As the grand celebration began to wind down, Aetherion found himself standing alone for a moment, reflecting on the events of the evening. He had completed the ceremony, chosen his divine servants, and successfully hidden his true nature as a Primordial. But just as he thought the night was coming to a close, the gods of the seasons approached him once more, their auras radiating divine grace.
The god of Winter, his breath cold as frost, was the first to speak. "Aetherion, you have proven yourself worthy of the title of god."
The goddess of Spring smiled warmly, stepping forward with an open hand. In the center of her palm, glowing with soft light, was a small, radiant seed.
"This," she said softly, "is your next gift. It is a Divine Realm Seed."
Aetherion looked at the seed in her hand, his curiosity piqued. "A Divine Realm Seed?"
The god of Summer nodded, his fiery presence blazing with warmth. "Yes. This seed allows you to create your own divine domain. Once planted, it will grow into a realm of your own design—your own space to rule and shape as you see fit."
The goddess of Fall added, "You may plant it wherever you wish—whether in the High Heavens, the Lower Heavens, or even the mortal realm. Most gods prefer the High Heavens or another plane of existence, but the choice is yours."
Aetherion took the Divine Realm Seed from the goddess of Spring, feeling the warmth of its power pulsing in his hand. He could sense the immense potential within it, the ability to create a realm entirely his own—a space where his power could grow unchecked.
The system's voice echoed in his mind. [This seed is a valuable gift. A divine domain will allow you to carve out your own space in the multiverse, free from the watchful eyes of other gods.]
Aetherion nodded slightly, acknowledging the system's words. He already had his sanctuary, but the thought of creating a true divine realm, a domain fueled by his Primordial Flame, was enticing. He had to choose wisely where to plant it, as it could be a powerful asset in the future.
The god of Winter spoke once more, his voice cold but reverent. "Consider your choice carefully, Aetherion. A divine domain is a reflection of your power and your essence. Once the seed is planted, it will bind to you and grow with your strength."
"Thank you," Aetherion said, bowing his head slightly in gratitude. "I will make my choice in time."
The gods of the seasons smiled approvingly before retreating, leaving Aetherion with the seed glowing softly in his palm.
As the hours passed, the celebration continued with divine beings from across the High Heavens congratulating Aetherion and sharing their well-wishes. He interacted with various gods and goddesses, keeping his cover intact and playing the role of a newly ascended god of Fire and Order.
But as the night wore on, Aetherion's thoughts began to shift back to his responsibilities in the mortal realm. The academy term was likely starting soon, and he needed to return before his absence raised too many questions.
When the celebration finally ended, Aetherion slipped away from the crowd, finding a quiet, secluded place near the outskirts of the Divine City. The cool night air filled his lungs as he stood alone under the stars, the weight of the Divine Realm Seed still resting in his palm.
He closed his eyes, focusing inward, and called upon the system.
"System, I need to return to the mortal realm," Aetherion said quietly. "I'll use Voidbreaker."
[Understood,] the system replied. [Be prepared—while your control over the void is growing, it is still a difficult skill to master.]
Aetherion nodded, already centering himself. He took a deep breath, reaching deep within to summon the Primordial Flame that burned within him. The power surged through his veins, and with a single focused thought, he extended his will into the void.
The air around him shimmered, rippling with energy as he began to tear a hole in the fabric of space. Aetherion's eyes narrowed in concentration, feeling the pull of the void as he bent it to his will. The swirling portal formed faster than before, its edges smooth and stable.
For the first time, he had managed to open the void on his first try.
Aetherion allowed himself a brief moment of pride. His mastery over Voidbreaker was improving, and with each use, he felt more in control. He took one last glance at the Divine City before stepping through the portal and disappearing into the swirling darkness.
When Aetherion emerged from the void, the familiar landscape of the Sky Walk Academy greeted him. The grand buildings and spires of the academy stood tall against the early morning sky, and the faint hum of magic filled the air. He had arrived just in time—he could sense the energy of students preparing for the start of the new term.
His feet touched the ground softly, and as they did, he felt the familiar shift within himself. The power of his Primordial Flame dimmed, and he focused on transforming back into his human form. His wings of fire retracted, and his glowing white hair returned to its black, mortal guise. His celestial aura faded, replaced by the more subtle presence of a mortal student.
By the time the transformation was complete, Aetherion stood as he always did—an ordinary academy student, blending in with the world around him.
The system's voice spoke once more. [You've done well, Aetherion. But remember, your power is still growing. You are no longer just a student of the academy—you are a god. Keep your secret close.]
Aetherion nodded, his eyes scanning the academy grounds. "I'll be careful," he muttered quietly.
As Aetherion made his way toward the main hall of the academy, his thoughts were focused on the future. He now had the Divine Realm Seed, a powerful tool that could help him expand his influence. But he also knew that the Divine City was filled with gods who would become suspicious if they ever discovered the truth of his power.
For now, he would keep up the appearance of a newly ascended god, blending in with the mortals and navigating the politics of the divine. But as the system had warned, his true nature as a Primordial God of Creation would need to remain hidden until the time was right.
The academy loomed ahead, its grand entrance welcoming him back to the mortal realm. But deep within, Aetherion knew his path was far from that of an ordinary student.
As he approached the academy's gates, Aetherion took a deep breath, allowing the weight of his responsibilities to settle over him. He had come a long way since his death in the mortal world, and now, as a god in disguise, his journey was only beginning.
The Divine Realm Seed pulsedsoftly in his pocket, a constant reminder of the power he held and the decisions he had yet to make. Where to plant it? What kind of divine domain would he create? These were questions that would shape his future as both a god and a force in the mortal realm.
For now, however, his focus had to be on maintaining his position at the academy, learning about this world, and continuing to grow in strength while keeping his true power hidden. His celestial servants were still in the Divine City, waiting for his command. He knew he would need them soon, but for now, he was content to observe, learn, and bide his time.
As he passed through the academy gates, blending seamlessly with the other students, Aetherion allowed himself a small, knowing smile.
His journey had only just begun.