Marcus approached his statue with renewed purpose, drawing forth every remaining trace of heavenly power he'd accumulated. This would be the final enhancement to the incense burner, the foundation upon which everything else would depend.
As divine energy flowed into the carved incense burner, the intensity of power radiating from the statue increased exponentially. The entire church began to glow with soft, warm light that seemed to emanate from every stone and beam. The very air grew thick with sacred presence.
"At this rate, this place is going to become a literal holy site," Constantine muttered, watching the transformation with professional awe. "Pilgrims will be coming from around the world just to stand in the parking lot."
Marcus continued his work with focused concentration. If he didn't know the source of his heavenly power, Constantine would have sworn he was witnessing an actual angel at work. The sheer magnitude of divine energy being channeled through one person was beyond anything in his experience.
When the enhancement was finally complete, Marcus stepped back and flexed his hands as the last of the power dissipated from his system.
"That should do it," he announced with satisfaction. "Now comes the interesting part. I'm going to give you gifts, but there's a catch – you'll have to earn the right to use them."
Without further explanation, Marcus headed toward Bruce's car. The others followed quickly, Constantine practically vibrating with curiosity about what kind of "gifts" required qualification tests.
One Month Later
Wayne Manor had settled into an unusual routine over the past four weeks. Bruce and Selina maintained their normal responsibilities while Constantine had taken up temporary residence, though none of them could focus completely on mundane affairs. They were all acutely aware of the energy fluctuations coming from Marcus's workshop.
"Is he still locked away in there?" Bruce asked, finding Constantine in the manor's library with an occult text open in his lap.
"The energy readings have been consistent for weeks," Constantine replied, absently munching on pistachios from a small bowl. "But they've stabilized in the last hour. I think whatever he's been building is finally finished."
As an experienced practitioner of supernatural arts, Constantine could sense the ebb and flow of mystical energies throughout the manor. For an entire month, Marcus's workshop had been radiating concentrated heavenly power at levels that could have supplied a cathedral's worth of holy relics.
Selina appeared in the doorway, looking equally expectant. "I felt it too. That steady pulse we've been sensing just... stopped."
All three of them had learned to read energy signatures during their years of supernatural encounters. The sudden shift from active working to stable completion was unmistakable.
Right on cue, Marcus's workshop door swung open and he emerged with a triumphant laugh that echoed through the manor's halls.
"Success!" he announced, dragging what appeared to be a person-sized replica of his statue's incense burner behind him. "I can't believe that actually worked on the first attempt!"
The device was an exact scaled copy of the carved incense burner, complete with intricate details and emanating the same warm, protective energy as the original statue. But unlike the stone carving, this version was clearly functional technology, with subtle mechanical elements integrated into its mystical design.
"Teacher," Bruce said, studying the imposing device, "what exactly is that thing?"
"This is the Covenant Incinerator," Marcus replied proudly, running his hand along its polished surface. "Think of it as a charging station for specialized equipment I'm about to show you."
The three companions exchanged confused glances. A charging station? They could see the divine power radiating from the device, but how was it supposed to provide them with usable energy?
Marcus reached into his pocket and withdrew something that made all three observers catch their breath. A ring of pure white metal, inscribed with delicate golden lotus patterns, that seemed to contain more concentrated power than most holy relics.
"Now this," Marcus said with obvious pride, "is what you'll actually be using."
Constantine leaned forward intently. "That's a sanctified artifact. The power density alone... how did you manage to compress so much divine energy into something so small?"
"Craftsmanship," Marcus replied simply, slipping the ring onto his finger.
The transformation was immediate and spectacular. Divine light flowed across Marcus's body like liquid starlight, forming itself into a pristine white combat suit adorned with golden lotus emblems. The outfit radiated authority and power while maintaining an elegant, almost ceremonial appearance.
"This is an Incinerator Ring," Marcus explained, flexing his fingers as golden energy danced between them. "Anyone worthy of its power can channel divine energy at will, just like you're seeing now. The ring draws power from the Covenant Incinerator, but obviously you can't always return here for recharging."
He produced a smaller device from his dimensional storage – a hand-sized lantern that perfectly mimicked the larger incinerator's design.
"Personal power cells," Marcus continued. "Each lantern can store enough energy for extended operations, and they recharge automatically when placed in the main incinerator."
To demonstrate, he extinguished the small lantern's glow, then inserted it into a receptacle on the larger device. Divine light immediately began flowing back into the portable unit, growing brighter and more intense until it reached capacity and stabilized into a steady, controlled radiance.
Bruce, Selina, and Constantine stared at the demonstration in stunned silence. They'd expected some kind of enhanced equipment, but this was technology that belonged in science fiction rather than supernatural thriller.
"You've been building this for a month?" Selina asked incredulously.
"The concept was simple," Marcus replied. "Implementation proved more challenging than expected. But I needed to create something that would function reliably even when I'm not available to provide direct support."
He removed his ring and offered it to his companions. "Who wants to try first? Fair warning – the ring has built-in worthiness testing. If it doesn't consider you suitable, you'll experience some discomfort."
All three reached for the ring simultaneously, then caught themselves and stepped back awkwardly.
"Constantine should go first," Bruce decided. "His expertise with supernatural artifacts gives him the best chance of success."
Constantine accepted the ring with obvious reverence, then slipped it onto his finger. For a moment, nothing happened. Then his expression shifted to one of intense concentration as invisible forces began testing his resolve and moral character.
The process was clearly taxing – sweat beaded on Constantine's forehead as he struggled against whatever trials the ring was subjecting him to. But after several minutes of obvious strain, divine light suddenly flowed across his body, transforming his usual rumpled appearance into pristine white armor marked with golden lotus symbols.
"Holy hell," Constantine breathed, staring down at his transformed appearance. "I actually passed."
Bruce and Selina underwent similar trials, each fighting their own internal battles as the ring evaluated their worthiness. When they finally succeeded, their relief was palpable.
"The power feels incredible," Bruce observed, experimentally raising one hand. "But this white and gold design isn't exactly subtle for night operations."
"Functionality over fashion," Marcus replied. "Though if you'd prefer tactical applications..."
Bruce concentrated on his raised hand, and divine energy began flowing between his fingers. Within moments, the power had condensed into a sleek sword of pure light that hummed with contained force.
"Now that's useful," Bruce said with satisfaction, giving the weapon a few test swings. When he casually struck a nearby granite decoration, the blade passed through stone like it was made of butter.
"The rings respond to imagination and will," Marcus explained. "As long as you can visualize what you want to create, the divine energy will take that form."
He demonstrated by forming his own handful of power into a gleaming revolver. The weapon fired bullets of concentrated light that punched clean through the remains of Bruce's target, leaving perfectly round holes in the stone.
"With enough power backing them, you could theoretically construct anything," Marcus continued. "Stars, black holes, entire pocket dimensions – the only limits are your imagination and the energy reserves available."
Constantine's eyes widened. "Are you saying these rings could eventually make us god-like?"
"Not exactly," Marcus replied. "But they could give you the tools to face god-like threats. Which brings me to the power source question."
He produced another device – a larger version of the personal lanterns, with more complex inscription work and additional mechanical elements.
"Collection lanterns," Marcus explained. "These gather faith and devotion from believers, converting spiritual energy into divine power. Hang them in churches or other sacred spaces, and they'll gradually strengthen the main Covenant Incinerator."
The implications hit all three companions simultaneously. Marcus hadn't just given them powerful equipment – he'd created a self-sustaining system that would grow stronger over time as more people learned to trust in their protection.
"You've thought of everything," Selina said with obvious admiration.
"I try to plan ahead," Marcus replied. "But there's one more thing you need to understand."
He withdrew a formal-looking document from his coat, handwritten in elegant script.
"The Covenant Incinerator responds to moral character, not just willpower," Marcus continued seriously. "Everyone who uses these rings – now and in the future – must choose one of eight virtues to embody: humility, honesty, mercy, courage, justice, sacrifice, honor, or spiritual strength."
He handed the document to Bruce for examination.
"Once you've chosen your virtue, you must live by it consistently. Betray your chosen path, and the ring will reject you permanently. This isn't just about having good intentions – it's about maintaining the kind of character that can safely wield divine power."
Bruce studied the contract carefully, his analytical mind noting the precise language and absolute nature of the commitment required.
"And if we fail this test?" Bruce asked.
"Then you lose access to the rings' power," Marcus replied simply. "The equipment becomes inert jewelry, and you're back to relying on conventional methods."
Constantine laughed despite the seriousness of the discussion. "After dealing with demons who want to claim my soul, having to be a genuinely good person seems like a bargain."
"The virtue system ensures that power remains in the hands of people who'll use it responsibly," Marcus explained. "I've seen too many realities where enhanced abilities were corrupted by their wielders' moral failings."
Selina ran her fingers along her ring's surface, feeling the divine energy respond to her touch. "Which virtue are you thinking of choosing?"
The question sparked immediate discussion as each of them considered which path would best complement their existing skills and responsibilities. Bruce gravitated toward justice, Selina toward mercy, and Constantine surprised everyone by selecting honesty.
"After years of lying to demons, angels, and myself," Constantine explained, "maybe it's time to try a different approach."
Marcus watched his students embrace their new responsibilities with quiet satisfaction. The Incinerator Rings represented more than enhanced equipment – they were symbols of a covenant between protectors and the innocent people who depended on them.
The Court of Owls had revealed themselves through their artificial demon project. Now Marcus's allies possessed the tools necessary to root out this ancient conspiracy and ensure that Gotham's protection would continue long after he'd moved on to other responsibilities.
But first, they needed to master their new abilities and prove themselves worthy of the trust that came with wielding divine power.