General Situation

The God's Guard obviously dispersed, each member carrying with them the news of the change of power in Birka.

Michael, without making special arrangements, had instructed them to maintain their usual routines, with the only addition of informing all the inhabitants of the island about the ascension of their new god.

Meanwhile, he settled on the roof of the villa. Behind him, Fram was detailing the situation of Birka Island. Although Michael didn't need to worry about the intricacies of daily government, he considered it essential to have a basic knowledge of the territory under his domain.

Birka was an island of modest dimensions. With an approximate diameter of 15 kilometers, it housed a population of 130,000 inhabitants, placing it at a medium level among the islands of the White-White Sea.

Birka's economy revolved around the Extol. The exchange rate with the Belly, the currency of the Blue Sea, was 10,000 to 1. However, Fram pointed out that, despite the existence of money, purchasing options on the island were limited.

The inhabitants of Birka subsisted mainly thanks to fishing and agriculture. Fishing was relatively prosperous. The White-White Sea harbored a variety of unique fish species.

Agriculture, on the other hand, presented significant challenges. Although the soil of the cloud islands possessed characteristics similar to earth, allowing plants to grow, its fertility was notoriously poor.

The crops barely reached to satisfy the basic needs of the population, and the variety of agricultural products was extremely limited.

This scarcity of agricultural resources forced Birka to depend heavily on trade with other Sky Islands to obtain many essential products.

"There is a sacred land"

Fram concluded with a sigh. "It's an island made of solid earth and rocks. It is said to have suddenly appeared in the White-White Sea four hundred years ago."

"Simply a gift from God"

'Sacred land?' Of course, Michael knew well the place mentioned by Fram.

"Is this sacred land far from Birka?" he asked casually.

Fram paused for a moment, carefully studying the face of his new God.

'Is he setting his eyes on the Sacred Land?', he wondered in amazement.

However, faced with a direct question from his god, he could hide nothing.

Without realizing it, after accepting Michael's blessing, he had begun to genuinely recognize him as his deity. The Seed of Fire, bearer of a fraction of Michael's soul, exerted its subtle influence.

"It's not very far, my lord," he responded respectfully. "Approximately 120 nautical miles to the east."

"Is that so?", Michael nodded slightly. 'Half an hour's flight, at most'.

"How many sky islands are there in total in the White-White Sea and the White Sea?" he inquired, tracing maps of conquest.

Fram, surprised by the breadth of his god's vision, responded with growing respect, "There are nine in the White-White Sea, and fourteen in the White Sea, totaling twenty-three, my God."

"Twenty-three? It's more than expected," Michael reflected aloud.

Although the figure seemed considerable, he knew that in reality it was quite modest. Birka, with its more than 100,000 inhabitants, was already a mid-level island. He estimated that the total population of both seas would not exceed two million.

'This will be the beginning of my world hegemony,' he thought. 'But there's no need to rush. First, let's consolidate our dominion in Birka'.

He was aware that in small Birka, his will was law. No one would dare challenge him. But as he expanded his vision to the White-White Sea, the White Sea, and even the vast Blue Sea, he knew he would need more than his own power.

'A single person cannot rule the world,' he reflected. 'And I'm not yet omniscient. I need to form a loyal and capable team to support my rule.'

The Seed of Fire would be crucial in this aspect. It would allow him to create a team of absolute loyalty, bound to him by ties stronger than any earthly oath.

'Let's start with the God's Guard,' he decided. 'First, we'll create a group of knights blessed with the Seed of Fire. Then, we'll expand.'

"My God!"

A servant exclaimed, suddenly bursting into the small villa.

He bowed respectfully towards the roof where Michael was resting. "Enel has awakened!"

Michael sat up upon hearing the news. "Has he finally come to?"

Still by his side, Fram couldn't help but express his concern. "My lord, are you trying to subdue Enel? That boy has suffered much unfair treatment on the island since his childhood. His character is extremely volatile. I worry that..."

"No one can reject a God's request," Michael interrupted, his wings unfurling. With a fluid movement, he rose from the roof and descended gently.

"I'll offer him a condition he can't refuse."

Fram fell silent, merely following his new God.

The villa, though small, housed a structure specially designed to contain dangerous individuals.

Michael, guided by the servants, soon arrived at the place where Enel was confined.

"You... damn..." Enel growled in frustration.

The scene that presented itself to Michael was ingenious.

Enel lay immobilized in a tank constructed with white clouds. His body, from the neck down, was completely submerged in these clouds.

Ocean clouds

These clouds, though ethereal in appearance, possessed properties similar to seawater.

Their unique composition gave them the ability to weaken devil fruit users, just like the salt water of the blue sea.

Birka, lacking Kairoseki, had resorted to this method to contain Enel.

"Boy"

Michael's voice sounded, "It's time for you to call me something else. Enel, you should address me as 'God'."

Enel gritted his teeth, his gaze oscillating between Michael and Fram, who was respectfully following the newcomer.

'This guy really did it!'. He thought bitterly. 'This bastard must have extraordinary power. Otherwise, how would I have lost consciousness without even realizing it?'

"Enel, you have potential," Michael continued in a gentle tone. "Come and be my subordinate. I allow you to be by my side."

"Yahaha!"

Enel's laughter resonated. "You want me to submit to you? Stop saying nonsense! Who do you think I am?"

"Enel! Shut your mouth!" Fram snapped, his face contorted with anger. "Do you have any idea who you're talking to?!"

Enel looked at Fram with disdain.

"Tsk, have you completely become his lap dog?".

He had always planned to eventually replace Fram, and since obtaining his powers, he had never paid true attention to the supposed "God" of the island.

"You insolent brat!" Fram roared, his eyes shining with an intense golden glow.

"Calm down, Fram"

Michael intervened with his imperturbable smile. "There's no need to get angry."

"Yes... my lord," Fram responded instantly, stepping back respectfully.

Enel observed the exchange warily.

'What did this guy do to Fram?'. Having been belittled since childhood, he had developed a keen observation ability.

It was evident that Fram's devotion was genuine, not a product of fear or coercion.

"Enel". Michael addressed the young captive again and looked him straight in the eyes.

"Tell me, what is your dream?"

"Dream...?" Enel blinked, momentarily disconcerted by the question.