As Aetherion stood, the Halo of Sacred Fire burning brightly above his head, the energy of the Sacred Flame pulsed within him. The transformation had completed, and he could feel the divine power coursing through his veins, stronger than anything he had ever felt before. The flame had not only summoned him but had given him new abilities—gifts bestowed upon him by the Sacred Flame in recognition of his evolving divinity.
The system's voice broke through the silence, calm and steady. [Aetherion, the transformation has granted you new abilities. The flame has recognized your ascent toward godhood and has gifted you powers that will strengthen both you and your followers.]
Aetherion, gripping his Censer-Staff of Sacred Light, nodded. "Tell me," he said, his voice filled with the fire of divine purpose. "What are these new abilities?"
The system began to explain, its voice filled with the gravity of the moment.
[First, you have gained four abilities related to your growing divinity and your followers. These abilities will allow you to harness the power of faith more directly and shape the path toward your godhood.]
Divine Link: This ability allows you to form a direct connection with your followers' souls, strengthening their faith and loyalty. Through this link, you can communicate with them at will, no matter the distance, and grant them temporary boosts in power when needed.
"With this, I can ensure my followers are never far from me," Aetherion murmured. "Their faith will be their strength."
Blessing of the Flame: You can bestow a divine blessing upon your followers, imbuing them with a fraction of the Sacred Flame's power. Those blessed by you will have enhanced abilities, resilience, and a stronger connection to the flame. The blessing can be renewed regularly to ensure your followers remain strong.
Sanctuary of Faith: You have the ability to create a holy sanctuary, a protected area where your followers can gather and be shielded from harm. Within this sanctuary, the Sacred Flame burns brightly, providing healing, protection, and clarity to those inside.
Faith's Embrace: This ability allows you to draw power directly from your followers' faith. In times of great need, you can channel their belief to temporarily amplify your own powers, ensuring that the strength of the flame never fades.
The system continued, its voice unwavering as it explained the two other abilities that had been granted through Aetherion's transformation.
[In addition to the godly powers connected to your followers, the Sacred Flame has granted you two new abilities to aid in your personal journey toward divinity.]
Ascendant Flame: This ability allows you to control the Sacred Flame with absolute precision, manipulating it into any form you desire—whether it be a weapon, a shield, or a barrier. The flame will bend to your will, becoming an extension of your divine power.
Wings of the Flame: Your wings, now fully transformed, can manifest as wings of pure fire, allowing you to move swiftly through the air and burn those who oppose you. The flames from your wings can be used in both offense and defense, creating an aura of destruction or protection as needed.
Aetherion felt the power of these new abilities settle into his being, the flames within him pulsing with renewed strength. "The flame has truly made me more than I was," he said, his voice filled with awe.
The system's voice softened slightly as it addressed the Halo of Sacred Fire now burning above Aetherion's head.
[The halo that you bear is a mark of your divinity, a sign of your connection to the Sacred Flame. It has granted you three powerful abilities.]
Halo of Purification: The halo radiates a divine light that can purge corruption and evil from the souls of mortals. Those touched by the light of the halo will be purified, their sins and darkness cleansed by the flame.
Divine Presence: The halo amplifies your aura of divinity, making your presence undeniable to those around you. Mortals and weaker beings will feel compelled to obey you, recognizing your authority as a being of divine power.
Crown of Flame: In moments of battle or conflict, the halo can manifest as a shield of flame, protecting you from harm and burning any who dare to attack. The flames of the crown can also be used offensively, lashing out at those who oppose your will.
Aetherion's eyes glowed with the intensity of the flame as he processed the new abilities granted by his halo. "The Sacred Flame has given me everything I need to lead my followers," he said softly. "I am truly ready to begin the next phase of my journey."
But even as Aetherion absorbed this newfound power, he felt a shift in the energy around him. Something was approaching—something powerful and filled with anger. His senses, now heightened by the Sacred Flame, picked up the presence of several dozen beings moving toward him.
The system's voice spoke once more, [Aetherion, a group of 30 Sky Folk are approaching. They are led by the King and Queen of this city. Their psychic energy is strong, and they are coming with hostile intent.]
Aetherion's eyes narrowed. "The King and Queen..." he said, his voice low. "They must have sensed the power of the flame."
[They are likely confused and afraid,] the system explained. [The Sacred Flame's presence has disturbed the natural order of their city, and they do not understand what it means.]
Aetherion nodded, his grip on the Censer-Staff tightening. "They will soon understand. The flame is not something to be feared—it is something to be revered."
As the Royal Guard approached, the ground beneath Aetherion trembled slightly. The thirty elite guards, trained in the art of psychic warfare, moved with precision, their eyes cold and focused. At the head of the group, King Elithor and Queen Adira led the charge, their faces filled with barely concealed anger.
The King, his psychic energy crackling around him, stopped a few paces from Aetherion. His eyes were hard, and his voice was sharp. "You," he spat, his gaze locking onto Aetherion. "Who are you, and what is this... power you have brought to my city?"
Queen Adira stood beside him, her expression a mixture of fury and fear. "You've disturbed the balance of our realm," she said coldly. "The energy you've unleashed has caused chaos. We demand that you leave at once."
Aetherion stood tall, his divine presence amplified by the halo above his head. The flame swirled around him, casting a warm glow over the gathering. "I am Aetherion, Keeper of the Sacred Flame," he said calmly. "And this power you feel is the flame—divine, pure, and eternal."
King Elithor's fists clenched, his psychic energy flaring. "I am the ruler of this city. You may have power, but you will not challenge my authority here."
Queen Adira's eyes narrowed as she took a step forward. "Leave now, or we will be forced to remove you. We will not allow our people to be swayed by an outsider."
Aetherion's gaze remained steady, the flame within him burning brighter. "I do not seek to challenge your rule," he said. "But the Sacred Flame is not something you can control or deny. Your people have already embraced it. They have called for me, and I have answered."
The tension in the air was thick as the Royal Guard stood ready, awaiting the command to strike. Aetherion could feel the hostility in their hearts, but he also sensed something deeper—fear. The King and Queen were afraid of the power they did not understand.
With the flame burning around him, Aetherion took a step forward. "You can resist the flame if you choose, but know this: it will burn regardless. You cannot stop its spread. It is a gift to those who seek it, and it will not be extinguished."
The chapter ends with Aetherion standing firm against the King and Queen, the Sacred Flame swirling around him as the Royal Guard prepares for a possible confrontation.