Chapter 2: The Chosen Thirteen

As Lucifer's dark presence dissipated from the heavenly chamber, leaving only a faint chill in the air, the angels exchanged wary glances. The weight of the Creator's decision hung heavy over them. God's choice to accept Lucifer's challenge was both shocking and sobering. Yet, there was a solemn understanding among the divine beings—this was the only way to confront the darkness spreading across humanity.

The Creator's voice, calm and all-encompassing, finally broke the silence. "My beloved angels, the time has come to summon those who will guide humanity's champions in the days ahead."

With a wave of His hand, twelve brilliant beams of light materialized, each one a manifestation of an angel chosen to lead humanity's champions. These twelve were among the finest and bravest of the heavenly host, each possessing unique strengths and virtues.

Gabriel stepped forward, his expression filled with determination. "Lord, we shall carry out Your will. Each of us will choose a champion from among humanity—one who will embody our virtues and fight for light against the forces of darkness."

The Creator nodded gently, but then His gaze sharpened, focusing on the celestial gathering. "There is one among humanity whom I have chosen myself. A mortal named Ano."

Murmurs rippled through the assembly. It was rare for God to personally select a mortal, and the angels felt a mixture of curiosity and awe. The mention of a human so personally chosen by God sent a ripple of unease and wonder through the twelve who had already stepped forward.

Michael, who had been standing at the forefront with a quiet yet resolute presence, looked to the Creator, his face unreadable. "My Lord, if I may ask… what is special about this mortal? What sets him apart from others?"

The Creator's gaze softened as He looked upon His most trusted warrior, and in His eyes was a mixture of sorrow and hope. "Ano possesses a heart unlike any other—a spirit forged through both suffering and compassion. He is no warrior, yet he carries a strength that cannot be measured in physical power alone. In this mortal lies the seed of what humanity could be—a spark of light even in the deepest darkness."

The angels listened, intrigued, as the Creator continued. "But even he will need guidance. Michael, I entrust you with this task. You shall be Ano's guide, mentor, and protector. Teach him the ways of light and give him the strength to face what is to come."

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Michael bowed his head, accepting the weight of this responsibility. "As You wish, my Lord. I shall do all that I can to prepare him." Yet, within his heart, he could not shake the question that lingered—what did the Creator see in this ordinary human that he could not?

The Creator's gaze swept over the twelve remaining angels, His voice filling them with a renewed sense of purpose. "Each of you shall select a champion. Choose wisely, for these mortals will carry the hopes of the world on their shoulders. Guide them with patience and compassion, and remember, their hearts must be their own. Do not force your will upon them; let them come to the light of their own accord."

One by one, the angels nodded, understanding the gravity of their task. They would scour the earth, seeking those whose virtues mirrored their own, individuals with the potential to rise above the darkness that plagued humanity.

Gabriel, the messenger, already had a figure in mind—a humble scholar who used words to inspire rather than weapons to wound. Raphael, the healer, thought of a young doctor who worked tirelessly to save lives, even at great personal cost. Uriel, the angel of wisdom, considered a philosopher whose understanding of human nature ran deep. Each angel's thoughts wandered to mortals whose souls shone with light, however faint, amidst the growing shadows of the world.

As they prepared to descend to earth, Michael approached the Creator once more, his heart burdened by the mission before him. "My Lord," he began, "if I may ask one final question… should I train Ano as a warrior?"

The Creator's response was soft, almost a whisper. "Train him to be strong, Michael, but remember that true strength lies not in the sword alone. Teach him compassion, resilience, and faith. His path will be different from the others. He will not stand for violence alone, but for mercy and forgiveness, even when it seems impossible."

Michael's mind wrestled with this. He, the greatest of Heaven's warriors, was being asked to guide someone who would not simply wield his strength to vanquish evil. Yet, he trusted in the Creator's wisdom, and he bowed once more. "As You command, my Lord."

With the Creator's blessing, Michael turned, his face set with a mixture of determination and uncertainty. The angels prepared to descend, each eager to find their champion. But as Michael spread his wings, he couldn't help but glance back, wondering again what set Ano apart from the rest of humanity.

For now, the question would remain unanswered. His duty was clear: he would train Ano with every skill he possessed and protect him with every fiber of his being. Whatever trials awaited, Michael resolved that he would prepare Ano for the coming storm. And perhaps, in time, he would come to understand why this one mortal had captured the Creator's gaze.

With a single, graceful motion, Michael descended to earth, his wings slicing through the heavens like silver blades. The path to Ragnarok had been set, and the first steps of this divine game had begun