The virtue requirement wasn't arbitrary – Marcus had designed it as an essential safeguard against the corruption of power. Without moral constraints, the Incinerator Rings could become weapons of tyranny rather than tools of protection.
"This system prevents the rings from falling into the wrong hands," Marcus explained as his companions studied the formal covenant document. "Even if someone steals a ring, they won't be able to activate its power without genuine commitment to one of the eight virtues."
Bruce nodded approvingly as he read through the requirements. "A practical solution to a dangerous problem. Power without accountability has destroyed more heroes than any external enemy."
Each of them had already begun considering which virtue would best complement their existing approach to protecting others.
Bruce's choice surprised no one who truly knew him. Despite his reputation as Gotham's Dark Knight, he selected Courage as his guiding principle. Not the reckless bravery of someone seeking glory, but the deliberate choice to stand between innocent people and any threat, regardless of the personal cost.
"I've spent twenty years learning that real courage isn't the absence of fear," Bruce said quietly. "It's acting to protect others despite that fear. No matter what we face – the Court of Owls, artificial demons, or worse threats – I'll stand in front of them."
Selina's selection of Mercy reflected her own journey from bitter orphan to protector of Gotham's forgotten people. Her experiences had taught her that vengeance only created more suffering, while compassion could break cycles of violence and despair.
"I chose mercy because I know what it feels like to be abandoned," she explained. "What happened to me won't happen to others if I can prevent it. The black cat takes from those who prey on the innocent and gives to those who need hope."
Constantine's choice was the most unexpected. After years of manipulating both demons and angels, sacrificing others to save himself, and cutting deals that would horrify most people, he selected Sacrifice as his virtue.
"I know how that sounds coming from me," Constantine said with dark humor. "But when the situation truly calls for it, I can choose to sacrifice myself rather than someone else. I may be a bastard most of the time, but I'm not a coward when it matters."
As each person confirmed their chosen virtue, their Incinerator Rings responded with visible changes. The white and gold combat suits they'd manifested gained additional markings that reflected their personal commitments.
Bruce's suit displayed a shield emblem on his shoulder, symbolizing his role as protector. Selina's gained a hooded cloak design across her arms, representing shelter for those in need. Constantine's showed a cross pattern across his chest, marking his willingness to bear burdens for others.
"These symbols will identify each branch of the Covenant," Marcus explained. "As the organization grows, people will learn to recognize what each virtue represents and seek out the appropriate help."
Marcus watched his students embrace their new responsibilities with quiet satisfaction. The virtue system would ensure that Incinerator Ring bearers remained worthy of the trust placed in them, while the visual symbols would help people understand what kind of protection they could expect.
But Marcus's thoughts were already moving beyond the immediate application. In his memories of other realities, he recalled an organization called the Green Lantern Corps – cosmic peacekeepers who used similar ring technology powered by willpower rather than divine energy.
"I wonder what they'll think when they eventually encounter the Covenant," Marcus mused silently. "Ring-based power systems, color-coded energy signatures, oath-bound members... they're going to assume we reverse-engineered their technology."
The prospect amused him greatly. The Green Lantern Corps drew power from the emotional spectrum – rings powered by willpower, fear, rage, hope, love, compassion, and avarice. If they ever visited Earth, they'd find a divine energy-based organization that superficially resembled their own structure.
"The emotional spectrum," Marcus reflected. "Red rings of rage, orange rings of greed, yellow rings of fear, green rings of will, blue rings of hope, indigo rings of compassion, violet rings of love. Each one would make an interesting addition to my collection of power sources."
Beyond the standard seven Corps, Marcus knew there were more exotic variations. Black rings that commanded death itself, white rings that channeled pure life force, and various experimental designs that pushed the boundaries of what ring technology could achieve.
"Something to investigate if I ever encounter them," Marcus decided. "Though I suspect the Guardians of the Universe wouldn't appreciate having their technology analyzed and adapted."
For now, though, his focus needed to remain on Earth's immediate challenges. The Incinerator Rings represented a significant upgrade to his allies' capabilities, but they still needed practice and experience before facing their most dangerous enemies.
"Take some time to familiarize yourselves with the rings' capabilities," Marcus advised as the group prepared to disperse. "Start with simple constructs and work your way up to more complex applications. The power responds to imagination and will, but it takes practice to maintain precise control."
The three new Covenant members deactivated their transformed states, the rings returning to their normal appearance as elegant jewelry. But Marcus could see the confidence in their postures – they now possessed tools that could match supernatural threats on equal terms.
As the others headed off to begin their training, Marcus made his way to Wayne Manor's dining room, where Alfred had prepared an elaborate meal. After a month of focused crafting work, Marcus was eager to enjoy the butler's legendary culinary skills.
"Mr. Marcus," Alfred said formally, "dinner is served."
"Thank you, Alfred," Marcus replied, then paused as if remembering something important. "Actually, there's something for you as well."
He produced another Incinerator Ring from his coat and tossed it to the surprised butler. "This one's specially calibrated for you."
Alfred caught the ring reflexively, studying it with confusion. "Sir, I'm not certain what you expect me to do with jewelry at my age."
"Put it on," Marcus suggested with a smile. "But brace yourself – the initial synchronization process can be uncomfortable."
Alfred slipped the ring onto his finger with the resigned efficiency of someone accustomed to humoring the Wayne family's eccentricities. His expression immediately shifted to one of shocked concentration as the ring's worthiness testing began.
The process was clearly taxing for someone of Alfred's age, but the life enhancement serum Marcus had provided years earlier had maintained the butler's physical condition far beyond normal human limits. After several minutes of obvious strain, Alfred finally relaxed as the ring accepted him.
"Remarkable," Alfred murmured, feeling the divine power flowing through the ring. "Though I'm not entirely certain how to access it."
The ring was presenting him with options – eight different virtues he could choose to embody. After considering his decades of service to the Wayne family, Alfred selected Humility without hesitation.
The transformation was immediate but subtle. Alfred's formal black suit shifted to pristine white with golden lotus emblems at the collar, while a servant's head symbol appeared on his cuffs. The change maintained his dignified appearance while clearly marking him as part of the Covenant.
"The Incinerator Ring will give you the power to provide meaningful support to Bruce," Marcus explained between bites of expertly prepared food. "You'll no longer have to rely solely on conventional weapons or tactical coordination."
Alfred tested the ring's capabilities by concentrating on his outstretched hand. Divine energy flowed between his fingers, quickly condensing into a familiar shape – a military sidearm based on the weapons he'd used during his Air Force service.
"Fascinating," Alfred said, examining the energy construct. "The weapon feels completely natural, as if I'd been carrying it for decades."
"The rings adapt to each user's experience and preferences," Marcus confirmed. "But I'd recommend focusing on ammunition creation rather than maintaining complex weapon constructs. It's more efficient with the available power."
Alfred nodded and began experimenting with bullet creation. The energy cost was minimal, allowing him to produce substantial quantities of enhanced ammunition that hit with far greater force than conventional rounds.
Soon the sound of target practice echoed through Wayne Manor's grounds as Alfred tested his new capabilities. Marcus continued enjoying his meal, satisfied that he'd equipped his allies with the tools they'd need for the challenges ahead.
But even as he relaxed in the familiar comfort of Wayne Manor, Marcus knew their enemies weren't idle.
Deep beneath Gotham, in a hidden Court of Owls facility...
The underground laboratory bustled with controlled activity. Researchers in surgical masks and protective gear worked methodically on restrained artificial demons, refining their techniques for grafting supernatural flesh onto human subjects.
"The factory destruction was a significant setback," one masked figure reported to his superiors. "Months of collected materials lost, along with several completed test subjects."
"Who was responsible?" demanded another voice, cold with barely contained fury.
"Unknown. The facility was completely destroyed by some kind of divine fire that purified all evidence. But witnesses reported seeing figures with supernatural abilities – possibly including the same individual who sealed the demon portal twenty years ago."
The Court of Owls had been operating in Gotham's shadows for over a century, manipulating the city's development through carefully placed agents and selective elimination of threats. The sudden appearance of enhanced opponents represented an unprecedented challenge to their authority.
"The Batman has become more troublesome than anticipated," observed one of the masked judges. "His interference with our operations suggests he's aware of our existence."
"Then perhaps it's time to remind him of his proper place in Gotham's hierarchy," another replied. "Food remains food, regardless of how sharp its teeth become."
But even as the Court plotted their response, they failed to understand the true scope of the threat they faced. The artificial demons they'd created were primitive compared to the divine power now at their enemies' disposal.
The ancient conspiracy that had ruled Gotham from the shadows was about to discover that some prey fought back with power they couldn't comprehend or control.
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