After leaving the sanctuary and ascending to the Divine Realm, Aetherion arrived at his celestial residence, the air still charged with the energy of his departure. The warmth of the Sacred Flame still flickered in his heart, a constant reminder of the bond he shared with his followers and the sanctuary they were building. But even as his mind lingered on them, the familiar voice of the system echoed in his thoughts.
[Aetherion, the time has come to proceed with the next phase of your journey. The Sacred Flame you hold is strong, but there is a greater power awaiting you—the True Sacred Flame held by Goddess Boltia.]
Aetherion's eyes narrowed slightly. "Yes," he murmured. "The flame she hoards. The one I've planned to take."
But the system's tone shifted, carrying an unexpected weight. [There is something else you must know before you take the flame.]
Aetherion's curiosity piqued. "What is it?"
[When you seize the Sacred Flame from the goddess, you cannot remain in the Divine Realm. The flame is too powerful to be kept here without consequences. Once you obtain it, you must immediately return to your sanctuary in the mortal realm and sleep within the flame's light.]
Aetherion tilted his head, surprised. "Sleep within the flame? Why?"
[Because when you merge with the flame, you will undergo another evolution. But this time, it will be unlike anything you've experienced before. The Sacred Flame will allow you to break through three levels in the angelic hierarchy—taking you from the rank of Archangel to that of Thrones.]
The words struck Aetherion like a bolt of lightning. He had only recently ascended to his current form, his power already surging from his previous evolution. Now, the system was telling him he was on the cusp of an even greater transformation—a leap that would take him three levels higher in the angelic order. He was momentarily speechless.
"Three levels," Aetherion whispered, his thoughts racing. He was no stranger to ambition—he had always sought more power, always aimed higher. But this... this was beyond anything he had expected so soon.
The system continued, its voice calm. [The Sacred Flame is that powerful, Aetherion. It is the essence of divine creation, and by merging with it, you will surpass what any other angel has achieved in such a short time. However, you must understand that this will not be a simple process. You will need to fully surrender yourself to the flame, allowing it to reshape your very being.]
Aetherion's gaze turned inward, his mind considering the possibilities. He had tasted the power of the Sacred Flame and had felt its influence growing within him. The thought of evolving again, of becoming one with such immense power, filled him with both anticipation and a sense of awe. But he also knew there would be risks—evolution of this magnitude would undoubtedly change him in profound ways.
"Another evolution..." Aetherion muttered, a smile creeping across his lips. "I had only just finished evolving. But if this is the path to godhood, then I am ready."
Aetherion stood in silence for a moment, feeling the pulse of the Sacred Flame within him. The idea of merging with the True Sacred Flame, of advancing to the rank of Thrones, stirred something deep within him. It was the ultimate challenge—the step that would bring him closer to his goal of godhood.
"I must leave the Divine Realm to do this," he said aloud, piecing together the system's instructions. "If I stay here, the flame will be too powerful. The sanctuary will be my refuge. But once I sleep within the flame... what will happen to me?"
The system's voice softened slightly, as though sensing his unease. [You will undergo a transformation that few have ever experienced. The Sacred Flame will break you down and rebuild you, enhancing your power beyond what you can currently imagine. But you must trust the flame, Aetherion. The process will be intense, but the reward will be far greater than anything you have known.]
Aetherion exhaled slowly. "I trust in the flame. It has brought me this far, and it will continue to guide me."
With the system's revelation lingering in his mind, Aetherion felt a surge of determination flood through him. The power of the Sacred Flame was within reach, and while the journey ahead would be difficult, he knew he was more than capable of facing it.
"I've come too far to turn back now," he murmured. "The flame has chosen me for this path, and I will not shy away from what must be done."
The system responded, [Then prepare yourself. You must act swiftly once you seize the Sacred Flame from the goddess. The process will be irreversible once it begins.]
Aetherion clenched his fists, his wings glowing faintly with the light of the flame. He had always known that his journey would require great sacrifice, but now he stood on the edge of a transformation that would take him to a new level of power—one that would place him among the greatest beings in the celestial hierarchy.
"I'm ready," he said at last, his voice steady and filled with resolve. "Tell me what I must do."
The system began to lay out the plan, its voice sharp and focused. [The Sacred Flame is kept in the goddess's temple, guarded by six archangels and twenty lower angels. You must act quickly and decisively, using your newfound powers to bypass the defenses. The flame will recognize you as its rightful wielder, but you must ensure the guards do not interfere.]
Aetherion listened intently, mentally preparing for what lay ahead. He had anticipated that the Sacred Flame would be heavily guarded, but his recent evolution had granted him new abilities—abilities that would allow him to confront the goddess's protectors.
[Once you have the flame, you must immediately return to your sanctuary. There, within the altar you created, you will find the space needed to sleep within the flame. The True Sacred Flame will envelop you, and the transformation will begin. You will break through three levels—ascending from Archangel to Thrones.]
Aetherion's pulse quickened, his thoughts racing. The idea of confronting the goddess's guards, of stealing the flame from her grasp, filled him with excitement. "It's finally time," he said softly, his eyes burning with determination.
The weight of the challenge ahead pressed down on Aetherion's shoulders, but rather than fear, he felt a rising sense of anticipation. This was what he had been working toward—the moment when he would take the flame that had eluded him for so long.
"I've evolved once already," he whispered, his voice filled with conviction. "And now, I will evolve again. The power of Thrones... it's within my grasp."
The system's voice broke through his thoughts one final time. [Aetherion, you are on the verge of something great. But remember, the flame will test you. You must be prepared to surrender yourself fully to its power.]
Aetherion smiled, his eyes glowing with the light of the Sacred Flame. "I am ready. I will take the flame, and I will ascend to the level of Thrones. This is my path."
With that, Aetherion spread his wings, the Sacred Flame burning brighter around him. The time for hesitation was over. He would seize the flame, return to his sanctuary, and embrace the evolution that awaited him.
The chapter ends with Aetherion standing tall, filled with resolve and anticipation for the next stage of his journey. The Sacred Flame—and the power of Thrones—was now within his reach.