The air was still charged with the energy of the Primordial Flame, the lingering effects of the ritual heavy in the minds of the students and teachers. They had witnessed the flame's power, and the room was filled with a mix of awe, curiosity, and a desire for understanding.
As the group continued to reflect, the Religious Studies Professor, always eager to dig deeper into the intricacies of faith, raised a hand. His expression was thoughtful, and his voice carried a note of curiosity as he addressed the High Priest.
"Forgive me," he began, "but I have a question that has been on my mind. We've seen the power of the Primordial Flame, and we've learned about its origins. But how does this faith compare to other religions? What sets the Order of the Primordial Flame apart from the other gods and their followers?"
The students, who had been quietly contemplating the ritual, perked up at the professor's question. It was a bold inquiry, one that could potentially define the Order's place among the pantheon of existing religions.
The High Priest smiled calmly, as though he had been expecting such a question. He stepped closer to the group, the light of the flame casting shadows across his face as he prepared to answer.
"That is a fair question," the High Priest said, his voice steady and composed. "And it is one that I am happy to answer. You see, the Primordial Flame is unique in many ways. But what sets it apart most of all is this: those who follow the flame are free to worship other gods."
There was a moment of stunned silence as the group processed his words. The students exchanged confused glances, and even the Religious Studies Professor looked taken aback.
But no one was more surprised than Aetherion.
"System," Aetherion whispered inwardly, his thoughts racing. "Why are they saying this? Why are they encouraging worship of other gods?"
The system, usually quick to provide answers, paused for a moment before responding. [This is a strategy,] it explained. [By presenting the Order as a free faith, one that does not demand exclusivity, it becomes more appealing to a wider audience. People from other religions can embrace the flame without feeling they have to abandon their existing beliefs. It's a way to gather more followers— and over time, you can influence them subtly, even those who follow other gods.]
Aetherion's surprise gave way to understanding. It was a clever strategy, one that allowed for the gradual expansion of his influence across different belief systems. "Interesting," he mused, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Very interesting."
The students and teachers, still processing the High Priest's revelation, began whispering amongst themselves. For many, the idea of being able to follow multiple gods was unusual, if not completely foreign.
One student, a girl from the Religious Studies class, raised her hand hesitantly. "So… we don't have to give up our current beliefs if we follow the flame?"
The High Priest nodded. "That's correct. The Primordial Flame does not ask you to forsake your gods. It is not in competition with them. The flame represents something deeper—it is the essence of creation, a force that exists alongside the gods. By following the flame, you are embracing a path of understanding and renewal, but it does not require you to turn away from the gods you worship."
A young man from the Advanced Magic class leaned forward, his brow furrowed in thought. "But how does that work? Don't most religions expect total devotion to their deities? How can the Primordial Flame coexist with them?"
The High Priest smiled knowingly. "That is the beauty of the flame. It is not a god, in the traditional sense. It is a force that transcends gods and mortals alike. It touches all things, and it offers its light to those who seek it, regardless of their other beliefs. The flame does not demand, nor does it judge—it simply is."
As the students and teachers continued to absorb the High Priest's words, more hands shot up, signaling a flood of questions.
One of the Religious Studies students, clearly struggling to reconcile this new concept, asked, "But if the flame is not a god, does that mean it doesn't have the same kind of power as other deities? How can it offer strength and protection if it's not a divine being?"
The High Priest's expression remained serene. "The flame is not bound by the limitations of gods or mortals. It is a primordial force, born from the very energy that created the universe. Its power is not lesser—it is simply different. The gods you worship may protect you, guide you, or offer blessings, but the flame offers something more profound. It reveals truth. It shows you your path, your potential, and your strength. The flame is not here to replace your gods—it is here to enhance your understanding of the world and your place within it."
This answer seemed to satisfy some, but others still had doubts. A student from the back of the group called out, "So, if I worship the god of war, I can still follow the flame and gain strength from both?"
The High Priest nodded. "Exactly. The flame can work alongside the powers of the gods you already follow. It is not in opposition to them—it is in harmony with them."
As the discussion continued, Aetherion listened carefully, analyzing the strategy that was unfolding before him. The idea of a faith that allowed its followers to worship other gods was both surprising and ingenious. It allowed for a subtle influence over the beliefs of others without directly challenging their loyalty to existing deities.
"System," he whispered again, "this is a brilliant way to expand my reach. If people can follow the flame while still worshiping their gods, they'll be more likely to join us. And over time, they'll become more aligned with the flame's power."
The system responded with approval. [Exactly. By offering flexibility, you remove the barriers that typically prevent people from converting to a new faith. And once they experience the flame's power, they'll be drawn deeper into its influence.]
Aetherion nodded, pleased with the direction his faith was taking. The more people who embraced the flame, even alongside their existing gods, the stronger his influence would become. And in time, they would come to see that the flame offered something far greater than any deity could.
The questions from the students and teachers continued to flow, each one digging deeper into the nature of the Primordial Flame and its relationship with other religions.
"Are there any rituals or ceremonies that followers of the flame must perform?" one student asked.
The High Priest nodded. "There are rituals of renewal and reflection that are performed by those who follow the flame. These rituals are designed to help you connect more deeply with the flame's light, to clear your mind and open your soul to its power. But these are not obligations—they are opportunities. The flame does not demand worship, but it offers guidance for those who seek it."
Another student from the Advanced Magic class, intrigued by the idea of coexisting beliefs, asked, "Does the flame interact with other deities? I mean, if the flame is a primordial force, can it influence the power of other gods or interact with their realms?"
The High Priest smiled thoughtfully, sensing the student's curiosity. "The flame itself does not seek to dominate or interact with the gods in the way they might with one another. It exists beyond their realms and purposes, as a constant force of creation and truth. However, those who follow the flame and other gods may find that the flame strengthens their connection to the divine, enhancing their understanding and purpose. The flame acts as a catalyst for personal growth, rather than interfering with divine politics."
This answer seemed to satisfy the more pragmatic students, especially those who practiced magic and sought power from various deities. The flame, it seemed, was more of a universal enhancer than a direct competitor to the gods they already followed.
As the questions continued, the mood in the group began to shift from cautious curiosity to a sense of quiet understanding. The Religious Studies Professor stepped forward, his expression thoughtful as he addressed the High Priest.
"This concept of a faith that coexists with others… it's truly unique. I've studied many religions, but none have embraced such flexibility. I imagine that it opens up endless possibilities for those who seek more than one path."
The High Priest nodded. "Indeed. The flame does not close doors—it opens them. It allows for growth, for exploration, and for deeper connections to the divine and to oneself. Those who follow the Primordial Flame find that it enhances their journey, whether they walk it alone or in the company of other gods."
As the students and teachers slowly dispersed to reflect on what they had learned, Aetherion stood in the back, watching with a deep sense of satisfaction. His flame was no longer just a force of power—it was a bridge, a way to connect with those who might otherwise resist his influence.
The system, sensing his thoughts, chimed in. [The seeds have been planted. You have opened the door to many, and over time, they will come to rely on the flame. This was a wise move.]
Aetherion smiled, the flickering light of the flame reflecting in his eyes. "Yes," he thought. "The flame will guide them all, one way or another."