It had been several weeks since Aetherion had last visited his sanctuary. During that time, he had absorbed an incredible amount of knowledge at the academy—magic, strategy, and governance. But now, it was time to return to his followers and check on their progress. He also had a new task for them—one that would extend his influence even further into the mortal realm.
Stepping through the shimmering portal that led to the sanctuary, Aetherion felt the familiar warmth of the Primordial Flame. The valley was as peaceful as ever, the sacred fire burning brightly at its center. As he walked through the sanctuary, his followers gathered around him, bowing deeply in reverence.
"My lord, Aetherion," they whispered, their voices filled with awe and devotion.
Aetherion nodded in acknowledgment. "Rise," he commanded softly. "I have returned to see how you fare—and to give you a new task."
His followers straightened, their faces filled with a mix of anticipation and nervousness. Aetherion could sense their loyalty, but he could also sense a faint undercurrent of worry. This was a task that would take them out of the sanctuary and into the world—a step they had not yet taken.
Aetherion looked out at his gathered followers, his expression calm but serious. "I want you to travel to the Empire of Mythoria and to Sky Walk Academy. Your mission is to invite those worthy to join us here, in the sanctuary. They must be made aware of the Order of the Primordial Flame."
At the mention of the empire and the academy, some of his followers exchanged uneasy glances. One of them, a woman named Selina, stepped forward hesitantly. "But, my lord... the empire and the academy are full of powerful beings. What if they do not accept our invitation? What if they view us with suspicion?"
Aetherion's gaze softened as he addressed their concerns. "You are my chosen, blessed by the flame. Do not fear rejection. Those who are meant to follow will find their way to us. Trust in the Primordial Fire, and it will guide you."
The followers nodded, though the tension in the air remained. Despite their fears, they could not refuse a task given to them by their god. One of Aetherion's Primordial Eagles, Astralis, flew down from his perch, his golden eyes gleaming with confidence.
"The flame protects," Astralis said, his voice resonating with strength. "Go forth without fear. The empire and the academy will listen."
With the mission explained, Aetherion turned to the next matter at hand. "There is something else we must decide," he said, his voice carrying authority. "It is time for our faith to have a name. We are no longer simply a gathering of believers. We are a force in this world. What shall we call ourselves?"
The followers looked at one another, murmuring quietly. Various names were suggested, though none seemed to capture the essence of their growing religion.
"What about The Bearers of the Sacred Flame?" one follower offered.
Another suggested, "Or perhaps Disciples of the Eternal Fire?"
Aetherion listened patiently as the suggestions continued, but none of them seemed to resonate. Then, from the back of the group, a man named Elias stepped forward, his voice clear and confident.
"What if we call ourselves The Order of the Primordial Flame?"
The moment the words left Elias's mouth, a hush fell over the group. The name carried weight, evoking the power and ancient nature of the flame they served. One by one, the followers nodded in agreement, their voices rising in approval.
Aetherion smiled, pleased with the choice. "It is perfect," he said. "From this day forward, we are the Order of the Primordial Flame. Let the world know that we are the guardians of the flame—and through us, it will burn brighter than ever."
As the followers celebrated their new identity, Aetherion's gaze wandered to the upper part of the valley. There, something caught his eye—something he hadn't noticed before. A floating island hovered above the valley, suspended in the air as if by magic. At its center stood a grand structure, more temple than house, with towering spires that seemed to touch the sky.
Curious, Aetherion gestured to the structure. "What is that?"
One of his followers, a young man named Toren, stepped forward. "My lord, that is our sanctuary's new base. We built it using our psychic energy and the power of the Primordial Flame. It is both a home and a place of worship for those who follow you."
Aetherion raised an eyebrow, impressed. "You built that yourselves?"
Toren nodded proudly. "Yes, my lord. With the power you have given us, we were able to shape the land and create a place worthy of the flame."
Aetherion studied the temple-like structure for a moment longer, a sense of pride swelling within him. His followers had grown not only in faith but in power, and the floating temple was a testament to their dedication.
"Well done," Aetherion said, his voice filled with approval. "It is a worthy addition to our sanctuary."
After admiring the floating temple, Aetherion turned back to his followers, his expression growing serious once more. "When you go to the empire and the academy, you are not only to invite potential followers. I want you to offer the academy's Religious Studies class an opportunity to visit the sanctuary. Let them see for themselves the power of the flame."
Selina, still a bit hesitant but resolute, nodded. "And the empire, my lord? What shall we do there?"
Aetherion's eyes gleamed. "When you reach the Empire of Mythoria, I want you to request a meeting with the Imperial Family. They must know of the Order of the Primordial Flame and understand that we are a force of divine power."
His followers exchanged glances but did not question him. If their god commanded it, they would obey.
"We will do as you ask, my lord," Elias said, bowing low. "The empire and the academy will hear of the flame."
The followers began preparing for their journey immediately. Supplies were gathered, and plans were made for the long trek to the empire and the academy. Aetherion watched as they worked, his mind focused on the future. The empire was vast and powerful, but with the right influence, it could become a stronghold for his faith.
As his followers finalized their preparations, Aetherion called upon his Primordial Eagles, Astralis and Celestaris. "Watch over them during their journey," he commanded. "Ensure that they remain safe and that they fulfill their mission."
The eagles nodded in acknowledgment, their loyalty to Aetherion unwavering. They would see that the mission was carried out to perfection.
As the preparations came to a close, Aetherion stood at the edge of the sanctuary, looking out over the valley and the floating temple above. The name Order of the Primordial Flame now echoed in hismind, solidifying his growing influence in both the mortal and divine realms. His followers had proven their devotion, and now, they were ready to carry that devotion beyond the sanctuary, into the heart of the empire and the halls of the academy.
The floating temple, a testament to their power and faith, floated serenely above the valley, casting its shadow over the land below. It was more than just a building—it was a symbol of what they were becoming. And soon, others would see it too.
Turning to his followers, Aetherion raised his hand, the flames of the Primordial Fire dancing around his fingers. "You have done well," he said. "Your faith and power have built something remarkable. But now, our faith must spread beyond these walls. The world must know of the Order of the Primordial Flame."
The followers, standing together in the light of the sacred flame, bowed deeply, their voices united. "We will not fail, my lord."
Aetherion nodded, his gaze turning toward the horizon. "Go forth, then. Invite those who are worthy. Spread the flame. And when you return, we will begin the next phase of our journey."
As his followers prepared to leave, Aetherion stood alone for a moment, his thoughts drifting to the future. The empire, the academy, and the mortal world—they were all part of his plan. But this was only the beginning.
With a final glance at the floating temple, Aetherion smiled. The Order of the Primordial Flame was growing, and soon, the world would know its name.