Aetherion returned to his celestial home with the two eagles flying beside him, their once-mortal forms now restored to their full glory. The sky above the Divine Domain shimmered with an eternal light, and the peaceful serenity of his residence contrasted sharply with the weighty thoughts on his mind.
As soon as he landed on the balcony, the eagles circled above before landing gracefully at his side. They watched him intently, their sharp eyes filled with intelligence and gratitude. Despite their loyalty, Aetherion knew they were still bound by the limits of their mortality.
The system, sensing his thoughts, spoke softly within his mind.
[Aetherion, the eagles you saved have chosen to follow you,] it began, its tone thoughtful yet instructive. [But as they are now, they are still mortal creatures. The Divine Domain is no place for mortals to exist without the protection of a higher being, or without becoming one themselves.]
Aetherion furrowed his brow, glancing at the eagles beside him. "So what must I do?" he asked.
[If you wish for them to stay by your side, they must evolve,] the system explained. [The only way for them to survive in the Divine Domain—and to ascend beyond their mortal limits—is for you to bind them to you with a drop of your own blood.]
Aetherion blinked in surprise. "My blood?"
[Yes,] the system confirmed. [This ritual will bind their souls to yours, elevating them into divine creatures. They will become something more than mortal—divine eagles capable of existing within the celestial realms. However, this bond comes with responsibility. Once the ritual is complete, their lives will be tied to yours. They will be more than just allies—they will become part of your essence.]
Aetherion took a deep breath, contemplating the weight of this decision. He looked at the eagles once more, their loyalty clear in the way they watched him. They had followed him willingly, but now he had to decide whether to take their bond to an even deeper level.
With a nod, he steeled himself for what was to come. "I understand."
The system's tone became gentle. [Then prepare for the ritual. This is a sacred act, one that will forever bind your fates.]
Aetherion stood on the balcony of his celestial home, the two eagles perched before him, awaiting his next move. The air was calm, but the weight of what he was about to do hung heavily in the atmosphere. This was no ordinary act—it was a sacred ritual that would forever change the nature of the creatures that had chosen to follow him. Their very essence would be tied to his, a bond deeper than any simple loyalty.
[You must understand the significance of this,] the system spoke, its tone measured. [By offering your blood, you are sharing your divine essence with them. This will elevate them, but it will also forge a permanent connection. They will become part of you, and you will bear the responsibility for their growth and safety.]
Aetherion nodded. He understood the gravity of the situation. He wasn't just granting them the ability to live in the Divine Domain—he was binding their fates to his. Their future was now intertwined with his own, and with that came both power and responsibility.
With a deep breath, he extended his hand. Concentrating for a moment, he pricked his finger with a small flash of energy, allowing a single drop of his divine blood to form at the tip. The blood shimmered in the light, glowing with the same radiant energy that flowed through his veins.
He crouched down in front of the first eagle, holding his hand out carefully. The eagle, understanding the gravity of the moment, lowered its head and opened its beak slightly, allowing the drop of blood to fall onto its tongue.
The moment the blood touched the eagle, a surge of divine energy shot through its body. Aetherion could feel it immediately—an intense pulse of power that connected him to the creature's soul. The eagle's form began to glow, its feathers shimmering with a radiant light that grew brighter with each passing second.
Without hesitation, Aetherion repeated the act with the second eagle. Another drop of blood, another surge of energy, and soon both creatures were enveloped in a powerful light, their bodies trembling as the transformation began.
[The ritual is complete,] the system said softly. [Now, the process of their evolution begins.]
The sky above Aetherion's residence darkened slightly, as if the heavens themselves were acknowledging the gravity of the transformation taking place. Aetherion stood back, watching as the eagles' forms were consumed by a brilliant cocoon of light, their bodies pulsing with divine energy.
Aetherion stood still as the cocoon of divine energy enveloped the eagles, their forms no longer visible beneath the brilliant light. The sky above had darkened, as if the Divine Domain itself had paused to witness the transformation. The air buzzed with energy, and Aetherion could feel the pulse of power that flowed between him and the eagles intensifying with every moment.
The light surrounding the eagles grew brighter, their bodies shifting within the radiant glow. It was clear that this was no ordinary transformation—the divine blood Aetherion had given them was reshaping their very essence, changing them from mortal creatures into something far more powerful.
The system's voice broke the silence, guiding Aetherion through the process. [The transformation will be long, but you will begin to feel the bond deepening immediately. The eagles are becoming divine beings, bound to your soul. Their strength, their loyalty, and their essence will become intertwined with yours.]
As the light around the eagles intensified, Aetherion felt something new—a connection that went beyond simple loyalty or gratitude. It was as if he could sense their very thoughts, their emotions, their awareness blending with his own. The bond was unlike anything he had experienced before, a spiritual tether that linked their fates together.
He could feel their energy surging through him, as though their transformation was not just happening to them, but to him as well. His divine blood was now part of them, and in return, they had become part of him.
"The bond…" Aetherion whispered, almost to himself, as he felt the connection solidify. It was deeper than he had expected, more profound than he had anticipated. These eagles were no longer mere creatures—they were becoming something far more significant.
[The bond will grow stronger as the transformation progresses,] the system explained. [They are evolving, Aetherion, and when the process is complete, they will be divine eagles—creatures of immense power, capable of standing beside you in battle and aiding you in your duties.]
Aetherion watched as the eagles' forms pulsed within the light. Their wings expanded, their talons sharpened, and their feathers began to shimmer with a radiant glow that seemed to echo the power of the Sacred Flame itself.
But even as the transformation progressed, Aetherion knew that this was only the beginning. The eagles would spend years in this state, cocooned within the light of their evolution, growing stronger with each passing day.
The connection between Aetherion and the eagles continued to grow as the divine light enveloped them. He could feel their emotions—their loyalty, their gratitude, and even their awe at the power coursing through their bodies. It was as if they were communicating with him on a level that transcended words, their thoughts and feelings flowing into him like a gentle stream.
Aetherion closed his eyes for a moment, focusing on the bond. He could sense the eagles' awareness expanding, their minds opening to the divine knowledge that came with their transformation. They were no longer just followers—they were becoming his true companions, tied to him in ways that few could understand.
The system's voice resonated within him, calm and steady. [This bond is more than just a connection of loyalty, Aetherion. It is a spiritual link, one that will allow you to communicate with them on a deeper level. You will be able to sense their emotions, their thoughts, and even their presence, no matter how far apart you may be.]
Aetherion opened his eyes, watching the light around the eagles pulse with divine energy. He could feel the bond growing stronger, deeper, and with it, a sense of responsibility settled over him. These creatures had placed their trust in him, and now they were part of him—both their protector and their leader.
The system's tone shifted slightly, becoming more reflective. [But with this bond comes a cost, Aetherion. The power you share with them is a responsibility. Their well-being is now tied to yours. You must care for them, guide them, and ensure that they grow into the divine beings they are meant to be.]
Aetherion nodded, understanding the gravity of the system's words. "I will protect them," he said quietly. "They are part of me now."
The system's voice softened. [Then you are ready. The transformation will take time, but when it is complete, you will have powerful allies—divine eagles, bound to your soul.]
Aetherion looked at the eagles, their glowing forms hovering within the cocoon of light. The bond between them was growing stronger with each passing moment, and he knew that when they emerged, they would be unlike anything the Divine Domain had ever seen.
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The radiant light surrounding the eagles had reached its peak, casting long shadows across the balcony as it illuminated the entire sky above Aetherion's residence. The intensity of the transformation was palpable, and Aetherion could feel the energy flowing from the cocoons of divine light as the eagles began to ascend into their new forms.
Their bodies, once hidden within the glowing spheres, were now shifting and growing. Their wings expanded, each feather gleaming with a celestial brilliance, more vivid and powerful than before. The once simple creatures of the mortal realm were no longer recognizable; they were evolving into divine beings, and their transformation was far from ordinary.
Aetherion watched in awe as the light around the eagles intensified once more, their forms becoming more majestic with each passing second. He could feel their strength growing, their connection to him deepening with every pulse of energy that surged between them. But as the transformation reached its crescendo, the system's voice broke through the silence, offering guidance.
[The process is nearing its peak, Aetherion,] the system said, its tone filled with purpose. [But the final phase of their evolution will take time. For the next few years, they will remain in these cocoons, protected by the divine energy that you have bestowed upon them. When they emerge, they will be fully divine eagles, capable of standing beside you in battle and serving you in ways no ordinary creature could.]
Aetherion nodded, understanding the magnitude of what was happening. The transformation he had initiated was far greater than a simple act of loyalty—it was the creation of something new, something powerful. These eagles would be his allies, bound to him not just by choice, but by blood and spirit.
The light surrounding the eagles began to crystallize, forming protective cocoons around their bodies. The shimmering energy solidified into a transparent, crystal-like shell, encasing them in a protective barrier that would allow their transformation to continue in peace.
"They'll be in these cocoons for years," Aetherion murmured, gazing at the ethereal forms within. "And when they emerge…"
[They will be divine,] the system finished. [Their souls are now bound to yours, and their loyalty will be unwavering. But remember, Aetherion, this bond comes with great responsibility. You are not just their master—you are their protector and guide. Their growth is tied to yours, and their fate is now forever intertwined with yours.]
Aetherion stepped closer to the cocoons, placing a hand gently on the crystalline surface. He could still feel the faint pulse of life within, the connection that had been forged between them. The eagles were no longer simply creatures of the mortal realm—they were becoming something far greater, something eternal.
With the eagles now cocooned in their divine transformation, Aetherion took a step back, allowing himself a moment to reflect on the bond he had forged. The weight of responsibility settled over him, heavier than before. This was no small act—by giving his blood, he had committed to a connection that would last beyond lifetimes.
"They are part of me now," Aetherion whispered, his voice barely audible as he gazed at the cocoons. "Their strength, their fate… it's tied to mine."
The system, ever watchful, spoke again. [This is the nature of power, Aetherion. It requires sacrifice. The more you grow, the more you will find yourself responsible for the lives and well-being of others. The bond you have forged with these eagles is not just a demonstration of your strength—it is a testament to your role as a leader.]
Aetherion clenched his fist, feeling the surge of energy still flowing through him. He had saved the eagles from corruption, and in doing so, had elevated them to a level that few creatures could ever reach. But this act of elevation came with a price—a price he was willing to pay.
"I understand," Aetherion said, his voice steady. "I will protect them. I will make sure they become what they were meant to be."
The system's tone softened. [You are beginning to understand the weight of your role. Power is not just about strength—it's about the responsibility to wield it wisely. The eagles are your companions now, but they are also a reflection of the choices you make.]
Aetherion nodded, his thoughts heavy with the realization of what lay ahead. The bond he had forged was not just a gift—it was a duty. And with that duty came the understanding that every decision he made, every action he took, would affect not only himself but those tied to him.
He looked out over the Divine Domain, the vast expanse of the heavens stretching endlessly before him. The peace and beauty of the realm stood in stark contrast to the challenges he knew awaited him. The Sacred Flame, the eagles, the battles yet to come—it all weighed on his mind.
But even as the weight of responsibility settled over him, Aetherion felt a sense of purpose. He had chosen this path, and he would walk it with the strength and determination that had brought him this far.
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As the sky cleared and the light of the Divine Domain returned to its usual brilliance, Aetherion stood on the balcony, gazing at the crystalline cocoons where the eagles now rested. The peaceful beauty of the scene belied the intense transformation taking place within. He knew that when the eagles emerged, they would be powerful allies—creatures of divine might, bound to him by blood and spirit.
The system's voice was quiet now, giving Aetherion space to process everything that had happened. The bond with the eagles, the transformation, the growing responsibility—it was all part of the journey he had chosen as the Keeper of the Sacred Flame.
He took a deep breath, feeling the stillness of the moment, but knowing that this peace would not last. There were greater challenges on the horizon, greater forces at work than even he fully understood. The darkness that Goddess Boltia had hinted at, the unknown eyes that watched him from beyond the Divine Domain—all of it weighed on his mind.
But for now, Aetherion allowed himself a moment of calm. The eagles were safe in their cocoons, and the bond between them had been forged. The transformation would take years, but when it was complete, they would be ready to face whatever trials lay ahead.
Aetherion's gaze swept across the heavens, his mind already turning toward the future. There was much to learn, much to prepare for. But with the eagles by his side and the power of the Sacred Flame burning within him, he knew that he was ready for whatever came next.
The chapter ends with Aetherion standing on the balcony of his residence, the crystal cocoons glowing faintly behind him, a symbol of the new bond he has forged and the power he is yet to fully realize.