The day had finally come. The 45 followers of the Sacred Flame gathered in the secluded area where they had first met Astralis and Celestaris. The energy in the air was electric, a hum of anticipation vibrating through the group as they prepared to perform the Ritual of Faith. Elyon and Saphiel stood at the front, their expressions calm yet filled with a sense of purpose.
Elyon addressed the group, his voice carrying over the hushed whispers. "Today, we summon Aetherion. The Ritual of Faith is not just a calling—it is a test of our belief. Every one of us must give our full faith to the flame, or it will not work."
The followers, both old and new, nodded solemnly. The Sacred Flame had brought them together, and now it would bring their divine leader into the mortal realm. The gravity of the moment settled over them like a warm blanket, and they knew that they were about to witness something extraordinary.
Saphiel stepped forward, her voice soft but commanding. "We begin with the Sacred Prayer. This is our connection to the flame, our way of opening the door between realms. But remember, this is not just words. The prayer is a bridge between us and Aetherion. When we speak it, we must mean it with all our hearts."
The group began to prepare themselves, focusing their minds and souls on the task ahead. The original followers moved through the crowd, helping the new recruits settle into the right mindset. They whispered words of encouragement, reminding them of the power of the flame and the importance of the ritual.
As the group quieted, they began to recite the Sacred Prayer, their voices merging into one as the words flowed from their lips like a mantra:
"O Sacred Flame, light of the divine,Burn within me, purify my soul,Guide my heart, and strengthen my will,That I may walk the path of Aetherion,Keeper of the flame, and bearer of the light."
As the followers continued to speak the prayer, the air around them began to change. The faint glow of the Sacred Flame, which had been visible only to a few, now flickered brightly around the entire group. Its warmth spread through their bodies, filling them with a sense of peace and purpose.
Kiros, standing near the front, watched in awe as the flame's energy grew stronger with each passing moment. "This... this is incredible. I can feel it—it's alive."
Saphiel, sensing the growing energy, smiled softly. "This is what faith can do. The flame responds to our belief. We're connected now, and soon, we'll bring Aetherion here."
The prayer continued, the energy of the group building to a crescendo as the flame pulsed and grew brighter. Even the new recruits, who had been unsure of their connection to the flame, now felt its undeniable presence. They were no longer individuals—they were part of something far greater.
After what felt like hours, Elyon raised his hands, signaling for the prayer to come to a close. The followers fell into a reverent silence, the glow of the flame still flickering around them like the embers of a dying fire.
"The flame is with us," Elyon said, his voice strong. "But the ritual isn't over yet. Now, we must focus on Aetherion. Picture him in your mind, call to him with your soul. The flame will guide your thoughts to him, and he will feel our summons."
The followers closed their eyes, their minds filled with the image of Aetherion. Each one focused their thoughts on him, sending their prayers and belief across the realms. The energy in the air shifted once again, becoming heavier, more intense. The ground beneath them hummed with power as the Sacred Flame began to bridge the gap between worlds.
In the Divine Realm, Aetherion stood at the edge of his residence, his eyes closed as he felt the pull of faith from his followers. The connection between them had strengthened, and now, their collective prayer was calling to him, drawing him toward the mortal realm.
The system's voice broke through his thoughts. [Aetherion, the Ritual of Faith is nearing completion. Your followers are calling to you with all their strength. Their faith is strong, and the flame within them is at its peak.]
Aetherion opened his eyes, a fire burning within them. "I can feel it... they're ready. The flame is guiding them, and it's calling to me."
[The transition will be powerful,] the system warned. [But you're prepared. Once you enter the mortal realm, your power will continue to grow with each new follower. This is the beginning of your path to godhood.]
In the mortal realm, the energy surrounding the followers had reached its peak. The Sacred Flame glowed brighter than ever, and the air around them seemed to shimmer with divine power. Elyon could feel the ground beneath him trembling as the power of the ritual grew stronger.
"Aetherion is coming!" he shouted, his voice filled with excitement. "Keep your focus strong! We're almost there!"
The followers, united in their belief, kept their minds fixed on Aetherion, calling to him with all their might. The flame within them burned hotter, and for a moment, it seemed as if the entire group was bathed in divine light. The energy of the ritual had reached its apex, and they knew that Aetherion was on his way.
In the Divine Realm, Aetherion felt the final surge of power from his followers. The connection between the realms had been forged, and he knew that the time had come. The Sacred Flame within him burned brighter than ever, and the pull of faith was irresistible.
The system spoke, its voice filled with anticipation. [It is time, Aetherion. Your followers have completed the ritual. The path to the mortal realm is open.]
Aetherion stood tall, his eyes glowing with the light of the Sacred Flame. "I can feel their faith... it's stronger than I ever imagined. I'm ready."
[Once you enter the mortal realm, your journey to godhood will begin. Boltia may still watch, but with each follower, your power will grow.]
Aetherion nodded, his heart racing with anticipation. "The flame is ready. And so am I."
The chapter ends with Aetherion standing on the brink of his descent, ready to enter the mortal realm and begin his journey toward godhood.