Weeks had passed since Aetherion had started his studies at Sky Walk Academy, and in that time, he had learned much—magic, strategy, and the management of territories. The lessons had been invaluable, giving him the tools he needed to build not only his strength but also his influence in both the mortal and divine realms.
Now, however, his thoughts turned to the sanctuary, the hidden refuge where his followers lived and awaited his guidance. It had been some time since he had visited them, and he needed to check on their progress. More importantly, he had a task for them—one that would expand his reach into the Empire of Mythoria and the academy.
Standing in a secluded grove on the academy grounds, Aetherion summoned his power, the familiar flames of the Primordial Fire swirling around him. With a wave of his hand, he opened a portal to his sanctuary, the air shimmering with energy as he stepped through.
The moment he arrived, he was greeted by the familiar sight of the valley, the sacred flame at its heart burning brightly. His followers, sensing his presence, quickly gathered around, their expressions filled with awe and devotion.
"My lord, Aetherion," one of them whispered, bowing low.
Aetherion gave a nod of acknowledgment. "It is good to see you all again. I have returned to check on your progress—and to ask something of you."
Aetherion wasted no time in explaining the mission. "I want you to travel to the Empire of Mythoria and to the Sky Walk Academy. You are to seek out those who may be worthy and invite them here, to the sanctuary."
His followers exchanged uncertain glances. One of them, a woman named Selina, hesitated before speaking. "But, my lord… we have never ventured beyond the valley. The empire is vast, and the academy is full of powerful beings. What if they do not accept our invitation?"
Aetherion's gaze softened as he stepped closer to his followers. "I understand your concerns, but you are my chosen. I have given you the strength to carry out this mission. Do not fear rejection—those who are meant to follow the flame will come. Trust in the Primordial Fire, and they will find their way."
There was a murmur of agreement among the followers, though the tension remained. Aetherion could sense their fear, but he knew they would carry out his will—loyalty to their god outweighed any hesitation.
One of his Primordial Eagles, Astralis, perched nearby, his sharp eyes gleaming. "The task is not without risk, but the flame protects us. You are chosen by the flame itself. They will listen."
Aetherion nodded in agreement. "Astralis speaks true. Go with my blessing. Return only when you have found those worthy of the Primordial Flame."
Once the mission was settled, Aetherion turned his attention to another important matter. "Before you leave, there is something else I must ask of you," he said, his tone thoughtful.
The followers looked at him expectantly, eager to fulfill whatever request their god had.
"It is time for us to give our faith a name," Aetherion continued. "The sanctuary, the flame—it must have a proper identity if we are to grow. I want you all to think of what we should call ourselves."
For a moment, there was silence, as the followers contemplated this task. Then, slowly, suggestions began to emerge.
"What about The Flamebearers?" one follower offered, but the others didn't seem fully convinced.
Another voice chimed in. "Or perhaps The Disciples of Fire?"
Aetherion listened as they debated, their minds working to find the right title. Several names were suggested, each one reflecting the power of the flame, but none seemed quite right.
Then, after several minutes of discussion, one of the followers—a quiet man named Elias—stepped forward, his voice filled with a sense of purpose. "What if we call ourselves The Order of the Primordial Flame?"
The moment the words left his lips, the atmosphere in the sanctuary seemed to shift. The other followers paused, considering the name with newfound seriousness.
"The Order of the Primordial Flame," Selina repeated, nodding slowly. "It speaks of devotion… and power."
Aetherion's eyes gleamed as he gazed at Elias. "It is perfect."
The other followers murmured their agreement, and soon the entire group was echoing the name with a sense of pride. Aetherion could feel the strength of their belief growing, their loyalty solidifying as they embraced their new identity.
"It is decided, then," Aetherion said, his voice filled with quiet authority. "From this day forward, we are the Order of the Primordial Flame. Let the world know that we are not just a flame—they are part of something much greater. We are the guardians and bearers of the Primordial Fire, and through us, it will spread."
The followers knelt before Aetherion, their heads bowed in reverence as they spoke in unison. "We are the Order of the Primordial Flame. We serve the flame and carry its light wherever we go. Through the flame, we find strength, and through our god, we find purpose."
Aetherion nodded, pleased with their words. He knew that this moment was pivotal—the foundation of a new religion was being laid, and with it, his influence would only grow.
Raising his hand, Aetherion called upon the Primordial Fire, the flames swirling around him in a display of divine power. The followers felt the warmth of the flame, their faith renewed and strengthened by the presence of their god.
"You are my chosen," Aetherion said, his voice filled with quiet intensity. "And with the flame at your side, there is nothing you cannot accomplish."
With the new name decided, the followers turned their attention to the task at hand—preparing for the journey to the empire and the academy. Aetherion watched as they gathered supplies, his mind already thinking ahead.
Before they set off, Aetherion called his Primordial Eagles, Astralis and Celestaris, to his side. "Watch over them as they travel," he commanded. "Ensure that they remain safe and that their mission succeeds."
The eagles bowed their heads in acknowledgment, their fierce loyalty to Aetherion unwavering.
The followers, though still nervous, looked to their god with renewed faith. They understood the importance of their mission, and though the path ahead was uncertain, they trusted in the Primordial Flame to guide them.
As the followers prepared to leave, Aetherion stood at the center of the sanctuary, the sacred flame burning brightly behind him. He watched them with a sense of satisfaction—his religion was beginning to take shape, and soon, the name Order of the Primordial Flame would be known across the lands.
The journey to the empire and the academy would be the first step in expanding his influence, and with every follower gained, his power would grow. Aetherion knew that the path ahead was filled with challenges, but with the Primordial Fire at his side, there was nothing he couldn't achieve.
"Go forth," he said, his voice carrying across the valley. "Spread the word of the Primordial Flame. Let the world know that we have arrived."