent a complete transformation, like an eagle spreading its wings, revealing its full form.
The triple flame symbol at his collar transformed once more, becoming a burning crown.
The same as the seven Fire Sons standing behind the King.
"This is the final form of the Fire Blessing."
The King smiled as he looked at him.
"It contains the power of the Holy Fire, capable of helping you combat darkness. It is also the highest level of Fire Symbol, representing the authority of the Fire Sons."
Rod felt the heat emanating from his soul, like an inexhaustible fountain, continuously nourishing his spirit.
He could clearly sense that his soul strength was slowly but steadily increasing.
"This..."
Rod’s heart trembled, knowing that this blessing was extraordinary, akin to the blessing once given by the Main Star Priest.
Blessings that directly enhanced the soul were extremely rare and came at a great cost.
Not only that, Rod also sensed, as if in the unseen, countless thin threads connected to him.
He knew that from now on, he bore the highest authority of Trolian.
Unquestionably, this must be the powerful blessing reserved for the Fire Sons.
"But I am not yet a Fire Son..."
Yet, everyone looked at him with smiles, as if celebrating a joyous occasion.
The King’s gaze was also filled with satisfaction.
"Young Rod, not everyone can bear the Crown of Fire. Typically, only after becoming a Commander does the soul have the strength to adapt to it. Luo Weiya and Alan told me that they believe your soul is perfectly balanced, and even if its strength has not reached the level of a Commander, it can bear the will of the Holy Fire."
He lightly patted Rod’s shoulder, his fingers brushed over the burning crown symbol.