As Aetherion stood in the heart of the Divine City, still reeling from his earlier encounters with the gods, a flutter of wings caught his attention. He turned just in time to see a dove land gracefully before him, its pure white feathers shimmering with divine light. Before he could react, the bird began to glow, its form shifting and expanding until, in a swirl of light, it transformed into a woman with soft, radiant features and a serene expression.
"The Council has called for you," she said, her voice soft but commanding.
Aetherion raised an eyebrow, though his mind raced. The Divine Council had summoned him? This was unexpected, but in a realm filled with gods and goddesses, surprises were beginning to feel like the norm. He knew he couldn't refuse.
Before Aetherion could respond, the group of gods he had spoken to earlier appeared once more, seemingly unsurprised by the sudden turn of events.
The lead god with silver hair smiled, though there was a knowing look in his eyes. "It seems the Council has recognized you, Aetherion. Don't be too surprised," he said casually. "After all, gods are not born every day. You're the first in over 10,000 years."
Aetherion's eyes widened slightly. 10,000 years? That revelation sent a ripple of surprise through him, but the lead god simply waved it off as though it were no big deal. "Time flows differently for us," the god continued. "To mortals, that may sound like an eternity, but to gods, it's hardly more than a blink."
The other gods smiled in agreement, their expressions unreadable.
The lead god gave a final nod. "Have a good meeting with the Council, Aetherion. And… we'll see you at the ceremony."
The mention of a ceremony made Aetherion's heart skip a beat, but before he could inquire further, the gods turned and departed, their laughter and chatter fading into the distance.
Once the gods were out of sight, the dove-woman reached into her robes and produced a small glowing scroll. The scroll radiated a soft golden light, and as she unfolded it, the air around them shimmered with divine energy.
"Follow me," she said simply, stepping aside as the scroll began to pulse with power.
Aetherion watched as the scroll unfurled fully, its glow intensifying until it created a shimmering portal. The swirling light of the portal beckoned him, the magic imbued within it clearly designed to transport him to another part of the High Heavens.
Without hesitation, Aetherion nodded and stepped through the portal. The sensation of crossing the threshold was disorienting but brief, and when the light around him cleared, he found himself standing in a grand hall unlike anything he had ever seen before.
The Council Hall was massive, its walls lined with intricate carvings of the seasons, each one representing the eternal cycle of nature's transformation. The ceilings were high, with beams of sunlight pouring in from openings that seemed to exist far beyond the material plane. In the center of the hall sat five thrones, each occupied by a god or goddess who radiated immense power.
The gods were arranged in a circle, each representing one of the seasons: Winter, cold and regal; Spring, blooming with life; Summer, radiating warmth and energy; and Fall, with the rich colors of harvest and transition. In the center, a neutral figure—an overseer—watched with calm eyes, representing the balance of all things.
Aetherion stepped forward, his mind calculating each move. The system remained silent, but he could feel its presence, waiting for the right moment to speak. He knew that whatever was about to happen, it would be pivotal.
The god of Winter was the first to speak, his voice cold but welcoming. "Aetherion, we have been waiting for you. It is not every day that a new god enters the High Heavens."
The goddess of Spring smiled, her voice like a gentle breeze. "Welcome, young god. You have ascended beyond mortality, and now it is time for you to take your place among us."
The god of Summer leaned forward, his eyes blazing like the sun. "But before that, you must state your divinity."
"And claim your domain," added the goddess of Fall, her voice as rich as the harvest.
Aetherion took a deep breath, feeling the weight of their words. State his divinity? Claim his domain? He had known this moment would come, but now that it was here, he realized the gravity of it.
The gods of the Council watched him intently, their divine auras filling the room with energy that hummed with expectation. He knew that choosing a domain was more than just a formality—it was a declaration of his purpose, a choice that would define his place in the celestial order.
The system's voice echoed softly in his mind. [You must choose carefully, Aetherion. A god's domain is their source of power, their influence in both the mortal and divine realms.]
Aetherion closed his eyes for a moment, considering his options. He could feel the burning power of the Primordial Flame within him, the fire that had been his constant companion since his ascension. And yet, there was another part of him, one that craved order, structure, and balance in the chaos of existence.
When he opened his eyes again, they glowed with determination. "I choose Fire," he began, his voice steady and clear. "And Order."
The gods exchanged glances, their expressions varying from intrigue to approval.
The god of Winter nodded slowly. "Fire… and Order. A unique combination, but a fitting one for one such as yourself."
The goddess of Spring smiled warmly. "Fire, the element of transformation and renewal. And Order, the force that brings structure to the chaos. You have chosen wisely."
The god of Summer laughed, his eyes blazing with approval. "Yes! Fire suits you well, Aetherion. It is a force of creation and destruction—perfect for a god finding his place."
Even the goddess of Fall, who had remained silent for most of the meeting, gave a nod of approval. "Order brings balance, just as the seasons do. Your choice will serve you well."
The neutral overseer, who had been watching quietly, finally spoke. "Then it is decided. Aetherion, god of Fire and Order, welcome to the Divine Council."
As the words settled in the air, Aetherion felt a shift within himself. The very fabric of the High Heavens seemed to hum in recognition of his new status. He wasn't just a powerful being anymore—he was officially a god. The system remained quiet, allowing him to absorb the magnitude of the moment.
But even as the gods welcomed him, Aetherioncouldn't shake the feeling of unease creeping at the edges of his consciousness. Being a god of Fire and Order brought with it immense power, but it also tethered him further to the Divine City, and by extension, to the complex politics and intrigue of the gods. For now, his true Primordial nature remained hidden, but how long could he keep up the facade?
The god of Winter stood from his throne, his frosted robes trailing behind him. "Now that you have claimed your domains, Aetherion, your journey as a god truly begins. But remember, a god's domain is not just a title—it is a responsibility. You will be expected to uphold the balance of Fire and Order in both the High Heavens and the mortal realm."
The goddess of Spring added softly, "You will soon receive your first responsibilities as a god. But until then, enjoy the ceremony in your honor, where the gods will gather to welcome you formally."
Aetherion bowed slightly, keeping his emotions in check. "Thank you," he said, his voice steady. "I will honor my domains."
As the council began to dissolve, Aetherion felt the tension ease slightly, though the weight of his new status remained heavy on his shoulders. Just as he prepared to leave, the dove-woman—his guide—reappeared, her serene expression unchanged.
She stepped forward, once again producing a glowing scroll from her robes. "The ceremony is being prepared as we speak, Aetherion. You are to be introduced formally to the Divine City. This way, please."
Aetherion gave her a nod, though inside, his thoughts were already turning to his next moves. The ceremony would bring more attention to him than he was comfortable with, but for now, he would play his part.
The scroll glowed brightly as it opened another portal, this time leading to a grand hall where gods from across the High Heavens would soon gather. As Aetherion stepped toward the portal, he took a deep breath. He was now a god, a being of Fire and Order—but deep within, the flame of his Primordial power continued to burn.
With a final glance at the Council Hall, Aetherion stepped through the portal, ready to face whatever lay ahead.