The air in the Sky Folk city buzzed with energy as the original followers of the Sacred Flame spread out across the city, each prepared to carry out their plans. Elyon, Saphiel, Kiros, and the others had made a pact—they would not stop until they had gathered the five more followers needed to perform the Ritual of Faith. Their determination was palpable, and each had taken to their tasks with a sense of divine purpose.
Elyon took the lead with the direct approach, seeking out individuals who had expressed dissatisfaction with the limits of their psychic abilities. He moved through the floating streets, identifying those who had once spoken of wanting more power, more control. His words were simple but persuasive. "You've felt it too, haven't you? The limits of our abilities. There's more—something greater, something divine. The Sacred Flame can give you what your mind alone cannot."
Saphiel, gentle and compassionate, took another approach. She and a small group reached out to those in the city who had faced recent loss or hardship. With kind words and soft persuasion, she spoke of how the flame had healed her soul. "The flame is a gift, a source of peace in dark times. If you open yourself to it, it can heal the wounds of your heart."
Meanwhile, Lyra and Ravian had gathered a small crowd in one of the public squares for a demonstration of the flame's power. Ravian, ever the bold one, used his psychic abilities to enhance the display, creating a dazzling light show that sparked intrigue and curiosity.
Lyra, her voice filled with passion, addressed the onlookers. "This is only a fraction of what the Sacred Flame can offer. With it, you'll gain not only power but purpose. The flame purifies, strengthens, and gives meaning beyond the limits of our minds. We can't do this alone. We need you."
The crowd watched in awe as the divine energy flickered and danced in the air, shimmering like firelight. Many were drawn to the power on display, and several stepped forward after the demonstration to ask how they, too, could become part of something so profound.
Elsewhere, Aris had chosen a quieter method, offering meditation sessions in a secluded part of the city. He spoke softly to those who joined him, guiding them through the process of connecting to the Sacred Flame. "Close your eyes. Breathe. Let the flame's warmth settle into your soul. It brings peace, clarity, and strength."
His calm demeanor and the gentle way the flame made itself known in the meditations attracted several new followers. Many of them left the sessions feeling more connected and at peace than they had in years. Later, they returned, asking to know more about the flame and how they could embrace it fully.
Mira and Niko approached their task in a more analytical manner, targeting the skeptics and those who valued logic over faith. Niko, once a skeptic himself, knew exactly how to frame the conversation. He approached people with a practical mindset, explaining how the Sacred Flame could enhance psychic abilities in measurable ways.
"The flame doesn't just give you power," he explained. "It sharpens your mind, makes your abilities more precise. It's not about blind faith—it's about results. We've all felt the difference since embracing it, and you could too."
Mira echoed his sentiments, offering a steady and sensible argument for why the flame was a tangible improvement. Surprisingly, their method worked better than expected. Those who had dismissed divine power as superstition found themselves reconsidering after seeing the clear benefits.
While Lyra, Aris, and Niko worked through their respective approaches, the rest of the Sky Folk followers were having similar success. Thane's challenge to the city's strongest psychics had yielded impressive results. Many of the city's elite, drawn by the idea of becoming even more powerful, accepted his offer to learn about the Sacred Flame.
Isla's rumor-spreading strategy also bore fruit. People came to the original followers, asking curious questions after hearing whispers of a mysterious power that was changing lives. The idea of something beyond psychic abilities—something divine—had caught the imaginations of many.
By the end of the week, the group had far exceeded their original goal. Not only had they found the five followers they needed, but 30 new members had embraced the Sacred Flame, bringing the total to 45 devoted believers. The excitement within the group was palpable. They had expected to struggle, but instead, they found the flame's allure spreading faster than they could have imagined.
Elyon gathered the original and new followers together at their secret meeting place. The once small group had grown significantly, and the energy in the air was charged with anticipation.
Elyon stood before them, his voice filled with pride. "We set out to find five more, but the flame has brought us 30. We are more than ready. The flame within us grows stronger every day, and now we're prepared for the Ritual of Faith."
Saphiel stepped forward, her voice calm but brimming with excitement. "The time has come. The flame is with us, and soon, Aetherion will join us in the mortal realm. This is what we've been working toward."
The new recruits nodded eagerly, their faces a mixture of awe and anticipation. Some had already felt the flame's effects—the clarity of thought, the calm that came from embracing its warmth. Others were still adjusting to the power they felt growing inside them, but all were committed to the cause.
In the Divine Realm, Aetherion stood in his celestial residence, his eyes closed in deep meditation. The energy surrounding him was more intense than ever, a roaring flame that pulsed with the growing faith of his followers.
He could feel their belief coursing through him, a surge of power that made the Sacred Flame within him burn brighter and hotter. His connection to the mortal realm had deepened, and the system's voice confirmed what he already knew.
[Aetherion, the number of followers has grown significantly. Their faith is amplifying the flame within you. Soon, they will be ready to perform the Ritual of Faith. It won't be long before they summon you.]
Aetherion opened his eyes, his gaze filled with a burning determination. "I can feel it... their belief is making me stronger. Soon, the ritual will be complete, and I will enter the mortal realm."
[Yes,] the system replied. [The time is approaching. Prepare yourself for the transition. The flame within you is ready to ignite.]
Aetherion's heart raced with anticipation. The path to godhood was unfolding before him, and with the power of the Sacred Flame and the faith of his followers, nothing could stand in his way.