For years, he trained with his master, separated from the rest of his kin, and focused only on perfecting his combat skills to become the best warrior against demons he could possibly be. Finally, the sweet fruits of his years-long labour were in sight, and he was rightfully excited. He was now going to receive the title held by his master and will finally be able to fight for the souls of humankind like he always wanted. He just hoped that his future efforts would be far better than his first one.
"They are arriving any minute now. We shall kneel down to greet them." said the master while getting down on his knees.
He obediently followed his master's example, and immediately after he did so, seven different portals appeared in front of them, and through them, seven members of the Council walked into the room. They were physically not impressive or distinctive at all. If you walked through the street and walked right past them, you wouldn't stop and think that they were important. But they emanated an aura of complete devotion to faith and humility. While human leaders always tried their hardest to show themselves in the best light by wearing the best clothes and having luxurious homes, the members of the Council didn't resort to such practices. There was no one in the whole Elysium who would be impressed by vanity, but on the other hand, everybody was impressed by the Council's leadership and example. They were not just good leaders but also great warriors. He could sense that each of them was very powerful, and he was truly honoured to be in their presence.
Without any delay, after they nodded to them to greet them, without uttering a word, the Council formed a circle around them. His master then stood up and stepped out of it, leaving him alone at its centre.
"In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit!" began one of the members while crosing himself, and everybody followed his example.
"Today, after so much time has passed since somebody joined the ranks of our most elite force tasked with fighting against our foul enemy, one has finally proven himself worthy of such honour. This is both a painful reminder of a great loss we suffered in the past and a spark of light that will hopefully, with time, devotion, sacrifice, effort, and experience, turn into a shining sun that will drive back the forces of hell and loosen their grip upon billions of human souls. The humans have their protectors in us, but we couldn't offer them that protection if the Almighty didn't constantly shower us with his blessings. Despite what the mortals think, we do not look into the Almighty's face, and that alone is our biggest punishment, for unlike them, we know that the Almighty is real and we are often blessed in various ways by him, but we are deprived of his constant presence, and much like them, we patiently await the Second Advent. This is why we bravely fight our demonic enemy without rest, guarding the mortal souls from sure doom so they could join us in Elysium as our brethren. This war has been raging for tens of thousands of years, and both we and our enemy have suffered, are suffering, and will suffer, yet neither side has an advantage. Victory is guaranteed, but when it will be accomplished is unknown, and it is safe to say that without the Lord's direct involvement, it won't ever happen. However, that doesn't mean we should stop trying in the meantime. Our mission is sacred, and protecting the sanctity of the Lord's creation to the maximum of our possibilities is not only our task but also our duty. It is neither an easy nor a pleasant duty, but it's a duty nonetheless. This duty you are today, by your own will, choosing to accept. Are you aware of that?"
"I am." he promptly answered.
"And are you aware that ahead of you is nothing but endless self-improvement, death, and sacrifice?"
"I am." he said again.
"And are you aware that, once you accept this burden, there is no walking back on it, and the only things that can relieve you from it are your death in battle or our total victory over demons?"
"I am." he said bravely for the third time.
"Then you are truly ready! May your determination remain as strong in the future as it is today!" said the Council member.
Then, all seven Council members approached him until they were right next to him. Then each of them raised his right hand over him, giving him their blessings one by one.
"May the Lord guide your hand in every battle so you always come out of it as a victor, triumphing over evil!" said the first one.
"May the Lord watch over you and protect you from peril and unnecessary wounds!" said the second one.
"May the Lord give you wisdom, so you can approach every obstacle that you come across the right way!" said the third one.
"May the Lord give you patience and calmness so you strike at your enemies when the time is right!" said the fourth one.
"May the Lord give you a strong heart and mind, so you can endure everything that awaits you!" said the fifth one.
"May the Lord fill you with determination and a sense of duty, which will always remind you what is the right thing to do in every situation!" said the sixth one.
"When the time comes, may the Lord award you for your servitude with a space next to him so you can witness his glory for all of eternity!" said the seventh one.
Then they moved back a little and let his master approach him. When he approached him, he suddenly slapped him so powerfully that he almost fell to the side. This caught him off-guard, and he looked up towards his master, surprised by this truly unexpected and harsh act.
"This is how mortals initiated new members into their knightly orders. The slap is a symbol of the pain and trouble one endured to get to this moment and also a reminder that there is more of that ahead. Besides that, I want it to serve as a lesson for you. Our Lord was slapped by the very mortal hands he created, and he did nothing out of love for humankind, even going as far as dying for their sins. I slapped you, and you did nothing because you know that pain is temporary and that there's a reason for it, but most importantly, because you are not too proud to receive this kind of lesson from your master. One was once too proud, and that's why he fell. Because of him, everything now is how it is, and billions of souls suffer and will continue to suffer until his reign comes to an end. All that, just because he succumbed to pride. That was and is our most painful lesson. Keep it in mind, and don't ever let your pride lead you astray. You are not the carrier of light but the light itself, and as such, you cannot fail! Remember this!"
Having said that, his master fell back and joined the other seven members of the Council in a circle around him. They then all crossed their hands and started to say the Lord's prayer, and he joined them in saying it too. After that, a Hail Mary and Glory Be to the Father. After the prayers had been said, his master again returned in front of him, and the members of the Council formed a line behind him. Each of them held his right hand on the right shoulder of the one in front of him. His master then concentrated for a moment, and in his right hand appeared a lightsword, just like the one he used during his final exam. He then placed the lightsword above his right shoulder, and they all started to speak in unison.
"In the name of the Triune God that allows us to do so by the powers he mercifully granted to us, we name you…"
As they said that, his master slowly raised the lighstword above his head, after which he equally slowly moved it above his left shoulder.
"… Hell Purger, the killer of demons, the bane of evil, the protector of the weak, and the servant of the light!"
The lightsword disappeared from his master's hand, and the members of the Council let go of him and each other, walking out of the line. It was done. The ceremony was complete.
"Arise, Lucius, Hell Purger!"
Arose he did, determined to prove to everyone, as well as himself, that the time he spent getting ready for this moment was not all for naught. He couldn't even imagine what the future had in store for him, but he was certain of one thing. No matter what lies ahead of him, he will always give his best!