Aetherion sat in quiet meditation within his celestial residence, reflecting on his recent growth and the emergence of the divine eagles. The air in the Divine Domain was peaceful, but Aetherion's mind was restless. The purification missions, the Sacred Flame, and his connection to the divine eagles had brought him immense power, but deep down, Aetherion felt the stirrings of something more—a desire that had always been with him since his mortal days: to ascend beyond servitude, to become a god in his own right.
As his thoughts settled, the familiar voice of the system broke the silence, cutting through the air like a blade.
[Aetherion,] the system's voice was calm yet resolute. [It is time.]
Aetherion opened his eyes, the weight of the system's tone sending a shiver through him. "Time? Time for what?"
[You have reached the threshold of your potential as an Archangel,] the system continued. [The missions, the purification, the power of the Sacred Flame—they have all been leading to this moment. You have proven yourself, and now you are ready to take the first steps toward godhood.]
Aetherion's heart quickened at the words. His lifelong dream, the goal that had lingered at the back of his mind since his mortal death, was now within reach. "Godhood…" he whispered, the word hanging in the air.
[The path to godhood is not easy,] the system explained. [It will require more than power. It will require followers, a place of worship, laws to govern your faith, and divine servants to carry out your will. Most importantly, it will require you to break away from the goddess Boltia.]
Aetherion's eyes widened. He had known this moment would come, but hearing it spoken so plainly by the system brought a sudden gravity to the situation. He had served Boltia faithfully for years, but if he were to become a god, he would need to sever that bond.
Aetherion stood, the system's words echoing in his mind. He moved toward the balcony of his residence, looking out over the vast expanse of the Divine Domain, contemplating the enormity of what he was about to undertake.
"What must I do?" Aetherion asked, his voice steady despite the anticipation building within him.
[There are four key steps you must take to ascend toward godhood,] the system replied, its tone taking on an instructional edge. [Each is essential for building the foundation of your divinity.]
The first step: Gather Followers.
[Your power as a god will be tied to the belief and faith of your followers,] the system explained. [You must gather mortals and celestial beings who will believe in your divine purpose. Their faith will sustain and grow your power.]
Aetherion nodded, understanding that belief was the currency of the divine. "I will find those who will follow me," he vowed.
The second step: Establish a Place of Worship.
[You must create a sacred place where your followers can gather to worship you,] the system continued. [This will be the center of your divine presence, a place where your influence is strongest.]
Aetherion thought of the celestial locations he had encountered, places rich in divine energy that could serve as his sanctuary. "I will choose a place worthy of my presence."
The third step: Create Rules and Virtues.
[A god's followers must have principles and laws to guide them. You will need to define the virtues and rules of your religion—ideals that your followers will live by.]
Aetherion's mind turned toward his own beliefs: purification, balance, and strength through adversity. These would become the core of his teachings, values that mirrored his own journey with the Sacred Flame.
The fourth step: Create Divine Servants.
[You must learn to create divine beings who will serve you,] the system said. [These servants will carry out your will and maintain your power throughout the realms. They will be your eyes, ears, and hands, executing your commands.]
Aetherion knew that creating divine servants would be a difficult and intricate process, but it was one he would need to master if he were to truly become a god. His divine eagles were powerful, but they were only the beginning.
The system's voice lowered, taking on a more serious tone. [Now, for the most difficult step: You must sever your connection with Goddess Boltia.]
Aetherion's heart pounded in his chest. His connection to Boltia had been forged since his ascension, a bond that had granted him power and purpose. But now, that bond was a chain—a link that prevented him from reaching his true potential.
"Break the connection?" Aetherion repeated, his voice filled with both hesitation and intrigue.
[No one can achieve true godhood while under the dominion of another god,] the system said plainly. [Boltia is powerful, and while she may have served your growth, she is now a hindrance. Her influence over you must be severed if you are to ascend to godhood.]
Aetherion understood the weight of the system's words. He had served Boltia faithfully, but he had always known that his ambitions extended beyond mere servitude. To become a god, to forge his own destiny, he would have to break free.
"But how?" he asked, his brow furrowed in thought. "She is powerful, and she will not let me go easily."
[You must be prepared for her resistance,] the system warned. [She will likely view your desire for independence as betrayal. Severing the bond will require you to remove her influence from your very essence. This will be a dangerous process, but it is necessary.]
Aetherion felt the gravity of the challenge before him. Breaking away from Boltia would not only risk her wrath, but it would also require him to redefine his very existence. Yet, there was no other way. He would either be free, or remain bound to the will of another.
As Aetherion paced along the balcony, his mind raced with the implications of what lay ahead. Severing his connection to Boltia would put him in direct opposition to one of the most powerful goddesses in the Divine Domain. There was no doubt that she would see this as an act of betrayal, and the consequences could be severe.
The system remained silent as Aetherion wrestled with the decision. He understood the risks—he would be cutting himself off from a source of immense power and protection. But he also knew that the bond with Boltia was now a cage, one that limited his potential.
The divine eagles stood nearby, their glowing forms silent and attentive. They were bound to him now, tied to his fate. They would follow him into whatever future he chose, whether that meant facing Boltia's wrath or forging a new path.
"If I do this," Aetherion muttered to himself, "there will be no turning back."
[That is the nature of godhood,] the system replied. [It requires sacrifice. But if you succeed, you will no longer be bound by the will of others. You will be free to shape your own destiny, to create your own domain.]
Aetherion stopped pacing, his mind clearing as he came to a realization. "Freedom…" he whispered. The very thing he had longed for since his mortal days—the freedom to control his fate, to wield power as he saw fit.
The risk was great, but so too was the reward.
With newfound determination, Aetherion began to plan. His first priority was gathering followers. Without belief, there would be no power. But how would he inspire devotion? His actions would need to be bold—he would need to offer salvation or something greater than any mortal had ever known.
The system provided guidance. [Mortals crave purpose. Offer them a path to salvation through the Sacred Flame. Your power to purify can be used to restore hope and strength in those who have fallen into despair. They will follow you if you offer them a way to rise above their suffering.]
Aetherion nodded, understanding that his strength in purification could be used to create a following. But he would also need a place where that faith could grow—a sanctuary where his power could manifest.
"The place of worship," he murmured. "Where should it be?"
[Find a location rich in divine energy,] the system advised. [A place far from Boltia's influence, where you can establish your presence. This will become your domain, the seat of your divine power.]
Aetherion considered the possibilities. He had traveled through many realms, both mortal and divine, and he knew there were hidden places where the energy of the universe flowed strongest. He would need to find such a place and claim it as his own.
As for the rules and virtues of his religion, Aetherion already knew the core principles he would enforce. His teachings would revolve around purification, balance, and the strength that came from overcoming adversity. These were the values that had shaped him, and they would shape his followers as well.
The system's voice turned more serious as it laid out the next part of Aetherion's mission—something far more dangerous. [There is one more element that will ensure your success, Aetherion. You must claim the Sacred Flame for yourself.]
Aetherion's eyes narrowed. "The Sacred Flame… but I already wield it."
[You wield it, yes, but you do not own it,] the system corrected. [The Sacred Flame is still tied to Boltia, and through it, she holds power over you. If you are to truly ascend, you must sever her connection to the flame and make it your own.]
Aetherion understood immediately what the system was suggesting. The Sacred Flame was the source of his power, but it was also the key to Boltia's influence over him. If he could steal the flame—if he could claim it as his own—he would not only gain unimaginable power, but he would also free himself from Boltia's control.
"How do I do it?" Aetherion asked, his mind already racing with possibilities.
[It will not be easy,] the system warned. [The flame is heavily guarded, and Boltia will not let it go without a fight. But if you can sever her link to it and absorb its full power, you will be able to break free from her influence once and for all.]
Aetherion felt a surge of excitement and determination. This was the final piece—the key to his ascension. If he could claim the Sacred Flame for himself, nothing would stand in his way.
As the sun set over the Divine Domain, casting a soft golden glow across the heavens, Aetherion stood on his balcony, staring out at the horizon. The magnitude of his mission weighed heavily on him, but his resolve had never been stronger. The path to godhood was before him, and while it was fraught with danger, it was the only path that would lead to true freedom.
He would gather followers, establish his domain, create divine servants, and steal the Sacred Flame from Boltia. The risks were great, but the reward—ascension to godhood—was worth it.
The divine eagles stood beside him, their loyalty unwavering. They would follow him into whatever challenges awaited, and together, they would break free from Boltia's control.
The chapter ends with Aetherion's quiet determination, his mind filled with plans and strategies for the battles to come. The first step toward godhood had been taken, and now there was no turning back.