At the Imperial Palace, the emperor sat in deep thought after the decision had been made. His expression was one of calculated caution, but he knew that this invitation could not be ignored. "Send a messenger to the Sky Walk Academy," he commanded. "Inform the Religious Studies professor of the invitation from the Order of the Primordial Flame. He and his students will journey to the sanctuary and report back to us."
The messenger bowed deeply before hurrying from the room. Within hours, he arrived at the academy, seeking out the Religious Studies Professor, a man known for his curiosity and enthusiasm for all things spiritual.
The professor was in his study when the messenger found him. "I bring word from the emperor," the messenger began. "You and your class have been invited by the Order of the Primordial Flame to visit their sanctuary. The emperor wishes for you to learn about their faith and bring back knowledge of what you find there."
The professor's eyes lit up with excitement. "A new faith? This is extraordinary!" He practically leapt to his feet, his mind already racing with questions. "When do we leave?"
The messenger smiled slightly at the professor's eagerness. "In two days' time. You'll be transported to the sanctuary by their floating island."
The professor could hardly contain his excitement. "Thank you. Thank you!" As the messenger left, the professor began gathering his materials, already preparing for the journey.
The next day, the Religious Studies class gathered for what they thought would be a typical lecture. But when the professor entered the room, they could see the uncharacteristic energy in his step and the sparkle in his eyes.
"Class," he said, his voice barely able to contain his joy, "I have exciting news! We have been given an incredible opportunity to visit the sanctuary of a new faith—the Order of the Primordial Flame!"
The students exchanged curious glances, leaning forward in their seats as the professor continued. "This is no ordinary invitation. The emperor himself has sanctioned this journey, and in two days, we will set out on a floating island to visit their sanctuary!"
A murmur of excitement rippled through the room. For many students, the idea of learning about a new faith was thrilling. For others, the chance to ride on a divine floating island was an adventure like no other.
As the professor spoke, Aetherion sat in the back, listening intently. A sense of pride welled up inside him. He had not expected the emperor's decision to come so quickly, but everything was falling into place. His sanctuary—the heart of the Order of the Primordial Flame—would soon welcome the curious minds of the academy. His influence was expanding faster than he had imagined.
Over the next two days, the academy was abuzz with excitement. The Religious Studies students packed their books, scrolls, and supplies, eager to learn all they could about this new and mysterious faith. Meanwhile, students from the Advanced Magic class, who were also invited on the journey, prepared for their own exploration of the sanctuary's magical elements.
Aetherion, while maintaining his cover as a student, couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation. He would be welcoming his classmates to the very place where he was building his power, and they would unknowingly be stepping into the domain of a rising god.
It reminded him of a saying he had once read: "All that is gold does not glitter, not all those who wander are lost." Like the visitors to his sanctuary, they sought knowledge, unaware that they were standing at the threshold of something far greater.
On the morning of their departure, the students gathered in the academy's central courtyard. The air was filled with the chatter of excitement, with many wondering what the floating island would look like.
"Do you think it will be like the legends?" one student asked, his eyes wide with wonder.
"I've heard it's powered by divine energy," another whispered.
As they speculated, a shadow fell over the courtyard, and all conversation ceased. The floating island appeared, descending from the sky like something out of a dream. Its size was immense, with towering spires of stone and flame. At the center of the island, a bright, flickering light could be seen—the heart of the Primordial Flame.
The students gasped in awe as the island hovered just above the academy grounds. Even the most cynical of them could not hide their amazement.
The High Priest stood at the edge of the island, gazing down at the students with a serene expression. Beside him were the majestic Primordial Eagles, Astralis and Celestaris, their wings glowing with divine energy.
"Welcome aboard," the High Priest called, his voice carrying through the courtyard. "The flame has guided us here to take you to the sanctuary."
One by one, the students began to board the floating island, their faces filled with a mixture of excitement and reverence. Many of them had never seen such a display of power before, and they were eager to learn more.
As Aetherion stepped onto the island with the others, he felt a deep connection to the flame that pulsed at the island's core. He had created this, guided his followers to this moment, and now he was bringing his influence to the very academy where he had been hiding his true power.
The Religious Studies Professor was nearly giddy with excitement, already bombarding the High Priest with questions about the Primordial Flame and its teachings. "This is an unprecedented opportunity," he said, his voice filled with awe. "I cannot wait to learn everything I can about your faith."
The High Priest smiled knowingly. "The flame has much to offer, professor. You will find the answers you seek in its light."
With all the students and teachers aboard, the floating island slowly ascended into the sky, leaving the academy far below. As the island rose higher and higher, the students gazed out at the vast landscape beneath them, marveling at the sheer power of the divine energy that kept the island aloft.
For many of them, this was the adventure of a lifetime—a chance to explore something new and mysterious. For Aetherion, it was something far more personal. He was leading them to his sanctuary, to the heart of his growing power.
As the floating island sailed through the sky, the Primordial Eagles flew alongside, their wings cutting through the air with grace and precision. The journey would take time, but there was no rush. The flame would guide them.
As they traveled, the students settled in, some discussing their excitement for what they might learn, while others simply sat in awe of the floating island. The Religious Studies Professor continued his conversation with the High Priest, eager to delve into the mysteries of the Primordial Flame.
Aetherion, meanwhile, remained quietly observant. His thoughts were already on the next steps—what he would show them when they arrived, and how their understanding of the flame would shape their perceptions of the world.
As the floating island sailed through the sky, the anticipation grew. They were headed to a place of power, and soon, they would witness the true light of the Primordial Flame.