The flames of creation still flickered around Aetherion, casting a soft glow in the Primordial Space. His body, now remade by the Primordial Flame, felt different—lighter, yet immeasurably more powerful. The ring of fire that surrounded his body pulsed with cosmic energy, while the crown atop his head shifted in colors, reflecting the infinite possibilities of creation.
He floated in the void, marveling at the transformation. The flame inside him had changed completely, becoming something more than he had ever imagined.
The system's voice broke the silence, sounding more reverent than ever before. [Aetherion, you are no longer bound by the limits of the divine hierarchy. You have become a Primordial—a being connected to the raw essence of creation itself. You now wield power beyond the gods.]
Aetherion's heart pounded at the words. He had sought to ascend, but becoming a Primordial was beyond anything he could have expected.
"What does that mean?" Aetherion asked, his voice calm but filled with curiosity. "What else has changed?"
[Everything,] the system replied. [All of your previous abilities have been transformed by the Primordial Flame. They are now far more powerful than they were as an Archangel.]
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As the system finished listing his abilities, Aetherion's newfound sense of awe was interrupted by a more mundane concern. He glanced down at his form, noticing for the first time that his rebirth had left him... naked.
Aetherion raised an eyebrow and let out a small chuckle. "Well, I guess flames don't come with clothing."
The system, as ever, was unphased by the situation. [That is correct. However, with your control over the Primordial Flame, you can create anything you need—including clothing.]
Aetherion nodded, already feeling the Primordial Flame responding to his will. "A toga should do, for now. Something simple."
[Focus on the flame,] the system instructed. [Imagine what you want, and the flame will respond. Shape it with your thoughts.]
Aetherion closed his eyes and let his will flow through the flames surrounding him. The fire danced and twisted, swirling around his body as it obeyed his command. Slowly, the flames formed into a flowing toga, glowing with soft white light and shimmering rainbow edges. It moved like fabric, but it was made of pure creation energy.
When the toga solidified, Aetherion took a moment to admire the result. The flames had obeyed perfectly, molding into a loose, elegant garment that wrapped around him. The edges of the toga flickered with the same colors as the Primordial Flame, constantly shifting between shades of blue, green, red, and gold.
"Not bad," Aetherion mused, running a hand over the fabric-like material. It felt smooth and soft, yet unbreakable, as though it was woven from the very stars.
The system's voice chimed in. [You've mastered the basics of shaping the flame. With practice, you will be able to create anything you can imagine.]
Aetherion smiled softly, pleased with how naturally the flame responded to him. "This power… it's more than I expected. I've become something beyond even my wildest dreams."
He took a deep breath and focused, ready for the next step. "Alright, time to head back to my followers. Let's try out this Voidbreaker ability."
Aetherion reached out with his mind, remembering the description of Voidbreaker from the system. It would allow him to tear through space and time, traveling between realms at will. He could feel the connection to his sanctuary and his followers, a distant pull through the void.
"Okay," Aetherion said to himself, focusing on the space in front of him. "I just need to tear open reality, right?"
He raised his hand, willing the Primordial Flame to bend the fabric of the void. But instead of a clean tear, only a faint shimmer appeared in the air—like a ripple, not quite strong enough to form a portal.
Aetherion frowned. "Hmm, not quite right."
The system offered guidance. [Focus on the connection to your followers. Feel their presence, and let the flame follow that path.]
Aetherion nodded, trying again. This time, he closed his eyes and focused on the connection to his sanctuary, where the Primordial Flame had reignited in the mortal realm. He could feel his followers, their hope, their belief in him. He reached out with his will and called upon the flame.
Aetherion's hand glowed with the power of the Primordial Flame, and this time, when he willed the void to break, the air before him began to bend and twist. A ripple formed, slowly growing wider as the flames danced along its edges.
With a surge of energy, Aetherion tore through the fabric of space, creating a rift that shimmered with white and rainbow flames. Beyond the portal, he could see the faint outline of his sanctuary, glowing with the same flames that now burned within him.
"I got it," Aetherion said with a satisfied smile. "It's harder than it looks, but I'll get used to it."
The system's voice was approving. [You're learning quickly. Voidbreaker will become easier with practice.]
With a final deep breath, Aetherion stepped forward, passing through the rift and leaving the Primordial Space behind.
As Aetherion stepped through the portal, he found himself standing at the entrance of his sanctuary in the mortal realm. The air here felt warm, filled with the energy of the Primordial Flame that had reignited during his transformation.
The sanctuary itself had changed. The flames were no longer orange and red, but a brilliant white with rainbow hues, just like the Primordial Flame that now burned within Aetherion. His connection to his followers pulsed through the air, stronger than ever before.
The system's voice was calm. [Your followers will be relieved to see you. They have been waiting.]
Aetherion smiled, his heart filling with anticipation. He could feel their hope, their belief in him, and he was ready to show them just how much he had changed.
"Let's not keep them waiting," Aetherion said softly, walking toward the entrance of the sanctuary.
The chapter ends with Aetherion stepping into the sanctuary, ready to reunite with his followers and reveal the full extent of his transformation.