As Aetherion stepped through the glowing portal, leaving the Council Hall behind, his thoughts were focused on the upcoming ceremony. It was yet another event where he would be surrounded by gods and goddesses, all watching his every move. He knew he would have to tread carefully.
But just as he began to ascend the grand staircase leading to the party hall, the system interrupted his thoughts.
[Aetherion, we need to talk.]
He paused for a moment, narrowing his eyes. The system's tone was serious, and he could feel the weight of something important in its words.
"What is it?" Aetherion asked quietly, glancing around to ensure no one was listening.
[Your chosen domains—Fire and Order—are only a cover. They may serve you for now, but they are not your true domains. Your power goes far beyond what any of the gods in this city can understand.]
Aetherion felt a surge of confusion. "What do you mean? I chose those domains to blend in with the gods."
[Look deeper into your power,] the system continued. [You wield the Primordial Flame—the source of creation itself. You are not merely a god of fire and order. Your true domain is Creation. If you were to fully master your power, you could forge entire worlds, give birth to life, and yes… even destroy gods.]
The weight of the revelation hit Aetherion like a hammer. Creation? He had suspected that his power was immense, but this… this was beyond anything he had imagined.
The system continued, its tone firm but cautious. [But you must not reveal this. Not yet. If the gods knew what you truly are, they would see you as a threat. Even now, your power is suppressed to that of a lower god, but if they ever realized you held the Primordial Flame, it would put you in grave danger.]
Aetherion clenched his fists, his mind racing. "So, Fire and Order are just… a facade?"
[Exactly. For now, it is wise to continue with the domains you have claimed. They will keep the other gods from becoming suspicious. But always remember, Aetherion—you are the Primordial Flame. The power to create, and to destroy, rests within you.]
The enormity of his situation was staggering. Aetherion had always known he was different, but to learn that he was essentially a god of Creation—a force that could shape the very fabric of reality—was overwhelming.
"Why me?" he muttered under his breath, though he knew there would be no clear answer.
[That is something only you can discover,] the system said softly. [But for now, focus on the ceremony. Keep your true domain hidden. The time will come when you can reveal your full power.]
Aetherion nodded, though the knowledge weighed heavily on his mind. He took a deep breath, preparing himself for what lay ahead. His secret was now his greatest weapon—and his greatest vulnerability.
When Aetherion finally entered the party hall, he was greeted by a sight that took his breath away. The hall was vast, with towering columns of gold and silver that stretched toward the heavens. Chandeliers made of glowing crystal hung from the ceiling, casting a warm, divine light over the gathering of gods and goddesses below.
Hundreds of divine beings filled the hall, each one radiating power and elegance. They were dressed in elaborate robes of white, gold, and deep blues, their auras shimmering with the essence of their domains. As Aetherion stepped forward, all eyes turned toward him.
The gods murmured amongst themselves, their curiosity and admiration palpable. Aetherion's duel with Azraelis had already spread through the city, and now, as a newly recognized god of Fire and Order, he was the center of attention.
A grand table stood at the far end of the hall, and sitting at its head were several high-ranking gods, each of them nodding in acknowledgment as Aetherion approached.
"Welcome, Aetherion," one of the gods said, raising a goblet in toast. "Tonight, we celebrate your ascension into divinity. It is a rare occasion, and we are honored to have you among us."
As the formalities of the ceremony continued, Aetherion mingled with the gods, doing his best to keep up appearances. But amidst the grandeur and praise, a voice called out from behind him.
"Now, Aetherion, it is time for the next part of the ceremony."
Aetherion turned to see a regal figure approaching him—a god whose presence seemed to command the attention of the room. His eyes gleamed with interest as he spoke.
"Every newly ascended god must choose their divine servants. Two, to be exact. They will serve you in your domain and assist in your duties as a god. You may choose from the finest of the divine races."
Aetherion nodded, though inside, he felt a flicker of uncertainty. He was still adjusting to his new status, and now he had to select divine beings to serve him? It felt strange, but he knew it was a necessary step in solidifying his position.
The god waved his hand, and in an instant, the hall was filled with a variety of divine beings, each representing a different race. There were celestial beings with wings of light, elementals forged from fire and stone, and even spirits of nature that radiated life itself.
Aetherion's eyes scanned the crowd, his mind racing. He had to choose carefully—his divine servants would be more than just followers; they would be his allies, his protectors, and possibly even his confidants.
After a few moments of contemplation, Aetherion's gaze settled on a figure that immediately caught his attention. It was a celestial being, tall and radiant, with wings of pure light that glowed with a soft, golden hue. Her eyes sparkled with intelligence, and there was a calm confidence about her that spoke of wisdom beyond her years.
"I choose her," Aetherion said, his voice steady.
The celestial being stepped forward, bowing her head gracefully. "I am honored to serve you, Lord Aetherion," she said softly.
Her voice was melodic, and Aetherion could sense the depth of her power. She would be a strong ally, especially in matters of the divine. The gods around him nodded in approval, acknowledging his choice.
For his second choice, Aetherion's eyes wandered again, this time settling on a being of pure fire, an elemental with molten skin and eyes that burned like the heart of a volcano. The elemental's aura radiated raw power, and Aetherion could sense that his connection to fire would make this servant an ideal companion.
"I choose him," Aetherion declared.
The fire elemental stepped forward, his fiery form flickering and shifting as he bowed low. "I pledge my flame to you, Lord Aetherion."
Aetherion nodded, feeling a sense of satisfaction. The celestial being and the fire elementalwould make a formidable pair, each bringing unique strengths to serve him in his new role as a god of Fire and Order. The celestial's wisdom and light, combined with the raw, untamed power of the fire elemental, would complement each other perfectly. More importantly, both would help Aetherion navigate the complexities of the divine realm without raising suspicion about his true nature.
The gods in attendance murmured in approval, some offering smiles and nods as Aetherion completed his selections.
"You have chosen wisely, Aetherion," the regal god said, his voice filled with approval. "These two will serve you well. It is now time for the final part of the ceremony."
The grand hall grew quiet as the final part of the ceremony commenced. Aetherion was guided to the center of the room, with his two new divine servants standing at his side. The celestial's radiant wings shimmered with light, while the fire elemental's form flickered with heat and energy.
The high-ranking gods at the head of the table stood, their auras filling the room with divine power. The lead god, the one who had guided the ceremony thus far, stepped forward, holding a chalice that glowed with an ethereal light.
"This chalice," the god explained, "contains the essence of the Divine City. Drinking from it symbolizes your acceptance into the ranks of the gods, and it will solidify your connection to your chosen domains."
Aetherion nodded, though he felt a slight tension within. The system's earlier warning echoed in his mind. His true domain was Creation, not Fire or Order, but he would have to play along, at least for now.
The god offered the chalice to Aetherion, who took it in his hands. As he raised the glowing vessel to his lips, the room seemed to hold its breath, the divine energy swirling around him. He took a slow, deliberate sip, feeling the essence of the High Heavens flow through him, binding him to the realm and further concealing his Primordial nature.
As the light from the chalice faded, the room erupted in applause. Aetherion had completed the ceremony, officially joining the ranks of the gods. But as the cheers echoed through the hall, he couldn't shake the feeling that this was only the beginning.
With his divine servants at his side and the knowledge of his true power hidden deep within him, Aetherion knew that his path as a god was far from simple. There were secrets to uncover, alliances to forge, and enemies to avoid.
For now, he would focus on maintaining his cover. But in time, he would unlock the full potential of the Primordial Flame and ascend to heights that even the gods of the Divine City could not imagine.