The villagers rejoiced as they witnessed the crowning of the new hero.
"Congratulations, Lach!"
"We knew you could do it!"
"Thanks for saving me all those times!" The Lender brat said.
The Chief motioned for everyone to quiet down. When the villagers were quiet, he took off the old ring on his left ring finger and gave it to Lach.
"Put it on."
Lach did as instructed. He was stunned as the ring changed to fit his finger.
"The first order of business, Lach, is to choose your sidekick." The Chief said.
"Sidekick, what's that?"
"The sidekick is your partner, the one you trust the most. The sidekick will travel with you throughout your adventures. You must choose carefully, Lach."
Lach didn't take long to consider the question.
"I choose Ubaid! If you're willing, I can't think of anyone better to share my adventures with. Do you accept?" Lach looked nervously at his best friend.
There wasn't much for Lach to worry about; Ubaid gave a brilliant smile.
"Of course, I accept. Haven't we also had adventures together, ever since we were kids? There's also a promise we made that we need to keep, right?"
Surprised, Lach looked at Ubaid for a moment.
"I thought you forgot."
"I thought you forgot, Lach. Since neither of us forgot, we should keep our promise." The two friends looked at one another happily.
"Good, now that it's settled, we have the Hero Lach and Ubaid, his sidekick. Come, my dear, we knew this day would come eventually." The Village Chief motioned to his wife, who reluctantly came to him.
"It's true; we knew this day would come." She held out her hand when she arrived before her husband, Lach, and Ubaid. The Village Chief removed a gold ring from his wife's left ring finger. He placed the ring in Lach's hand.
"Now, place the ring on Ubaid's finger and..."
"What, Village Chief, I...what do you mean?! This is all too sudden! You know that I'm a man, and I hope to marry a nice girl someday, settle down, and have some children. Although, it's not like Ubaid isn't a catch. You're very dashing Ubaid, but you're not my type; I like girls!"
The Village Chief grabbed a stick from somewhere and whacked Lach on top of his head.
"You aren't marrying Ubaid. That's the sidekick ring, you knucklehead! You have to place it on his finger and say, "Today, we become partners against evil and comrades who protect the world!"
Lach was both embarrassed and relieved hearing the Chief.
"I'm sorry, it's just that you took Mrs. Village Chief's wedding ring and told me to put it on Ubaid's finger. What was I supposed to think?" Lach asked innocently. Some of the villagers even nodded in agreement.
"You were supposed to let me finish what I was saying. I was about to explain it to you!" The village chief whacked Lach on the head once more.
Lach said, placing the ring on Ubaid's finger, "Today, we become partners against evil and comrades who protect the world!"
After the Chief settled Lach's nonsense, he turned the boys to face the large plaque behind them.
"Repeat the words on the plaque," The Village Chief instructed the boys.
"As heroes of Magen Village, I Lach Dengir, and I Ubaid Amagi, swear that I accept of my will the responsibility to fight evil, protect the innocent, and establish justice! Therefore, I will live my life according to the Code of Heroes.
1. I shall not recognize many but One; may I always be loyal
2. I shall not curse One; may blessing be upon my lips
3. I shall not reach out to grasp that which is not mine; may I rejoice in the blessings of others
4. I shall not shed the blood of others; may I protect the living
5. I shall not tread upon forbidden lands; may I delight in a blessed union
6. I shall not be cruel to animals; may I elevate all that I eat
7. I shall not pervert justice; may I establish courts of righteousness
The Code of Heroes is firmly held in my hand.
As they completed their oaths, the rings on their fingers released a gentle aura—the aura of the rings spread throughout the Village, enveloping each villager. Every person levitated slightly from the ground. Vital energy spread throughout their bodies as if they were being cleansed inside out.
Each person felt their bodies grow a little stronger, whether young or old. Years melted from the villagers. The Old looked young, and the young grew stronger. Then, as the gentle streams of energy retracted into the rings, the villagers floated gently to the ground like a leaf in a breeze.
Astonished, the villagers looked at one another, confused but joyful.
"It is rare, but when the hearts of the Village are united, the hero rings will bless the community. It rewards unity and the love that creates such pure heroes. First, you blessed these children, and now the rings bless us!" The Chief announced.
Marveling at the blessings, even Grandma Granny looked as she did when she was thirty instead of her actual age.
"I would like to invite the village men to slaughter animals and set up cooking pits for a grand evening feast. I invite the village ladies to help prepare other aspects of the meal and make the public square festive," Mrs. Village Chief said as the others were excited and happy. Immediately, the people flew into their work enthusiastically.
"You two boys follow me to my home; Village Honey, I'll leave preparations to you." The Chief smiled at his wife, who looked to be in her twenties.
"Of course, dear," she winked endearingly at her husband.
Following the Village Chief, Lach and Ubaid were so excited about everything that they couldn't speak. On the other hand, you could probably fit a house in their mouth if they smiled any wider. The village chief brought the pair into his parlor and had them sit on the couch as he sat in his chair.
Looking at them with a pleasant smile, he got their attention, "Now that the two of you are the chosen heroes of Magen Village. I will share the secrets you need to know. First, the two of you are embarking on a journey that isn't restricted to our Village, the city, the country, or the world. You are embarking on an adventure that will take you across the cosmos!