Aetherion stood at the edge of the sanctuary, watching as the flames of the Primordial Fire flickered in the soft breeze. His followers were busy preparing for the journey ahead, but Aetherion had his own responsibilities. He had to return to the Sky Walk Academy to continue his studies and maintain his cover as a student.
With a final glance at the floating temple above the valley, Aetherion summoned the power of the flame, and with a wave of his hand, a shimmering portal appeared before him. Without hesitation, he stepped through, leaving the sanctuary behind for now.
As he reappeared on the academy grounds, Aetherion's thoughts remained focused on the task ahead. His followers would soon embark on their mission to the Empire of Mythoria, and he had no doubt they would succeed. But for now, his attention needed to be on his studies, on learning everything this world had to offer—knowledge that would help him build his Order and expand his influence.
Back at the sanctuary, the followers gathered in the shadow of the floating temple, discussing their next steps. Now that their god had left, they had to decide how best to carry out his instructions.
The High Priest, a man of great wisdom and devotion, stood before the group, his hands folded in thought. "Our lord has given us a task of great importance," he said, his voice calm but firm. "We are to travel to the Empire of Mythoria and the Sky Walk Academy, inviting those worthy to join us. But we must also ensure the sanctuary is ready for their arrival when they come."
Selina, one of the Priestesses, stepped forward. "We should divide our numbers. Some of us will go on the journey, but others must remain here to continue preparing the sanctuary."
The High Priest nodded. "Agreed. I will lead the group to the empire, but we cannot take everyone. The sanctuary must be cared for while we are away."
After some discussion, the group came to a decision. The High Priest, along with 20 of the most capable followers, would make the journey to the empire and the academy. The remaining 29 followers, including the Priest and Priestess, would stay behind to tend to the sanctuary and ensure everything was ready for when the group returned.
With the group chosen, the next question was how to travel to the empire. The journey would be long, and while they could travel by foot, the floating island—the temple they had built using their psychic energy and the Primordial Flame—seemed the most powerful and symbolic way to make the journey.
One of the followers, Toren, spoke up. "Why not take the floating island itself? It would be a sign of our faith and power to those in the empire. They will see that we are not ordinary travelers, but messengers of the flame."
The others murmured in agreement. The floating island was more than just a structure—it was a manifestation of their god's power, and traveling with it would send a strong message to those they sought to invite to the Order.
The High Priest nodded approvingly. "Yes, we will travel on the floating island. It will carry us swiftly and safely, and it will show the empire and the academy the strength of our faith."
With the method of travel decided, the followers began their final preparations. Supplies were gathered, prayers were said, and the floating island itself hummed with energy as the flames of the Primordial Fire flickered within its core.
Before they set off, the High Priest stood at the center of the floating island, raising his hands toward the sacred flame that burned brightly in the middle of the temple. The fire roared to life, casting a warm glow over the entire island as the priest spoke a prayer of protection and blessing.
"Primordial Flame, guide us on our journey. Protect us from harm, and let your light shine upon us as we travel to spread your truth. Bless this temple, and may it carry us safely to our destination."
The followers bowed their heads in reverence as the fire seemed to respond, flaring brighter for a moment before settling into a steady glow. They could feel the power of the flame surrounding them, filling them with courage and determination.
With the temple blessed and the sacred flame burning brightly, the High Priest and the 20 chosen followers boarded the floating island, their hearts filled with faith. The Priest and Priestess remained behind with the other followers, continuing their work in the sanctuary, preparing it for the day when the empire's chosen would arrive.
As the floating island rose into the sky, guided by the power of the Primordial Flame, the Primordial Eagles, Astralis and Celestaris, flew ahead, their wings glowing with divine energy.
The journey to the Empire of Mythoria had begun, and the Order of the Primordial Flame was about to make its presence known to the world.
High above the valley, the floating island moved gracefully through the air, its path guided by the Primordial Eagles. Astralis and Celestaris flew ahead, their keen eyes scanning the horizon for any signs of danger or obstacles.
The High Priest stood at the edge of the island, watching the landscape pass beneath them. The vastness of the empire stretched out before them, and he could feel the weight of their mission on his shoulders. But he knew that with the flame's blessing, they would succeed.
"The flame protects," he whispered to himself, his faith unwavering.
As they flew, the followers began to sing softly, their voices blending with the wind as they chanted prayers to the Primordial Fire. The sound of their devotion echoed across the skies, carried by the breeze as they made their way toward the empire.
The journey would take time, but the followers were patient. They knew that the flame had guided them this far, and it would continue to guide them as they approached the empire.
For now, they traveled in peace, their hearts filled with hope and determination. The Order of the Primordial Flame was growing, and soon, the empire and the academy would see the light of the flame for themselves.
As the floating island sailed through the sky, the sacred fire burning at its center, the followers looked ahead with anticipation. Their mission was clear, and their faith was strong.
The journey to the Empire of Mythoria had only just begun, but they knew that with the Primordial Fire guiding them, nothing could stand in their way.